Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses against Alpha Herpes Virus Infections

In 1999, two independent groups identified plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) as major type I interferon- (IFN-) producing cells in the blood. Since then, evidence is accumulating that PDC are a multifunctional cell population effectively coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses. This paper focuses on the role of different immune cells and their interactions in the surveillance of alpha herpes virus infections, summarizes current knowledge on PDC surface receptors and their role in direct cell-cell contacts, and develops a risk factor model for the clinical implications of herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus reactivation. Data from studies involving knockout mice and cell-depletion experiments as well as human studies converge into a “spider web”, in which the direct and indirect crosstalk between many cell populations tightly controls acute, latent, and recurrent alpha herpes virus infections. Notably, cells involved in innate immune regulations appear to shape adaptive immune responses more extensively than previously thought.
Targeting of a platinum-bound sunitinib analog to renal proximal tubular cells

Background Activated proximal tubular cells play an important role in renal fibrosis. We investigated whether sunitinib and a kidney-targeted conjugate of sunitinib were capable of attenuating fibrogenic events in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Methods A kidney-targeted conjugate was prepared by linkage of a sunitinib analog (named 17864) via a platinum-based linker to the kidney-specific carrier lysozyme. Pharmacological activity of 17864-lysozyme was evaluated in human kidney proximal tubular cells (HK-2); the capability of the kidney-directed conjugate to accumulate in the kidneys was studied in mice. Potential antifibrotic effects of a single-dose treatment were evaluated in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in mice. Results The 17864-lysozyme conjugate and its metabolites strongly inhibited tyrosine kinase activity. Upon intravenous injection, 17864-lysozyme rapidly accumulated in the kidneys and provided sustained renal drug levels for up to 3 days after a single dose. Renal drug level area under the curve was increased 28-fold versus an equimolar dose of sunitinib malate. Daily treatment of UUO mice with a high dose of sunitinib malate (50 mg/kg) resulted in antifibrotic responses, but also induced drug-related toxicity. A single dose of 17864-lysozyme (equivalent to 1.8 mg/kg sunitinib) was safe but showed no antifibrotic effects. Conclusion Multikinase inhibitors like sunitinib can be of benefit in the treatment of fibrotic diseases, provided that their safety can be improved by strategies as presented in this paper, and sustained renal levels can be achieved.
Audience responses to online video in MENA: New favorite genres or just more of the same as on television?

How do audiences in the Middle East and North Africa respond to the dramatic expansion of content offered with the advent of online video? Rapid internet adoption in the region signifies the latest expansion of content menus available to audiences since television. In this article, we determine who—as a consequence of this expansion—diversifies their content preferences online and on traditional television, and who maintains the same preferences, regardless of platform. To answer these questions, this study applies Everett Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, using data from a large-scale survey on media use in the Middle East and North Africa. The results reveal: In the Middle East and North Africa in 2016, classic characteristics of innovators and early adopters are no longer significant predictors that one will be receptive to different genres of content online versus on television. Instead, more significant predictors are the television landscape in one’s country, being interested in new content of all kinds, and the characteristics of the genres themselves.
A non-invasive miniaturized-wireless laser-Doppler fiber optic sensor for understanding distal fingertip injuries in astronauts

During extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) or space walks astronauts over use their fingertips under pressure inside the confined spaces of gloves/space-suite. The repetitive hand motion is a probable cause for discomfort and injuries to the finger-tips. We describe a new wireless fiber-optic probe that can be integrated inside the astronaut glove for non-invasive blood perfusion measurements in distal finger tips. In this preliminary study, we present blood perfusion measurements while performing hand-grip exercises simulating the use of space tools.
RGMa Regulates Cortical Interneuron Migration and Differentiation

The etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism, has been linked to a failure to establish the intricate neural network comprising excitatory pyramidal and inhibitory interneurons during neocortex development. A large proportion of cortical inhibitory interneurons originate in the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) of the ventral telencephalon and then migrate through the ventral subventricular zone, across the corticostriatal junction, into the embryonic cortex. Successful navigation of newborn interneurons through the complex environment of the ventral telencephalon is governed by spatiotemporally restricted deployment of both chemorepulsive and chemoattractive guidance cues which work in concert to create a migratory corridor. Despite the expanding list of interneuron guidance cues, cues responsible for preventing interneurons from re-entering the ventricular zone of the ganglionic eminences have not been well characterized. Here we provide evidence that the chemorepulsive axon guidance cue, RGMa (Repulsive Guidance Molecule a), may fulfill this function. The ventricular zone restricted expression of RGMa in the ganglionic eminences and the presence of its receptor, Neogenin, in the ventricular zone and on newborn and maturing MGE-derived interneurons implicates RGMa-Neogenin interactions in interneuron differentiation and migration. Using an in vitro approach, we show that RGMa promotes interneuron differentiation by potentiating neurite outgrowth. In addition, using in vitro explant and migration assays, we provide evidence that RGMa is a repulsive guidance cue for newborn interneurons migrating out of the ganglionic eminence ventricular zone. Intriguingly, the alternative Neogenin ligand, Netrin-1, had no effect on migration. However, we observed complete abrogation of RGMa-induced chemorepulsion when newborn interneurons were simultaneously exposed to RGMa and Netrin-1 gradients, suggesting a novel mechanism for the tight regulation of RGMa-guided interneuron migration. We propose that during peak neurogenesis, repulsive RGMa-Neogenin interactions drive interneurons into the migratory corridor and prevent re-entry into the ventricular zone of the ganglionic eminences.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Laser-Induced Interstitial Thermotherapy in Ex Vivo Porcine Pancreas

Laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) has been recently applied to pancreas in animal models for ablation purpose. Assessment of thermal effects due to the laser-pancreatic tissue interaction is a critical factor in validating the procedure feasibility and safety. A mathematical model based on bioheat equation and its experimental assessment was developed. The LITT procedure was performed on 40 ex vivo porcine pancreases, with an Nd:YAG (1064 nm) energy of 1000 J and power from 1.5 up to 10 W conveyed by a quartz optical fiber with 300 μm diameter. Six fiber Bragg grating sensors have been utilized to measure temperature distribution as a function of time at fixed distances from the applicator tip within pancreas undergoing LITT. Simulations and experiments show temperature variations ΔT steeply decreasing with distance from the applicator at higher power values: at 6 W, ΔT >; 40°C at 5 mm and ΔT ≅ 5°C at 10 mm. ΔT nonlinearly increases with power close to the applicator. Ablated and coagulated tissue volumes have also been measured and experimental results agree with theoretical ones. Despite the absence of data in the current literature on pancreas optical parameters, the model allowed a quite good prediction of thermal effects. The prediction of LITT effects on pancreas is necessary to assess laser dosimetry.
Tobacco smoking and periodontal health in a Saudi Arabian population.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to examine the association between tobacco smoking, in particular water pipe smoking, and periodontal health. METHODS A total of 262 citizens of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the age range from 17 to 60 years volunteered to participate in the study. The clinical examinations were carried out at King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah and included assessments of oral hygiene, gingival inflammation, and probing depth. Smoking behavior was registered through a questionnaire and confirmed by an interview. Participants were stratified into water pipe smokers (31%), cigarette smokers (19%), mixed smokers (20%), and non-smokers (30%). RESULTS The mean probing depth per person was 3.1 mm for water pipe smokers, 3.0 mm for cigarette smokers, 2.8 mm for mixed smokers, and 2.3 mm for non-smokers. The association between smoking and probing depth was statistically significant controlling for age (P <0.001). The association between lifetime smoking exposure and mean probing depth was statistically significant in water pipe as well as cigarette smokers controlling for age (P <0.001). Using multivariate analysis, besides smoking, the gingival and plaque indexes were associated with increased probing depth. The prevalence of periodontal disease defined as a minimum of 10 sites with a probing depth > or =5 mm was 19.5% in the total population, 30% in water pipe smokers, 24% in cigarette smokers, and 8% in non-smokers. The prevalence was significantly greater in water pipe and cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (P <0.001). The relative risk for periodontal disease increased by 5.1- and 3.8-fold in water pipe and cigarette smokers, respectively, compared to non-smokers (P <0.001 and P <0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS An association was observed between water pipe smoking and periodontal disease manifestations in terms of probing depth measurements. The impact of water pipe smoking was of largely the same magnitude as that of cigarette smoking.
Molecular Epidemiology of Macrolide and Tetracycline Resistances in Commensal Gemella sp. Isolates

