Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of acute infections during HIV testing in North Carolina.

BACKGROUND North Carolina has added nucleic acid amplification testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to standard HIV antibody tests to detect persons with acute HIV infection who are viremic but antibody-negative. METHODS To determine the effect of nucleic acid amplification testing on the yield and accuracy of HIV detection in public health practice, we conducted a 12-month observational study of methods for state-funded HIV testing. We compared the diagnostic performance of standard HIV antibody tests (i.e., enzyme immunoassay and Western blot analysis) with an algorithm whereby serum samples that yielded negative results on standard antibody tests were tested again with the use of nucleic acid amplification. A surveillance algorithm with repeated sensitive-less-sensitive enzyme immunoassay tests was also evaluated. HIV infection was defined as a confirmed positive result on a nucleic acid amplification test or as HIV antibody seroconversion. RESULTS Between November 1, 2002, and October 31, 2003, 109,250 persons at risk for HIV infection who had consented to HIV testing presented at state-funded sites. There were 606 HIV-positive results. Established infection, as identified by standard enzyme immunoassay or Western blot analysis, appeared in 583 participants; of these, 107 were identified, with the use of sensitive-less-sensitive enzyme immunoassay tests, as recent infections. A total of 23 acutely infected persons were identified only with the use of the nucleic acid amplification algorithm. With all detectable infections taken into account, the sensitivity of standard antibody testing was 0.962 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.944 to 0.976). There were two false positive results on nucleic acid amplification tests. The specificity and positive predictive value of the algorithm that included nucleic acid amplification testing were greater than 0.999 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.999 to >0.999) and 0.997 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.988 to >0.999), respectively. Of the 23 acute HIV infections, 16 were detected at sexually transmitted disease clinics. Emergency measures for HIV prevention protected 48 sex partners and one fetus from high-risk exposure to HIV. CONCLUSIONS The addition of nucleic acid amplification testing to an HIV testing algorithm significantly increases the identification of cases of infection without impairing the performance of diagnostic testing. The detection of highly contagious, acutely infected persons creates new opportunities for HIV surveillance and prevention.
Voice conversion system to emotional speech in multiple languages based on three-layered model for dimensional space

Commonalities and differences of human perception for perceiving emotions in speech among different languages in dimensional space have been investigated in previous work. Results show that human perception for different languages is identical in dimensional space. Directions from neutral voice to other emotional states are common among languages. According to this result, we assume that, given the same direction in dimensional space, we can convert the neutral voices in multiple languages to emotional ones with the same impression of emotion. It means that the emotion conversion system could work for other languages even if it is trained with a databases in one language. We try to convert neutral speech in two different languages, English and Chinese using an emotion conversion system trained with Japanese database. Chinese is a tone language, English is a stress language and Japanese is an accent language. We find that all converted voices can convey the same impression as Japanese voices. On the case, we can make a conclusion that given the same direction in dimensional space, the synthesized speech among multiple language can convey the same impression of emotion. In a word, the Japanese emotion conversion system is compatible to other languages.
Novel vibration-driven micro-electrostatic induction energy harvester with asymmetric multi-resonant spring

We developed an asymmetric gammadion spring electrode for wide band vibration as a counter electrode for the electret electrode film of a micro electrostatic energy harvester. A vibration-driven micro power generator with a high-Q mechanical resonator works efficiently under single-frequency vibration, but, the associated narrow operation frequency bandwidth tightly limits the power output under normal wideband vibrations. To solve this problem, we therefore present concept, design, simulation, fabrication, and evaluation of our novel micro generator based on electrostatic induction using electret. The asymmetric gammadion spring is made of stacked SU-8 and has three vibration modes. For mode 1 vibration the maximum power output our generator was 7.48 nW at 110 Hz, for mode 2 vibration it was 2.19 nW at 165 Hz, and for mode 3 it was 1.72 nW at 243 Hz.
Nervous immunity: A study on the role of complement system in neuronal degeneration and regeneration

