Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-Hop LoRa Networks Enabled by Concurrent Transmission

In this paper, we strive to construct an efficient multi-hop network based on the sub-GHz low-power wide-area technology. Specifically, we investigate the combination of LoRa, a physical-layer standard that can provide several-kilometer outdoor coverage, and concurrent transmission (CT), a recently proposed multi-hop protocol that can significantly improve the network efficiency. The main contributions of this paper are threefold. 1) Since the CT enhances the network efficiency by allowing synchronized packet collisions, the performance of the physical-layer receiver under such packet collisions needs to be carefully examined to ensure the network reliability. We first extensively evaluate the LoRa receiver performance under CT to verify that LoRa is compatible to CT. Specifically, we find that, due to the time-domain and frequency-domain energy spreading effect, LoRa is robust to the packet collisions resulting from CT. 2) We further find the receiver performance under CT can be further improved by introducing timing offsets between the relaying packets. In view of this, we propose a timing delay insertion method, the offset-CT method, that adds random timing delay before the packets while preventing the timing offset from diverging over the multi-hop network. 3) We conduct proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of CT-based LoRa multi-hop network and the performance improvement brought by the proposed offset-CT method.
Activation and Activity of the Superoxide-Generating System of Neutophils from Human Infants

Summary: We investigated the superoxide-generating system of neutrophils obtained from human neonates and their mothers. Using a standard assay to measure the cumulative production of superoxide anion over 15 min, neonatal neutrophils generated equivalent or increased quantities of superoxide when compared to mothers and controls. Nanamoles of superoxide produced by 2.5 × 106 unstimulated neutrophils was 7.95 ± 3.45 for neonates, 2.25 ± 1.50 for mothers, and 2.70 ± 0.90 for controls. Comparable values for neutrophils stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate were 97.95 ± 2.10, 84.75 ± 7.50, and 88.50 ± 2.55, respectively (neonates > controls, P < 0.02). When studied by a continuous assay to assess kinetics of superoxide generation, neonatal neutrophils were more rapidly activated (P < 0.02) than were cells from mothers or controls. Seconds elapsed from the addition of 0.667 μg/ml phorbol until maximal rates of superoxide production were 39.3 ± 2.88, 49.1 ± 3.12, and 52.2 ± 4.32 for neonates, mothers, and controls, respectively. After complete activation, the rates of superoxide production were similar for all subjects (about 8 nmole/min/2 × 106 neutrophils under a variety of conditions). The increased activity of some aspects of oxidative metabolism that occurs in neutrophils from human neonates might be explained, at least in part, by a more easily activated superoxide-generating system that promptly initiates the oxidative burst. In contrast, those aspects reported to be decreased cannot be explained by abnormalities of superoxide generation per se because maximal rates of superoxide production were comparable in neonatal and control neutrophils. Although the mechanisms responsible for decreased oxidative metabolism in neonatal neutrophils remain undefined, they apparently affect the oxidative burst at steps subsequent to the early steps in superoxide generation.
Molecular targets for existing and novel immunosuppressive drugs

Anti-neoplastic cytostatic antiproliferative agents, such as methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine and cyclophosphamide, were originally used as immunosuppressive drugs. Although these agents induced only modest anti-rejection activity, they caused serious non-specific bone marrow suppression, impairing host resistance and increasing the incidence of infections. Unlike these non-selective agents, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus and sirolimus act more selectively on different stages of the T-lymphocyte (T-cell) and B-lymphocyte (B-cell) activation cycles; however, cyclosporine and tacrolimus are nephrotoxic, whereas sirolimus causes hypertriglyceridaemia. Thus, despite this progress, continued efforts must be made to develop and test new, potentially very selective agents. The agent 15-deoxyspergualin moderately inhibits both mitogen-stimulated T-cell proliferation and the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) but does not affect the production of interleukin 2 (IL-2). Another drug, FTY720, has a unique action to prevent rejection, by altering the homing of lymphocytes to the lymphoid compartments. The newest members of the family of antiproliferative agents, namely mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide and brequinar, are potentially more selective than their predecessors. However, the most promising agents are produced using antisense technology. This approach involves the design of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides; these novel drugs are designed to block allograft rejection by blocking selected messenger RNA (mRNA). This review outlines the mechanisms of action, the limitations of application and the molecular or cellular targets of traditional agents, newly developed drugs and also antisense technology, which is an example of a new application of molecular medicine.
Preferential access to genetic information from endogenous hominin ancient DNA and accurate quantitative SNP-typing via SPEX