ABSTRACT The epidemiologic relatedness of 29 erythromycin-resistant Gemella sp. strains from normal flora, characterized previously, were evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Three isolates carried the tet(O) gene and the tet(M) gene. The msr(A) gene was found in two Gemella morbillorum strains in combination with the erm(B) or mef(E) gene. The sequences of the mef(A/E), erm(B), and msr(A) genes showed a high similarity to the corresponding sequences of other gram-positive cocci. All the strains harboring the mef(A/E) gene and the msr(D) gene possessed open reading frame 3 (ORF3)/ORF6. The 16 G. morbillorum isolates represented 15 distinct DNA profiles. Four clusters were identified (≥80% genetic relatedness). The 12 Gemella haemolysans strains belonged to different PFGE types. The clonal diversity found suggests that horizontal transfer may be the main route through which erythromycin resistance is acquired.
The effectiveness of the task-based learning in developing students' speaking skills in academic settings on the EFL classroom-A study conducted at South East European University (SEEU)

Practice has shown that low-level proficiency students have problems expressing themselves using accurate, fluent and even simple sentences. This is reflected in their final oral exams. Hesitation to speak English might be because students have underdeveloped speaking skills as they do not use the language in real-life situations. For this reason students need extensive help and exposure to the English language. Task-based language teaching is an approach seeking to provide learners with a natural context for language use. As learners work to complete a task, they have abundant opportunity to interact. Such interaction is thought to facilitate language acquisition as learners have to work to understand each other and to express their own meaning (Larsen-Freeman 2000:114). The paper elaborates and analyzes the effectiveness of the task-based learning approach on the development of students speaking skills in academic settings.
HOW SASI PRACTICES MAKE FISHERS’ KNOWLEDGE EFFECTIVE

Fishers’ knowledge is an important component of natural resource management in sasi tradition. Sasi is a traditional resource management system which is practiced by people in the Indonesian province of Maluku. Harvest restrictions such as timing and fish size limitation, are examples of arrangements that are determined based on sasi traditions. The fact that fisher’s knowledge remains an effective component of sasi management in many locations in Maluku suggests that there is something important to learn about what makes it possible. In line with this, a study by the author identifies two causes: (1) the existence of several factors that have encouraged village leaders and the village community, including the fishers, to observe sasi management system, and (2) the willingness of the community to adopt modern scientific knowledge to enrich and bring up to date their traditional one. Some factors that support people’s observance are local customs, religion/belief systems, and respect for the wisdom of elders. An example of scientific knowledge that people incorporate into their traditional knowledge is the information on contemporary environmental changes that affect their water resources. This paper concludes with a proposed working model of how resource management should be constructed, especially in the case study area, so that the performance and contribution of local fisher’s knowledge in Sasi management can be optimized.
INTERVAL-VALUED PROBABILITIES

1. Background It was John Maynard Keynes [13] who Þrst forcibly argued that probabilities cannot be simply ordered. There are cases, he argued, in which the probability of the hypothesis h can be regarded neither as greater than that of hypothesis k, nor less than that of hypothesis k, nor yet equal to that of hypothesis k. Although he did not provide a mathematical structure for his probability values, he did give us some hints: Every probability is comparable to the 0 probability and to the 1 probability. In general, some probabilities (those that can be based on a
Antioxidant Activity of Hawaiian Marine Algae

Marine algae are known to contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds, many of which have commercial applications in pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, food and agricultural industries. Natural antioxidants, found in many algae, are important bioactive compounds that play an important role against various diseases and ageing processes through protection of cells from oxidative damage. In this respect, relatively little is known about the bioactivity of Hawaiian algae that could be a potential natural source of such antioxidants. The total antioxidant activity of organic extracts of 37 algal samples, comprising of 30 species of Hawaiian algae from 27 different genera was determined. The activity was determined by employing the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays. Of the algae tested, the extract of Turbinaria ornata was found to be the most active. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of a variety of different carotenoids as the active principles. The major bioactive antioxidant compound was identified as the carotenoid fucoxanthin. These results show, for the first time, that numerous Hawaiian algae exhibit significant antioxidant activity, a property that could lead to their application in one of many useful healthcare or related products as well as in chemoprevention of a variety of diseases including cancer.
Effects of metallicity, star-formation conditions, and evolution in B and Be stars. II. Small Magell