This thesis describes research that shows that activation of the immune system is it not always beneficial. An activated immune system in the brain or in the peripheral nerves acts as a dual edged sword. A little activation is required for normal function, clearance and inhibiting disease progression. Chronic and massive activation of the immune system often results in excess damage and a more rapid disease progression and/or poorer outcome of the disease. Inhibition of the complement system can result in improved regeneration and delay of the disease progression, but the activation state of the complement system in each given stage of the disease should be carefully considered prior to inhibiting the terminal complement activation, membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.
The relationship between cancer incidence, stage and poverty in the United States

We extend a prior analysis on the relation between poverty and cancer incidence in a sample of 2.90 million cancers diagnosed in 16 US states plus Los Angeles over the 2005–2009 period by additionally considering stage at diagnosis. Recognizing that higher relative disparities are often found among less‐common cancer sites, our analysis incorporated both relative and absolute measures of disparities. Fourteen of the 21 cancer sites analyzed were found to have significant variation by stage; in each instance, diagnosis at distant stage was more likely among residents of high‐poverty areas. If the incidence rates found in the lowest‐poverty areas for these 21 cancer sites were applied to the entire country, 18,000 fewer distant‐stage diagnoses per year would be expected, a reduction of 8%. Conversely, 49,000 additional local‐stage diagnoses per year would be expected, an increase of 4%. These figures, strongly influenced by the most common sites of prostate and female breast, speak to the trade‐offs inherent in cancer screening. Integrating the type of analysis presented here into routine cancer surveillance activities would permit a more complete understanding of the dynamic nature of the relationship between socioeconomic status and cancer incidence.
Continuous monitoring of Pi release following nucleotide hydrolysis in actin or tubulin assembly using 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine ribonucleoside and purine-nucleoside phosphorylase as an enzyme-linked assay.

ATP and GTP are hydrolyzed during self-assembly of actin and tubulin, respectively. It is known that nucleotide is hydrolyzed on the polymer in two consecutive steps, chemical cleavage of the gamma-phosphate followed by the slower release of Pi. This last step has been shown to play a crucial role in the dynamics of actin filaments and microtubules. Thus far, evidence for a transient GDP-Pi state in microtubule assembly has been obtained using a glass fiber filter assay that had a poor time resolution [Melki, R. , Carlier, M. -F. , & Pantaloni, D. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 8921-8932]. We have used a new Pi assay [Webb, M. R. (1992) Proc. natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89, 4884-4887], in which the purine phosphorylase catalyzes the phosphorolysis of 2-amino-6-mercapto-7-methylpurine ribonucleoside (MESG) into mercaptopurine and ribose phosphate, which is accompanied by an increase in absorbance. This enzyme-linked assay has been used to follow the release of Pi during polymerization of Mg-actin. A value of 350 s was found for the half-time for Pi release on F-actin, in good agreement with previous determinations. The release of Pi following GTP hydrolysis in microtubule assembly was followed using a stopped-flow apparatus. Rapid microtubule assembly was achieved using taxol. The use of a stopped-flow apparatus permitted the continuous recording, with a dead time of 0.8 ms, of both time courses of microtubule assembly and Pi release with greatly improved time resolution. The release of Pi developed with a short lag (35 and 2 s for G-actin and tubulin, respectively) following assembly and appeared 50-fold faster on microtubules than on actin filaments.
Leucocyte recruitment and molecular fortification of keratinocytes triggered by streptococcal M1 protein

Streptococcus pyogenes of the M1 serotype is commonly associated with invasive streptococcal infections and development of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The M1 protein is a powerful inducer of inflammatory responses for several human cell types, but the reason why M1 protein‐related strains is over‐represented in invasive streptococcal diseases is still not understood. This study was undertaken to investigate if soluble M1 protein can aggravate the severity of streptococcal skin infections in respect to inflammation, leucocyte recruitment, and tissue remodelling as seen in patients with cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. We found that HaCaT cells are able to recruit activated leucocytes when encountering M1 protein. Neither the bacterial protein nor activated leucocytes caused cell damage on HaCaT cells, instead HaCaT cells responded to the bacterial virulence factor by releasing several proteins protective against bacterial infection and leucocyte responses. However, although not cytotoxic, M1 protein completely abolished wound healing abilities of HaCaT cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that M1 protein is a critical virulence factor that can augment streptococcal skin infection suggesting that the protein is an interesting target for drug development.
Featured Article: Beta cell specific pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha gene deletion results in a reduced islet number and β-cell mass postnatally

