Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus miR-BHRF1-3 Targets the BZLF1 3’UTR and Regulates the Lytic Cycle

Epstein-Barr virus infection is predominantly latent in healthy individuals, while periodic cycles of reactivation are thought to facilitate persistent lifelong infection. Lytic infection has been linked to development of certain EBV-associated diseases. Here, we demonstrate that EBV miR-BHRF1-3 can suppress lytic replication by directly inhibiting Zta expression. Moreover, we identify nucleotide variants that impact the function of miR-BHRF1-3, which may contribute to specific EBV pathologies. ABSTRACT Suppression of lytic viral gene expression is a key aspect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) life cycle to facilitate the establishment of latent infection. Molecular mechanisms regulating transitions between EBV lytic replication and latency are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the impact of viral microRNAs on the EBV lytic cycle. Through functional assays, we found that miR-BHRF1-3 attenuates EBV lytic gene expression following reactivation. To understand the miRNA targets contributing to this activity, we performed Ago PAR-CLIP analysis on EBV-positive, reactivated Burkitt’s lymphoma cells and identified multiple miR-BHRF1-3 interactions with viral transcripts. Using luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed a miRNA interaction site within the 3’UTR of BZLF1 which encodes the essential immediate early (IE) transactivator Zta. Comparison of >850 published EBV genomes identified sequence polymorphisms within the miR-BHRF1-3 locus that deleteriously affect miRNA expression and function. Molecular interactions between the homologous viral miRNA, miR-rL1-17, and IE transcripts encoded by rhesus lymphocryptovirus were further identified. Our data demonstrate that regulation of IE gene expression by a BHRF1 miRNA is conserved among lymphocryptoviruses, and further reveal virally-encoded genetic elements that orchestrate viral antigen expression during the lytic cycle. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus infection is predominantly latent in healthy individuals, while periodic cycles of reactivation are thought to facilitate persistent lifelong infection. Lytic infection has been linked to development of certain EBV-associated diseases. Here, we demonstrate that EBV miR-BHRF1-3 can suppress lytic replication by directly inhibiting Zta expression. Moreover, we identify nucleotide variants that impact the function of miR-BHRF1-3, which may contribute to specific EBV pathologies.
Exciting Young Students In Grades K-8 About STEM Through An Afterschool Robotics Challenge

In this paper, we describe the successful implementation of an afterschool LEGO robotics program for elementary and middle school students that is annually offered by the Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University. Three events are held on campus: the kickoff, a trial run, and the competition, spread over a period of eight weeks. In between the events, participants design their LEGO robots at the school, mostly during afterschool clubs. Through our program, we broaden the participation in hands-on robotics tasks which apply STEM concepts to groups that otherwise might not have the opportunity. Success factors of our implementation are the flexibility of the implementation at the local level, the inclusion of engineering students as mentors and volunteers, and the low cost for organizers and participants. We provide evidence that we have reached a diverse student population in grades K-8 and positively changed their attitudes toward STEM, then we report the benefits that teachers see in regular participation in the event. Finally, we describe the benefit of involving engineering undergraduate students as mentors and volunteers.
Neurosymbolic Programming

We survey recent work on neurosymbolic programming, an emerging area that bridges the areas of deep learning and program synthesis. Like in classic machine learning, the goal here is to learn functions from data. However, these functions are represented as programs that can use neural modules in addition to symbolic primitives and are induced using a combination of symbolic search and gradient-based optimization. Neurosymbolic programming can offer multiple advantages over end-to-end deep learning. Programs can sometimes naturally represent long-horizon, procedural tasks that are difficult to perform using deep networks. Neurosymbolic representations are also, commonly, easier to interpret and formally verify than neural networks. The restrictions of a programming language can serve as a form of regularization and lead to more generalizable and data-efficient Swarat Chaudhuri, Kevin Ellis, Oleksandr Polozov, Rishabh Singh, Armando SolarLezama and Yisong Yue (2021), “Neurosymbolic Programming”, Foundations and Trends® in Programming Languages: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp 158–243. DOI: 10.1561/2500000049. ©2021 S. Chaudhuri et al. The version of record is available at: http://dx.doi. org/10.1561/2500000049
Effect of off-stoichiometry on the thermal conductivity of amorphous GeTe

