Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial Immune Suppression Mediated by Direct Engagement of Inhibitory Fc Receptor1

A microbial polysaccharide (glucuronoxylomannan (GXM)) exerts potent immunosuppression by direct engagement to immunoinhibitory receptor FcγRIIB. Activation of FcγRIIB by GXM leads to the recruitment and phosphorylation of SHIP that prevents IκBα activation. The FcγRIIB blockade inhibits GXM-induced IL-10 production and induces TNF-α secretion. GXM quenches LPS-induced TNF-α release via FcγRIIB. The addition of mAb to GXM reverses GXM-induced immunosuppression by shifting recognition from FcγRIIB to FcγRIIA. These findings indicate a novel mechanism by which microbial products can impair immune function through direct stimulation of an inhibitory receptor. Furthermore, our observations provide a new mechanism for the ability of specific Ab to reverse the immune inhibitory effects of certain microbial products.
[Measurement of amylase in saliva collected by salivette].

BACKGROUND Saliva is increasingly being used as a specimen for systemic disease as well as for oral health status. Especially, salivary amylase has been studied as an excellent index for psychological stress. Authors evaluated the measurement of salivary amylase activities collected by Salivettes (Sarstedt, Germany). METHODS Saliva specimens were collected from 13 healthy adults between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Participants were asked to gently chew tampons of Salivettes for 1 min. Immediately after collection, all specimens were stored frozen. On the day of testing, they were centrifuged after thawing and diluted with distilled water. Amylase was measured by Dimension RxL Max (Dade Behring Inc., USA). We evaluated precision, linearity, and recovery rate of Salivette. Amylase activities between collection of saliva by Salivette and passive drool were compared, and also the changes of amylase by the storage temperature were evaluated. RESULTS Intra-run CVs for three levels of amylase were excellent. Between-day CVs and total CVs were good only for mid and high levels. A good linear relationship was found at all diluted levels. Dosing Salivettes with 2 mL, 1.5 mL, and 1 mL yielded sample recovery 85.5+/-2.4%, 82.4+/-1.5%, and 72.2+/-3.1%, respectively and amylase recovery 78.9+/-10.9%, 74.1+/-13.7%, and 37.3+/-26.9%, respectively. Amylase by Salivette and passive drool were correlated well (r=0.757), although they showed a significant difference. Amylase activity was not affected by the storage temperature. CONCLUSIONS Measurement of salivary amylase using Salivette could be a useful test having good intra-run CVs and linearity. More than 1.5 mL of saliva would be needed to have more than 70% recovery of Salivette.
The 72‐kDa Microtubule‐Associated Protein from Porcine Brain

Abstract: A microtubule‐associated protein (MAP) with a molecular mass of 72‐kDa that was purified from porcine brain by using its property of heat stability in a low pH buffer was characterized. Low‐angle rotary shadowing revealed that the 72‐kDa protein was a rodlike protein ∼55–75 nm long. The 72‐kDa protein bound to microtubules polymerized from phosphocellulose column‐purified tubulin (PC‐tubulin) with taxol and promoted the polymerization of PC‐tubulin in the absence of taxol. Microtubules polymerized by the 72‐kDa protein showed a tendency to form bundles of several microtubules. Quick‐freeze, deep‐etch electron microscopy revealed that the 72‐kDa protein formed short crossbridges between microtubules. We performed peptide mapping to analyze the relationship of the 72‐kDa protein to other heat‐stable MAPs, and the results showed some resemblance of the 72‐kDa protein to MAP2. Cross‐reactivity with a monoclonal anti‐MAP2 antibody further suggested that the 72‐kDa protein and MAP2 are immunologically related. To study the relationship between the 72‐kDa protein and MAP2C, a smaller molecular form of MAP2 identified in juvenile rat brain, we prepared the 72‐kDa protein from rat brain by the same method as that used for porcine brain. The fact that the 72‐kDa protein from juvenile rat brain was also stained with our monoclonal anti‐MAP2 antibody also suggested that the 72‐kDa protein is an MAP2C homologue of the porcine brain.
Drought characteristics' role in widespread aspen forest mortality across Colorado, USA