The analysis of targeted genetic loci from ancient, forensic and clinical samples is usually built upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated sequence data. However, many studies have shown that PCR amplification from poor-quality DNA templates can create sequence artefacts at significant levels. With hominin (human and other hominid) samples, the pervasive presence of highly PCR-amplifiable human DNA contaminants in the vast majority of samples can lead to the creation of recombinant hybrids and other non-authentic artefacts. The resulting PCR-generated sequences can then be difficult, if not impossible, to authenticate. In contrast, single primer extension (SPEX)-based approaches can genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms from ancient fragments of DNA as accurately as modern DNA. A single SPEX-type assay can amplify just one of the duplex DNA strands at target loci and generate a multi-fold depth-of-coverage, with non-authentic recombinant hybrids reduced to undetectable levels. Crucially, SPEX-type approaches can preferentially access genetic information from damaged and degraded endogenous ancient DNA templates over modern human DNA contaminants. The development of SPEX-type assays offers the potential for highly accurate, quantitative genotyping from ancient hominin samples.
Myelination Is Associated with Processing Speed in Early Childhood: Preliminary Insights

Processing speed is an important contributor to working memory performance and fluid intelligence in young children. Myelinated white matter plays a central role in brain messaging, and likely mediates processing speed, but little is known about the relationship between myelination and processing speed in young children. In the present study, processing speed was measured through inspection times, and myelin volume fraction (VFM) was quantified using a multicomponent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach in 2- to 5-years of age. Both inspection times and VFM were found to increase with age. Greater VFM in the right and left occipital lobes, the body of the corpus callosum, and the right cerebellum was significantly associated with shorter inspection times, after controlling for age. A hierarchical regression showed that VFM in the left occipital lobe predicted inspection times over and beyond the effects of age and the VFM in the other brain regions. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that myelin supports processing speed in early childhood.
Serum-free light chain elevation is associated with a shorter time to treatment in Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder of the elderly[1][1] with an indolent course but a highly variable prognosis. [2][2]–[4][3] Recently, an international prognosis scoring system for WM (IPSS) was developed from the largest retrospective series
Effects of frequency of feed delivery and bunk space on the feeding behavior of limit-fed dairy heifers

The objective of this experiment was to determine the interaction between feed bunk space and frequency of feed provision on the feeding behavior patterns and growth of growing dairy heifers fed a limited amount. Sixteen Holstein dairy heifers (183.4 ± 9.1 d of age, mean ± standard deviation) were divided into 4 groups of 4. The groups were exposed to each of 4 treatments, using a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, over 21-d periods (14-d adaptation period, 7-d data collection periods). The treatments were arranged in 2 feed delivery frequencies (once per day at 1200 h: 1×/d, and twice per day at 1200 and 1400 h: 2×/d) and 2 levels of feed bunk space (adequate feed bunk space: 0.40 m/heifer, and reduced feed bunk space: 0.29 m/heifer). Pen dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily, average daily gain (ADG) was recorded weekly, and variability in ADG was calculated from the standard deviation of ADG. Feeding, unrewarded behavior (time at feed bunk without feed present), and competitive behavior were recorded using time-lapse video. Feeding and unrewarded behavior were measured for the last 7 d of each period, whereas competitive behavior was recorded on d 16, 18, and 20 of each period. Lying time was recorded for the last 7 d of each period. A tendency for interaction between feed bunk space and frequency of feed delivery on the feed efficiency of limit-fed dairy heifers was noted. Heifers provided restricted bunk space were reported as being less efficient when fed 2×/d; however, no other interactions were found. Although DMI and variability in ADG were similar between treatments, ADG was higher (1.0 vs. 0.9 kg/d) when heifers were provided with 0.40 m of feed bunk space and tended to be higher when fed 1×/d compared with that of heifers given restricted bunk space or fed 2×/d. Heifers fed 1×/d spent more time feeding throughout the day (70.5 vs. 58.9 min/d) than heifers fed 2×/d. Heifers fed at a restricted bunk space or fed 1×/d were approximately 25% more variable in feeding time than heifers fed 2×/d or with adequate bunk space. Heifers spent a similar amount of time in unrewarded visits to the feed bunk (28.9 min/d). Although feed bunk space did not affect competition (3.6 displacements/d), heifers fed 1×/d were displaced twice as frequently than heifers fed 2×/d. Regardless of treatment, heifers spent a similar amount of time lying down and standing without eating. Overall, providing sufficient feed bunk space to allow all limit-fed heifers to feed simultaneously improves feed efficiency and ADG and reduces variability in feeding time. Additionally, although delivering feed 1×/d resulted in increased competition, it also enabled heifers to gain adequate weight and spend more time feeding each day.
On the development of null implicit objects in L1 English

