Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV-1 Vpr counteracts HLTF-mediated restriction of HIV-1 infection in T cells

Significance An obligatory step in the replication cycle of all retroviruses involves reverse transcription of their RNA genomes into double-stranded DNA for integration into the host cell chromosome. The process of synthesizing double-stranded HIV-1 DNA is carried out by viral reverse transcriptase, which lacks some of the enzymatic activities necessary to accomplish this task. Thus, the process is completed by cellular postreplication DNA repair enzymes. Here, we report that select aspects of the cellular postreplication DNA machinery restrict HIV-1 replication in dividing T cells and that these restrictions are counteracted by HIV-1 Vpr accessory virulence factor. Our studies reveal that specific cellular postreplication DNA repair enzymes can sense and inhibit HIV-1 infection, and hence constitute a class of HIV-1 restriction factors. Lentiviruses, including HIV-1, possess the ability to enter the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes and can infect interphase cells, including those actively replicating chromosomal DNA. Viral accessory proteins hijack host cell E3 enzymes to antagonize intrinsic defenses, and thereby provide a more permissive environment for virus replication. The HIV-1 Vpr accessory protein reprograms CRL4DCAF1 E3 to antagonize select postreplication DNA repair enzymes and activates the DNA damage checkpoint in the G2 cell cycle phase. However, little is known about the roles played by these Vpr targets in HIV-1 replication. Here, using a sensitive pairwise replication competition assay, we show that Vpr endows HIV-1 with a strong replication advantage in activated primary CD4+ T cells and established T cell lines. This effect is disabled by a Vpr mutation that abolishes binding to CRL4DCAF1 E3, thereby disrupting Vpr antagonism of helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) DNA helicase and other DNA repair pathway targets, and by another mutation that prevents induction of the G2 DNA damage checkpoint. Consistent with these findings, we also show that HLTF restricts HIV-1 replication, and that this restriction is antagonized by HIV-1 Vpr. Furthermore, our data imply that HIV-1 Vpr uses additional, yet to be identified mechanisms to facilitate HIV-1 replication in T cells. Overall, we demonstrate that multiple aspects of the cellular DNA repair machinery restrict HIV-1 replication in dividing T cells, the primary target of HIV-1 infection, and describe newly developed approaches to dissect key components.
Assessing the Spatial Accuracy of the Reconstruction in Atom Probe Tomography and a New Calibratable Adaptive Reconstruction

Abstract We define a measure for the accuracy of tomographic reconstruction in atom probe tomography, named here the spatial error index. We demonstrate that this index can be used to compare rigorously the spatial accuracy of various different approaches to the calculation of tomographic reconstruction. This is useful, for example, to evaluate the performance of alternate tomographic reconstruction approaches, and ensures that the comparisons are independent of individual data quality or other instrumental parameters. We then introduce a new “adaptive reconstruction” formalism that uses a progression of reconstruction parameters based on a per-atom correction from the cube root of the inverse of the voltage, along with linear correction factors linked to the evaporation sequence. We apply the measure for spatial accuracy to this new reconstruction protocol.
Effects of group size on learning and memory in the honey bee Apis mellifera

ABSTRACT In animals that experience interactions with conspecifics while young, social interactions appear to be a necessary prerequisite for typical behaviour. Eusocial insects have large colonies where individuals experience a large number of social interactions with nest mates during all life stages, making them excellent candidates for understanding the effects of social isolation on brain development and behaviour. Here, we used the honey bee Apis mellifera to study the effect of social isolation and group size on reward perception and discrimination learning and memory. We confined day-old adult workers into three different size groups (1, 8 or 32 bees) for 6 days during a critical period associated with adult behavioural maturation. We quantified their sucrose responsiveness, their ability to use and remember olfactory cues to discriminate between sucrose and salt (i.e. discrimination learning), and four biogenic amines in the brain. We found that the smaller the group size, the more responsive a worker was to the sucrose reward. Honey bees raised in groups of 32 performed the best in the learning trials and had the highest levels of dopamine. We found no effect of group size on memory. The observed group size effect on learning but not memory supports the hypothesis that social interactions modulate learning through the dopaminergic system. Summary: Honey bee workers raised in small social groups have higher sucrose responsiveness, worse discrimination performance and lower levels of dopamine than bees raised with more con-specifics.
Ultra-efficient spin–orbit torque induced magnetic switching in W/CoFeB/MgO structures

