Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Transdominant Inhibition of CCR5-mediated HIV-1 Infection by ccr5Δ32*

Human chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) functions as a co-receptor for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. CCR5 is a seven-transmembrane cell surface receptor. Recently, a naturally occurring mutation of CCR5, ccr5Δ32, has been described. A small number of Caucasians are homozygouslyccr5Δ32/ccr5Δ32, while a larger number of individuals are heterozygously CCR5/ccr5Δ32. Theccr5Δ32/ccr5Δ32 genotype has been linked to a phenotype that is “highly” protected from HIV-1 infection. On the other hand, several studies have shown that the CCR5/ccr5Δ32 genotype confers “relative” protection from AIDS with onset of disease being delayed by 2–4 years. Although it is known that peripheral blood lymphocytes from heterozygous individuals (CCR5/ccr5Δ32) support ex vivo HIV-1 replication at a reduced level compared with CCR5/CCR5 cells, the molecular basis for this observation is unknown. Here we report on events that post-translationally modify CCR5. We show that CCR5 progresses through the endoplasmic reticulum prior to appearing on the cell surface. Mature CCR5 can be post-translationally modified by phosphorylation and/or co-translationally by multimerization. By contrast, mutant ccr5Δ32, although retaining the capacity for multimerization, was incapable of being phosphorylated. ccr5Δ32 heterocomplexes with CCR5, and this interaction retains CCR5 in the endoplasmic reticulum resulting in reduced cell surface expression. Thus, co-expression in cells of ccr5Δ32 with CCR5 produces a trans-inhibition by the former of ability by the latter to support HIV-1 infection. Taken together, our findings suggest CCR5/ccr5Δ32 heterodimerization as a molecular explanation for the delayed onset of AIDS inCCR5/ccr5Δ32 individuals.
Is Chronic Low‐Level Lead Exposure in Early Life an Etiologic Factor in Alzheimer's Disease?

Few environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's disease have been identified. This lack of information may reflect the fact that salient factors affect most of the population in developed countries. Furthermore, the critical period of exposure may be earlier than hitherto suspected, during the first years of life, as the brain differentiates and develops. Exposure to lead at levels lower than those associated with evident toxicity causes mild intellectual impairment in childhood. I hypothesize that this may be one of the childhood exposures that also confers an additional risk for the onset of Alzheimer's disease. (Epidemiology 1998; 9:618–621)
Arp2/3 overexpression contributed to pathogenesis, growth and invasion of gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis depends on cell adhesion, motility and deformability, resulting from quantitative alterations and rearrangement of actin-related protein (Arp) 2 and 3. The aim of this study was to clarify the roles of both molecules in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed on tissue microarray containing gastric carcinomas, adjacent metaplasia and gastritis using antibodies against Arp2 and Arp3 with a comparison of their expression with clinicopathological parameters of carcinomas. Gastric carcinoma cell lines (MKN28, AGS, MKN45, KATO-III and HGC-27) were studied for Arp2 and Arp3 protein by IHC. RESULTS Both proteins were expressed at low levels in gastritis compared with carcinomas (p < 0.05). Arp2 was more frequently expressed in intestinal metaplasia than in carcinoma and gastritis (p < 0.05). Most gastric carcinoma cell lines showed expression at different levels. Expression was positively correlated with tumor size, depth of invasion, venous invasion, Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) staging and expression of cortactin or fascin (p < 0.05), but not with age, sex, lymphatic invasion or lymph node metastasis (p > 0.05). There was stronger positivity of Arp3 in intestinal- than diffuse-type carcinomas (p < 0.05). A positive relationship between Arp2 and Arp3 proteins was noted (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that the cumulative survival rate of patients with positive Arp2 or Arp3 expression was not different from those without their expression (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, depth of invasion, lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, UICC staging and Lauren's classification were independent prognostic factors for carcinomas (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Aberrant expression of Arp2 and Arp3 is possibly involved in pathogenesis, growth, invasion and progression of gastric carcinomas. Distinct Arp3 expression underlies the molecular mechanisms for the differentiation of intestinal- and diffuse-type carcinomas. They were considered as objective and effective markers to indicate the pathobiological behaviors of gastric carcinomas.
Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of the Elderly in Osun State (2)