Abstract This article explores a defining property of implicit null object constructions, and how this property emerges during the L1 acquisition process. Implicit objects are non-referential and characterized by a strong semantic association between a null N in object position and the contents of the verb root. By means of an elicited production study, we examine children’s sensitivity to this association in terms of the typicality of implicit direct objects and of their use in a potentially contrastive context. Participants were 73 English-speaking children (between the ages of 2;09 and 5;08) and 20 adult controls. Our results show that children make a distinction between implicit objects with typical and atypical objects—even in scenarios where a previous use introduces a potential contrast—but at rates that differ from those of adults. This suggests an incomplete knowledge of the target properties of null objects and indicates that children use a referential null N until later in development, when the selectional link between V and the null object becomes entrenched and hyponymy with the verb root becomes the sole source of recoverability. We draw implications about the co-development of verb meaning and the null object construction.
Notch Is Required in Adult Drosophila Sensory Neurons for Morphological and Functional Plasticity of the Olfactory Circuit

Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) convey odor information to the central brain, but like other sensory neurons were thought to play a passive role in memory formation and storage. Here we show that Notch, part of an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway, is required in adult Drosophila ORNs for the structural and functional plasticity of olfactory glomeruli that is induced by chronic odor exposure. Specifically, we show that Notch activity in ORNs is necessary for the odor specific increase in the volume of glomeruli that occurs as a consequence of prolonged odor exposure. Calcium imaging experiments indicate that Notch in ORNs is also required for the chronic odor induced changes in the physiology of ORNs and the ensuing changes in the physiological response of their second order projection neurons (PNs). We further show that Notch in ORNs acts by both canonical cleavage-dependent and non-canonical cleavage-independent pathways. The Notch ligand Delta (Dl) in PNs switches the balance between the pathways. These data define a circuit whereby, in conjunction with odor, N activity in the periphery regulates the activity of neurons in the central brain and Dl in the central brain regulates N activity in the periphery. Our work highlights the importance of experience dependent plasticity at the first olfactory synapse.
Mothers' Judgments of Students with Emotional Disturbance and Social Maladjustment/Conduct Disorder: Comparisons of Target Students and Siblings.

In response to United States special education law requirements, this study attempted to differentiate emotionally disturbed and socially maladjusted students using parent ratings on the FACES III and a newly developed interview measure of primarily internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Forty mothers of students in special education and 40 mothers of students in court schools rated the target student and a close in age sibling. Data showed differences in family typology between the groups. Mothers rated socially maladjusted students similar to siblings but did not rate emotionally disturbed youth similar to siblings. Study results also indicated the importance of peer influence and age of problem onset for multidisciplinary teams to consider in evaluations of emotional disturbance.
MtaR, a Regulator of Methionine Transport, Is Critical for Survival of Group B Streptococcus In Vivo

ABSTRACT The group B streptococcus (GBS) is an important human pathogen that infects newborns as well as adults. GBS also provides a model system for studying adaptation to different host environments due to its ability to survive in a variety of sites within the host. In this study, we have characterized a transcription factor, MtaR, that is essential for the ability of GBS to survive in vivo. An isogenic strain bearing a kanamycin insertion in mtaR was attenuated for survival in a neonatal-rat model of sepsis. The mtaR mutant grew poorly in human plasma, suggesting that its utilization of plasma-derived nutrients was inefficient. When an excess of exogenous methionine (200 μg/ml) was provided to the mtaR mutant, its growth rate in plasma was restored to that of the wild-type strain. The mtaR mutant grew poorly in chemically defined medium (CDM) prepared with methionine at a concentration similar to that of plasma (4 μg/ml) but was able to grow normally in CDM prepared with a high concentration of methionine (400 μg/ml). Both the wild-type strain and the mtaR mutant were incapable of growth in CDM lacking methionine, indicating that GBS cannot synthesize methionine de novo. When the abilities of the strains to incorporate radiolabeled methionine were compared, the mtaR mutant incorporated fivefold less methionine than the wild-type strain during a 10-min period. Collectively, the results from this study suggest that the ability to regulate expression of a methionine transport system is critical for GBS survival in vivo.
Epstein-Barr virus uses HLA class II as a cofactor for infection of B lymphocytes

Infection of B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) requires attachment of virus via binding of viral glycoprotein gp350 to CD21 on the cell surface. Penetration of the cell membrane additionally involves a complex of three glycoproteins, gH, gL, and gp42. Glycoprotein gp42 binds to HLA-DR. Interference with this interaction with a soluble form of gp42, with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to gp42, or with a MAb to HLA-DR inhibited virus infection. It was not possible to superinfect cells that failed to express HLA-DR unless expression was restored by transfection or creation of hybrid cell lines with complementing deficiencies in expression of HLA class II. HLA class II molecules thus serve as cofactors for infection of human B cells.
Vital Signs: Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Advertising Among Middle School and High School Students - United States, 2014.