We search for effects of metallicity on B and Be stars in the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC and LMC) and in the Milky Way (MW). We extend our previous analysis of B and Be stars populations in the LMC to the SMC. The rotational velocities of massive stars and the evolutionary status of Be stars are examined with respect to their environments. Spectroscopic observations of hot stars belonging to the young cluster SMC-NGC 330 and its surrounding region have been obtained with the VLT-GIRAFFE facilities in MEDUSA mode. We determine fundamental parameters for B and Be stars with the GIRFIT code, taking into account the effect of fast rotation, and the age of observed clusters. We compare the mean vsini obtained by spectral type- and mass-selection for field and cluster B and Be stars in the SMC with the one in the LMC and MW. We find that (i) B and Be stars rotate faster in the SMC than in the LMC, and in the LMC than in the MW; (ii) at a given metallicity, Be stars begin their main sequence life with a higher initial rotational velocity than B stars. Consequently, only a fraction of B stars that reach the ZAMS with a sufficiently high initial rotational velocity can become Be stars; (iii) the distributions of initial rotational velocities at the ZAMS for Be stars in the SMC, LMC and MW are mass- and metallicity-dependent; (iv) the angular velocities of B and Be stars are higher in the SMC than in the LMC and MW; (v) in the SMC and LMC, massive Be stars appear in the second part of the main sequence, contrary to massive Be stars in the MW.
Proactive Self-Adaptation for Improving the Reliability of Mission-Critical, Embedded, and Mobile Software

Embedded and mobile software systems are marked with a high degree of unpredictability and dynamism in the execution context. At the same time, such systems are often mission-critical, meaning that they need to satisfy strict reliability requirements. Most current software reliability analysis approaches are not suitable for these types of software systems, as they do not take the changes in the execution context of the system into account. We propose an approach geared to such systems which continuously furnishes refined reliability predictions at runtime by incorporating various sources of information, including the execution context of the system. The reliability predictions are leveraged to proactively place the software in the (near-)optimal configuration with respect to changing conditions. Our approach considers two representative architectural reconfiguration decisions that impact the system's reliability: reallocation of components to processes and changing the number of component replicas. We have realized the approach as part of a framework intended for mission-critical settings, called REsilient SItuated SofTware system (RESIST), and evaluated it using a mobile emergency response system.
The study of logistics alliance formation mechanisms

Impure motives are the origin of conflicts between logistics alliance partners and they can lead to the instability of an alliance. The paper proposes three hypotheses regarding the motives for the logistics alliance synergy formation. Based on the empirical analysis through questionnaire survey, it concludes that the motivations for enterprises to establish logistics alliances are to attain scale effect, leveraging the utilization of resources comprehensively and internalizing the skills learnt from partners.
The late merging phase of a galaxy cluster : XMM EPIC observations of A 3266

We present a mosaic of five XMM-Newton observations of the nearby ($z=0.0594$) merging galaxy cluster Abell 3266. We use the spectro-imaging capabilities of \xmm\ to build precise (projected) temperature, entropy, pressure and Fe abundance maps. The temperature map exhibits a curved, large-scale hot region, associated with elevated entropy levels, very similar to that foreseen in numerical simulations. The pressure distribution is disturbed in the central region but is remarkably regular on large scales. The Fe abundance map indicates that metals are inhomogeneously distributed across the cluster. Using simple physical calculations and comparison with numerical simulations, we discuss in detail merging scenarios that can reconcile the observed gas density, temperature and entropy structure, and the galaxy density distribution.
University of Huddersfield Repository Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) promotes wound re-epithelialisation in frog and human skin

There remains a critical need for new therapeutics that promote wound healing in patients suffering from chronic skin wounds. This is, in part, due to a shortage of simple, physiologically and clinically relevant test systems for investigating candidate agents. The skin of amphibians possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity, which remains insufficiently explored for clinical purposes. Combining comparative biology with a translational medicine approach, we report the development and application of a simple ex vivo frog ( Xenopus tropicalis ) skin organ culture system that permits exploration of the effects of amphibian skin-derived agents on re-epithelialisation in both frog and human skin. Using this amphibian model, we identify thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) as a novel stimulant of epidermal regeneration. Moving to a complementary human ex vivo wounded skin assay, we demonstrate that the effects of TRH are conserved across the amphibian-mammalian divide: TRH stimulates wound closure and formation of neo-epidermis in organ-cultured human skin, accompanied by increased keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing-associated differentiation (cytokeratin 6 expression). Thus, TRH represents a novel, clinically relevant neuroendocrine wound repair promoter that deserves further exploration. These complementary frog and human skin ex vivo assays encourage a comparative biology approach in future wound healing research so as to facilitate the rapid identification and preclinical testing of novel, evolutionarily conserved, and clinically relevant wound healing promoters.