Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic analyses of stability of simple and complex retroviral vectors.

Simple and complex retroviral vectors derived from Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), respectively, are useful tools for gene transfer studies. However, factors affecting the stability of these vectors have not been carefully investigated. Here we studied the stability factors on vesicular stomatitis viral envelope glycoprotein (VSV-G)-pseudotyped MLV- and HIV-1-derived vectors. Analysis of the ratio of defective particles versus infectious units using electron microscopy and a functional transduction assay revealed that both vectors consisted of high numbers of defective particles ( approximately 100-350:1), which could be reduced ( approximately 10-20:1) by centrifugation. Frequent freeze-and-thaw rapidly decreased vector titer in the first three to five cycles and stabilized thereafter. Both viral vectors were sensitive to temperatures above 37 degrees C but more stable at temperatures below 37 degrees C, exhibiting a two-phase inactivation kinetic starting with a steep inactivation phase, followed by a more leveled phase. Interestingly, HIV-1-derived vectors were significantly more stable than MLV-derived vectors at higher temperatures (>37 degrees C). Both vectors were rapidly destabilized at pH either below or above 7.0. Incubation with human or mouse serum significantly inhibited VSV-G-pseudotyped vector activities. Preheated human serum still reduced vector half-lives to approximately 50% (150 min), suggesting that certain inactivation factors are not heat-labile. Analyses of these stability factors may improve future production and applications of retroviral and lentiviral vectors.
The Arabidopsis NUCLEUS- AND PHRAGMOPLAST-LOCALIZED KINASE1-Related Protein Kinases Are Required for Elicitor-Induced Oxidative Burst and Immunity1[W][OPEN]

An Arabidopsis mitogen-activated protein triple kinase subfamily is required for elicitor-triggered immunity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, as well as for response to ROS, but is not required for elicitor/auxin antagonism. Plant immunity is activated through complex and cross-talking transduction pathways that include a mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation cascade. Here, we have investigated the role in immunity of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) gene subfamily that encodes the mitogen-activated protein triple kinases indicated as ARABIDOPSIS NUCLEUS- AND PHRAGMOPLAST-LOCALIZED KINASE1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE1 (ANP1), ANP2, and ANP3. For this study, we used representative danger signals (elicitors) belonging to the classes of the damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns, i.e. oligogalacturonides, linear fragments derived from the plant cell wall homogalacturonan, and the peptide elf18 derived from the bacterial elongation factor thermo-unstable. Analyses of single and double as well as conditional triple mutants show that ANPs are required for elicitor-triggered defense responses and protection against the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Notably, ANPs are also required for both the elicitor-induced oxidative burst and the transduction of the hydrogen peroxide signal but not for the inhibition of auxin-induced gene expression, indicating that this response can be uncoupled from the activation of defense responses. Our findings point to ANPs as key transduction elements that coordinate damage- and pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity and orchestrate reactive oxygen species accumulation and signaling.
How the Group Affects the Mind: A Cognitive Model of Idea Generation in Groups

A model called search for ideas in associative memory (SIAM) is proposed to account for various research findings in the area of group idea generation. The model assumes that idea generation is a repeated search for ideas in associative memory, which proceeds in 2 stages (knowledge activation and idea production), and is controlled through negative feedback loops and cognitive failures (trials in which no idea is generated). We show that (a) turn taking (production blocking) interferes with both stages of the process; (b) ideas suggested by others aid the activation of problem-relevant knowledge; and (c) cognitive failures are important determinants of brainstorming persistence, satisfaction, and enjoyment. Implications for group decision making and group recall are discussed.
Improvement of Cell Coverage Area And Ec/I0 of CDMA 2000 1x Network By Smart Antennas

