Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of a Catalase-Negative Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (Sequence Type 25) Strain Isolated from a Patient with Endocarditis and Septic Arthritis

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus strains without catalase activity are rare, challenging to identify with conventional biochemical methods, and, despite a supposed decreased pathogenicity, can still cause disease. The first whole-genome sequence of a catalase-negative S. aureus isolate causing severe recurrent invasive infection with two novel missense mutations in the katA gene is reported here.
Activation of Akt/Protein Kinase B Overcomes a G2/M Cell Cycle Checkpoint Induced by DNA Damage

ABSTRACT Activation of Akt, or protein kinase B, is frequently observed in human cancers. Here we report that Akt activation via overexpression of a constitutively active form or via the loss of PTEN can overcome a G2/M cell cycle checkpoint that is induced by DNA damage. Activated Akt also alleviates the reduction in CDC2 activity and mitotic index upon exposure to DNA damage. In addition, we found that PTEN null embryonic stem (ES) cells transit faster from the G2/M to the G1 phase of the cell cycle when compared to wild-type ES cells and that inhibition of phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in HEK293 cells elicits G2 arrest that is alleviated by activated Akt. Furthermore, the transition from the G2/M to the G1 phase of the cell cycle in Akt1 null mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) is attenuated when compared to that of wild-type MEFs. These results indicate that the PI3K/PTEN/Akt pathway plays a role in the regulation of G2/M transition. Thus, cells expressing activated Akt continue to divide, without being eliminated by apoptosis, in the presence of continuous exposure to mutagen and accumulate mutations, as measured by inactivation of an exogenously expressed herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene. This phenotype is independent of p53 status and cannot be reproduced by overexpression of Bcl-2 or Myc and Bcl-2 but seems to counteract a cell cycle checkpoint mediated by DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Accordingly, restoration of the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis in MMR-deficient cells, through reintroduction of the missing component of MMR, is alleviated by activated Akt. We suggest that this new activity of Akt in conjunction with its antiapoptotic activity may contribute to genetic instability and could explain its frequent activation in human cancers.
Multi-Task Model and Feature Joint Learning

Given several tasks, multi-task learning (MTL) learns multiple tasks jointly by exploring the interdependence between them. The basic assumption in MTL is that those tasks are indeed related. Existing MTL methods model the task relatedness/ interdependence in two different ways, either common parameter-sharing or common featuresharing across tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-task learning method to jointly learn shared parameters and shared feature representation. Our objective is to learn a set of common features with which the tasks are related as closely as possible, therefore common parameters shared across tasks can be optimally learned. We present a detailed deviation of our multi-task learning method and propose an alternating algorithm to solve the non-convex optimization problem. We further present a theoretical bound which directly demonstrates that the proposed multi-task learning method can successfully model the relatedness via joint common parameter- and common feature-learning. Extensive experiments are conducted on several real world multi-task learning datasets. All results demonstrate the effectiveness of our multitask model and feature joint learning method.
DiskReduce : Replication as a Prelude to Erasure Coding in Data-Intensive Scalable Computing

The first generation of Data-Intensive Scalable Computing file systems such as Google File System and Hadoop Distributed File System employed n (n ≥ 3) replications for high data reliability, therefore delivering users only about 1/n of the total storage capacity of the raw disks. This paper presents DiskReduce, a framework integrating RAID into these replicated storage systems to significantly reduce the storage capacity overhead, for example, from 200% to 25% when triplicated data is dynamically replaced with RAID sets (e.g. 8 + 2 RAID 6 encoding). Based on traces collected from Yahoo! , Facebook and Opencloud cluster, we analyze (1) the capacity effectiveness of simple and not so simple strategies for grouping data blocks into RAID sets; (2) implication of reducing the number of data copies on read performance and how to overcome the degradation; and (3) different heuristics to mitigate “small write penalties”. Finally, we introduce an implementation of our framework that has been built and submitted into the Apache Hadoop project.
Participation in High School extracurricular activities : Investigating School effects

This research conceptualizes the high school context as one which provides an opportunity structure for students. Within this theoretical framework, I examine how the school affects student participation in high school extracurricular activities. This research uses the High School and Beyond database and analyzes school structural and contextual effects on student participation in extracurricular activities in general and athletics in specific, using hierarchical linear modeling procedures. Findings indicate that a complex set of structural factors (size and pupil/teacher ratio) and contextual characteristics (general school climate, mean socioeconomic status of the student body, and percentage of students from single-parent households) impinge upon student participation. Furthermore, there are subtle differences between school attributes that affect involvement in general and those affecting participation in athletics. School structure and context are significant determinants of student participation in extracurricular activities, effectively altering student access to sources of human, cultural, and social capital.
Sphere-decoding aided SIC for MIMO-GFDM: Coded performance analysis

