Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiceIndependent of B Cell and Ig Responses in Is Inflammation by Allergen Immunotherapy Suppression of Th2-Driven Airway

Allergen-speciﬁc immunotherapy (IT) uniquely renders long-term relief from allergic symptoms and is associated with elevated serum levels of allergen-speciﬁc IgG and IgA. The allergen-speciﬁc IgG response induced by IT treatment was shown to be critical for suppression of the immediate phase of the allergic response in mice, and this suppression was partially dependent on signaling through Fc g RIIB. To investigate the relevance of the allergen-speciﬁc IgG responses for suppression of the Th2-driven late-phase allergic response, we performed IT in a mouse model of allergic asthma in the absence of Fc g RIIB or Fc g RI/Fc g RIII signaling. We found that suppression of Th2 cell activity, allergic inﬂammation, and allergen-speciﬁc IgE responses is independent of Fc g RIIB and Fc g RI/Fc g RIII signaling. Moreover, we show that the IT-induced allergen-speciﬁc systemic IgG or IgA responses and B cell function are dispensable for suppression of the late-phase allergic response by IT treatment. Finally, we found that the secretory mucosal IgA response also is not required for suppression of the Th2-driven allergic inﬂammation by IT. These data are in contrast to the suppression of the immediate phase of the allergic response, which is critically dependent on the induced allergen-speciﬁc serum IgG response. Hence, IT-induced suppression of the immediate and late phases of the allergic response is governed by divergent and independent mechanisms. Our data show that the IT-induced suppression of the Th2 cell-dependent late-phase allergic response is independent of the allergen-speciﬁc IgG and IgA responses that are associated with IT treatment. Immunology in in the of endotoxin endotoxin
A Comparative Phase I Study of Combination, Homologous Subtype-C DNA, MVA, and Env gp140 Protein/Adjuvant HIV Vaccines in Two Immunization Regimes

There remains an urgent need for a prophylactic HIV vaccine. We compared combined MVA and adjuvanted gp140 to sequential MVA/gp140 after DNA priming. We expected Env-specific CD4+ T-cells after DNA and MVA priming, and Env-binding antibodies in 100% individuals after boosting with gp140 and that combined vaccines would not compromise safety and might augment immunogenicity. Forty volunteers were primed three times with DNA plasmids encoding (CN54) env and (ZM96) gag-pol-nef at 0, 4 and 8 weeks then boosted with MVA-C (CN54 env and gag-pol-nef) and glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant—aqueous formulation (GLA-AF) adjuvanted CN54gp140. They were randomised to receive them in combination at the same visit at 16 and 20 weeks (accelerated) or sequentially with MVA-C at 16, 20, and GLA-AF/gp140 at 24 and 28 weeks (standard). All vaccinations were intramuscular. Primary outcomes included ≥grade 3 safety events and the titer of CN54gp140-specific binding IgG. Other outcomes included neutralization, binding antibody specificity and T-cell responses. Two participants experienced asymptomatic ≥grade 3 transaminitis leading to discontinuation of vaccinations, and three had grade 3 solicited local or systemic reactions. A total of 100% made anti-CN54gp140 IgG and combining vaccines did not significantly alter the response; geometric mean titer 6424 (accelerated) and 6578 (standard); neutralization of MW965.2 Tier 1 pseudovirus was superior in the standard group (82 versus 45% responders, p = 0.04). T-cell ELISpot responses were CD4+ and Env-dominant; 85 and 82% responding in the accelerated and standard groups, respectively. Vaccine-induced IgG responses targeted multiple regions within gp120 with the V3 region most immunodominant and no differences between groups detected. Combining MVA and gp140 vaccines did not result in increased adverse events and did not significantly impact upon the titer of Env-specific binding antibodies, which were seen in 100% individuals. The approach did however affect other immune responses; neutralizing antibody responses, seen only to Tier 1 pseudoviruses, were poorer when the vaccines were combined and while T-cell responses were seen in >80% individuals in both groups and similarly CD4 and Env dominant, their breadth/polyfunctionality tended to be lower when the vaccines were combined, suggesting attenuation of immunogenicity and cautioning against this accelerated regimen.
Simple PDE Model of Spot Replication in Any Dimension