The reversible phase change of Germanium Telluride (GeTe) is essential for developing advanced non-volatile devices. We investigate off-stoichiometric effect on the thermal and structural properties of amorphous Ge1−δ Te (0 ≤ δ ≤ 0.12) via molecular dynamics. The structural optimization due to off-stoichiometry was taken into account with an empirical potential. Our simulated thermal conductivity is in the range of experimental observations. With increasing δ, the thermal conductivity tends to be slightly reduced. Analysis on the coordination number and the bond angle distribution indicates that the off-stoichiometric Ge1−δ Te still retain its ability of rapid phase transition. These results are helpful in reliable device design and modeling.
Mouse Models of Frequently Mutated Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Simple Summary Acute myeloid leukemia is a genetically heterogeneous disease and shows variable treatment outcomes. Genetic profiling has revealed different driver mutations in AML patients. Therefore, it is important to understand the biological impact of these mutations in leukemia transformation. In this review, we discuss the individual and synergistic effects of these mutations in the pathogenesis of leukemia based on the available evidence from mouse models. Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous blood cancer with variable prognosis and response to conventional therapies. Comprehensive sequencing enabled the discovery of recurrent mutations and chromosomal aberrations in AML. Mouse models are essential to study the biological function of these genes and to identify relevant drug targets. This comprehensive review describes the evidence currently available from mouse models for the leukemogenic function of mutations in seven functional gene groups: cell signaling genes, epigenetic modifier genes, nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), transcription factors, tumor suppressors, spliceosome genes, and cohesin complex genes. Additionally, we provide a synergy map of frequently cooperating mutations in AML development and correlate prognosis of these mutations with leukemogenicity in mouse models to better understand the co-dependence of mutations in AML.
LOWER LIMB MUSCLES MAY DEVELOP HIGHER FORCES WHILE WALKING IN SHALLOW WATER THAN ON LAND

While walking in water at chest deep and comfortable speed we observe a reduction in the peak plantar flexor torque at the ankle and in the peak extensor torque at the knee compared to comfortable walking on land. However, the peak flexor torque at knee and the peak extensor torque at the hip are similar between environments, which suggests that forces generated at the muscles crossing hip and knee joints are not always lower in water. To verify this hypothesis we used a computational model of the human lower limb and trunk together with experimental data of 10 volunteers walking in both environments, and applied an inverse dynamic- based static optimization algorithm to estimate the forces in the main flexors and extensors hip, knee and ankle muscles during comfortable walking on land and in water. The results confirmed our hypothesis, and showed that the hamstrings and gluteus maximus may generate higher forces during middle support in water than on land, while rectus femoris, iliacus and psoas may generate similar forces in both environments during swing. These results support the idea that walking in water is effective for muscle strengthening.
Fast online dynamic voltage instability prediction and voltage stability classification

In this study, a novel approach is proposed for fast prediction of dynamic voltage instability occurrence (as a short term phenomenon and/or a long term one) and voltage stability stiffness of the system, against load disturbances. The main contribution of this paper is in introducing a procedure for generating novel features to be applied to a pattern classifier, by which dynamic voltage stability status of a power system can be predicted. The proposed feature generation procedure only needs measured pre-disturbance variables and disturbance severity provided by phasor measurement units as inputs whereas a set of output variables are derived from an unconstrained power flow program. Since the proposed method does not need any measured post disturbance data, the prediction task can be performed just after the disturbance. Thus, corrective actions can be executed in a short time after the disturbance to inhibit voltage instability. Moreover as no measured post-disturbance data are needed, the proposed method can also be employed in preventive procedures for voltage stability enhancement and/or decreasing possibility of voltage instability occurrence. Training a decision tree based classifier with the proposed features and testing the method on a modified version of Nordic32 test system, the simulation results have demonstrated that the proposed method effectively predicts the status of dynamic voltage stability in the test system.
Inclusive Rationality: Struggle and Aspiration

In Escaping Paternalism: Rationality, Behavioral Economics, and Public Policy Rizzo and Whitman challenge behavioral economics and paternalism on multiple levels, from conceptual underpinnings and the meaning of rationality to more applied implications and policy recommendations. This paper delves deeper into Rizzo and Whitman’s conception of inclusive rationality and places it within a larger historical tradition of purposeful behavior, internal conflict, and endogenous preference formation and change. I make a case to more carefully study two human characteristics – struggle and aspiration, to further the research program of inclusive rationality and behavioral economics. I argue that to extend this research program economists must: (1) have an idiom for struggle that does not deem a behavior rational or irrational either by assumption or by the normative standard set by an external expert; (2) take the process of endogenous preference formation and change more seriously; (3) have a language to model and explain aspiration or becoming; and (4) think about edge cases like relapsing addiction.
Barriers to Adult Cochlear Implant Care in the United States: An Analysis of Health Care Delivery