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection algorithms are of great importance for high-performance mobile communications and future waveforms need to be MIMO capable. Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), as a promising non-orthogonal waveform, includes 3-dimensional interference which was shown to be beneficial in terms of exploiting time, frequency and space diversity for improved performance while iterative receivers have been presented to attain this gain. This paper considers non-iterative receiver design. Without relying on the feedback information from the decoder, we improve a previously proposed sphere decoding (SD) based MIMO-GFDM detection algorithm and analyze its performance in the coded case. The results show that the proposed algorithm cannot compete with SD based detection for OFDM because of intersymbol interference (ISI) and intercarrier interference (ICI) in addition to interantenna interference (IAI). These observations indicate that considering the GFDM MIMO detector as a joint operation between signal demapper and channel decoder is more promising for exploiting the foreseen capacity gains than trying to optimize the functional units separately.
Molecular Analysis of the O-Antigen Gene Cluster of Escherichia coli O86:B7 and Characterization of the Chain Length Determinant Gene (wzz)

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli O86:B7 has long been used as a model bacterial strain to study the generation of natural blood group antibody in humans, and it has been shown to possess high human blood B activity. The O-antigen structure of O86:B7 was solved recently in our laboratory. Comparison with the published structure of O86:H2 showed that both O86 subtypes shared the same O unit, yet each of the O antigens is polymerized from a different terminal sugar in a different glycosidic linkage. To determine the genetic basis for the O-antigen differences between the two O86 strains, we report the complete sequence of O86:B7 O-antigen gene cluster between galF and hisI, each gene was identified based on homology to other genes in the GenBank databases. Comparison of the two O86 O-antigen gene clusters revealed that the encoding regions between galF and gnd are identical, including wzy genes. However, deletion of the two wzy genes revealed that wzy in O86:B7 is responsible for the polymerization of the O antigen, while the deletion of wzy in O86:H2 has no effect on O-antigen biosynthesis. Therefore, we proposed that there must be another functional wzy gene outside the O86:H2 O-antigen gene cluster. Wzz proteins determine the degree of polymerization of the O antigen. When separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of O86:B7 exhibited a modal distribution of LPS bands with relatively short O units attached to lipid A-core, which differs from the LPS pattern of O86:H2. We proved that the wzz genes are responsible for the different LPS patterns found in the two O86 subtypes, and we also showed that the very short type of LPS is responsible for the serum sensitivity of the O86:B7 strain.
Moderators of Social Power Use for In‐Group/Out‐Group Targets: An Experimental Paradigm1

Studies of social power use have frequently employed self-report instruments that are prone to response bias. In the present study, an experimental design was conducted in which 100 participants were asked to gain compliance from in-group and out-group members. We tested whether harsh tactics—often used for elevating self-image at the dyadic level—also provide a means for gaining advantage at the group level. For this purpose, self-esteem and self-efficacy were examined as possible moderators. Findings indicated that self-esteem interacted with target group: Low self-esteem participants used harsh tactics more frequently toward in-group than out-group members; and moderate and high self-esteem participants used harsh tactics more frequently toward out-group than in-group members. The process involved in this interaction is discussed.
The Impact of Financial Aid on Student Demand for Public/Private Higher Education.

Providing for equality of choice between public and private postsecondary institutions is increasingly being considered a legitimate public policy objective of the federal government [16, 12]. Currently two alternatives to achieving this objective are being considered: increased student eligibility for financial aid and tax allowances in the form of direct tax credits. However, to make a selection between these two alternatives requires a better understanding of student public/private choice behavior [7]. Such understanding, in turn, is dependent upon (1) a knowledge of the actual college alternatives considered by students, and (2) more adequately specified models of the student's decision to matriculate at a particular institution. The purpose of this study is to model the variables that affect the decision to matriculate at a public or private institution of higher education. There are two unique aspects of this study. First, only those students who applied and were accepted by at least one public and one private institution will be considered. Second, the study will assess the impact of financial aid variables on the matriculation decision. Despite the obvious public policy implications of such information, no research has adequately addressed the impact of student financial aid on the matriculation decision [18].
Assessing personality at risk in personnel selection and development