The ability of pancreatic β-cells to undertake glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) depends on the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria from pyruvate, a major rate-limiting enzyme being pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex (PDC). However, glucose metabolism also controls β-cell mass. To examine the role of PDC in the regulation of pancreatic β-cell development and maturation, we generated β-cell-targeted PDHα subunit knock-out male mice (β-PDHKO) and compared these with control males (β-PDHCT) from birth until 6–8 weeks age. Pancreas morphology, transcription factor expression, pancreatic insulin content, and circulating glucose and insulin values were compared. Compared to β-PDHCT male mice, β-PDHKO animals had significantly reduced pancreatic insulin content from birth, a lower serum insulin content from day 15, and relative hyperglycemia from day 30. Isolated islets from β-PDHKO mice demonstrated a reduced GSIS. The number of islets per pancreatic area, mean islet area, and the proportion of islet cells that were β-cells were all reduced in β-PDHKO animals. Similarly the number of insulin-immunopositive, extra-islet small endocrine cell clusters, a possible source of β-cell progenitors, was lower in β-PDHKO mice. Analysis of pancreatic expression of transcription factors responsible for β-cell lineage commitment, proliferation, and maturation, Pdx1, Neurogenin3, and NeuroD1 showed that mRNA abundance was reduced in the β-PDHKO. This demonstrates that PDC is not only required for insulin expression and glucose-stimulated secretion, but also directly influences β-cell growth and maturity, and positions glucose metabolism as a direct regulator of β-cell mass and plasticity.
Competition or Co-operation: Two Logics of Governance in Organizing Public Sector Reform

This paper examines how and why the spread of public sector reform is shaped by competing logics that generate variation in the governance of new organizational practices at the local government level. Since the 1970s local government in Sweden have been characterized by experimenting with public sector reform and innovation, most often so by introducing institutional changes aiming to increase efficiency and legitimacy of public services and generating growth either through reforms of market competition or civic cooperation. The findings indicate that the diffusion of these kinds of new practices are not the result of mere “a-rational” imitation, but rather dependent on the institutional considerations among key decision-makers of a delimited set logically-consistent reforms and the previous experience from similar technical solutions by the organization in the past. The data comes from questionnaire surveys performed in 2005 and 2009, with the leading politicians, administrators and union representatives, with participation from all the 290 Swedish local governments.
Impact of Line-Edge Roughness on Double-Gate Schottky-Barrier Field-Effect Transistors

The impact of line-edge roughness (LER) on double-gate (DG) Schottky-barrier field-effect transistors (SBFETs) in the level of device and circuit was investigated by a statistical simulation. The LER sequence is statistically generated by a Fourier analysis of the power spectrum of the Gaussian autocorrelation function. The results show that SBFETs are more sensitive to the LER effect in the high-V gs region and less sensitive in the subthreshold region compared with DG FinFETs. The aggressive fluctuation of drive current can be attributed to the variation of tunneling barrier width. Lowering the Schottky-barrier height and increasing the silicon-body thickness can suppress the parameter fluctuations from the LER effect. The simulation also shows that a 6T SRAM cell consisting of SBFETs is more vulnerable to noise disturbance than its counterpart consisting of FinFETs, particularly for the read operation, which is due to a larger mismatch of drivability of SBFETs within the cell.
A Latin American Perspective on Diversity Management: What Does “Inclusion” Mean in a Peruvian Context?