We propose a simple PDE model which exhibits self-replication of spot solutions in any dimension. This model is analyzed in one and higher dimensions. In the radially symmetric case, we rigorously demonstrate that a weakened version of the conditions proposed by Nishiura and Ueyama for self-replication are satisfied. In dimension three, two different types of replication mechanisms are analyzed. The first type is due to radially symmetric instability, whereby a spot bifurcates into a ring. The second type is nonradial instability, which causes a spot to deform into a peanut-like shape and eventually split into two spots. Both types of replication are observed in our model, depending on parameter choice. Numerical simulations are shown confirming our analytical results.
Comparison of MPEG-7 basis projection features and MFCC applied to robust speaker recognition

Our purpose is to evaluate the efficiency of MPEG-7 basis projection (BP) features vs. Mel-scale Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC) for speaker recognition in noisy environments. The MPEG-7 feature extraction mainly consists of a Normalized Audio Spectrum Envelope (NASE), a basis decomposition algorithm and a spectrum basis projection. Prior to the feature extraction the noise reduction algorithm is performed by using a modified log spectral amplitude speech estimator (LSA) and a minima controlled noise estimation (MC). The noise-reduced features can be effectively used in a HMM-based recognition system. The performance is measured by the segmental signalto-noise ratio, and the recognition results of the MPEG-7 standardized features vs. Mel-scale Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCC) in comparison to other noise reduction methods. Results show that the MFCC features yield better performance compared to MPEG-7 features.
AIRBORNE ENDOTOXINS AND AIRBORNE GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA IN CHINESE RABBIT HOUSES

Global rabbit production is currently estimated at more than 1 million tones per year, according to the FAO. The world’s largest producer is China with 315.000 tones in 2000 (FAO, 2001). One major problem in rabbit meat production is infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. Usually respiratory infections are due to an association of non-specific contributing causes with infectious agents. Important non-specific contributing factors are the concentration of toxic gases, especially ammonia, and the dust concentration. Further the concentration of airborne endotoxins seems to play an important role in the development of respiratory diseases. Chronic exposure to airborne endotoxins can compromise several defense mechanisms of the host (Deeb and DiGiacomo, 2000; Halloy et al., 2005). In this study airborne endotoxin concentrations, the number of total airborne aerobic bacteria and the number of airborne gram-negative bacteria were measured in 3 rabbit houses. Further the species composition of the isolated airborne gram-negative bacteria was studied.
Numerical Dispersion and Stability of an Extended FDTD Method Applied to Negative Refractive Index Media Modeling

The analogy between the FDTD Yee cell and a transmission-line network is invoked for the derivation of a scheme that lends itself to the implementation of a negative refractive index medium. Electric and magnetic currents, incorporated in the update equations, represent series capacitors and shunt inductors, which load the implicitly present transmission line network of an FDTD grid in a way that is fundamentally analogous to a recently proposed loaded negative refractive index transmission line medium. In addition, the numerical dispersion of this modified grid indicates its inherent ability to model a negative refractive index. The incorporation of the lumped elements contributes to a degradation of the stability limit of the scheme, which is also evaluated.
Isoform Specificity of PKC Translocation in Living Aplysia Sensory Neurons and a Role for Ca2+-Dependent PKC APL I in the Induction of Intermediate-Term Facilitation