This paper demonstrates the validity and usefulness of a count technique to screen for potential personality dysfunctioning in NEO‐PI‐R ratings obtained in selection and professional development assessments. The usefulness of this screening technique for Industrial, Work and Organizational (IWO) psychologists is demonstrated in five different samples that were administered the NEO‐PI‐R for selection or development purposes. Three additional samples served as normative data to compute FFM PD count cut‐offs that can be used for selection and career development decisions. Evidence for the construct validity of 6 out of 10 FFM PD counts was provided, and all FFM PD compound scales were significantly related to important criteria, including the final selection decision, the results of a behaviourally oriented selection interview and self‐rated work competencies. The practical utility and limitations of this count technique for personnel selection and development are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self-help standing-up method based on quasi-static motion

When supporting standing-up motion, a caregiver takes advantage of gravity force to make sufficient momentum without bearing heavy burden. The physical abilities or decision-making abilities decrease for many of elderly people who need care. We propose a self-help standing-up method for such people. The method with quasi-static motion in which the acceleration is approximated to zero, so as to keep safety at the time of emergency, is preferable. However, the quasi-static motion gives heavy burden to a caregiver because it cannot make efficient use of inertia force by the help of gravity force. Compared to human assist, mechanical system can easily realize the quasi-static motion, since a mechanical system has an ability to hold a large force. However, a quasi-static motion trajectory has to be newly-developed because it is not well known. Therefore, we propose the mechanical system and a quasi-static method for supporting standing-up motion. As an example, the method using artificial upper body constraint, and fitted to physical characteristics of each patient have been proposed. This system is found to be the effectiveness.
Effects of optimism, pessimism, and trait anxiety on ambulatory blood pressure and mood during everyday life

This study tested whether disposition^ measures of optimism, pessimism, and anxiety affected ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and mood and whether any cardiovascular effects of dispositions were moderated by mood. Pessimistic and anxious adults had higher BP levels and felt more negative and less positive than did optimists or low anxious adults throughout the monitoring. The few times that optimists did feel negative were associated with levels of BP as high as those observed among pessimists or anxious individuals, regardless of their mood. To the extent that trait anxiety measures neuroticism, these findings suggest that neuroticism is directly related to health indicators rather than simply to illness behavior. Furthermore, the results suggest that pessimism has broad physiological and psychological consequences.
Type I interferons act directly on CD8 T cells to allow clonal expansion and memory formation in response to viral infection

T cell expansion and memory formation are generally more effective when elicited by live organisms than by inactivated vaccines. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is important for vaccination and therapeutic strategies. We show that the massive expansion of antigen-specific CD8 T cells that occurs in response to viral infection is critically dependent on the direct action of type I interferons (IFN-Is) on CD8 T cells. By examining the response to infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus using IFN-I receptor–deficient (IFN-IR0) and –sufficient CD8 T cells adoptively transferred into normal IFN-IR wild-type hosts, we show that the lack of direct CD8 T cell contact with IFN-I causes >99% reduction in their capacity to expand and generate memory cells. The diminished expansion of IFN-IR0 CD8 T cells was not caused by a defect in proliferation but by poor survival during the antigen-driven proliferation phase. Thus, IFN-IR signaling in CD8 T cells is critical for the generation of effector and memory cells in response to viral infection.
Effects of gun seizures on gun violence: “Hot spots” patrol in Kansas city

We tested the hypothesis that greater enforcement of existing laws against carrying concealed weapons could reduce firearms violence with a quasi-experimental, target beat/comparison beat design. Over a six-month period in a ten-by-eight-block area with a homicide rate 20 times higher than the national average, intensive patrol near gun crime hot spots produced a 65 percent increase in firearms seized by police. Gun crimes declined in the target area by 49 percent, with no significant displacement to any patrol beat surrounding the target area. Neither gun crimes nor guns seized changed significantly in the comparison beat several miles away.
Chart audit and chart stimulated recall as methods of needs assessment in continuing professional health education

