Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD154 Blockade, Sirolimus, and Donor-Specific Transfusion Prevents Renal Allograft Rejection in Cynomolgus Monkeys Despite Homeostatic T-Cell Activation

Background. CD154-specific antibodies have been shown to prevent acute rejection in many preclinical models including nonhuman primates (NHPs). However, they have been ineffective in pilot clinical trials, suggesting a need for more robust preclinical analysis. One factor affecting the disparate results may be related to the recipient's immune activation state. Specifically, adult humans have a high percentage of memory-phenotype T cells compared to young animals. Postdepletional homeostatic repopulation has been shown to enrich for memory-phenotype T cells and interfere with CD154-based therapies in rodents. Methods. We developed a NHP model nonspecifically enriched for peripheral memory-phenotype T cells. Thymectomized cynomolgus macaques underwent depletion with polyclonal anti-thymocyte globulin followed by repopulation. Peripheral phenotype was serially determined using polychromatic flow cytometry. In vitro response to donor and environmental antigens was also confirmed before and after manipulation. We then tested a regimen previously successful in rhesus monkeys combining anti-CD154, sirolimus, and donor-specific blood transfusion (DST), in a second primate species with and without the provocation of increased peripheral homeostatic T-cell activation. Results. Monkeys that were thymectomized (n=3) and depleted recovered via homeostatic repopulation with a repertoire enriched for cells with a memory surface phenotype compared to unmanipulated controls (n=3). Despite a repertoire markedly enriched for memory-phenotype cells, the regimen effectively prevented acute rejection for the duration of therapy. Conclusions. Cynomolgus monkeys can be rendered memory phenotype enriched using homeostatic repopulation. Despite a generally activated T-cell repertoire, anti-CD154, sirolimus, and DST effectively prevents rejection in cynomolgus monkeys.
Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaires: Are They Fit for Purpose?

Patients frequently ask two poignant questions during their management: ‘how will I be after my treatment? ’ and ‘am I cured? ’ Focused or absolute answers are generally frustratingly absent and the multidisciplinary team are likely to be guarded in their response because at presentation the site of the tumour and the stage of the disease will influence treatment possibilities and outcome. Outcome from the varying treatment modalities have been reported in terms of survival-interval and more recently the patients’ quality of life (QoL). The latter outcome is a multifaceted and dynamic concept which the World Health Organisation defined as a: “broad ranging concept affected in a complex way by a person’s physical health, psychological state, level of independence and their relationships to salient features of their environment" (WHOQOL group, 1993). More specifically such data in the context of disease is described in terms of health-related QOL (HRQoL) the subjective experience of the impact of health status on QoL for the patient (Curtis, 1997;) and can in relation to H&NC patients be described as a patient’s physical, emotional and social function at the pre and post-treatment stage(Hammerlid et al., 2001, Hammerlid and Taft, 2001).
IMMUNE RESPONSE TO PARASITISM REDUCES RESISTANCE OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER TO DESICCATION AND STARVATION

Abstract In natural populations, organisms experience simultaneously biotic (e.g., competitors and parasites) and abiotic (e.g., temperature and humidity) stresses. Thus, species must have the capacity to respond to combinations of stressors. How does interaction between biotic and abiotic stress affect organismal performance? To address this question, I studied stress resistance of adult Drosophila melanogaster that survived parasitic attack (as larvae) by the parasitoid Asobara tabida. To determine the impact of genotype on stress resistance, I measured survival under desiccation and starvation of flies within isofemale (genetic) lines. Survivors of parasitism had slightly reduced survivorship compared to unparasitized relatives when both were unstressed, and this difference was exacerbated by desiccation and starvation. These results indicate multiple stressors can compound each other's individual negative effects on fitness. Moreover, isofemale lines differed in their sensitivity to environmental stress and to parasitism. Consequently, genotypic differences in sensitivity to stress may reflect differences in investment priorities between traits that promote survival over other life-history characters. Corresponding Editor: S. Pitnick
Mutual Coupling Between Box-Horn Elements of a Phased Array Terminated in Three-layered Bio-Media

The ldquoplane wave spectral techniquerdquo is used to investigate theoretically the extent of mutual coupling between two box-horn elements of a phased array terminated in three-layered bio-media (skin, fat, and muscle layers). The results obtained have been validated against published results in the literature. Each box-horn of the array is assumed to be filled with water to provide good impedance match to the bio-media. Also, it reduces the dimensions of each box-horn which makes it suitable for array configuration. The effects of relative position of elements, spacing between elements, frequency, aperture size of each element, relative phase and amplitude of excitation of the elements on mutual coupling coefficients are numerically investigated and presented for an array of two box-horns terminated in bio-media. The specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions along the direction of the array axis in muscle layer of the bio-media in direct contact with a collinear array of two box-horns both with and without mutual coupling considerations are also computed and presented. The results of the present research work can provide useful design guidelines for the development of prototypes of box-horn array for hyperthermia treatment of tumors. Bio-media, box-horn, hyperthermia, mutual coupling, phased array, plane wave spectra.
Effect of maternal cholestasis on bile acid transfer across the rat placenta–maternal liver tandem