Persistent underutilization of cochlear implants (CIs) in the United States is in part a reflection of a lack of hearing health knowledge and the complexities of care delivery in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss. An evaluation of the patient experience through the CI health care delivery process systematically exposes barriers that must be overcome to undergo treatment for moderate-to-severe hearing loss. This review analyzes patient-facing obstacles including diagnosis of hearing loss, CI candidate identification and referral to surgeon, CI evaluation and candidacy criteria interpretation, and lastly CI surgery and rehabilitation. Pervasive throughout the process are several themes which demand attention in addressing inequities in hearing health disparities in the United States.
TRIM39 is a poor prognostic factor for patients with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer and promotes cell cycle progression

Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins are involved in various biological processes and the pathophysiology of cancers. However, the roles of TRIM39, a TRIM family member, in breast cancer is not well‐understood. Here, we performed immunohistochemical study of TRIM39 protein in clinical estrogen receptor‐positive (ER+) breast cancer tissues from 108 patients. TRIM39 immunoreactivity (IR) was positively correlated with advanced stage (p < 0.001), large invasive tumor size (p = 0.012), and positive lymph node status (p = 0.002). Positive TRIM39 IR was significantly correlated with short disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the TRIM39 status is an independent prognostic factor in DFS (p = 0.049). Microarray analysis of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells treated with siRNA revealed that TRIM39 knockdown downregulated the cell cycle‐ and cell division‐related genes, including MLLT11, CDCA3, CDC25C, BIRC5, and ANP32E. Consistently, TRIM39 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation and cell cycle transition to S phase in MCF‐7 and 4‐hydroxytamoxifen‐resistant (OHTR) breast cancer cells. These results suggest that TRIM39 promotes ER+ breast cancer growth by promoting cell cycle progression.
Flat doping profile double-drift silicon IMPATT for reliable CW high-power high-efficiency generation in the 94-GHz window

The main results of a theoretical and experimental study of the optimization of flat doping profile double-drift silicon IMPATT diodes for the realization of reliable CW high-power high-efficiency solid-state oscillators operating in the 94 GHz atmospheric propagation window are presented. This study has been carried out by means of an IMPATT oscillator model which takes into account the thermal limitation, bias effect, and diode impedance matching. It relies on an accurate p-n junction device drift-diffusion model that includes the heavily doped regions of the collectors. This model has been used to quantify the influence of the various parameters determining the oscillator RF output performance. An explanation of the interesting noise performance of these millimeter-wave IMPATT diodes is proposed. >
Comparative Performance of Different Malaria Diagnostic Tools among Pregnant Cohorts in Onitsha Southeast Nigeria

Background of Study: The reliability of microscopic techniques has become questionable in most endemic regions in Africa leading to its decreased utilization and increased utilization of RDT kits and other laboratory-based methods. Objective: To evaluate the performance of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and nest Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) methods in detecting malaria infections among pregnant women visiting private hospitals in Onitsha district area of Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Methods: A total of 100 blood samples of pregnant women submitted to medical laboratory units of private maternal hospitals for malaria diagnosis in Onitsha district area were randomly selected for this study. Diagnosis was through microscopy, RDT kit (SD Bioline Pf-only test) and nPCR. Results: Pregnant cohorts had 95, 90 and 12 positive samples confirmed through microscopy RDT and nPCR respectively. RDT had a sensitivity and specificity of 89.47% and 0% while nPCR recorded sensitivity and specificity of 12.63% and 100% respectively. RDT and nPCR have a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.44% of 100% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that nPCR is more efficient and reliable when compared with RDT in the diagnosis of malaria infection, having recorded the highest value for positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity than the RDT among pregnant women.
The advantages, challenges and practical implementation of an interferometric swath bathymetry system

To produce an interferometric swath bathymetry system requires a good understanding of transducer design parameters and meticulous attention to the details of the design, which can affect the phase measuring process. In the Deepscan sonars, the challenges of these technologies have been addressed to produce a repeatable, quantifiable sonar system to augment the surveyor's conventional armory of sidescan and multibeam systems. In deep water, the coverage achieved by multibeam systems is high, but at the expense of resolution, in shallow water, the resolution is high but the coverage limited. For route surveying and surveillance, the Deepscan system offers depth independent high-resolution simultaneous sidescan and swath bathymetry.
Country Report on Building Energy Codes in the United States

This report is part of a series of reports on building energy efficiency codes in countries associated with the Asian Pacific Partnership (APP) - Australia, South Korea, Japan, China, India, and the United States of America (U.S.). This reports gives an overview of the development of building energy codes in U.S., including national energy policies related to building energy codes, history of building energy codes, recent national projects and activities to promote building energy codes. The report also provides a review of current building energy codes (such as building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and water heating) for commercial and residential buildings in the U.S.
Flexible Active Power Control of Distributed Photovoltaic Systems With Integrated Battery Using Series Converter Configurations