Globally documented widespread drought‐induced forest mortality has important ramifications for plant community structure, ecosystem function, and the ecosystem services provided by forests. Yet the characteristics of drought seasonality, severity, and duration that trigger mortality events have received little attention despite evidence of changing precipitation regimes, shifting snow melt timing, and increasing temperature stress. This study draws upon stand level ecohydrology and statewide climate and spatial analysis to examine the drought characteristics implicated in the recent widespread mortality of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). We used isotopic observations of aspen xylem sap to determine water source use during natural and experimental drought in a region that experienced high tree mortality. We then drew upon multiple sources of climate data to characterize the drought that triggered aspen mortality. Finally, regression analysis was used to examine the drought characteristics most associated with the spatial patterns of aspen mortality across Colorado. Isotopic analysis indicated that aspens generally utilize shallow soil moisture with little plasticity during drought stress. Climate analysis showed that the mortality‐inciting drought was unprecedented in the observational record, especially in 2002 growing season temperature and evaporative deficit, resulting in record low shallow soil moisture reserves. High 2002 summer temperature and low shallow soil moisture were most associated with the spatial patterns of aspen mortality. These results suggest that the 2002 drought subjected Colorado aspens to the most extreme growing season water stress of the past century by creating high atmospheric moisture demand and depleting the shallow soil moisture upon which aspens rely. Our findings highlight the important role of drought characteristics in mediating widespread aspen forest mortality, link this aspen die‐off to regional climate change trends, and provide insight into future climate vulnerability of these forests.
American association for the study of liver diseases

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Frank A. Anania, Atlanta, GA Jorge A. Bezerra, Cincinnati, OH Raymond T. Chung, Boston, MA Eithan Galun, Jerusalem, Israel Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, New Haven, CT Stephen A. Harrison, Fort Sam Houston, TX Brett Lindenbach, New Haven, CT Jacquelyn Maher, San Francisco, CA Wajahat Mehal, New Haven, CT Lola M. Reid, Chapel Hill, NC Mario Strazzabosco, New Haven, CT Norah Terrault, San Francisco, CA Snorri S. Thorgeirsson, Bethesda, MD Michael Trauner, Vienna, Austria
Biochemical characterization of pediatric brain tumors by using in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

OBJECT Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy provides biochemical information about tumors. The authors sought to determine the relationship between in vivo and ex vivo biochemical characterization of pediatric brain tumors by using MR spectroscopy. Their hypothesis was that ex vivo MR spectroscopy provides a link between in vivo MR spectroscopy and neuropathological analysis. METHODS In vivo proton MR spectroscopy was performed before surgery in 11 patients with neuroepithelial tumors. During resection, a total of 40 tumor biopsy samples were obtained from within the volume of interest identified on in vivo MR spectroscopy and were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HRMAS) was used to perform ex vivo MR spectroscopy in these 40 tumor biopsy samples. Neuropathological analysis was performed using the same biopsy samples, and the tumors were classified as ependymoma, choroid plexus carcinoma, pineoblastoma (one each), and pilocytic astrocytoma, medullobastoma, low-grade glioma, and glioblastoma multiforme (two each). Ex vivo HRMAS MR spectroscopy improved line widths and line shapes in the spectra, compared with in vivo MR spectroscopy. Choline (Cho) detected in vivo corresponded to three different peaks ex vivo (glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine [PCho], and Cho). Metabolite ratios from in vivo spectra correlated with ratios from ex vivo spectra (Pearson correlation coefficient range r = 0.72-0.91; p < or = 0.01). Metabolite ratios from ex vivo spectra, such as PCho/ total creatine (tCr) and lipid/tCr, correlated with the percentage of cancerous tissue and percentage of tumor necrosis, respectively (r = 0.84; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Agreement between in vivo and ex vivo MR spectroscopy indicates that ex vivo HRMAS MR spectroscopy can improve resolution of this modality and provide a link between in vivo MR spectroscopy and neuropathological analysis.
Prevention of nosocomial bloodstream infections: Effectiveness of antimicrobial-impregnated and heparin-bonded central venous catheters

ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of antimicrobial-impregnated and heparin-bonded catheters relative to standard central venous catheters in lessening catheter-related bloodstream infections. Data SourcesArticles were identified by computer-assisted searching. Study SelectionStudies were eliminated from further consideration if they did not contain original data relevant to lessening catheter-related bloodstream infections, were nonrandomized or uncontrolled, described subjects <17 yrs of age, or used animal subjects. Data AbstractionFrom each eligible article, we abstracted the following: a) citation; b) type of control; c) study setting; d) type of experimental catheter; e) catheter-specific complications; f) total numbers of patients and catheters; g) number of experimental catheters used that resulted in a catheter-related bloodstream infection; h) number of control catheters used that resulted in a catheter-related bloodstream infection; i) number of experimental catheters used without catheter-related bloodstream infections; and j) number of control catheters used without infections. We also recorded the duration of catheter use and the types of microbes cultured in association with the catheters and with catheter-related bloodstream infections. Data SynthesisEleven eligible studies were identified. Using meta-analysis, we showed that antimicrobial-impregnated and heparin-bonded central venous catheters significantly decreased catheter-related bloodstream infections by 2.32% (95% confidence interval, 1.04% to 3.61%). ConclusionsThe modest additional cost for the use of these catheters relative to the considerable cost of treating even a single bloodstream infection makes their use cost-effective.
Limited Health Literacy and Decline in Executive Function in Older Adults

