Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exosomes in the Thymus: Antigen Transfer and Vesicles

Thymocytes go through several steps of maturation and selection in the thymus in order to form a functional pool of effector T-cells and regulatory T-cells in the periphery. Close interactions between thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells, and dendritic cells are of vital importance for the maturation, selection, and lineage decision of the thymocytes. One important question that is still unanswered is how a relatively small epithelial cell population can present a vast array of self-antigens to the manifold larger population of developing thymocytes in this selection process. Here, we review and discuss the literature concerning antigen transfer from epithelial cells with a focus on exosomes. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles released from a cell into the extracellular space. These vesicles can carry proteins, microRNAs, and mRNAs between cells and are thus able to participate in intercellular communication. Exosomes have been shown to be produced by thymic epithelial cells and to carry tissue-restricted antigens and MHC molecules, which may enable them to participate in the thymocyte selection process.
Similarity Metrics for Aligning Children’s Articulation Data

I. Background This paper concerns the implementation and testing of similarity metrics for the alignment of phonetic segments in transcriptions of children's (mis)articulations with the adult model. This has an obvious application in the development of software to assist speech and language clinicians to assess clients and to plan therapy. This paper will give some of the background to this general problem, but will focus on the computational and linguistic aspect of the alignment problem. 1.1. Articulation testing It is well known that a child's acquisition of phonology is gradual, and can be charted according to the appearance of phonetic distinctions (e.g. stops vs. fricatives), the disappearance of childish lnispronunciations, especially due to assimilation ([gtN] for dog), and the ability to articulate particular phonetic configurations (e.g. consonant clusters). Whether screening whole populations of children, or assessing individual referrals, the articulation test is an important tool for the speech clinician. A child's articulatory development is usually described with reference to an adult model, and in terms of deviations from it: a number of phonological "processes" can be identified, and their significance with respect to the chronological age of the child assessed. Often processes interact, e.g. when spoon is pronounced [mun] we have consonant-cluster reduction and assimilation. The problem for this paper is to align the segments in the transcription of the child's articulation with the target model pronunciation. The task is complicated by the need to identify cases of "metathesis", where the corresponding sounds have been reordered (e.g. remember --+ [mtremb~]) and "merges", a special case of consonant-cluster reduction where the resulting segment has some of the features of both elements in the original cluster (e.g. sleep , [tip]). It would be appropriate here to review the software currently available to speech clinicians, but lack of space prevents us fi'om doing so (see Somers, forthcoming). Suffice it to say that software does exist, but is mainly for grammatical and lexical analysis. Of the tiny number of programs which specifically address the problem of articulation testing, none, as far as one can tell, involve automatic alignment of the data.
Comparing the Immunoexpression of FUT3 and FUT6 between Prostatic Adenocarcinoma and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostatic Adenocarcinoma (PA) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) have their etiology not fully understood mainly in glycidic aspects. Glycan changes are associated with cell alterations where glycosylation is carried out by glycosyltransferases, such as fucosyltransferases (FUTs). These enzymes catalyze the insertion of L-fucose residues in a variety of glycan structures often in the final stage of glycosylation. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of FUT3 and FUT6 in PA and BPH as well as to correlate immunostaining of these transferases with PA clinic-histopathologic data. The FUT3 and FUT6 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies of PA (n=40) and BPH (n=40). FUT3 and FUT6 showed a high expression in both prostatic diseases, especially FUT6. FUT6 was more immunoexpressed in PA cases than the FUT3 (p<0.0001) as well as in BPH cases but in a not significant way (p=0.0661). Besides, FUT3 was more expressed in BHP lesion than in PA cases (p<0.0001). Our study presented a new data about FUT3 and FUT6 expression in PA and BPH, revealing high FUT6 expression in both lesions and FUT3 overexpression in BHP in relation to PA, proposing that this enzyme could be a promising biomarker for benign prostate alterations.
Systematic Exploration of Android Apps' Events for Automated Testing

The popularity of mobile devices is ever increasing which led to rapid increase in the development of mobile applications. GUI testing has been an effective means of validating Android apps. However, it still suffers a strong challenge about how to explore event sequence in the GUIs. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for systematic exploration of mobile apps which exploit the capabilities of both static and dynamic approaches while trying to improve app's state exploration. Our approach is based static analysis on app's bytecode to extract events supported by an app. The generated events are used to dynamically explore an app at run-time. The experimental results show that our approach can explore significant number of app's state for the generation of high quality test case.
Mapping and predictive variations of soil bacterial richness across France