Smart recieving wires are reception apparatus clusters with keen flag handling calculations used to recognize spatial flag mark, for example, the heading of entry of the flag, and utilize it to ascertain bar framing vectors, to track and find the radio wire bar on the portable/target. The utilization of shrewd radio wire frameworks empowers the system administrators to expand the remote system limit, where such systems are required to encounter a gigantic increment in the activity. This is because of the expanded number of clients and the high information rate administrations and applications. Moreover, savvy recieving wire frameworks offer the capability of expanded range proficiency, developed scope of scope and higher rate of recurrence reuse. In this paper, we concentrated the execution examination of CDMA 2000 1X organize which will be utilized for the versatile correspondence. We will assess the attributes of CDMA system utilizing brilliant recieving wire frameworks. The qualities of CDMA system are throughput, cell scope region, span, normal EC/I0, and EC/I0 distinction. The recreation consequences of the above qualities can likewise be watched. In the event that the shrewd radio wire frameworks are utilized for information benefit clients then the execution investigation of CDMA system will stay surprising.
Morphology of the bursae associated with the greater trochanter of the femur.

BACKGROUND Abnormalities of the bursae in the vicinity of the greater trochanter have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lateral hip pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the detailed morphology of the bursae associated with the greater trochanter of the femur. METHODS The bursae deep to the tendons of each of the gluteal muscles were examined in eighteen embalmed human hips with use of macrodissection and histological techniques. The specimens were obtained from eight female and seven male donors who had had a mean age of seventy-eight years at the time of death. RESULTS A total of 106 bursae were identified in ten different locations, with an average of six bursae per hip. As many as four bursae were present beneath the gluteus maximus muscle and the fascia lata, including those normally thought of as the "trochanteric" bursae and the gluteofemoral bursa. Two bursae typically were found beneath the tendon of the gluteus medius muscle: the anterior subgluteus medius bursa and the piriformis (posterior subgluteus medius) bursa. In the majority of cases, a single bursa was located deep to the gluteus minimus tendon, although two different bursae were identified: the subgluteus minimus bursa and the secondary subgluteus minimus bursa. All of these bursae demonstrated a synovial lining, which was predominantly areolar in type. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed that numerous bursae are intimately associated with the greater trochanter and that at least two bursae are associated with each of the gluteal tendons.
9-cis β-carotene Inhibits Atherosclerosis Development in Female LDLR-/- Mice

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, administration of synthetic all- trans b-carotene was reported to have no effect on cardiovascular disease. We previously showed that the 9- cis b-carotene-rich powder of the alga Dunaliella bardawil inhibits atherogenesis and reduces plasma non-HDL cholesterol levels in mice. Context and purpose of this study: We sought to study whether isolated 9- cis b-carotene inhibits atherogenesis in a murine model of atherosclerosis. Results: Twelve-week-old female LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLR-/-) were pretreated for 2 weeks with regular chow diet fortified with the alga Dunaliella powder, 9- cis β-carotene isomer, all- trans β-carotene isomer, or 9- cis retinoic acid, followed by 10 weeks of a high-fat diet with the same fortifications. In contrast to Dunaliella , 9- cis β-carotene did not inhibit the high fat diet-induced elevation of plasma cholesterol. In addition, diet fortification with Dunaliella powder, β-carotene isomers, or 9- cis retinoic acid did not change the plasma retinol or retinoic acid levels. Nevertheless, 9- cis β-carotene significantly inhibited atherogenesis compared to the control mice (39% reduction). Conclusions: The results suggest that 9- cis β-carotene should be considered as an anti-atherogenic agent in the human diet. Key words: Atherosclerosis, Dunaliella , 9CBC, LDLR-/- mice
Speeding up NEC electromagnetic simulation using GPU technology for antenna design problems

Graphics processing units GPUs have increasingly become an attractive alternative to central processing unit CPU for some of compute-intensive and parallel tasks. This paper presents application of GPU technology to speed up numerical electromagnetic code NEC electromagnetic simulation. Then the GPU-NEC was used to evolve antenna. In comparison of the CPU computing, the relative error of the GPU computing shows in the range of allowable. The best result of GPU computing successfully obtains a speedup of nearly seven times compare to without GPU computing. In application of the GPU-NEC in evolving antenna the acceleration about seven times as well.
The effect of body condition, live weight, breed, age, calf performance, and calving date on reproductive performance of spring-calving beef cows.