Protein kinase Cs (PKCs) are important effectors of synaptic plasticity. In Aplysia, there are two major phorbol ester-activated PKCs, Ca2+-activated PKC Apl I and Ca2+-independent PKC Apl II. Functional Apl II, but not Apl I, in sensory neurons is required for a form of short-term facilitation induced at sensorimotor synapses by the facilitatory transmitter serotonin (5-HT). Because PKCs are activated by translocating from the cytoplasm to the membrane, we used fluorescently tagged PKCs to determine the isoform and cell-type specificity of translocation in living Aplysia neurons. In Sf9 cells, low levels of diacylglycerol translocate Apl II, but not Apl I, which requires calcium for translocation at low concentrations of diacylglycerol. Accordingly, application of 5-HT to Aplysia sensory neurons in the absence of neuronal firing translocates Apl II, but not Apl I, consistent with the role of Apl II in short-term facilitation. This translocation is observed in sensory neurons, but not in motor neurons. Apl I translocates only if 5-HT is coupled to firing in the sensory neuron; firing alone is ineffective. Because combined 5-HT and firing are required for the induction of one type of intermediate-term facilitation at these synapses, we asked whether this form of synaptic plasticity involves activation of Apl I. We report here that dominant-negative Apl I, but not Apl II, blocks intermediate-term facilitation. Thus, different isoforms of PKC translocate under different conditions to mediate distinct types of synaptic plasticity: Ca2+-independent Apl II is involved in short-term facilitation, and Ca2+-dependent Apl I contributes to intermediate-term facilitation.
Acquisition of antibody isotypes against Plasmodium falciparum blood stage antigens in a birth cohort

Information on the period during which infants lose their maternally derived antibodies to malaria and begin to acquire naturally their own immune responses against parasite antigens is crucial for understanding when malaria vaccines may be best administered. This study investigated the rates of decline and acquisition of serum antibody isotypes IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM and IgA to Plasmodium falciparum antigens apical membrane antigen (AMA1), merozoite surface proteins (MSP1‐19, MSP2 and MSP3) in a birth cohort of 53 children living in an urban area in the Gambia, followed over the first 3 years of life (sampled at birth, 4, 9, 18 and 36 months). Antigen‐specific maternally transferred antibody isotypes of all IgG subclasses were detected at birth and were almost totally depleted by 4 months of age. Acquisition of specific antibody isotypes to the antigens began with IgM, followed by IgG1 and IgA. Against the MSP2 antigen, IgG1 but not IgG3 responses were observed in the children, in contrast with the maternally derived antibodies to this antigen that were mostly IgG3. This confirms that IgG subclass responses to MSP2 are strongly dependent on age or previous malaria experience, polarized towards IgG1 early in life and to IgG3 in older exposed individuals.
The strength of anticipatory spatial biasing predicts target discrimination at attended locations: a high‐density EEG study

Cueing relevant spatial locations in advance of a visual target results in modulated processing of that target as a consequence of anticipatory attentional deployment, the neural signatures of which remain to be fully elucidated. A set of electrophysiological processes has been established as candidate markers of the invocation and maintenance of attentional bias in humans. These include spatially‐selective event‐related potential (ERP) components over the lateral parietal (around 200–300 ms post‐cue), frontal (300–500 ms) and ventral visual (> 500 ms) cortex, as well as oscillatory amplitude changes in the alpha band (8–14 Hz). Here, we interrogated the roles played by these anticipatory processes in attentional orienting by testing for links with subsequent behavioral performance. We found that both target discriminability (d’) and reaction times were significantly predicted on a trial‐by‐trial basis by lateralization of alpha‐band amplitude in the 500 ms preceding the target, with improved speed and accuracy resulting from a greater relative decrease in alpha over the contralateral visual cortex. Reaction time was also predicted by a late posterior contralateral positivity in the broad‐band ERP in the same time period, but this did not influence d’. In a further analysis we sought to identify the control signals involved in generating the anticipatory bias, by testing earlier broad‐band ERP amplitude for covariation with alpha lateralization. We found that stronger alpha biasing was associated with a greater bilateral frontal positivity at ∼390 ms but not with differential amplitude across hemispheres in any time period. Thus, during the establishment of an anticipatory spatial bias, while the expected target location is strongly encoded in lateralized activity in parietal and frontal areas, a distinct non‐spatial control process seems to regulate the strength of the bias.
Stand-alone Anterior Versus Anteroposterior Lumbar Interbody Single-level Fusion After a Mean Follow-up of 41 Months