Although numerous studies have demonstrated the key role of bacterial diversity in soil functions and ecosystem services, little is known about the variations and determinants of such diversity on a nationwide scale. The overall objectives of this study were i) to describe the bacterial taxonomic richness variations across France, ii) to identify the ecological processes (i.e. selection by the environment and dispersal limitation) influencing this distribution, and iii) to develop a statistical predictive model of soil bacterial richness. We used the French Soil Quality Monitoring Network (RMQS), which covers all of France with 2,173 sites. The soil bacterial richness (i.e. OTU number) was determined by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA genes and related to the soil characteristics, climatic conditions, geomorphology, land use and space. Mapping of bacterial richness revealed a heterogeneous spatial distribution, structured into patches of about 111km, where the main drivers were the soil physico-chemical properties (18% of explained variance), the spatial descriptors (5.25%, 1.89% and 1.02% for the fine, medium and coarse scales, respectively), and the land use (1.4%). Based on these drivers, a predictive model was developed, which allows a good prediction of the bacterial richness (R2adj of 0.56) and provides a reference value for a given pedoclimatic condition.
A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata ( KalmColdTM ) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection

A randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of KalmCold, an extract of Andrographis paniculata, in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). The assessment involved quantification of symptom scores by Visual Analogue Scale. Nine self evaluated symptoms of cough, expectoration, nasal discharge, headache, fever, sore throat, earache, malaise/fatigue and sleep disturbance were scored. A total of 223 patients of both sexes were randomized in two groups which received either KalmCold (200 mg/day) or placebo in a double blind manner. In both the treatments, mean scores of all symptoms showed a decreasing trend from day 1 to day 3 but from day 3 to day 5 most of the symptoms in placebo treated group either remained unchanged (cough, headache and earache) or got aggravated (sore throat and sleep disturbance) whereas in KalmCold treated group all symptoms showed a decreasing trend. Within groups, mean scores of symptoms in both the groups decreased significantly (p r 0.05) from day 1 to day 3 and day 5 while from day 3 to day 5 all symptoms except expectoration in placebo group did not improve significantly whereas in KalmCold treated group all symptoms improved significantly (p r 0.05) except earache. Comparing mean between both groups, all symptoms at day 1 and day 3 were found to be the same while at day 5 all symptoms except earache in KalmCold treated group improved significantly (p r 0.05) than placebo group. Similarly, within groups, overall scores of all symptoms in both the groups decreased significantly (p r 0.05) from day 1 to day 3 and day 5 while from day 3 to day 5 placebo group did not improve significantly whereas KalmCold treated group showed significant improvement (p r 0.05). On between groups analysis, KalmCold group showed significant reduction (p r 0.05) in overall symptom scores as compared to placebo group. In both placebo and KalmCold treated groups, there were only a few minor adverse effects with no significant difference in occurrence (Z = 0.63; p 4 0.05). The comparison of overall efficacy of KalmCold over placebo was found to be significant (p r 0.05) and it was 2.1 times (52.7%) higher than placebo. The findings of this study revealed that KalmCold was effective in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. & 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. H. All rights reserved. medies Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 5B, , Electronic city, Bangalore –
Swallow–Breath Interaction and Phase of Respiration with Swallow during Non-Nutritive Suck in Infants Affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Background The development of suck–swallow–breath rhythms during non-nutritive suck (NNS) may be an indicator of neurologic integrity. We have described swallow–breath (SwBr) interaction and phase of respiration (POR) with swallow during NNS in low-risk preterm (LRP) infants. NNS in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has not been described with our method. Method Suckle, swallow, thoracic motion, and nasal airflow were measured during NNS in 10 infants with NAS and 12 unaffected infants (control). Logistic regression models were fit to describe the three types of SwBr and five types of POR in terms of the independent variables (gender, gestational age, birth weight, postmenstrual age, weeks postfirst nipple feed and swallows per study). We also compared the NAS group to 16 LRP infants. Results In the NAS group, there were 94 swallows in 18 studies. In the control group, there were 94 swallows in 12 studies. There were statistical differences between groups for all three types of SwBr. The distribution of SwBr in NAS was similar to LRP infants with NAS having fewer swallows with attenuated respiration and more with central apnea. For POR, there were few differences. Over time, the distribution of SwBr in NAS infants approaches that of control infants. Discussion Variability in SwBr and POR during NNS may represent neurologic dysfunction in infants with NAS. Specifically, term infants with NAS display an immature pattern of SwBr making them more similar to preterm infants, rather than a unique pathology. The distribution of SwBr and POR in NAS infants becomes more like term infants, possibly representing catch-up development as the NAS symptoms resolve. Conclusion SwBr in babies with NAS is different from that of unaffected term infants, actually being similar to preterm infants. Infants with NAS exhibit a dysmature pattern of NNS development which resolves over time.
Collaborative Practice Benefits Patients: An Examination of Interprofessional Approaches to Diabetes Care