Data from 321 spring-calving cows (mean calving date March 27) were used to assess the effects of body condition, live weight, cow age (from 4 to 13 yr), and breed (237 Hereford x Friesians and 84 Blue-Greys) and time of calving on the proportion of cows that became pregnant, the number of days from the start of mating to pregnancy, and calving interval. Mating started at turn-out to pasture in mid-May and lasted 9 to 10 wk. Body condition at calving and breed were the most significant animal factors affecting reproductive performance. Cows calving in higher body condition had shorter (P less than .001) calving intervals (11.2 d per unit of body condition at calving). Blue-Grey cows became pregnant in a higher proportion (90%) and calving interval was shorter (364 d) than in Hereford x Friesians (83%; 374 d). Body condition at the start of mating was less important and body condition at the end of mating had no effect. Live weight at calving and changes in live weight from calving to the start of mating and during the mating period had no significant effect. The proportion of cows becoming pregnant decreased significantly with age in Hereford x Friesian cows older than 7 yr. The variance in calving interval accounted for by calving date, body condition at calving, breed, and age was 42%.
Einkaufsverwirrung - Aktueller Stand der Forschung und konzeptionelles Modell

Dieser konzeptionelle Beitrag präsentiert das neue Konstrukt Einkaufsverwirrung. Im Gegensatz zu dem eng verwandten Phänomen Konsumentenverwirrtheit wird die Einkaufsverwirrung ausschließlich durch atmosphärische Elemente und Gestaltungselemente der Ladenumwelt ausgelöst. Doch nicht die Existenz dieser Elemente an sich, sondern deren spezifische Eigenschaften (Vielfalt, Neuartigkeit, Komplexität und Konflikt) führen zur Einkaufsverwirrung. Dieser Aufsatz präsentiert ein konzeptionelles Modell, bei dem nicht nur die zuvor erwähnten Ursachen, sondern auch die Konsequenzen der Einkaufsverwirrung berücksichtigt werden. Es wird postuliert, dass die Einkaufsverwirrung in Vermeidungsverhalten resultiert. Durch diesen Beitrag wird die Literatur im Bereich der Konsumentenverwirrtheit ergänzt und eine Erklärung für Vermeidungsverhalten am Point-of-Sale geliefert. Außerdem ermöglicht die Identifikation von verwirrenden Elementen in der Ladenumwelt Händlern die Reduktion des Verwirrungspotenzials durch Ladengestaltungsmaßnahmen. 1. Einleitung
THE NATURE AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRANSMISSIBLE AGENT FROM HUMAN SARCOID TISSUE

In controlled experiments normal and immunologically deficient CBA mice were inoculated in footpads, intraperitoneally, or intravenously with whole fresh, fresh supernatant, and fresh filtered supernatant (0.2 mu) or with each of these homogenates after autoclaving or their further exposure to 60Co irradiation (2.5 MR). As controls, mice were inoculated with identically prepared fresh nonsarcoid homogenates by these same routes. Epithelioid- and giant-cell granulomas were present in viscera of mice given each fresh sarcoid homogenate by any of these routes 15 months after inoculation, but were not present in mice given nonsarcoid autoclaved sarcoid, or 60Co-irradiated sarcoid homogenate. Successful passages were achieved following the inoculation of whole or filtered supernatant (0.2 mu) sarcoid mouse tissue homogenate into footpads, intraperitoneally, or intravenously. The epithelioid- and giant-cell granulomas evolved slowly over a period of many months following the inoculation of sarcoid tissue or passage homogenates and persisted thereafter in association with Kveim reactivity. The transmissible agent is inactivated when homogenate prepared from human sarcoid or mouse sarcoid tissue is autoclaved or 60Co-irradiated, can be repeatedly passaged, and has been shown to pass an 0.2-mu membrane filter. It is therefore presumably viable and must approximate to the size of a virus or be capable of being deformed so as to pass a filter of such a pore size (0.2mu), L forms.
Interdisciplinary communication in the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

