Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Immunogenicity of Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines Is Not Hampered by Doxorubicin and Melphalan Administration1

Immunization of cancer patients is most effective in tumor-free conditions or in the presence of minimal residual disease. In the attempt to develop new strategies able to control tumor recurrence while allowing the development of protective immunity, we have investigated the immunogenic potential of two distinct vaccine formulations when provided alone or upon single and repeated treatment with chemotherapeutics drugs. Vaccine-induced T cell responses were first investigated by tracing Ag-specific T cell responses in mice bearing detectable frequencies of Ag-specific TCR transgenic CD4 and CD8 T cells. These studies indicated that immunization with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells and soluble Ag plus adjuvant elicited a comparable expansion and differentiation of CD4 and CD8 effector cells in the peripheral lymphoid tissues when provided alone or shortly after Doxorubicin or Melphalan administration. We also analyzed the potency of the combined vaccination in transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate mice, which develop spontaneous prostate cancer. Dendritic cell-based vaccination elicited potent tumor-specific cytotoxic responses in mice bearing prostate intraepithelial neoplasia both in the absence and in the presence of Doxorubicin. Together our results indicate that Doxorubicin- or Melphalan-based chemotherapy and Ag-specific vaccination can be combined for adjuvant treatments of cancer patients.
Cooperative Transition between Open and Closed Conformations in Potassium Channels

Potassium (K+) ion channels switch between open and closed conformations. The nature of this important transition was revealed by comparing the X-ray crystal structures of the MthK channel from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, obtained in its open conformation, and the KcsA channel from Streptomyces lividans, obtained in its closed conformation. We analyzed the dynamic characteristics and energetics of these homotetrameric structures in order to study the role of the intersubunit cooperativity in this transition. For this, elastic models and in silico alanine-scanning mutagenesis were used, respectively. Reassuringly, the calculations manifested motion from the open (closed) towards the closed (open) conformation. The calculations also revealed a network of dynamically and energetically coupled residues. Interestingly, the network suggests coupling between the selectivity filter and the gate, which are located at the two ends of the channel pore. Coupling between these two regions was not observed in calculations that were conducted with the monomer, which emphasizes the importance of the intersubunit interactions within the tetrameric structure for the cooperative gating behavior of the channel.
E-satisfaction in Business-to-Consumer Electronic Commerce

E-satisfaction as a construct has gained increasing importance in the marketing literature in recent times. The examination of consumer satisfaction in an e-commerce context follows the growing consensus that in Internet retailing, as in traditional retailing, consumer satisfaction is not only a critical performance outcome, but also a primary predictor of customer online purchase intention. This study developed a model to explore the antecedents and consequences of e-satisfaction. Based on survey data from students of two universities of Chongqing China, esatisfaction was measured with two components: information satisfaction and system satisfaction. The results identified information satisfaction (relevancy, understandability consistency and currency) and system satisfaction (users’ interface, security, personalization, tele-presence and navigability) as significant predictors of e-satisfaction and online purchase intention as behavioral consequences of e-satisfaction. Possible limitations of research are also discussed.
Goserelin with chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function in pre-menopausal women with early breast cancer: menstruation and pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND Premature ovarian failure and infertility following chemotherapy in early breast cancer (EBC) are major concerns for young women. The role of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with chemotherapy in EBC in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy-induced early menopause remains uncertain, and long-term data on the recovery of fertility are sparse. We report an audit of our experience with the GnRH agonist, goserelin (Zoladex®), used with chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function and maintain fertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pre-menopausal women were given goserelin subcutaneously every 28 days during chemotherapy, starting 0-14 days before treatment. The main clinical end point was recovery of menstruation after chemotherapy. The other end points were rate of successful conception and median time to recovery of menses. RESULTS About 84% of 125 women recovered menstruation with the median time to recovery of 6 months (1-43 months), including 76% of 71 patients aged over 35. Of the 42 patients who attempted pregnancy, 71% (n=30) managed to achieve pregnancies. At the time of analysis, there were 42 pregnancies and 30 healthy deliveries. CONCLUSIONS The GnRH agonist, goserelin, given with chemotherapy for EBC is associated with a low risk of long-term chemotherapy-induced amenorrhoea and a high chance of pregnancy. Further randomised trials are needed.
Using Emoticons to Reduce Dependency in Machine Learning Techniques for Sentiment Classification

Sentiment Classification seeks to identify a piece of text according to its author's general feeling toward their subject, be it positive or negative. Traditional machine learning techniques have been applied to this problem with reasonable success, but they have been shown to work well only when there is a good match between the training and test data with respect to topic. This paper demonstrates that match with respect to domain and time is also important, and presents preliminary experiments with training data labeled with emoticons, which has the potential of being independent of domain, topic and time.
A New Statistical Similarity Measure for Change Detection in Multitemporal SAR Images and Its Extension to Multiscale Change Analysis