Flexible active power control (FAPC) is becoming mandatory for PV systems, which is to limit/reserve the PV power below certain constraints as commanded, including the power ramp-rate control (PRRC), power limiting control (PLC), and power reserve control (PRC). In practice, energy storage (ES) such as batteries can be adopted to reduce the PV energy discarding in such cases. On the other hand, concerning the system overall cost, single-stage series power converter configurations are becoming attractive. Such configurations bring more flexibilities by integrating PV systems and batteries. However, the implementation of FAPC functions in series power converter configurations has not been systematically investigated. To fill this gap, the PRRC, PLC, and PRC strategies for series-PV-battery systems are developed in this article. With the proposed strategies, the power ramp-rate/limiting/reserve constraints are maintained by the coordinated control of individual converters. The reserved power is then distributed among all converters depending on the available power of individual PV converters, battery power, and state-of-charge (SoC) conditions. Experimental tests performed on a 1.6-kW system have validated the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
A Novel Cloud Computing Service Job Scheduling Optimization Model

In this paper, we put forward a differential service-oriented and self-adaptive job scheduling system in Cloud Computing environment. Analysis and number results show that our approach for job scheduling system can not only guarantee the QoS requirements of the CCUs jobs, but also can make the maximum profits for the CCSP. To the best of our knowledge, the job scheduling system in our paper maybe the first paper to consider both the QoS requirement of jobs and Cloud Computing service providers profits.
A single-stage full bridgeless boost half-bridge AC/DC converter with bidirectional switch

This paper proposes an isolated full bridgeless single stage alternating current-direct current (AC-DC) converter. The proposed converter integrates the operation of a pure bridgeless power factor correction with input boost inductor cascaded with center-tap transformer and half bridge circuit. In addition, the bidirectional switch can be driven with single control signal which further simplifies the controller circuit. It is also proved that this converter reduces the total number of components compared to some conventional circuit and semi-bridgeless circuit topologies. The circuit operation of the proposed circuit is then confirmed with the small signal model, large signal model, circuit simulation and then verified experimentally. It is designed and tested at 115 Vac, 50 Hz of input supply, and 20 Vdc output voltage with maximum output power of 100 W. In addition, the crossover distortion at the input current is minimize at high input line frequency.
The Impact of Edge Correlations in Random Networks

Random graphs are frequently used models of real-life random networks. The classical Erdös–Rényi random graph model is very well explored and has numerous nontrivial properties. In particular, a good number of important graph parameters that are hard to compute in the deterministic case often become much easier in random graphs. However, a fundamental restriction in the Erdös–Rényi random graph is that the edges are required to be probabilistically independent. This is a severe restriction, which does not hold in most real-life networks. We consider more general random graphs in which the edges may be dependent. Specifically, two models are analyzed. The first one is called a p-robust random graph. It is defined by the requirement that each edge exist with probability at least p, no matter how we condition on the presence/absence of other edges. It is significantly more general than assuming independent edges existing with probability p, as exemplified via several special cases. The second model considers the case when the edges are positively correlated, which means that the edge probability is at least p for each edge, no matter how we condition on the presence of other edges (but absence is not considered). We prove some interesting, nontrivial properties about both models.
Green-Synthesized Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles Induced Osteoblastic Differentiation in Bone Co-Cultured Cells

In this work, magnesium hydroxide NPs were synthesized using water (Mg(OH)2 NPs) or a rose hip (RH) extract (Mg(OH)2RH NPs) and tested for the bone cells’ effects in co-cultured osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells, using a Transwell® insert system, allowing reciprocal cell paracrine interactions. Behavior of each cell population was characterized for typical phenotype markers, at days 1 and 6. Cell cultures treated with osteogenic/osteoclastogenic inducers were used as positive control of cell differentiation. The NPs presented a round shape morphology with an average diameter ~90 nm (Mg(OH)2 NPs) and below 10 nm (Mg(OH)2RH NPs. Both NPs induced osteoblastic and osteoclastic behavior similarly to that observed in induced osteoblastic and osteoclastic cultures (positive controls). Differences between the two types of particles were evident at the gene expression level. Compared to Mg(OH)2 NPs, the green-synthesized NPs greatly increased the expression of osteoblastic genes coding for the early markers ALP and collagen type 1 and the later transcription factor osterix, while decreasing the expression of osteoclastogenic genes, namely the essential transcription factor NFATC1, TRAP and the genes coding for the functional markers CA2 and CTSK. Overall, a positive added effect could be hypothesized for Mg(OH)2RH NPs with potential usefulness to promote bone formation in regenerative applications.