OBJECTIVE To assess the perceptions of physicians and nurses working full-time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) regarding interdisciplinary communication. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of all medical personnel working full-time in the ICU was conducted in January 2008 using a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data on perceived communication, teamwork and leadership, comprehension of patient care goals, perceived effectiveness and satisfaction were collected and analysed using the SPSS Version 14. Internal reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha score and differences and correlations were assessed using Pearson's Chi-square and correlation analysis. RESULTS Ninety-five per cent (105/111) of questionnaires were completed. More doctors than nurses experienced open communication with other staff members (73% vs 32%; p < 0.01), with less openness occurring with increasing seniority. More doctors (53%) than nurses (32%) reported receiving inaccurate information from doctors (p < 0.05), with 67% and 51% respectively receiving incorrect information from nurses (p < 0.05). Communication across shifts was felt to be better amongst doctors than nurses (73% vs 63%). Only 50% of doctors compared to 88% of nurses felt they received relevant information quickly (p < 0.05). More nurses than doctors (86% vs 63%; p < 0.01) felt that they had a good understanding of patient care goals. Negative perceptions of the leadership characteristics of consultants (62% amongst doctors and 74% of nurses) and sisters (79% and 73%, respectively) were high. CONCLUSIONS Communication within the ICU, UHWI, is unsatisfactory with an overall poor perception of senior leadership. Improvement in staff morale and leadership training may create a working environment where team members can communicate openly without fear of chastisement.
Auf dem Wege zu einer neuen Stilordnung der ungarischen Volksmusik

Die Entwicklung der ungarischen Volksmusikforschung in den letzten zehn Jahren war auch auf die Melodieordnung des Volksliedmaterials nach P61 J~rdinyi von Einflul3.1 Unsere neuen Forschungen richteten sich wahrend dieser Zeit teils auf die Bearbeitung der im Material faBbaren genetischen bzw. historischen Beziehungen, teils bemiihten sie sich um die weitere Differenzierung der Musikstile. Die Ergebnisse waren solcher Natur, daB an die tberpriifung der linearen Melodieordnung von J~rdinyi gedacht werden mul3te. Da es sich um eine 6ffentliche Institutssammlung handelt, konnte an eine planmB3ige Verwirklichung erst dann gegangen werden, als auch ein FachausschuB bei der Ungarischen Akademie der Wissenschaften eine Revision vorgeschlagen, eine kleinere Arbeitsgruppe mit der Ausarbeitung eines Planes fiur die Reihe Corpus Musicae Popularis Hungaricae und der Abstimmung der Resultate der neuen Stiluntersuchungen mit Jxrd~nyi's Ordnung betraut hatte (1975). Dieser Entscheidung folgte eine grol3ztigige, beschleunigte Materialaufnahme, in deren Verlauf wir wahrend zweieinhalb Jahre etwa dreil3igtausend Melodieaufzeichnungen in die Musikalische Ordnung eingearbeitet haben. (So enthilt jetzt die Sammlung im Ganzen etwa hunderttausend Stiicke.) Das dazugekommene Material warf neue Fragen auf, aber trug auch dfters zur Klarung der inneren Zusammenhainge unserer Volksmusik bei. Da die jetzt aufgenommenen Melodien nicht nur neue volksmusikalische Aufnahmen sind, sondern darunter auch zahlreiche alte Aufzeichnungen vorkommen (XVI--XIX. Jahrhundert), bot ihre Bearbeitung einen wesentlichen Fortschritt zur Erkenntnis der Zusam-
Pattern of ‘non‐reciprocal’ inhibition of motoneurones by impulses in group Ia muscle spindle afferents in the cat

1. Inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials (i.p.s.p.s) evoked by adequate stimulation of group Ia muscle spindle afferents of triceps surae and plantaris and by near‐threshold electrical stimulation of quadriceps and hamstring nerves were recorded in a number of motoneurone species. The aim of the study was to compare the pattern of non‐reciprocal Ia inhibitory actions on hind‐limb motoneurones with the pattern of inhibition evoked from group Ib tendon organ afferents.
Application of functional near infrared spectroscopy as supplementary examination for diagnosis of clinical stages of psychosis spectrum

Research efforts aiming at neuroimaging‐aided differential diagnosis for psychiatric disorders have been progressing rapidly. A previous multisite study has developed a supplementary diagnostic system using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) that can be easily applied to clinical settings. However, few neuroimaging biomarkers have been developed for the psychosis spectrum with various clinical stages.
Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly U.S. adults.