The study compared the dietary intake and nutritional status of the elderly attending geriatric day care centres and those who did not in Ile-Ife and Imesi-Ile both in Ife-Ijesasenatorial district of Osun State. It was aimed at examining the relationships between income, acute diseases and food intake on dietary intake and nutritional status of the elderly people. A total of four hundred and eighteen elderly respondents were recruited for the study through a snow balling sampling technique. One hundred and thirty two elderly attending geriatric day care centres were recruited as study group and 318 who do not attend any of the centres were recruited as control group. Data was collected by using a twenty-item questionnaire adapted from Nestle Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scale. Findings revealed that more (9.1%) of the respondents in the study group were undernourished, and 25.9% of the respondents in the same group were overweight. There was no significant difference in the nutritional status of respondents from both groups (X 2 =2.25, p= >0.05). This study concluded that attendance of geriatric day care centres and income conferred no added benefit on the nutritional status and dietary pattern of the elderly. Keyword: Aging, Gerontology, Geriatrics, Elderly, Nutritional status.
Impact of climate on western equine encephalitis in Manitoba, Minnesota and North Dakota, 1980–1983

SUMMARY Information was collected on confirmed outbreaks of western equine encephalitis (WEE) in North America east of the Rockies for 1981 and 1983 (epidemic years) and 1980 and 1982 (non-epidemic years). The initial pattern of outbreaks in Manitoba, Minnesota and North Dakota was determined for each year. Backward (and in some instances forward) wind trajectories were computed for each day 4–15 days (incubation period) before the initial outbreaks of WEE in a given area of province or state.
Role of radiology in evaluation of terror attack victims.

OBJECTIVE Terrorism is the war of our time, and terrorists push their demands in many ways, leading to great diversity in the number and type of injuries and casualties. Between September 2000 and January 2005, Israel experienced 136 suicide attacks. CONCLUSION We have reviewed the imaging procedures performed on victims of suicide bomber terror attacks that occurred during this period. We have studied the injury patterns encountered in such attacks, their mechanisms, and the dilemmas arising from them. To deal with such multiple trauma events more efficiently, we have established a multidisciplinary trauma team in which radiologists play a major role.
Structure and ion channel activity of the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) small hydrophobic protein transmembrane domain

The small hydrophobic (SH) protein from the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a glycoprotein of ∼64 amino acids with one putative α‐helical transmembrane domain. Although SH protein is important for viral infectivity, its exact role during viral infection is not clear. Herein, we have studied the secondary structure, orientation, and oligomerization of the transmembrane domain of SH (SH‐TM) in the presence of lipid bilayers. Only one oligomer, a pentamer, was observed in PFO‐PAGE. Using polarized attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (PATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, we show that the SH‐TM is α‐helical. The rotational orientation of SH‐TM was determined by site‐specific infrared dichroism (SSID) at two consecutive isotopically labeled residues. This orientation is consistent with that of an evolutionary conserved pentameric model obtained from a global search protocol using 13 homologous sequences of RSV. Conductance studies of SH‐TM indicate ion channel activity, which is cation selective, and inactive below the predicted pKa of histidine. Thus, our results provide experimental evidence that the transmembrane domain of SH protein forms pentameric α‐helical bundles that form cation‐selective ion channels in planar lipid bilayers. We provide a model for this pore, which should be useful in mutagenesis studies to elucidate its role during the virus cycle.
An Efficient Load-Balancing Processor Scheduling Algorithm for Parallelization of Gauss-Seidel Type Algorithms

Abstract The paper extends our earlier results on the parallelization of Gauss-Seidel (G-S) algorithms for power flow analysis. In the earlier paper, we formulate the parallelizing process as a basic coloring problem, which satisfies the constraint that no directly connected vertices have the same color, without worrying about the constraint on the number of available processors. In this paper, this extra constraint is considered. A heuristic approach is developed to maximize the processor efficiency under the number of processor constraint. The idea is to fully utilize the processor resource, to balance the computational load, and to maximize the use of newly computed data for faster convergence. Some examples and test results are described in this paper.
Bilateral vocal fold immobility.

The larynx is one of the most complex neuromuscular organs in the human body. It possesses the triumvirate responsibility of regulating voice, respiration, and deglutition. Anyone who has ever attempted to rehabilitate, reinnervate, or transplant this organ understands the frustration and inherent difficulty in effectively treating laryngeal disease. There is no greater challenge to the laryngeal surgeon than bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI).
2 Transition and Regional Policies : The Case of Hungary