Abstract Although interest in inclusion is becoming widespread, there remains limited understanding of how organizations can create environments that promote inclusiveness and unlock the benefits of workforce diversity. Additional research is needed to better understand how inclusion is conceptualized and experienced in contexts other than North America and Europe. Taking an exploratory approach, the present research seeks to answer the question of how employees in Peru – one of the most socially and economically unequal nations in Latin America – understand the concept of inclusion in the workplace. Semi-structured interviews with 30 employed individuals found that inclusion was generally described as comprising belongingness, uniqueness, and equal treatment. Six elements emerged as key to the creation of workplace inclusion: participation, positive relationships, equality, feeling valued, climate and culture, and positive work conditions. As inhabitants of a developing country with high levels of inequality and discrimination, Peruvian employees’ views provide valuable insight into how inclusion is lived and understood in such a context, and how it may be augmented.
Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 Suppresses Interleukin‐15‐Mediated Interferon‐γ Production in Human T Lymphocytes

One of the most remarkable means by which tumour cells manage to evade recognition and elimination by the immune system is the release of immunosuppressive mediators, such as interleukin (IL)‐10 or transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). For antitumour immunotherapies to reach their full potential, cytokine cocktails will have to be custom‐tailored to the tumour's individual cytokine microenvironment. One of the components of such a cytokine cocktail may be interleukin (IL)‐15, which has demonstrated an excellent stimulatory potential of antitumour immunity. In an in vitro model, we have previously been able to show that the negative effects of IL‐10 on IL‐15‐mediated cytotoxic T‐cell activation can be outweighed by the addition of interleukin (IL)‐12. The mechanism by which TGF‐β may influence the effect of IL‐15 remains poorly understood, however. We have therefore taken our T‐cell model further and have studied the effect of TGF‐β on IL‐15‐mediated interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production. In activated, IL‐15‐stimulated peripheral blood T lymphocytes, TGF‐β suppressed IFN‐γ mRNA and protein levels by ≈ 75%. This effect was likewise observed on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and, in contrast to the effect of IL‐10 in this system, could not be neutralized by the addition of IL‐12. Thus, immunotherapy for TGF‐β‐producing tumours may benefit from the addition of TGF‐neutralizing activity rather than IL‐12.
Crotonoside exhibits selective post-inhibition effect in AML cells via inhibition of FLT3 and HDAC3/6

Targeted therapies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), specifically the FLT3 inhibitors, have shown promising results. Nevertheless, it is very unlikely that inhibitors which target a single pathway will provide long-term disease control. Here, we report the characterization of crotonoside, a natural product extracted from Chinese medicinal herb, Croton, for the treatment of AML via inhibition of FLT3 and HDAC3/6. In vitro, crotonoside exhibited selective inhibition in AML cells. In vivo, crotonoside treatment at 70 and 35 mg/kg/d produced significant AML tumor inhibition rates of 93.5% and 73.6%, respectively. Studies on the anti-AML mechanism of crotonoside demonstrated a significant inhibition of FLT3 signaling, cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and apoptosis. In contrast to classic FLT3 inhibitor; sunitinib, crotonoside was able to selectively suppress the expression of HDAC3 and HDAC6 without altering the expression of other HDAC isoforms. Inhibitors of HDAC3 and HDAC6; RGFP966 and HPOB, respectively, also exhibited selective inhibition in AML cells. Furthermore, we established novel signaling pathways including HDAC3/NF-κB-p65 and HDAC6/c-Myc besides FLT3/c-Myc which are aberrantly regulated in the progression of AML. In addition, crotonoside alone or the combination of sunitinib/RFP966/HPOB exhibited a significant post-inhibition effect in AML cells by the inhibition of FLT3 and HDAC3/6. Inhibitors targeting the FLT3 and HDAC3/6 might provide a more effective treatment strategy for AML. Taken together, the present study suggests that crotonoside could be a promising candidate for the treatment of AML, and deserves further investigations.
Single-chain immunotoxins directed at the human transferrin receptor containing Pseudomonas exotoxin A or diphtheria toxin: anti-TFR(Fv)-PE40 and DT388-anti-TFR(Fv)