Patients with a multi-layered condition like diabetes can face challenges accessing the full range of healthcare providers who are trained and experienced to ensure that patients receive the care that best meets their individual needs. However, overcoming barriers and leveraging the right array of healthcare providers to cooperatively treat a complicated and prevalent disease state such as diabetes can mean better health maintenance, faster healing and less discomfort for patients, demonstrating the best offerings of interprofessional, collaborative healthcare practice. This paper illustrates various healthcare provider partnerships where the diabetic patient can be optimally served by collaborative care.
Efficacy and Safety of Rofecoxib in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results from Two 4-Week, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind Trials

Study Design. Two replicate, 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, trials of rofecoxib 25 and 50 mg versus placebo for chronic low back pain. Objectives. To determine the efficacy and safety of two doses of rofecoxib compared to placebo in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Summary of Background Data. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for chronic low back pain, their efficacy is unproven and toxicity can be serious. These studies evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Methods. Patients with chronic low back pain were randomized 1:1:1 to rofecoxib 25 mg, 50 mg, or placebo once daily. Primary endpoint: Low Back Pain Intensity. Secondary endpoints: Pain Bothersomeness, Global Assessments of Response to Therapy, Global Assessment of Disease Status, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, SF-12 Health Survey, Use of Rescue Acetaminophen, and Discontinuations Due to Lack of Efficacy. Results. Combining both studies, 690 patients were randomized to placebo (N = 228), rofecoxib 25 mg (N = 233), or rofecoxib 50 mg (N = 229). Mean (± SD) age was 53.4 (± 12.9) years, pain duration 12.1 (± 11.8) years, 62.3% female. Both rofecoxib groups improved significantly. Mean differences from placebo in pain intensity were −13.50 mm, −13.81 mm (25, 50 mg doses) respectively (P < 0.001). Both regimens were superior to placebo in eight of nine secondary endpoints. Fifty mg provided no advantage over 25 mg. Both rofecoxib regimens were well tolerated, although 25 mg had a slightly better safety profile. Conclusions. Rofecoxib significantly reduced chronic low back pain in adults and was well tolerated.
Importance of amino-acid and electrolyte balance in experimental diets used to determine the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) value of wheat

1. An experiment was done with male, Ross broiler chicks to study the effect of diet composition and electrolyte balance on the measurement of diet AME and performance parameters in diets containing high levels of wheat inclusion. 2. The control diet (G) was based on wheat (667 g/kg) with full-fat soya, soyabean meal, Extrupro and herring meal providing the protein supplements. The experimental treatments were based on 2 diets, one based on wheat (790 g/kg) with casein as the protein supplement and the other containing 667 g/kg wheat plus casein, cellulose and starch. Each of these was formulated to contain one of three concentrations of sodium and potassium bicarbonate giving final values for dietary electrolyte balance of approximately 90, 180 and 280 meq/kg diet. 3. DM intake was numerically lower with the lower level of wheat inclusion and LWG (P <0.05) and gain:food (P <0.001) were reduced. ME:GE was similar for the two levels of wheat/casein but higher (P <0.001) than for the control diet. 4. The two higher electrolyte balances improved DM intake (P <0.01), LWG and gain:food (P <0.01) compared with the diets containing no added bicarbonate. ME:GE was unaffected by electrolyte inclusion. 5. Viscosity of ileal digesta supernatant fell (P <0.01) with increasing bicarbonate inclusion but the value for the highest electrolyte level was still higher than for the control diet. 6. It is concluded that addition of both arginine and electrolyte is needed with a wheat/casein diet to improve performance to levels seen with a more commercial diet but that the determination of diet AME, with the type of fat addition used in this study, is unaffected by electrolyte balance. The interaction between electrolyte balance and in vivo viscosity requires further study.
Closed loop analysis of the bottleneck buffer under adaptive window controlled transfer of http-like traffic

An Internet link carrying http-like traffic, i.e., transfer of finite volume files starting at random time instants is considered. These file transfers are controlled by an adaptive window protocol (AWP); an example of such a protocol is TCP. We provide an analysis for the auto-covariance function of the AWP controlled traffic into the link's buffer; this traffic, in general, is not an on-off process. The analysis establishes that, for Pareto distributed file sizes with infinite second moment, the traffic into the link buffer is long range dependent (LRD). We also develop an analysis for obtaining the stationary distribution of the link buffer occupancy under an AWP controlled transfer of files sampled from some distribution. The analysis provides a necessary and a sufficient condition for the finiteness of the mean link buffer content; these conditions have explicit dependence on the AWP used and the file size distribution. This establishes the sensitivity of the buffer occupancy process to the file size distribution. Combining the results from the above analyses, we provide an example in which the closed loop control of an AWP results in finite mean link buffer occupancy even though the file sizes are Pareto distributed (with infinite second moment), and the traffic into the link buffer is long range dependent. The significance of this work is threefold: (i) it provides a framework for analysing various processes related to the link buffer under AWP controlled transfer of files with a general file size distribution; (ii) it indicates that the buffer behaviour in the Internet may not be as poor as predicted from an open loop analysis of a queue fed with LRD traffic; and (iii) it shows that the buffer behaviour (and hence the throughput performance for finite buffers) is sensitive to the distribution of file sizes.
Experimental investigation of hot-jet ignition of methane-hydrogen mixtures in a constant-volume combustor