Cholestasis of pregnancy induces alterations in bile acid transport by human trophoblast plasma membrane (TPM) vesicles. We investigated whether maternal cholestasis affects the overall ability of the rat placenta to carry out vectorial bile acid transfer from the fetus to the mother. Complete obstructive cholestasis (OCP) was maintained during the last week of pregnancy and released at term (day 21), before experiments were performed. In situ single‐pass perfusion of one placenta per rat with 250 nmol [14C]glycocholic acid (GC) revealed an impaired uptake in OCP rats (2.28 vs. 5.53 nmol in control rats). Approximately 100% of GC taken up by control placentas was secreted in maternal bile over 120 minutes (5.38 nmol), whereas this was only 61% (1.40 nmol) of the GC taken up by OCP placentas. When 5 nmol GC was administered through the jugular vein no significant difference between both groups in total GC bile output was found. The efficiency (Vmax /KM ) of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent GC transport by vesicles from the maternal side of TPM was decreased (−41%) in OCP. Moreover, histological examination of the placentas suggested a reduction in the amount of functional trophoblast in the OCP group. This was consistent with a lower antipyrine diffusion across the placenta in these animals. In sum, our results indicate that maternal cholestasis affects the ability of the placenta to efficiently carry out bile acid transfer from fetal to maternal blood. Changes in both the structure and the functionality of the chorionic tissue may account for this impairment.
Application Studies of Line Arresters in Partially Shielded 138 kV Transmission Lines

The application of arresters on transmission lines has been one of the most effective alternatives for the reduction of lightning flashover rates. This paper reviews previous methods for evaluating lightning performance of lines with arresters. Improved calculation of line outage rates are developed to include power freuency voltage and arrester failure rate evaluations, based on field experience. The transmission lines are modeled in full detail in the ATP program and the outage rates are calculated with Monte Carlo's method. Probability energy stresses on arresters are evaluated for strokes on conductors and shield wires as a function of tower footing resistance.
The Relationship of Leadership Styles and organizational performance among IPTA Academic Leaders in Klang Valley Area, Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the leadership styles and the organizational performance among the Malaysian Public Universities (IPTA) academic leaders in Klang Valley Area. In the recent years, the roles of academic leaders have been identified as crucial to the success of any higher education academic institutions. This study is a quantitative research and investigated the differences exist between the leadership styles of academic leaders and organizational performance. It is important to apply appropriate leadership styles that can enhance organizational performance. A total number of 300 set of questionnaires were distributed and only 156 set of questionnaires were collected. In order to obtain better result in future, it is recommended to have larger sample, to extend the population beyond academic leaders by using qualitative approach as additional method of study. The findings indicated that all leadership styles discussed on Transformational leadership, Transactional leadership and Laissez Faire leadership had a positive and significant relationship with organizational performance. However, there was no significant difference of gender between male and female academic leaders towards the leadership styles practices perceived by the academic leaders. Based on the findings, implication for future research is offered.
Macronutrient and selected vitamin intakes from complementary foods of infants and toddlers from Cebu, Philippines

Intakes of macronutrients (energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate) and vitamins (vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C) (per day and per 100 kcal) from complementary foods by a cohort of Filipino breast-fed infants and toddlers (n=1794) were studied at 10, 16, and 22 months of age using a single 24-h recall. With the exception of protein, intakes of energy and vitamins for all age groups were below the World Health Organization estimated needs and desired nutrient densities from complementary foods regardless of breast-feeding frequency. Nutrient deficits were greater for rural children compared with urban children, and were attributed to low intakes of energy, as well as cellular animal protein, fruits and vegetables.
Antenna effects in impulse radio communication systems

A complete simulation of an ultra-wide band communication system in an indoor environment has been undertaken in the time domain. This utilizes time domain 3-D ray tracing coupled with antenna modeling to provide an overall channel simulation. The time-domain radiating characteristics of different linear antennas in transmission and reception in a typical indoor environment are used as representative of typical antennas. The UWB channel was studied with and without considering antenna effect and the system performance are evaluated accordingly. Broadly, link performance is affected by two different factors: radiation pattern from the antenna and impedance mismatch effects. Both are included in the simulation, results are based on 10 meters distance between the transmitter and receiver and 100 Mbps data transmission rate assumed in a complex indoor environment.
Whole-liver diffusion-weighted MRI histogram analysis: effect of the presence of colorectal hepatic metastases on the remaining liver parenchyma