Study Design Prospective cohort study comparing evaluations of single-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) versus anteroposterior lumbar fusion (APLF). Objective To clinically and radiologically compare the outcome after angle-stable, locked, stand-alone ALIF with that obtained after APLF, in cases with degenerative disc disease (DDD). Summary of Background Data Fusion rates have been reported to be highest after interbody fusion with transpedicular fixation. However, transpedicular fixation is linked to significant damage of the paravertebral muscles, to screw displacement-related neurological and vascular complications, and to an increased rate of adjacent segment degeneration. When performed as a stand-alone procedure, the disadvantages of transpedicular fixation can be completely avoided by ALIF. Methods Eighty patients with chronic low-back pain due to a single-level DDD (Modic ≥2) and facet joint arthritis (Fujiwara ≥3) were enrolled in this study. Forty patients received an anteroposterior fusion (ALIF with transpedicular fixation: APLF group) and 40 patients (ALIF group) were treated with a stand-alone ALIF using the Synfix-LR device. At 7 days, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and at a mean follow-up of 41 months, patients were clinically (visual analog scale, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, satisfaction) and radiologically (x-ray, and at 12 months, thin-slice computed tomography) compared. Results Blood loss and duration of surgery were significantly lower in the ALIF group (P<0.001). Visual analog scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index improved significantly over time (analysis of variance, P<0.001) in both groups, but both scores were significantly better in ALIF group (analysis of variance, P<0.001). Patients' satisfaction consistently ranked higher in the ALIF group (P=0.042 at 12 mo). No significant difference was found in the fusion rate throughout the study. Conclusions Stand-alone ALIF leads to better clinical results than APLF, without differences in fusion rates after 41 months. Therefore, when a posterior approach is not needed for decompression or reposition, we suggest performing a stand-alone ALIF in cases with single-level DDD.
Compliance of malaria chemoprophylaxis among travelers to India.

BACKGROUND Compliance is an important issue in malaria chemoprophylaxis. The objective of the study was to determine reasons for noncompliance with chemoprophylaxis among international travelers to India. METHODS A group of 452 subjects traveling in the subcontinent were interviewed by directly administered questionnaire at two selected locations in Calcutta during October 1992. Full compliance was defined as the uninterrupted use of drugs, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) schedule, during travel up to the date of interview. RESULTS Overall, the sample had a male preponderance (61%), with 155 (34%) being business travelers and 56% traveling for more than 3 weeks. Of the 158 (35%) reporting illness during travel, 5 persons tested positive for malaria. Compliance with chemoprophylaxis noted among 320 (71%) respondents in comparison to 21 (5%) found taking inadequate dosage or incorrect medication and 111 (24%) travelers being without any drugs. Backpackers and ethnic travelers as a group reported lower usage. Female, first visit and long-term travelers were less compliant. Inadequacy in pretravel advice, discontinuation due to side effects and active decision despite pretravel advice were common reasons for noncompliance. Past travel experience, concern for side effects, perceived uselessness and confusion arising from alternative regimens were also found to have influenced the decision making. CONCLUSION We need to address the identified areas of conflict especially during pretravel counseling since improving compliance is our primary goal in malaria prevention among travelers today.
A closer look at some new identities

We obtain infinite products related to the concept of visible from the origin point vectors. Among these is ∏k=3∞(1−Z)φ,(k)/k=11−Zexp(Z32(1−Z)2−12Z−12Z(1−Z)), |Z|<1, in which φ3(k) denotes for fixed k, the number of positive integer solutions of (a,b,k)=1 where a<b<k, assuming (a,b,k) is the gcd(a,b,k).
Interactive Shape Editing Using Surface Flow