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)%%%%Investigations of a constant-volume combustor ignited by a penetrating transient jet (a puff) of hot reactive gas have been conducted in order to provide vital data for designing wave rotor combustors. In a wave rotor combustor, a cylindrical drum with an array of channels arranged around the axis spins at a high rpm to generate high-temperature and high-pressure product gas. The hot-gas jet ignition method has been employed to initiate combustion in the channels. This study aims at experimentally investigating the ignition delay time of a premixed combustible mixture in a rectangular, constant-volume chamber, representing one channel of the wave rotor drum. The ignition process may be influenced by the multiple factors: the equivalence ratio, temperature, and the composition of the fuel mixture, the temperature and composition of the jet gas, and the peak mass flow rate of the jet (which depends on diaphragm rupture pressure). In this study, the main mixture is at room temperature. The jet composition and temperature are determined by its source in a pre-chamber with a hydrogen-methane mixture with an equivalent ratio of 1.1, and a fuel mixture ratio of 50:50 (CH4:H2 by volume). The rupture pressure of a diaphragm in the pre-chamber, which is related to the mass flow rate and temperature of the hot jet, can be controlled by varying the number of indentations in the diaphragm. The main chamber composition is varied, with the use of four equivalence ratios (1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4) and two fuel mixture ratios (50:50, and 30:70 of CH4:H2 by volume). The sudden start of the jet upon rupture of the diaphragm causes a shock wave that precedes the jet and travels along the channel and back after reflection. The shock strength has an important role in fast ignition since the pressure and the temperature are increased after the shock. The reflected shock pressure was examined in order to check the variation of the shock strength. However, it is revealed that the shock strength becomes attenuated compared with the theoretical pressure of the reflected shock. The gap between theoretical and measured pressures increases with the increase of the Mach number of the initial shock. Ignition delay times are obtained using pressure records from two dynamic pressure transducers installed on the main chamber, as well as high-speed videography using flame incandescence and Schileren imaging. The ignition delay time is defined in this research as the time interval from the diaphragm rupture moment to the ignition moment of the air/fuel mixture in the main chamber. Previous researchers used the averaged ignition delay time because the diaphragm rupture moment is elusive considering the structure of the chamber. In this research, the diaphragm rupture moment is estimated based on the initial shock speed and the longitudinal length of the main chamber, and validated with the high-speed video images such that the error between the estimation time and the measured time…
Short sight in extensive games

The paper introduces a class of games in extensive form where players take strategic decisions while not having access to the terminal histories of the game, hence being unable to solve it by standard backward induction. This class of games is studied along two directions: first, by providing an appropriate refinement of the subgame perfect equilibrium concept, a corresponding extension of the backward induction algorithm and an equilibrium existence theorem; second, by showing that these games are a well-behaved sub-class of a class of games with possibly unaware players recently studied in the literature.
How Team-Level and Individual-Level Conflict Influences Team Commitment: A Multilevel Investigation

We investigate how two different types of conflict (task conflict and relationship conflict) at two different levels (individual-level and team-level) influence individual team commitment. The analysis was conducted using data we collected from 193 employees in 31 branch offices of a Korean commercial bank. The relationships at multiple levels were tested using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). The results showed that individual-level relationship conflict was negatively related to team commitment while individual-level task conflict was not. In addition, both team-level task and relationship conflict were negatively associated with team commitment. Finally, only team-level relationship conflict significantly moderated the relationship between individual-level relationship conflict and team commitment. We further derive theoretical implications of these findings.
Modeling the Credit Card Revolution: The Role of Debt Collection and Informal Bankruptcy

In the data, most consumer defaults on unsecured credit are informal and the lending industry devotes significant resources to debt collection. We develop a new theory of credit card lending that takes these two features into account. The two key elements of our model are moral hazard and costly state verification that relies on the use of information technology. We show that the model gives rise to a novel channel through which IT progress can affect outcomes in the credit markets, and argue that this channel can be critical to understand the trends associated with the rapid expansion of credit card borrowing in the 1980s and over the 1990s. Independently, the mechanism of the model helps reconcile high levels of defaults and indebtedness observed in the US data.