Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bioinspired geotechnics to provide an alternative to conventional vertical and inclined skirted footings and their method of installation. The invention provides tree root inspired substructure with improved load carrying capacity and a method of installation. Tree root inspired substructure herein defines a square or rectangular or circular or strip footing with closely spaced vertical/inclined micropiles. This hybrid substructure takes advantage of depth effect, width effect, arching effects, compaction and relative ease in installation on level and sloping grounds as compared to conventional skirt/bucket foundation. The micropiles attached to the traditional footing are spaced such that the trapped soil in-between behaves as a plug and major load shearing/transfer takes place at the level of tip of micropiles. Some load distribution also takes place along the micropiles and underneath the footing.

Abstract: A method for detecting HIV infection in a mammal is disclosed. The method contains the steps of isolating exosomes from a urine sample of a mammal and detecting the presence of HIV-specific biomarker in said isolated exosomes. A method for diagnosing a mammal with an HIV-associated disease, in particular, HIV-associated nephropathy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting HIV infection in a mammal is disclosed. The method contains the steps of isolating exosomes from a urine sample of a mammal and detecting the presence of HIV-specific biomarker in said isolated exosomes. A method for diagnosing a mammal with an HIV-associated disease, in particular, HIV-associated nephropathy is also disclosed.