Limited health literacy is associated with worse executive function, but the association between limited health literacy and decline in executive function has not been established because of a lack of longitudinal studies. The authors aimed to examine this association by studying a prospective cohort in the setting of a randomized controlled trial to promote walking in older adults. Participants were community-dwelling older adults (65 years of age or older) who scored 2 or more on the Mini-Cog, without depression (score of less than 15 on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire), and who completed baseline and 12-month evaluations (n = 226). Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Executive function measured at baseline and 12 months using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Controlled Oral Word Association Test, and Category Fluency. The associations between health literacy and 12-month decline in each test of executive function were modeled using multivariate linear regression. Health literacy was found to be limited in 37% of participants. Limited health literacy was associated with reduced performance on all 3 executive function tests. In fully adjusted models, limited health literacy was associated with greater 12-month decline in performance on the TMT than higher health literacy (p = .01). In conclusion, older adults with limited health literacy are at risk for more rapid decline in scores on the TMT, a measure of executive function.
Failure of Rate Responsive Ventricular Pacing to Improve Physiological Performance in the Univentricular Heart

The physiological efficacy of single chamber, rate responsive ventricular pacing (VVIR) is unknown for symptomatic patients following the Fontan procedure for univentricular hearts. A total of six postoperative children, ages 6–21 years (mean 13), with symptomatic bradycardia requiring pacing therapy, underwent comparative treadmill exercise testing in randomized fixed rate (VVI) and VVIR pacing modes. In all instances, implanted activity pulse generators (Medtronic Model 8403) were programmed to identical age‐appropriate low paced rates during WI and VVIR modes with the upper rate response at 150 ppm. All studies were performed at least 2 weeks apart. Physiological values of heart rate, blood pressure, work rate (watts), oxygen comsumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were monitored continuously during each test using a 1 minute incremental treadmill protocol. Ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) was calculated from VO2, VCO2, and minute ventilation. The results demonstrated that although there was a significant increase in paced heart rate per minute throughout exercise (P < 0.01) with VVIR pacing, maximum watts, VO2, and VAT remained unchanged. These findings indicate that in spite of an improved chronotropic response to exercise, children with Univentricular hearts following the Fontan procedure continue to demonstrate altered hemodynamics which negate potential benefits of VVIR pacing.
Obstetric outcomes after transfer of vitrified blastocysts.

BACKGROUND It has been claimed that the risks to the child resulting from vitrification as compared with the slow-freezing technique, may be higher owing to the high concentrations of potentially toxic cryoprotectants. We therefore retrospectively compared the obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of children born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts, fresh blastocysts and slow-frozen early cleavage stage embryos. METHODS All children born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts (n = 106), fresh blastocysts (n = 207) and slow-frozen early cleavage stage embryos (n = 206) during the period January 2006 to May 2008 at Fertility Center Scandinavia were included. Data on obstetric and neonatal outcomes were obtained from medical records from the antenatal and delivery clinics. RESULTS For singletons, there were no significant differences between the groups in gestational age, mortality or birth defects. After adjustment for parity and BMI, birthweight was significantly higher in singletons born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts as compared with after transfer of fresh blastocysts (median 3560 versus 3510 g, P = 0.0311). More singletons born after transfer of fresh blastocysts were small for gestational age compared with singletons born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts (12.1 versus 3.0%, P = 0.0085). A higher rate of major post-partum haemorrhage was observed in the vitrified blastocyst group as compared with the other two groups (25.0 versus 6.0 and 7.5%). CONCLUSIONS No adverse neonatal outcomes were observed in children born after transfer of vitrified, as compared with fresh blastocysts or after transfer of slow-frozen early cleavage stage embryos.
Rectified Factor Networks

We propose rectified factor networks (RFNs) to efficiently construct very sparse, non-linear, high-dimensional representations of the input. RFN models identify rare and small events in the input, have a low interference between code units, have a small reconstruction error, and explain the data covariance structure. RFN learning is a generalized alternating minimization algorithm derived from the posterior regularization method which enforces non-negative and normalized posterior means. We proof convergence and correctness of the RFN learning algorithm. On benchmarks, RFNs are compared to other unsupervised methods like autoencoders, RBMs, factor analysis, ICA, and PCA. In contrast to previous sparse coding methods, RFNs yield sparser codes, capture the data's covariance structure more precisely, and have a significantly smaller reconstruction error. We test RFNs as pretraining technique for deep networks on different vision datasets, where RFNs were superior to RBMs and autoencoders. On gene expression data from two pharmaceutical drug discovery studies, RFNs detected small and rare gene modules that revealed highly relevant new biological insights which were so far missed by other unsupervised methods.
Using BitTorrent to distribute virtual machine images for classes