In this paper, we present a new similarity measure for automatic change detection in multitemporal synthetic aperture radar images. This measure is based on the evolution of the local statistics of the image between two dates. The local statistics are estimated by using a cumulant-based series expansion, which approximates probability density functions in the neighborhood of each pixel in the image. The degree of evolution of the local statistics is measured using the Kullback-Leibler divergence. An analytical expression for this detector is given, allowing a simple computation which depends on the four first statistical moments of the pixels inside the analysis window only. The proposed change indicator is compared to the classical mean ratio detector and also to other model-based approaches. Tests on the simulated and real data show that our detector outperforms all the others. The fast computation of the proposed detector allows a multiscale approach in the change detection for operational use. The so-called multiscale change profile (MCP) is introduced to yield change information on a wide range of scales and to better characterize the appropriate scale. Two simple yet useful examples of applications show that the MCP allows the design of change indicators, which provide better results than a monoscale analysis
Optimization results for a generalized coupon collector problem

Abstract In this paper we study a generalized coupon collector problem, which consists of analyzing the time needed to collect a given number of distinct coupons that are drawn from a set of coupons with an arbitrary probability distribution. We suppose that a special coupon called the null coupon can be drawn but never belongs to any collection. In this context, we prove that the almost uniform distribution, for which all the nonnull coupons have the same drawing probability, is the distribution which stochastically minimizes the time needed to collect a fixed number of distinct coupons. Moreover, we show that in a given closed subset of probability distributions, the distribution with all its entries, but one, equal to the smallest possible value is the one which stochastically maximizes the time needed to collect a fixed number of distinct coupons.
Reciprocal transfer of brand associations between service parent brands and upward line extensions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which the accessibility of established parent brand information and the diagnosticity of newly launched horizontal and upward service line extensions affect transfer and reciprocal transfer of brand associations. Design/methodology/approach – A field study using a survey methodology based on a 2×2 experimental random design was conducted with a sample representative of the target population of an established bank in Eastern Canada. Two levels of parent brand accessibility (high/low) and two levels of line extension (upward/horizontal) were tested. Pretests were conducted, and the analysis of results was done using a three-point-in-time confirmatory factorial analysis for each cell. Findings – The findings indicate that for a newly launched horizontal service line extension, when accessibility of an established parent brand is high, information transfer and reciprocal transfer of brand associations is strong and complete. When accessibilit.
Some characteristics of bottom pressure sensors of DONET

DONET, i.e., the dense ocean-floor network system for earthquakes and tsunamis has started its operation in the Nankai Trough, SW Japan in the early of 2010, and followed by the extension to the westward region as DONET2 in near future. DONET observatory is composed of various sensors such as broadband seismometer, seismic accelerometer, tsunami meter, etc. The present study focuses on bottom pressure sensors being used as tsunami meters measuring hydraulic pressure change. Pressure sensors specify their performance of 0.005 % full scale regarding both hysteresis and repeatability. In the present study, pressure sensors' characteristics have been evaluated by using the JAMSTEC's high accuracy pressure standard before deploying into the deep-sea. The high accuracy pressure standard is mainly customized by a piston gauge, a pressure generator/controller, a reference pressure monitor, and a thermal controlled chamber, which virtually reproduces the deep-sea environment. Firstly, we have confirmed hysteresis and repeatability by applying barometric pressure to the full scale pressure range, i.e., ca. 0 MPa to 68 MPa to the sensors. It has been reproduced that all of pressure sensors perform their specified hysteresis and repeatability. Then, long-term sensors' stabilities have been evaluated by applying static 20 MPa hydraulic pressure, which is equivalent to 2,000 meters water depth under the constant temperature of 2 °C for the duration of approximately one month. As a result, sensors' drift varies among pressure sensors, however, which implies that the gradual drift possibly occurs a few centimeters per month in maximum. We also discuss the sensors' drift after deploying the deep-sea by analyzing the long-term in-situ observations, which shows that it continues at a rate of a few to ten centimeters per year in the early stage, then it tends to be reduced gradually. This paper also reports that the tsunami from the Tohoku earthquake on 11 March 2011 could be observed by DONET with those peak amplitudes of ~20 cm.
Design considerations and implementation of a DSP-based car-radio IF Processor