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) induced magnetic switching in heavy metal/ferromagnet structures with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is promising for energy efficient spintronic devices. Here, we studied the SOT induced magnetic switching in perpendicular W/Co20Fe60B20/MgO structures. We demonstrated the critical current density for the SOT induced switching is as low as 1.15 × 106 A cm−2 in the presence of an in-plane magnetic field, which is very energy efficient in terms of magnetic switching. We attribute this ultra-efficient magnetic switching to the high spin Hall angle of the W layer and the ultra-low domain wall pinning field of the CoFeB. The SOT induced switching procedure was directly observed by a high-resolution Kerr microscopy. Furthermore, the weak Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions are shown to be favorable for switching. Our experiments physically explained the ultra-efficient SOT induced magnetic switching in W/CoFeB/MgO structures, and direct observation of the switching procedure can improve the comprehensive understanding of this dynamic process and further promote the study of SOT based memory devices.
Ankle‐brachial index, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers in the prediction of mortality and outcomes in patients with end‐stage kidney disease

Although ankle‐brachial index (ABI) and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are significant predictors of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), their prognostic value in association with biomarkers has not been fully evaluated in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD).
The “in’s and outs” of laser hair removal: a mini review

ABSTRACT Conventional treatments for excessive hair are tedious and time consuming. Laser hair removal has become the leading therapy option for long–term results. It works on the principle of selective photothermolysis, whereby photons destroy the hair follicle while sparing the surrounding tissue. As demand increases, there has been an increase in the regulation of these treatments. Laser hair removal is not risk-free and side effects are associated with the treatment. Adequate training is vital to minimise adverse side effects. Certain countries have regulatory boards that laser operators need to register with, as well as the completion of mandatory hours. Others require laser operators to register with a Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure that minimum training and safety standards are met. Currently, in South Africa, the lack of regulatory boards and mandatory hours poses a risk to the public as anyone with little or no qualification is allowed to perform laser hair removal treatments, placing patients at risk. This review looks at some of the devices used and basic mechanisms of action of laser hair removal, its associated risks, side effects and current regulation.
Late activation of the 9-oxylipin pathway during arbuscular ycorrhiza formation in om to a d its regulation by jasmonate signalling

In mammals, cadmium is widely considered as a non-genotoxic carcinogen acting through a methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Here, the effects of Cd treatment on the DNA methylation patten are examined together with its effect on chromatin reconfiguration in Posidonia oceanica. DNA methylation level and pattern were analysed in actively growing organs, under short(6 h) and long(2 d or 4 d) term and low (10 mM) and high (50 mM) doses of Cd, through a Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism technique and an immunocytological approach, respectively. The expression of one member of the CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) family, a DNA methyltransferase, was also assessed by qRT-PCR. Nuclear chromatin ultrastructure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Cd treatment induced a DNA hypermethylation, as well as an up-regulation of CMT, indicating that de novo methylation did indeed occur. Moreover, a high dose of Cd led to a progressive heterochromatinization of interphase nuclei and apoptotic figures were also observed after long-term treatment. The data demonstrate that Cd perturbs the DNA methylation status through the involvement of a specific methyltransferase. Such changes are linked to nuclear chromatin reconfiguration likely to establish a new balance of expressed/repressed chromatin. Overall, the data show an epigenetic basis to the mechanism underlying Cd toxicity in plants.
Evaluating an Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Using Mokken Scaling Analysis

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) was recently included as a condition for further study in the fifth and latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The present study investigated whether the IGD criteria comprise a unidimensional construct. Data stemmed from a sample of Norwegians aged 17.5 years in 2012 and 19.5 years in 2014 (N = 1258). The study used the Mokken scale analysis to investigate whether the score of the different items on the IGD scale measured a single latent variable and if the scale functions differently for males and females. Correlation analysis was conducted between the scores on the IGD scale (count) and the Gaming Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA, categorical), both assessed in 2014. Negative binomial regression analyses were applied in order to investigate how different predictors of mental health assessed in 2012 were associated with IGD assessed in 2014. The Mokken scale analysis showed that all item-coefficients of homogeneity exceeded 0.3 when the whole sample completed the scale and when females completed the scale, indicating that the items reflect a single latent variable. In both cases moderate (H > 0.40) unidimensionality was shown. The item measuring “tolerance” did not exceed 0.3 in the scale when completed by males, indicating that only eight out of nine items reflect a single latent variable when applied to males only. The eight-item scale containing males showed weak (H > 0.30) unidimensionality. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the scores on the IGD scale and the GASA (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) when assessed simultaneously and a positive but lower correlation (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) when assessed longitudinally. Results from the negative binomial regression analysis showed that previous video-game addiction, being male, depression, aggression and loneliness were significant predictors of IGD. The associations were small for all independent variables except previous video game addiction and gender where the associations were large. Although the results from the correlation analysis and regression analysis showed predictive validity of the scale, the results from the Mokken analysis suggest that the IGD scale may not be applied as a unidimensional scale when the tolerance item is included.
Sister Mary Joseph Nodule in Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Identified on 18F-FDG PET/MRI