There are a number of benefits to using virtual machines in a training environment; however, when the total size of the images range from 5-40 GB, getting those images to the physical machines in a timely fashion can be a concern. In our environment, we have a single machine we can use as a server, and classrooms located on different subnets (in different cities). With this situation, a multicast solution isn't possible, and standard file transfer methods (e.g. over a common windows share) take 6-24 hours to complete. Given the existing limitations, we needed a faster method of deploying images to our client machines. Our solution centers on BitTorrent technology, a few additional freely available applications, and is glued together with a little scripting. With our solution in place, the 6-24 hour completion times have been reduced to 1-4 hours, and the deployment process takes less than 10 simple steps. The implementation is flexible enough that the server environment can be run from a Live CD if necessary, and similar implementations can easily be made platform independent. With the variety of tools that can be used to implement this environment, we also avoid the pitfalls of vendor lock-in.
Granulocyte collections: comparison of two apheresis systems

Donor granulocyte concentrates are routinely administered to patients with granulocyte function defects or transient neutropenia and (risk of) bacterial or fungal exacerbations, despite lack of definitive clinical proof for patient‐relevant outcome improvement. Granulocytes are collected by apheresis from healthy donors treated with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor and/or steroids for neutrophil mobilization the evening before apheresis, as well as with hydroxyethyl starch during apheresis, to enhance sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) and thus to facilitate accessibility of neutrophils for collection.
Undergraduate Elementary Teacher Education Music Curricula in Australia

14 The elementary school years have been shown to be significant in the development of lifelong attitudes about rnusic. Lesson content presentation and coverage of certain activities as well as teacher attitudes to students and teacher knowledge of the subject area all play an important role in the formation of future adult interest and participation in music. Those responsible for teaching music in many elementary schools in Australia, Great Britain, and the United States are general classroom teachers. An examination of current policy and practice of music education, however, reveals that music education at the elementary level is still in an unsatisfactory state.Z In many instances, music is not taught at all.
Serving Clients with Intellectual Disabilities: Clinical Psychology Training in APA-accredited Doctoral Programs

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience mental health problems at a higher rate than the general population, yet encounter significant barriers in accessing quality mental health services and have poorer mental health outcomes. Disparities in both psychology research and practice contribute to these barriers, and few mental health practitioners are willing and competent to treat people with ID. Lack of training availability has been suspected as an underlying factor, yet no previous investigation of training has been conducted in the United States. This study utilized a 20-question self-administered internet survey to explore the quantity, quality, and types of training APA-accredited doctoral level clinical and counseling programs provide their students with respect to serving clients with ID. Students’ self-perceptions of competence with the population and their likelihood of future service provision for clients with ID were also studied. Current predoctoral psychology interns were recruited by emailing each internship training director listed in the APPIC database and asking them to forward a request for research participation. A total of 265 clinical and counseling psychology interns participated, resulting in an estimated response rate of 8.5%. Results revealed that, while more students reported training than expected, overall training was typically minimal, of low quality, and with little emphasis on service provision. Approximately half of the respondents reported a modicum of competence with this population and moderate likelihood to provide future services. An analysis of mediation revealed that perceived competence fully mediated the relationship between training quality and likelihood of future service provision. Without widespread reforms in APA-accredited programs in training for serving clients with ID, people with ID and mental health needs will likely remain an underserved population.
The Effect of Customers' Social Media Participation on Customer Visit Frequency and Profitability: An Empirical Investigation

In this study we examine the effect of customers’ participation in a firm’s social media efforts on the intensity of the relationship between the firm and its customers as captured by customers’ visit frequency. We further hypothesize and test for the moderating roles of social media activity and customer characteristics on the link between social media participation and the intensity of customer-firm relationship. Importantly, we also quantify the impact of social media participation on customer profitability. We assemble a novel data set that combines customers’ social media participation data with individual customer level transaction data. To account for endogeneity that could arise because of customer self-selection, we utilize the propensity score matching technique in combination with difference in differences analysis. Our results suggest that customer participation in a firm’s social media efforts leads to an increase in the frequency of customer visits. We find that this participation effect is greater when there are high levels of activity in the social media site and for customers who exhibit a strong patronage with the firm, buy premium products, and exhibit lower levels of buying focus and deal sensitivity. We find that the above set of results holds for customer profitability as well. We discuss theoretical implications of our results and offer prescriptions for managers on how to engage customers via social media. Our study emphasizes the need for managers to integrate knowledge from customers’ transactional relationship with their social media participation to better serve customers and create sustainable business value.