Hungary is now in its eighth year of transition from what was generally labelled “state socialism” to a market-based economic system. When taking stock of the progress so far, we find both good news and bad news. On the positive side, there is every reason to believe that the basic institutions of a developed market economy have taken firm root in Hungary. The degree of liberalisation and deregulation, the steadily growing share of the economy accounted for by the private sector, the behaviour of economic actors, and the openness of the economy all point in the right direction. Nevertheless, despite the proven success of systemic transformation, the enthusiasm of a great part of the Hungarian population is fading. Early hopes have seemingly given way to a prolonged phase of “reform fatigue”, the main cause of which is the poor performance of the economy. At the beginning of the transition period, hopes were high regarding the shortand medium-term benefits of reform. It was expected that a decisive move towards the market system combined with sound macroeconomic policies would soon translate into increased efficiency, sustainable growth, and a tangible rise in living standards for all major groups of society. Over the years, this illusion has evaporated. Hungary has still not overcome its phase of unavoidable “transformational recession”, or stagflation. The first two years of the transition saw a steep decline in output. This was due mainly to the fact that Hungary had lost a major part of its traditional markets. By 1992, exports to former Soviet-bloc countries were at less than half their 1988 value. In 1993–1994, there were signs of a revival in the economy. As a result, monetary and fiscal restrictions were prematurely relaxed, resulting in rapidly growing economic imbalances. By the end of 1994, the Hungarian economy was near a crisis situation. The magnitude of the twin deficits, those of the central budget and the cur-
Pólya’s Recurrence Theorem

Pólya’s recurrence theorem states: a simple random walk on a d-dimensional lattice is recurrent for d = 1, 2 and transient for d > 2. In this paper we discuss proof for this theorem by formulating the problem as an electric circuit problem and using Rayleigh’s short-cut method from classical theory of electricity.
DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 allergen generates immunologic protection in recombinant Der p 2 allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation mice model.

BACKGROUND DNA immunization is a promising novel type of immunotherapy against allergy. An estimated 79.2% patients with asthma, wheezing and/or rhinitis suffer from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 (Der p 2) allegen. The aim of the present study was to determine whether DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 could generate immunologic protection in recombinant Der p 2 (rDer p 2) allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation mice model and to understand the role of DNA vaccination in specific-allergen immunotherapy for asthma. METHODS After DNA vaccination, BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection (i.p) and challenged by intranasal instillation of rDer p 2. The lung tissues were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin. Mucus-producing goblet cells were identifed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)/alcian blue. The total cell number and composition of bronchoalveolar lavage samples were determined. The levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma, as well as IgE and IgG2a in the serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Allergen-specific IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by spleen cells were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in splenocytes were determined by Western blot. RESULTS DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 allergen inhibited extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells and production of mucin induced by allergen. The influx of eosinophils into the lung interstitium was significantly reduced after administration of DNA vaccine. Significant reductions of IL-4 and increase in levels of IFN-gamma in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were observed. The allergen-specific IgE was markedly decreased in mice receiving DNA vaccination. Allergen could induce higher IFN-gamma, weaker IL-4 in cultured spleen cells from mice receiving DNA vaccine. DNA vaccination inhibited STAT6 expression of spleen cells induced by allergen. CONCLUSION These results indicated that DNA vaccine encoding Der p 2 allergen generates immunologic protection in recombinant Der p 2 allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation mice model with regulating the immune response towards a Th1-type reaction.
Unmet needs of patients feeling severely affected by multiple sclerosis in Germany: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND The needs of patients feeling severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) have rarely been investigated. However this is essential information to know before care can be improved, including adding palliative care (PC) services where helpful. Since it remains unclear at what point specialized palliative care should begin for this patient group, this study focuses on needs in general. OBJECTIVE The objective was to explore the subjectively unmet needs of patients feeling severely affected by MS. METHODS The study used a qualitative cross-sectional approach for needs assessment. Fifteen patients self-reporting feeling severely affected by MS were recruited and interviewed using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling (five were accompanied by a caregiver relative). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Unmet needs were identified in the main categories "support of family and friends," "health care services," "managing everyday life," and "maintaining biographical continuity. " Patients expressed the desire for more support from their families and to be viewed as distinct individuals. They see a substantial deficit in the physician-patient relationship and in the coordination of services. A decrease in expressed unmet needs was found for patients more severely affected and less socially integrated. CONCLUSIONS To address the unmet needs of severely affected MS patients, health care services need to be improved and linked with existing PC services. Special attention is required to form supporting professional-patient relationships. Multiprofessional services should be accessible for patients, while integrating relatives. All services should have an individual approach to provide needs-tailored support.
The role of type X collagen in facilitating and regulating endochondral ossification of articular cartilage.