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased considerably among U.S. youths since 2011. Tobacco use among youths in any form, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Tobacco product advertising can persuade youths to start using tobacco. CDC analyzed data from the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette advertisement exposure among U.S. middle school and high school students. METHODS The 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a school-based survey of middle school and high school students in grades 6-12, included 22,007 participants. Exposure to e-cigarette advertisements (categorized as "sometimes," "most of the time," or "always") was assessed for four sources: retail stores, Internet, TV and movies, and newspapers and magazines. Weighted exposure estimates were assessed overall and by school type, sex, race/ethnicity, and grade. RESULTS In 2014, 68.9% of middle and high school students (18.3 million) were exposed to e-cigarette advertisements from at least one source. Among middle school students, exposure was highest for retail stores (52.8%), followed by Internet (35.8%), TV and movies (34.1%), and newspapers and magazines (25.0%). Among high school students, exposure was highest for retail stores (56.3%), followed by Internet (42.9%), TV and movies (38.4%), and newspapers and magazines (34.6%). Among middle school students, 23.4% reported exposure to e-cigarette advertising from one source, 17.4% from two sources, 13.7% from three sources, and 11.9% from four sources. Among high school students, 21.1% reported exposure to e-cigarette advertising from one source, 17.0% from two sources, 14.5% from three sources, and 18.2% from four sources. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE Approximately seven in 10 U.S. middle and high school students were exposed to e-cigarette advertisements in 2014. Exposure to e-cigarette advertisements might contribute to increased use of e-cigarettes among youths. Multiple approaches are warranted to reduce youth e-cigarette use and exposure to e-cigarette advertisements, including efforts to reduce youth access to settings where tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, are sold, and regulation of youth-oriented e-cigarette marketing.
Assessing the impact of individual sensor reliability within smart living environments

The potential of smart living environments to provide a form of independent living for the ageing population is becoming more recognised. These environments are comprised of sensors which are used to assess the state of the environment, some form of information management to process the sensor data and finally a suite of actuators which can be used to change the state of the environment. When providing a form of support which may impinge upon the well being of the end user it is essential that a high degree of reliability can be maintained. Within this paper we present an information management framework to process sensor based data within smart environments. Based on this framework we assess the impact of sensor reliability on the classification of activities of daily living. From this assessment we show how it is possible to identify which sensors within a given set of experiments can be considered to be the most critical and as such consider how this information may be used for managing sensor reliability from a practical point of view.
Internal Versus External Capital Markets

This paper presents a framework for analyzing the costs and benefits of internal vs. external capital allocation. We focus primarily on comparing an internal capital market to bank lending. While both represent centralized forms of financing, in the former case the financing is owner-provided, while in the latter case it is not. We argue that the ownership aspect of internal capital allocation has three important consequences: 1) it leads to more monitoring than bank lending; 2) it reduces managers' entrepreneurial incentives; and 3) it makes it easier to efficiently redeploy the assets of projects that are performing poorly under existing management.
Modified FOLFOX-4 as first-line and salvage treatment in advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Oxaliplatin, leucovorin and fluorouracil combination therapy (FOLFOX) was effective and safe treatment in AGC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the modified FOLFOX-4 using low dose leucovorin for patients with advanced gastric cancer and analyze the efficacy of this regimen as first-line and salvage treatment. METHODOLOGY Forty-two patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer received oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 and leucovorin 20 mg/m2 followed by 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m2 and then 5-FU 600 mg/m2 every 2 weeks. RESULTS 1 (2.4%) complete response and 10 (23.8%) partial responses were observed. Stable disease and progressive disease were observed in 18 (42.9%) and 13 (30.9%). Median overall survival and progression free survival were 9.3 and 4.9 months. Among them, 26 (61.9%) and 16 (38.1%) of patients were treated as first-line and salvage treatment. Median overall survivals in the first-line and salvage treatment were 11.1 and 8.2 months respectively. And progression free survivals in first-line and salvage treatment were 6.0 and 4.7 month. Performance status was the only independent prognostic factor in overall survival in advanced gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed modified FOLFOX-4 regimen had significant effects and favorable toxicities as first-line and salvage treatment for patients with advanced gastric cancer.