Objectives To explore whether whole-liver diffusion-weighted MRI analysis (of the apparently normal liver parenchyma) can help differentiate between patients with colorectal liver metastasis and controls without liver disease. Materials and methods Ten patients with colorectal liver metastasis and 10 controls with no focal/diffuse liver disease underwent liver MRI at 1.5 T including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b-values 0, 50, 100, 500, 750, 1000). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were calculated from the DWI images to carry out quantitative diffusion analyses. An experienced reader performed segmentation of the apparently nondiseased liver (excluding metastases/focal liver lesions) on the ADC maps. Histogram ADC parameters were calculated and compared between the patients and the controls. Results The mean liver ADC was 0.95×10−3 mm2/s for the patients versus 1.03×10−3 mm2/s for the controls (P=0.42). The fifth percentile of the ADC was significantly lower for the patients compared with the controls (0.45 vs. 0.69 10−3 mm2/s, P=0.01). The SD was significantly higher in the patient group (0.30 vs. 0.22, P<0.001). Median, skewness, kurtosis, and 30th–95th percentile were not significantly different between the two groups. Areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves to differentiate patients with metastatic liver involvement from healthy controls without liver disease were 0.79 for the fifth percentile and 0.95 for the SD. Conclusion Whole-liver diffusion-weighted MRI histogram analysis showed a significant shift towards lower fifth percentile ADC values and higher SD in patients with colorectal liver metastasis compared with controls without liver disease.
Too Scared or Too Capable? Why Do College Students Stay Away from the H1N1 Vaccine?

Although college students were among the populations that had the highest frequency of infection for H1N1 influenza, only 8% of them received H1N1 vaccine this past flu season nationwide. During the peak of this pandemic, information about H1N1 vaccine was widely available. However, knowledge test and behavioral data indicated that most college students were not equipped with basic facts about H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine. To investigate socio‐psychological factors that might have deterred this high‐risk population from learning about and getting the H1N1 vaccine, this study tested the utility of a risk information seeking model in addressing this health communication problem. Data collected from an online survey of 371 college students showed that respondents seemed to overestimate how much they knew about the vaccine. Risk information seeking, however, positively influenced their intentions to get the vaccine. Results suggested that to communicate effectively to this population, it is important to emphasize the difference between perceived knowledge and actual knowledge, monitor emotional responses to potential risks, and promote getting flu vaccination as a socially desirable behavior.
Patterns of brain activation in foster children and nonmaltreated children during an inhibitory control task

Abstract Children in foster care have often encountered a range of adverse experiences, including neglectful and/or abusive care and multiple caregiver transitions. Prior research findings suggest that such experiences negatively affect inhibitory control and the underlying neural circuitry. In the current study, event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging was employed during a go/no go task that assesses inhibitory control to compare the behavioral performance and brain activation of foster children and nonmaltreated children. The sample included two groups of 9- to 12-year-old children: 11 maltreated foster children and 11 nonmaltreated children living with their biological parents. There were no significant group differences on behavioral performance on the task. In contrast, patterns of brain activation differed by group. The nonmaltreated children demonstrated stronger activation than did the foster children across several regions, including the right anterior cingulate cortex, the middle frontal gyrus, and the right lingual gyrus, during correct no go trials, whereas the foster children displayed stronger activation than the nonmaltreated children in the left inferior parietal lobule and the right superior occipital cortex, including the lingual gyrus and cuneus, during incorrect no go trials. These results provide preliminary evidence that the early adversity experienced by foster children impacts the neural substrates of inhibitory control.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPP . IN LOCAL SURFACE WATERS

In order to identify and characterize Enterococcus spp. , we isolated bacteria from surface water samples taken from four sites in Morris County, NJ. We then performed various biochemical tests to identify the isolates by species, as well as determine their antibiotic resistance and virulence. Through the use of bacterial count data, this study indicated that none of the four local water sources were suitable for bathing or drinking water, according to federal safe water standards. Naturally found in animal digestive tracts, Enterococcus spp. is often utilized as fecal indicators in surface waters. In addition, we concluded that many common antibiotics, such as penicillin, are no longer effective in combating Enterococcus spp. Due to the recent increase in the number of nosocomial pathogens, many studies have shifted their focus to two of the more reoccurring and pathogenic species Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. These two Enterococcus species are known for their resilience and high level of antimicrobial resistance. E. faecium was isolated from all four of the study sites; however, E. faecalis was only present at Loantaka Brook and Drew Pond. These two particular species of Enterococcus are responsible for a variety of diseases, including bacteriemia, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and wound infections [1].
Discolouration of Polymethyl Methacrylate versus BisâAcrylic based Provisional Crown and Bridge Dental Resins: Effect of Storage Media and Duration