&NA; This article describes the chart audit (CA) and chart stimulated recall (CSR) needs appraisal methods, outlines their strengths and limitations, and provides examples of their applications in the continuing education (CE) environment. Both CA and CSR can be valuable tools for continuing educators and learners in the following activities: the assessment of needs prior to education, the identification of educational needs specific to a particular condition, the reassessment of needs posteducation, the study of needs arising from factors influencing management choices, needs assessment associated with professional competence and performance, and the assessment of educational needs specific to practice guidelines. Providing personalized and individualized feedback around actual practice and patients' charts are attractive features shared by both procedures. CA has been used across disciplines and care sites and is viewed as less costly and less intrusive than most needs assessment tools. Its true value lies in the choice of appropriate explicit and implicit criteria and the definition of valid standards, along with the availability of trained abstracters. When compared to CA, CSR potentially increases the content validity and types of information accessible. As well, it explores the reasoning around diagnostic, investigative, and management decisions. Further, CSR permits patient, environmental, system, and other factors that can influence clinical decisions to emerge. Opportunities for professional educators and learners to acquire knowledge and skills about these needs appraisal approaches are required. As well, further studies regarding the impact, feasibility, acceptability, cost effectiveness, reliability, and validity of these tools in new care environments are required. Last, it is important that the results of CA and CSR studies require diffusion to those in CE worksites. In this way, such findings can be translated and imbedded into professional practice.
Beyond EHRs: how technology can help you treat chronic illness.

Paul J. Heinzelmann, MD, MPH, Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, David C. Kibbe, MD, MBA More than 133 million Americans currently live with a chronic condition. 1 The incidence of chronic illness is accelerating as the baby boom generation ages and young Americans become increasingly sedentary. Case in point: The number of individuals with diabetes in the United States is expected to double to more than 48 million by the year 2050. The numbers are staggering and perhaps overwhelming for primary care physicians. That’s understandable because, in its present form, the U.S. health care system is largely ineffective in the management of chronic illness. Several medical schools have responded by developing
Inherited Cardiac Diseases Caused by Mutations in the Nav1.5 Sodium Channel

Cardiac Diseases Caused by SCN5A Mutations. A prerequisite for a normal cardiac function is a proper generation and propagation of electrical impulses. Contraction of the heart is obtained through a delicate matched transmission of the electrical impulses. A pivotal element of the impulse propagation is the depolarizing sodium current, responsible for the initial depolarization of the cardiomyocytes. Recent research has shown that mutations in the SCN5A gene, encoding the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5, are associated with both rare forms of ventricular arrhythmia, as well as the most frequent form of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF). In this comprehensive review, we describe the functional role of Nav1.5 and its associated proteins in propagation and depolarization both in a normal‐ and in a pathophysiological setting. Furthermore, several of the arrhythmogenic diseases, such as long‐QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and AF, reported to be associated with mutations in SCN5A, are thoroughly described. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 107–115, January 2010)
The significance of changes in tissue clearing-factor lipase activity in relation to the lipaemia of pregnancy.

1. The concentration of triglyceride fatty acid in the plasma of the pregnant rat rises to a maximum 2-4 days before parturition. Thereafter there is a rapid decline in the concentration to near normal values at parturition. 2. A similar increase occurs in animals fed on a diet low in fat. There is no increase in food consumption at the time when the triglyceride fatty acid concentration in the plasma is at its peak. 3. Rates of entry of triglyceride fatty acid into the blood during pregnancy have been estimated from the rate of accumulation of triglyceride in the plasma of animals injected with a non-ionic detergent, Triton. A progressive increase occurs in the entry rate as the body weight increases throughout pregnancy. Expressed per constant body weight, the entry rate does not change significantly. 4. Adipose-tissue clearing-factor lipase activity is low at the time when the plasma triglyceride fatty acid concentration is raised. Activity of the enzyme in heart, lung and diaphragm is unchanged. 5. It is suggested that the ;lipaemia of pregnancy' may be due to diminished uptake of triglyceride fatty acids by adipose tissue, and, further, that the disappearance of the lipaemia may be due to increased uptake of triglyceride fatty acids by the mammary gland.
Residential Choice, the Built Environment, and Nonwork Travel: Evidence Using New Data and Methods

Residents of dense, mixed-use, transit-accessible neighborhoods use autos less. Recent studies have suggested that this relationship is partly because transit-preferring and walk-preferring households seek and find such neighborhoods. If this is so, and if the number of such households is small, policies to alter the built environment may not influence auto use very much. I argue that many of these studies are inconclusive on methodological grounds, and that more research is needed. A purpose-designed survey of households in two urban regions in California is investigated, with the aid of a new methodological approach. I find that most surveyed households explicitly consider travel access of some kind when choosing a neighborhood, but that this process of residential self-selection does not bias estimates of the effects of the built environment very much. To the extent that it does exert an influence, the bias results both in underestimates and overestimates of the effects of the built environment, contrary to previous research. The analysis not only implies a need for deregulatory approaches to land-use and transportation planning, but also suggests that there may be value in market interventions such as subsidies and new prescriptive regulations.