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption has both adverse and beneficial effects on survival. We examined the balance of these in a large prospective study of mortality among U.S. adults. METHODS Of 490,000 men and women (mean age, 56 years; range, 30 to 104) who reported their alcohol and tobacco use in 1982, 46,000 died during nine years of follow-up. We compared cause-specific and rates of death from all causes across categories of base-line alcohol consumption, adjusting for other risk factors, and related drinking and smoking habits to the cumulative probability of dying between the ages of 35 and 69 years. RESULTS Causes of death associated with drinking were cirrhosis and alcoholism; cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, and liver combined; breast cancer in women; and injuries and other external causes in men. The mortality from breast cancer was 30 percent higher among women reporting at least one drink daily than among nondrinkers (relative risk, 1.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.6). The rates of death from all cardiovascular diseases were 30 to 40 percent lower among men (relative risk, 0.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.7 to 0.8) and women (relative risk, 0.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.6 to 0.7) reporting at least one drink daily than among nondrinkers, with little relation to the level of consumption. The overall death rates were lowest among men and women reporting about one drink daily. Mortality from all causes increased with heavier drinking, particularly among adults under age 60 with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption was associated with a small reduction in the overall risk of death in middle age (ages 35 to 69), whereas smoking approximately doubled this risk. CONCLUSIONS In this middle-aged and elderly population, moderate alcohol consumption slightly reduced overall mortality. The benefit depended in part on age and background cardiovascular risk and was far smaller than the large increase in risk produced by tobacco.
Developing Entrepreneurial Graduates: An Action-Learning Approach.

Earlier this year, the University of Glamorgan Business School launched a conceptually new postgraduate programme, the Diploma in Entrepreneurial practice (DEP). This is a nine‐month long, full‐time course with selected business graduates undertaking a programme of study based around simulated and real projects to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and attitudes. Aims to evaluate the inclusion of “taught” learning within what is fundamentally an action‐learning programme, and to discuss the issues around effective marketing of the DEP to industry and educationalists in Wales. Fundamental to the philosophy underpinning the DEP programme is that elements of entrepreneurship can be learned, and this paper explores the modes of learning entrepreneurship applied in the DEP programme and makes some initial assessment as to the different modes’ applicability on a course of this kind.
Mitochondrial Swelling Impairs the Transport of Organelles in Cerebellar Granule Neurons*

Organelle transport in neuronal processes is central to the organization, developmental fate, and functions of neurons. Organelles must be transported through the slender, highly branched neuronal processes, making the axonal transport vulnerable to any perturbation. However, some intracellular structures like mitochondria are able to considerably modify their volume. We therefore hypothesized that swollen mitochondria could impair the traffic of other organelles in neurite shafts. To test this hypothesis, we have investigated the effects of mitochondrial swellers on the organelle traffic. Our data demonstrate that treatment of neurons with potassium ionophore valinomycin led to the fast time-dependent inhibition of organelle movement in cerebellar granule neurons. Similar inhibition was observed in neurons treated with the inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, sodium azide and antimycin, which also induced swelling. No decrease in the motility of organelles was observed in cultures treated with inhibitors of ATP production or transport, oligomycin or bongkrekic acid, suggesting that inhibition of the ATP-generating activity itself without swelling does not affect the motility of organelles. The effect of swellers on the traffic was more important in thin processes, thus indicating the role of steric hindrance of swollen mitochondria. We propose that the size and morphology of the transported cargo is also relevant for seamless axonal transport and speculate that mitochondrial swelling could be one of the reasons for impaired organelle transport in neuronal processes.
In response to Natera et al., “Estimation of daily micronutrient intake of Filipinos”

Since 1997 PROGRESA has provided cash transfers linked to childrens enrollment and regular school attendance and to health clinic attendance. The program also includes in-kind health benefits; nutritional supplements for children up to age five and pregnant and lactating women; and instructional meetings on health and nutrition issues. In 2000 PROGRESA reached about 40 percent of all rural families and about 11 percent of all Mexican families. This paper explores whether PROGRESA improves the diet of poor rural Mexicans--a major objective of the program. As such this evaluation provides insights into whether interventions designed to alleviate poverty also succeed in reducing hunger. (excerpt)