Sister Mary Joseph nodule is an umbilical metastatic lesion typically originating from gastrointestinal or gynecologic malignancies. In pancreatic cancer, Sister Mary Joseph nodule is a sign of advanced disease with an associated poor prognosis. 18F-FDG PET/MRI provides an imaging tool in the identification of Sister Mary Joseph nodule and helps to improve the staging of pancreatic cancer.
Show me the money

The purpose of this paper is to reconcile various theoretical directions in employee engagement with self-determination theory (SDT) as a unifying framework and introduce an inter-disciplinary employee engagement economics model based on SDT. ,Two studies were conducted applying a T1/T2 intervention study design. Study 1 examined the causal relationship between an organizational intervention and employee engagement with n=367 employees from a European pharmaceuticals company using both survey and actual performance data. Study 1 results were used as input data for study 2 which tested the employee engagement economics model by calculating the pre-/post-economic value added and return on investment (ROI) for the intervention. ,Study 1 results showed a significant positive impact of the SDT-based intervention on both self-reported and actual employee engagement. Study 2 converted study findings into pre-/post-economic considerations putting an economic dollar value on achieved employee engagement gains and calculating an ROI in relation to the cost incurred. ,The present results support SDT as a unifying theory for employee engagement and the proposed employee engagement economics model as strategic decision-making tool for planning and evaluating the economics of employee engagement interventions. ,This research supports a shift in corporate focus from “people as cost” to “people as values” proposing a systematic, value-based, strategic management approach to employee engagement based on cost-benefit analysis. ,This is the first research to contribute an empirical economic model for employee engagement interventions to literature. It is based on the first reconciliation of engagement literature identifying SDT as a unifying framework. Finally, for the first time, this work identifies subjective vitality as a measure for engagement and contributes a definition for disengagement to literature.
Methodological issues on the clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies

We read with great interest the study by Fadiloglu et al. The aim of the study was to examine the clinical importance of the 75-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) in the prediction of large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses in non-diabetic pregnancies [1]. They retrospectively assessed 75-g GTT screening results of 356 pregnancies without prompt diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to calculate the prediction of LGA fetuses. Their results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.66 and 0.61 for maternal age and OGTT 2nd-h, respectively. According to the ROC curve, a maternal age of 32.5 years or above predicted LGA fetuses with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 0.67%. In addition, an OGTT 2nd-h result of 108.5 or above predicted LGA fetuses with a sensitivity of 51% and a specificity of 70% [1]. However, the AUC is not an appropriate approach for prediction because it is usually used to evaluate the accuracy of a diagnostic model. Moreover, AUC, even if statistically significant, does not guarantee prediction. The reason is that the amount of AUC for clinical purposes is much more important than significant level [2–5]. In this case, AUCs equal to 0.66 and 0.61 are not clinically important. Moreover, for developing and validating a prediction model, we need data from two different cohorts or at least from one cohort divided into two. Developing a prediction model without validation and also assessing interaction between potential predictors can also produce misleading results [6]. The authors concluded that LGA newborns are associated with higher maternal age and higher results on 75-g 2nd-h GTT testing when GDM is excluded. First, for the prediction of an outcome for clinical purposes, an appropriate methodology should be considered. Moreover, correct interpretation of results is crucial. Furthermore, association even if statistically significant does not guarantee prediction [3, 4]. The main purpose for prediction of an outcome in clinical studies is to provide a model, index, or score applicable to an individual (patient). All the abovementioned methodology and statistical issues should be considered in prediction studies for clinical purposes. Otherwise, misleading results cannot be avoided.
Case Study: Wheelchair Conspicuity at Night

A forensic case study is presented in which an automobile collided with a wheelchair at night. Analyses determined that the combination of low visual contrast of the wheelchair and driver against the nighttime background, the poor illumination on the street, and the probable, and erroneous, expectation of the wheelchair driver that he was visible to the automobile driver and therefore could safely cross the street, caused this collision and injury. An analysis of NEISS data conservatively estimated that almost 900 collisions of motor vehicles and wheelchairs occur each year in the United States. There currently are no federal regulations to enhance conspicuity of wheelchairs as there are regulations to enhance the conspicuity of bicycles. Such regulations are needed.
Compact Modeling of Perpendicular-Magnetic-Anisotropy Double-Barrier Magnetic Tunnel Junction With Enhanced Thermal Stability Recording Structure