Two single-chain immunotoxins directed at the human transferrin receptor have been constructed by using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Anti-TFR(Fv)-PE40 is encoded by a gene fusion between the DNA sequence encoding the antigen-binding portion (Fv) of a monoclonal antibody directed at the human transferrin receptor and that encoding a 40,000-molecular-weight fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE40). The other fusion protein, DT388-anti-TFR(Fv), is encoded by a gene fusion between the DNA encoding a truncated form of diphtheria toxin and that encoding the antigen-binding portion of antibody to human transferrin receptor. These gene fusions were expressed in Escherichia coli, and fusion proteins were purified by conventional chromatography techniques to near homogeneity. In anti-TFR(Fv)-PE40, the antigen-binding portion is placed at the amino terminus of the toxin, while in DT388-anti-TFR(Fv), it is at the carboxyl end of the toxin. Both these single-chain immunotoxins kill cells bearing the human transferrin receptors. However, anti-TFR(Fv)-PE40 was usually more active than DT388-anti-TFR(Fv), and in some cases it was several-hundred-fold more active. Anti-TFR(Fv)-PE40 was also more active on cell lines than a conjugate made by chemically coupling the native antibody to PE40, and in some cases it was more than 100-fold more active.
Current trends in microsatellite genotyping

Microsatellites have been popular molecular markers ever since their advent in the late eighties. Despite growing competition from new genotyping and sequencing techniques, the use of these versatile and cost‐effective markers continues to increase, boosted by successive technical advances. First, methods for multiplexing PCR have considerably improved over the last years, thereby decreasing genotyping costs and increasing throughput. Second, next‐generation sequencing technologies allow the identification of large numbers of microsatellite loci at reduced cost in non‐model species. As a consequence, more stringent selection of loci is possible, thereby further enhancing multiplex quality and efficiency. However, current practices are lagging behind. By surveying recently published population genetic studies relying on simple sequence repeats, we show that more than half of the studies lack appropriate quality controls and do not make use of multiplex PCR. To make the most of the latest technical developments, we outline the need for a well‐established strategy including standardized high‐throughput bench protocols and specific bioinformatic tools, from primer design to allele calling.
Quality of life and outcomes after nonintubated versus intubated video-thoracoscopic pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: comparison by a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND Malignant pleural effusion can be treated successfully by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis. This procedure can also be performed using local anesthesia on nonintubated patients. OBJECTIVES To evaluate quality of life and major outcomes after VATS talc pleurodesis performed under local anesthesia in nonintubated patients with malignant pleural effusion. DESIGN Retrospective, nonrandomized case-matched comparison (nonintubated versus intubated) pairing the patients by computer according to their clinical features. SETTING/SUBJECTS Since 2002, 231 consecutive patients underwent uniport VATS talc pleurodesis under local anesthesia (nonintubated group). These patients were case matched with 231 homogeneous subjects, selected from a larger group that preferred general anesthesia (intubated group) in the same period. MEASUREMENTS Quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 core questionnaire) and other major outcomes were considered. RESULTS Pleurodesis was successful in 198 (85.7%) nonintubated and 193 (83.5%) intubated patients, but the former group showed shorter total operating room time (65.8±7.5 versus 84.9±13.3 minutes, p<0.0001), duration of postoperative pleural fluid leakage (2.5±1.0 versus 4.0±1.5 days, p=0.014), postoperative hospital stay (3.1±2.5 versus 4.9±2.8 days, p=0.011), as well as lower perioperative mortality (0% versus 2.3%, p=0.017), morbidity (5.2% versus 9.0%, p=0.042), and costs (6,090±517 versus 9,660±713€, p=0.015). Quality of life presented a similar evolution between groups, however, the early postoperative improvement in physical function (p<0.05), global health (p<0.05), and dyspnea (p<0.01) was significantly greater in nonintubated patients. Significant improvements in respiratory exchanges, postoperative acute stress markers, and mental confusion were also documented. Effusion-free (p=0.35) and overall (p=0.52) survival was similar between groups. CONCLUSION Nonintubated VATS talc pleurodesis can achieve similar results in pleural effusion to the same operation performed under general anesthesia but with earlier improvement of some quality-of-life domains as well as better mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and costs.