This paper describes design considerations and the implementation of a software defined radio receiver encompassing intermediate frequency (IF) digitization. The proposed system-on-chip performs the demodulation of both AM and FM stereo signals, digitized at the IF by means of a high dynamic range sigma-delta bandpass A/D converter. The chosen architecture combines hardware and software functions, trading flexible programmability with area occupancy. The software includes also true blind equalization of the FM signals, resulting in the rejection of the neighbor channels and of any other interfering signal, even under severe multipath conditions. The described chip, realized in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology, occupies an area of 15.2 mm/sup 2/ and is enclosed in a 64-pin package.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy maps cortical plasticity underlying altered motor performance induced by transcranial direct current stimulation

Abstract. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the human sensorimotor cortex during physical rehabilitation induces plasticity in the injured brain that improves motor performance. Bi-hemispheric tDCS is a noninvasive technique that modulates cortical activation by delivering weak current through a pair of anodal–cathodal (excitation–suppression) electrodes, placed on the scalp and centered over the primary motor cortex of each hemisphere. To quantify tDCS-induced plasticity during motor performance, sensorimotor cortical activity was mapped during an event-related, wrist flexion task by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before, during, and after applying both possible bi-hemispheric tDCS montages in eight healthy adults. Additionally, torque applied to a lever device during isometric wrist flexion and surface electromyography measurements of major muscle group activity in both arms were acquired concurrently with fNIRS. This multiparameter approach found that hemispheric suppression contralateral to wrist flexion changed resting-state connectivity from intra-hemispheric to inter-hemispheric and increased flexion speed (p<0.05). Conversely, exciting this hemisphere increased opposing muscle output resulting in a decrease in speed but an increase in accuracy (p<0.05 for both). The findings of this work suggest that tDCS with fNIRS and concurrent multimotor measurements can provide insights into how neuroplasticity changes muscle output, which could find future use in guiding motor rehabilitation.
Gender piculiarities and distinctions in physical condition’s self description of different age categories girls and boys

Цель: изучение гендерных особенностей и различий самоописания физического развития школьников. Материал: В исследовании приняли участие школьники 5-11 классов (юношей - n = 177, девушек - n = 188). Использовался тест-опросник Самоописание физического развития. Результаты Установлено, что корреляционные связи показателей всех возрастов имеют определенные гендерные отличия. Установлено, что юноши свое здоровье ассоциируют с собственной самооценкой и физическими качествами: координация движений, гибкость. Девушки свое здоровье сочетают с физической активностью и собственными физическими способностями. Юноши физическую координацию движений связывают с наличием силовых качеств. Девушки - исключительно со своим внешним видом. Также выявлено, что юноши собственную самооценку напрямую связывают со своей силой и физической активностью. Для девушек данные показатели не имеют большого значения. Выводы: рекомендуются подходы к решению проблемы гендерных стереотипов и дисбаланса в физическом воспитании подростков. Считается целесообразным необходимость разработки концепции гендерного подхода в воспитании. Это дает возможность: способствовать развитию индивидуальных склонностей и способностей учащихся разного пола; преодолению поло-ролевых стереотипов; более эффективному формированию ценностей физической культуры.
Three-dimensional sensitivity assessment of thoracic aortic aneurysm wall stress: a probabilistic finite-element study.

OBJECTIVES In clinical practice, maximum diameter is used as a criterion to estimate aneurysm-rupture risk; however, it is only a general indicator and its value becomes difficult to estimate in the thoracic segment. Improved understanding of aortic aneurysm complexity and biomechanics is needed to achieve advancements in surgical repair techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum wall stress by using imaging-derived data and a specific probabilistic design integrated into finite element (FE) analysis. METHODS Computed tomography images of thoracic aortic aneurysms from our database were analysed and the main morphological features were identified by means of a specific automatic routine. Morphological data were used to develop an idealized finite element library of thoracic aortic arch models. Sensitivity analyses were performed by using the geometrical parameters as input variables for a statistical wall stress assessment. Numerical results were compared with those obtained from deterministic analysis on patient-specific three-dimensional reconstructions. RESULTS The results showed that in small aneurysms, wall stress values similar to those of large aneurysms can be obtained if a significant eccentricity is achieved. In small aneurysms, the peak stress is primarily affected by the eccentricity of the bulge [correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.86], while for diameters in the range of 50-60 mm, the CC is 0.43 for the eccentricity and 0.72 for the maximum diameter. CONCLUSIONS The stress distribution in small aneurysms may contribute to the pathogenesis of aortic rupture and dissections. Our method can provide a novel and efficient procedure for generating computational models to estimate the wall stress in a comparative multivariate manner.
Aquaporin 4 expression and tissue susceptibility to neuromyelitis optica.