As the basic storage unit of spin transfer torque magnetic random-access memory (STT-MRAM), the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) has been extensively studied in recent years. Lowering the critical switching current and improving the data retention are two crucial pathways to optimize the performance of STT-MRAM. However, the conventional MTJ can merely achieve both. In this paper, we present a physics-based compact model of Ta/CoFeB/MgO PMA double-barrier MTJ (DMTJ) with enhanced thermal stability recording structure. Combination of double-barrier and synthetic double-free layers can heighten the STT effect and enhance the thermal stability simultaneously. A larger STT switching efficiency, compared with conventional MTJ, can thus be realized. The modeling results show great agreement with experimental results. A 1-bit magnetic full adder (MFA) based on DMTJ, as a hybrid logic-in-memory circuit example, has been designed and simulated to validate its functionality. This SPICE-compatible compact model will be useful for high-performance hybrid MTJ/CMOS circuit and system designs.
A kinetic model for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor mediated spike timing-dependent LTP

Across the mammalian nervous system, neurotrophins control synaptic plasticity, neuromodulation, and neuronal growth. The neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is known to promote structural and functional synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex, and many other brain areas. In recent years, a wealth of data has been accumulated revealing the paramount importance of BDNF for neuronal function. BDNF signaling gives rise to multiple complex signaling pathways that mediate neuronal survival and differentiation during development, and formation of new memories. These different roles of BDNF for neuronal function have essential consequences if BDNF signaling in the brain is reduced. Thus, BDNF knock-out mice or mice that are deficient in BDNF receptor signaling via TrkB and p75 receptors show deficits in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. Accordingly, BDNF signaling dysfunctions are associated with many neurological and neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. However, despite the widespread implications of BDNF-dependent signaling in synaptic plasticity in healthy and pathological conditions, the interplay of the involved different biochemical pathways at the synaptic level remained mostly unknown. In this paper, we investigated the role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) in rodent hippocampus CA1 pyramidal cells, by implementing the first subcellular model of BDNF regulated, spike timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP). The model is based on previously published experimental findings on STDP and accounts for the observed magnitude, time course, stimulation pattern and BDNF-dependence of t-LTP. It allows interpreting the main experimental findings concerning specific biomolecular processes, and it can be expanded to take into account more detailed biochemical reactions. The results point out a few predictions on how to enhance LTP induction in such a way to rescue or improve cognitive functions under pathological conditions.
Demonstration of UV-Induced Threshold Voltage Instabilities in Vertical GaN Nanowire Array-Based Transistors

This paper investigates the degradation of vertically aligned gallium nitride (GaN) nanowire (NW) arrays submitted to gate bias stress and UV light. Based on electrical tests and simulations, we demonstrate the existence of trapping processes that depend on the applied stress voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textsf {Gstress}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and on the applied light during stress (wavelength, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda $ </tex-math></inline-formula>). We demonstrate the following original results: 1) for positive and negative <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textsf {Gstress}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> conditions, no significant variation in dc characteristics is observed when the samples are stressed in dark and 2) when the devices are submitted to negative <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textsf {Gstress}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and to UV light, a positive variation in threshold voltage (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textsf {th}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) is observed. The positive <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\textsf {th}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> shift is ascribed to the transfer and trapping of electrons from the gate metal to the oxide, promoted by UV light. We also evaluated the temperature dependence of the threshold voltage shift under UV light. We demonstrated an increased trapping at higher temperatures, indicating a role of thermionic processes in electron trapping. On the other hand, detrapping from oxide states proceeds through defect-mediated conduction, i.e., is limited by the number of available states.
Disagreement-Based Active Learning in Online Settings

We study online active learning for classifying streaming instances within the framework of statistical learning theory. At each time, the learner either queries the label of the current instance or predicts the label based on past seen examples. The objective is to minimize the number of queries while constraining the number of prediction errors over a horizon of length $T$. We develop a disagreement-based online learning algorithm for a general hypothesis space and under the Tsybakov noise and establish its label complexity under a constraint of bounded regret in terms of classification errors. We further establish a matching (up to a poly-logarithmic factor) lower bound, demonstrating the order optimality of the proposed algorithm. We address the tradeoff between label complexity and regret and show that the algorithm can be modified to operate at a different point on the tradeoff curve.