Background: Provisional restorations are frequently needed for several days to weeks, demanding them to be well made and stable with distinctive functions and purposes. In aesthetically critical region, the provisional restoration must not only deliver an initial shade match, furthermore must preserve its aesthetic appearance over the service period. Noticeable colour change may compromise the suitability of provisional restorations. Aim: This study aimed to determine the discolouration of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and bisâÂÂacrylic based provisional crown and bridge autoâÂÂpolymerizing resins when exposed to coffee, tea, orange and cranberry juice. Materials and Methods: Four auto-polymerizing provisional crown and bridge resins, two methyl methacrylate and two bis-acrylic were used. Specimens were randomly divided into five groups (N=120, n=30) to be stored in artificial saliva, artificial saliva+tea, artificial saliva+coffee, artificial saliva+orange juice and artificial saliva+cranberry juice. Colour measurements were taken before immersion, after 1 week and 1 month of immersion with the Spectrophotometer. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent samples tâÂÂtest, Scheffe’s postâÂÂhoc test, and paired tâÂÂtest. A significance level of a = 0.05 was used for all statistical analyses. Results: After the immersion period of 1 week and 1 month period, the post hoc analysis indicated that highest ΔE values were observed for Protemp II-artificial saliva + coffee as compared to other materials. Conclusion: The degrees of discolouration increased with immersion time. Methyl methacrylate resins were more resistant to discolouration than bis-acrylic resins. After immersion for 1 month, artificial saliva + coffee solution resulted in unacceptable discolouration for all the tested materials.
Been There, Done That: Clinicians' Use of Personal Recovery in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

As the field of eating disorders matures, it becomes increasingly incumbent upon us to tackle thorny issues that have received little or no formal attention up to this point. One of these issues is the role for clinicians who have personal recovery from eating disorders in the treatment of this patient population. The issue has far reaching implications—from delicate human resource management laws to subtle countertransference questions regarding the use of self-disclosure in psychotherapy. The task of this article will be to open a broad-based dialogue in hopes of having an evenhanded and productive discussion of the relative advantages and disadvantages of having clinicians with personal recovery involved in the treatment process. The eventual goal would be for our field to offer guidelines regarding this issue.
Coping with Accountability Cross-Pressures: Low-Effort Evasive Tactics and High-Effort Quests for Complex Compromises

The current study explores two classes of strategies of coping with accountability: low-cognitive-effort decision-evasion tactics (buckpassing, procrastination, and exiting the situation) and high-cognitive-effort attempts to craft integratively complex compromises among conflicting perspectives. Some participants read weak arguments on one side of the free trade issue and strong arguments on the other side, and some participants read strong arguments for both the pro-and anti-free trade positions. They then expected their own views to be anonymous or expected to justify those views to a pro-free trade audience or to both a pro-and an anti-free trade audience. Participants were most integratively complex when they read strong arguments from each side and were accountable to conflicting constituencies (maximum intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict). Participants also relied on low-effort decision-evasion tactics to escape accountability and were willing to use escape strategies demanding relatively more time and energy to avoid accountability to contradictory constituencies.
A REVISION OF THE UPPER TRIASSIC ORNITHISCHIAN DINOSAUR REVUELTOSAURUS , WITH A DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES

Ornithischian dinosaur body fossils are extremely rare in Triassic rocks worldwide, and to date the majority of such fossils consist of isolated teeth. Revueltosaurus is the most common Upper Triassic ornithischian dinosaur and is known from Chinle Group strata in New Mexico and Arizona. Historically, all large (>1 cm tall) and many small ornithischian dinosaur teeth from the Chinle have been referred to the type species, Revueltosaurus callenderi Hunt. A careful re-examination of the type and referred material of Revueltosaurus callenderi reveals that: (1) R. callenderi is a valid taxon, in spite of cladistic arguments to the contrary; (2) many teeth previously referred to R. callenderi, particularly from the Placerias quarry, instead represent other, more basal, ornithischians; and (3) teeth from the vicinity of St. Johns, Arizona, and Lamy, New Mexico previously referred to R. callenderi pertain to a new species, named Revueltosaurus hunti here. R. hunti is more derived than R. callenderi and is one of the most derived Triassic ornithischians. However, detailed biostratigraphy indicates that R. hunti is older (Adamanian: latest Carnian) than R. callenderi (Revueltian: early-mid Norian). Both taxa have great potential as index taxa of their respective faunachrons and support existing biochronologies based on other tetrapods, megafossil plants, palynostratigraphy, and lithostratigraphy.