IMPORTANCE To understand the predilection for optic nerve and spinal cord pathologic changes in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). OBJECTIVE TO evaluate tissue-specific expression (RNA and protein) and supramolecular aggregation of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in mouse, rat, and human tissues. DESIGN Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. SETTING Laboratory analysis of mouse, rat, and human tissue. PARTICIPANTS Tissues from control individuals and 1 patient with NMO obtained at autopsy. EXPOSURE Neuromyelitis optica in the patient. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Tissue-specific messenger RNA and protein expression and supramolecular aggregation of AQP4. RESULTS The AQP4 messenger RNA and proteins were much more highly expressed in the optic nerve and spinal cord relative to other regions of the brain and to non-central nervous system tissues in all species evaluated. Large supramolecular aggregates of AQP4 were overrepresented in the optic nerve and spinal cord relative to other central nervous system tissue. There was no difference in AQP4 expression between an individual with NMO and the control samples. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Optic nerve tissue from an individual with NMO did not differ in AQP4 expression from control samples. The relatively high levels of expression and of supramolecular aggregation in the optic nerve and spinal cord may contribute to the predilection of these structures to NMO pathologic changes.
Adult Attachment, Love Styles, and Self-Defeating Personality Characteristics

The present research showed for 79 men and 79 women that people with more characteristics of the proposed self-defeating personality diagnosis had less secure adult attachments. In addition, self-defeating women described their style of loving as game playing and being less romantically involved. Both men and women who were more self-defeating, once in a relationship, reported feeling dependent, jealous, and desperate to maintain it. These results are consistent with the 1993 findings of Williams and Schill that people with more self-defeating characteristics were more likely to lack secure attachments with parents.
Different ways of seeing political depictions: A qualitative–quantitative analysis using Q methodology

Abstract Visual depictions of politicians play an essential role in the impression formation of the audience because they convey visual cues and attributes related to, for example, likeability or competence. This study examines the subjective audience evaluations based on the visual portrayals of a politician by using Q methodology, a qualitative–quantitative approach of audience research. Q-sorts of 33 different pictures showing a high-ranking European politician, along with personal interviews, were used to probe the audience’s perception of a favorable or unfavorable picture. Q factor analysis yielded four groups of participants. The audience groups differ regarding their expectation toward favorably depicted political behavior and the involved balance of professional political leadership competences, social competences, and personality. In addition, technical and formal representation strategies were identified as important visual cues, but not for all audience groups.
Is accelerated partner therapy a feasible and acceptable strategy for rapid partner notification in the UK?: a qualitative study of genitourinary medicine clinic attenders

Partner notification (PN) in the UK is of limited effectiveness. Expedited partner therapy improves PN outcomes but does not comply with existing UK professional guidance. We developed two new strategies, known as accelerated partner therapy (APT), based on elements of PN practice for which there is evidence of efficacy, and which conform to UK prescribing guidance. We explored the acceptability and feasibility of these models qualitatively in genitourinary medicine clinic attenders. Both strategies were viewed favourably. Preference was influenced by age, relationship type, whether participants were delivering or receiving APT and whether the sex partner was aware of the participant's clinic visit. APT provides a new approach to PN, which has strong patient support and complies with existing UK regulations. The complex factors that influence patients' choice of PN method suggest that provision of a range of PN options including APT may be central to improving the effectiveness of PN in the UK.
Pengaruh Komitmen Organisasi, Penghargaan dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Perputaran Karyawan Pada Perbankan Syariah di Kota BATAM

The Effect of Organization Commitment, Reward, and Work Satisfaction to Turnover in Islamic Banking at Batam This study aims to analyze the effect of organizational commitment, reward to turn-over intention through work satisfaction variable and to analyze the most affective variable on turn-over intention. The method that used on this study is path analysis. According to the analysis, it is concluded as the followings: organizational commitment has effect on work satisfaction, reward has effect on work satisfaction, work satisfaction has effect on turnover intention, organizational commitment has a effect on turnover intention, reward has a effect on turnover intention, organizational commitment has a effect on turnover intention through work satisfaction, reward has a effect on turnover intention through work satisfaction. DOI: 10.15408/etk.v14i1. 2262
Characterizing and Comparing Backcountry Trail Conditions in Mount Robson Provincial Park, Canada

Abstract Two backcountry trails located within the Mount Robson Provincial Park boundaries in British Columbia, Canada, are compared for the type of ecological characteristics and the influence of topographical use level and management on trail degradation. Data on five trail impact variables were collected at 68 fixed line transects, and information on management features, use level, and water-related problems were based on a survey of 31 km of trails. Results show that the two trails are similar in several ecological characteristics. The Berg Lake Trail (BLT), considered to be highly used and intensively managed, had more significant ecological problems than did Mount Fitzwilliam Trail (FWT), considered to be less highly used and intensively managed. However, ecological impacts on the FWT appear to be statistically no less different than on the BLT. It is concluded that effective trail management can mitigate many ecological problems that result due to the natural topographic conditions and use levels.