UNLABELLED AUTHOR: Shen G Objective -This review was compiled to explore the role of type X collagen in growth, development and remodeling of articular cartilage by elucidating the linkage between the synthesis of this protein and the phenotypic changes in chondrogenesis and the onset of endochondral ossification. DESIGN The current studies closely dedicated to elucidating the role of type X collagen incorporating into chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification of articular cartilage were assessed and analyzed to allow for obtaining the mainstream consensus on the bio-molecular mechanism with which type X collagen functions in articular cartilage. RESULTS There are spatial and temporal correlations between synthesis of type X collagen and occurrence of endochondral ossification. The expression of type X collagen is confined within hypertrophic condrocytes and precedes the embark of endochondral bone formation. Type X collagen facilitates endochondral ossification by regulating matrix mineralization and compartmentalizing matrix components. CONCLUSION Type X collagen is a reliable marker for new bone formation in articular cartilage. The future clinical application of this collagen in inducing or mediating endochondral ossification is perceived, e.g. the fracture healing of synovial joints and adaptive remodeling of madibular condyle.
Factors affecting PD detection in GIS using a carbon nanotube gas sensor

The authors have previously demonstrated that a carbon nanotube (CNT) gas sensor can detect SF6 decomposition byproducts generated by partial discharges (PDs). There are several factors to be considered, however, before applying the CNT gas sensor to practical diagnosis of a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). In this paper, three major factors, namely, the effects of operating temperature and installation location of the CNT gas sensor and SF6/N2 gas mixture, were investigated. The stability of sensor conductance and the sensor response to PD were improved by controlling the sensor operating temperature. The maximum sensor response was obtained at about 70 degC. The CNT gas sensor, which was installed in an external pipe connected to the GIS tank, could detect PD generated in the tank, although the sensor response became lower and slower as the sensor was located further away from the PD source. It was found that the sensor response to PD showed a clear dependence on the mixing ratio of the SF6/N2 gas mixture. The maximum sensor response was achieved for SF6/N2 (20%/80%) gas mixture. This result was discussed based on Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) analysis of PD decomposition byproducts adsorbed on the CNT surface.
Factors influencing the adoption of information technology in a construction business

Construction firms are increasingly utilizing information technologies to better manage geographically dispersed projects. Often these technologies involve changes to existing working practices and processes and are viewed as disruptive by members of the organization. Understanding the factors that can influence individuals’ intention to utilize technology can assist managers to implement strategies to increase and improve the uptake of technologies and improve the innovation adoption process. Using a case study organization, factors identified in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) are examined and the UTAUT is extended and by including resistance to change and top management support. The findings indicate e ffort expectancy, internal facilitating conditions and top management support all influence individuals’ intention to use information technology. The results also show that resistance to change or fear of change does not always play a role in innovation adoption. The findings reinforce the need to support new technologies from both a managerial and technical perspective.
Fast Optimization of Ultra-Broadband Antennas With Distributed Matching Networks

A fast optimization scheme for the tuning of an antenna with a distributed matching network is proposed. The performances of the loaded radiator are rapidly evaluated starting from the scattering matrix of the unloaded antenna. The presented procedure is also able to evaluate the power dissipated on the resistive elements and hence the overall efficiency of the loaded antenna. This time-saving approach is particularly suitable to be exploited in an optimization process as proved in the test case of a loaded wideband antenna. A prototype of the designed antenna has been manufactured and measured to validate the overall strategy.
Modified pinwheel meander-line perforated plane structure for system-in-package

Conventionally, EBG structures are used in the printed circuit boards (PCBs) level [1]. We proposed the Pinwheel Meander-line Perforated Plane (PMPP) structure as the solution [2]. In this paper, we modify the PMPP to reduce the area and electromagnetic emission (EMI). By reducing the thickness of dielectric layers and plane from 30μm to 10μm, we reduce the number of meander-line curves from 5 to 1, and the number of unit cells from 3 to 2. We confirm the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) property through simulation, using 3D electromagnetic (EM) solver. The stopband frequency range of this proposed structure is 3.53∼22.69GHz, which is wider than 3.58∼12.83GHz, the stopband of the previous PMPP.
Gender differences in the utilization of health care services.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that women use more health care services than men. We used important independent variables, such as patient sociodemographics and health status, to investigate gender differences in the use and costs of these services. METHODS New adult patients (N = 509) were randomly assigned to primary care physicians at a university medical center. Their use of health care services and associated charges were monitored for 1 year of care. Self-reported health status was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). We controlled for health status, sociodemographic information, and primary care physician specialty in the statistical analyses. RESULTS Women had significantly lower self-reported health status and lower mean education and income than men. Women had a significantly higher mean number of visits to their primary care clinic and diagnostic services than men. Mean charges for primary care, specialty care, emergency treatment, diagnostic services, and annual total charges were all significantly higher for women than men; however, there were no differences for mean hospitalizations or hospital charges. After controlling for health status, sociodemographics, and clinic assignment, women still had higher medical charges for all categories of charges except hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS Women have higher medical care service utilization and higher associated charges than men. Although the appropriateness of these differences was not determined, these findings have implications for health care.