In this paper, we propose a new shape editing algorithm based on the concept of explicit surface flow. The basic idea is: given an input polygonal model, the user interactively defines a distance field around regions of interest of the model, the locally or globally affected regions of the model will then automatically deform according to the userdefined distance field. The deformation behavior of the model is guided by a PDE-based explicit surface flow. During the deformation, the model can always maintain its regularity and can properly modify its topology when collisions between different parts of the model occur. In contrast to existing level-set based mesh editing techniques, our algorithm is simpler and much easier to incorporate user control. Furthermore, it is not necessary to convert polygonal models into volumetric representations prior to editing. Besides closed polygonal models, our algorithm also works for mesh models with open boundaries. Within our framework, we developed a number of shape editing operators including blending, cutting, drilling as well as free-hand sketching. We applied our algorithm to a variety of examples that demonstrate the usefulness and efficacy of the new technique in interactive shape design and surface deformation.
Hyperaccurate Correction of Maximum Likelihood for Geometric Estimation

The best known method for optimally computing parameters from noisy data based on geometric con- straints is maximum likelihood (ML). This paper reinvestigates "hyperaccurate correction" for further improving the accuracy of ML. In the past, only the case of a single scalar constraint was studied. In this paper, we extend it to multiple constraints given in the form of vector equations. By detailed error analysis, we illuminate the existence of a term that has been ignored in the past. Doing simulation experiments of ellipse fitting, fundamental matrix, and homography computation, we show that the new term does not effectively affect the final solution. However, we show that our hyperaccurate correction is even superior to hyper-renormalization, the latest method regarded as the best fitting method, but that the iterations of ML computation do not necessarily converge in the presence of large noise.
Laparoscopic versus Open Radical Cystectomy for Elderly Patients over 75-Year-Old: A Single Center Comparative Analysis

Purpose To explore the morbidity, mortality and oncological results of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) in the elderly patients over 75-year-old in contrast with open radical cystectomy (ORC). Materials and Methods We analyzed 46 radical cystectomies from January 2009 to December 2013 in patients over 75-year-old in our institute, 21 patients in the LRC group and 25 in the ORC group. Demographic parameters, operative variables and perioperative outcome were retrospectively collected and analyzed between the two groups. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were categorized as early (within 90 days after surgery) or late (more than 90 days) according to the time of occurrence. Results Patients in both groups had comparable preoperative characteristics. A significant longer operative time (418 vs. 337 min, p = 0.018) and less estimated blood loss (400 vs. 500 ml p = 0.038) were observed in LRC group compared with ORC group. Infection and ileus were the most common early complications after surgery. Patients underwent ORC suffered from significantly more postoperative ileus (28.0% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.038) and infection (40% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.019) than LRC group within 90 days after surgery. The mortality rate was 4.7% (1/21) and 4% (1/25) for LRC group and ORC group respectively. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range 2–61 months), the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank analysis demonstrate that there were no significant differences between the LRC and ORC groups in the 3-year overall, cancer-specific, or recurrence-free survival rates. Conclusions It is suggested that LRC should be recommended as the primary intervention to treat muscle invasive or high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in elderly patients with a relative long life expectancy.
Galaxy Mapping with the SAURON Integral-Field Spectrograph: The Star Formation History of NGC 4365

We report the first wide-field mapping of the kinematics and stellar populations in the E3 galaxy NGC 4365. The velocity maps extend previous long-slit work. They show two independent kinematic subsystems: the central 300 pc × 700 pc rotates about the projected minor axis, and the main body of the galaxy, 3 kpc × 4 kpc, rotates almost at right angles to this. The line strength maps show that the metallicity of the stellar population decreases from a central value greater than solar to one-half solar at a radius of 2 kpc. The decoupled core and main body of the galaxy have the same luminosity-weighted age, ≈14 Gyr, and the same elevated magnesium-to-iron ratio. The two kinematically distinct components have thus shared a common star formation history. We infer that the galaxy underwent a sequence of mergers associated with dissipative star formation that ended ≳12 Gyr ago. The misalignment between the photometric and kinematic axes of the main body is unambiguous evidence of triaxiality. The similarity of the stellar populations in the two components suggests that the observed kinematic structure has not changed substantially in 12 Gyr.