Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contributions of CD8+ T Cells and Viral Spread to Demyelinating Disease1

Acute and chronic demyelination are hallmarks of CNS infection by the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus. Although infectious virus is cleared by CD8+ T cells, both viral RNA and activated CD8+ T cells remain in the CNS during persistence potentially contributing to pathology. To dissociate immune from virus-mediated determinants initiating and maintaining demyelinating disease, mice were infected with two attenuated viral variants differing in a hypervariable region of the spike protein. Despite similar viral replication and tropism, one infection was marked by extensive demyelination and paralysis, whereas the other resulted in no clinical symptoms and minimal neuropathology. Mononuclear cells from either infected brain exhibited virus specific ex vivo cytolytic activity, which was rapidly lost during viral clearance. As revealed by class I tetramer technology the paralytic variant was superior in inducing specific CD8+ T cells during the acute disease. However, after infectious virus was cleared, twice as many virus-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD8+ T cells were recovered from the brains of asymptomatic mice compared with mice undergoing demyelination, suggesting that IFN-γ ameliorates rather than perpetuates JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus-induced demyelination. The present data thus indicate that in immunocompetent mice, effector CD8+ T cells control infection without mediating either clinical disease or demyelination. In contrast, demyelination correlated with early and sustained infection of the spinal cord. Rapid viral spread, attributed to determinants within the spike protein and possibly perpetuated by suboptimal CD8+ T cell effector function, thus ultimately leads to the process of immune-mediated demyelination.
Alterations in Purkinje cell spines of calbindin D‐28 k and parvalbumin knock‐out mice

The second messenger Ca2+ is known to act in a broad spectrum of fundamental cell processes, including modifications of cell shape and motility, through the intermediary of intracellular calcium‐binding proteins. The possible impact of the lack of the intracellular soluble Ca2+‐binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin D‐28 k (CB) was tested on spine morphology and topology in Purkinje cell dendrites of genetically modified mice. Three different genotypes were studied, i.e. PV or CB single knock‐out (PV–/–, CB–/–) and PV and CB double knock‐out mice (PV–/–CB–/–). Purkinje cells were microinjected with Lucifer Yellow and terminal dendrites scanned at high resolution with a confocal laser microscope followed by three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstruction. The absence of PV had no significant effect on spine morphology, whereas the absence of CB resulted in a slight increase of various spine parameters, most notably spine length. In double knock‐out mice, the absence of both PV and CB entailed a doubling of spine length, an increase in spine volume and spine surface, a higher spine density along the dendrites, as well as a more clustered spine distribution. In all three genotypes, a reduction in the number of stubby spines was observed compared with wild‐type animals. These results suggest a morphological compensation for the lack of the soluble calcium buffers in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cell dendritic spines. The increase in various spine parameters, particularly volume, may counteract the lack of the calcium buffers, such as to adjust Ca2+‐transients at the transitional zone between spines and dendrites.
Evaporation Erosion of Contacts Under Static Arc by Gas Dynamics and Molten Pool Simulation

Two mass erosion mechanisms or mass loss modes for electrodes during the repetitive arcing processes should be responsible for the failure of electromagnetic relays, and there are evaporation erosion and sputter erosion. Of these two, the evaporation erosion is believed to be the main failure mechanism for the electrodes used in low-current relays. Unfortunately, there is still no straight-forward model to predict the characteristics of the evaporation process on the electrodes. In this paper, heat transfer and fluid dynamics in the molten pool in silver contacts are coupled with the gas dynamics in the vicinity of arc spot to determine the evaporation rate due to static arc. The influences of input parameters, such as arc current and material properties, on the evaporation rate are analyzed. Of all those parameters, boiling point and thermal conductivity of the electrode are found to be the most significant influences on the evaporation rate. The transfer direction of mass due to electrode evaporation is discussed on the assumption of zero net material loss, and it is found to be directly related to the current and heat flux from the arc to the electrodes. The method used in this paper to evaluate the evaporation erosion characteristics can serve for strategies to alleviate evaporation erosion for relay electrodes.
Feasibility of Integrating Facebook Technology in Learning to Promote Civic Education Among Secondary School Youths in Dar es Salaam

This study investigated the feasibility of integrating facebook technology in learning to promote Civic Education in Secondary Schools in Kinondoni District. The study employed qualitative and quantitative research approaches in data collection, analysis and presentation. The study used a sample of 120 participants from groups of secondary school students (100) and teachers (20) who were selected on the basis of probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The study findings have revealed that it is feasible to integrate facebook technology to promote Civic Education among Secondary School youths in Kinondoni District. This is because 90% of students and 80% of teachers presented high competencies in using facebook technology in learning. Moreover, 70% of teachers and 68% of students perceived positively about facebook integration in learning. Furthermore, 85% of students and 80% of teachers were used in signing on facebook to suggest that they were using facebook in learning civic education. This could mean that many students and teachers demonstrated mastery of specific competencies in the use of facebook technology in teaching and learning. However, majority of both the students and teachers encountered some challenges in the utilization of facebook technology in teaching and learning. Based on the findings, about 70% of teachers and 50% of students felt in the application of facebook technology indicating their level of difficulty in using facebook technology in teaching and learning of civic education.In order to enhance the feasibility of facebook technology in teaching and learning, efforts should be made to customize it as an effective teaching and learning tool as is currently the case in Europe and America.
Thrombolytic therapy for ischaemic stroke in patients using warfarin: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background It is uncertain whether thrombolytic therapy is safe in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who are treated with warfarin and have a subtherapeutic international normalised ratio (INR) at stroke onset. Methods The authors performed a systematic review of the literature and included studies that assessed the relation between prior warfarin use with subtherapeutic INR and outcome after intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy in acute ischaemic stroke. Outcome measures were symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH), modified Rankin scale score 0–2 and mortality. Second, the authors performed a meta-analysis of the included studies. Results Seven studies with 3631 patients were included. 240 (6.6%) patients used warfarin before stroke onset. The risk of SICH was increased in the warfarin group (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.9. p=0.02). There was no significant difference, however, in functional outcome (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.6 to 1.2, p=0.32) or death from all causes (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.9 to 1.8). Discussion The risk of SICH after thrombolytic therapy is increased in patients using warfarin with subtherapeutic INR levels. The authors found no evidence of an increase in death from all causes or worsening of functional outcome in warfarin treated patients.
Infrastructuring Place: A Case Study of Citizen-Led Placemaking Practices in Two Urban Gardening Projects

A proliferation of citizen-led placemaking practices, characterised by peer-to-peer production, collective intelligence and participatory design, has challenged expert-led development practices, and encouraged alternative forms of urban governance and land use. From large-scale projects to temporary urban interventions, citizens are exploring new ways of working together to reshape their communities and make place. This study builds on emerging concepts in participatory design by answering the question “how do urban gardening communities make place? ” Through sketch mapping, focus group interviews and document analysis, this case study combines two research traditions for an interdisciplinary analysis of the material practices and social impact of commons-based approaches to placemaking; emphasising the important role citizens play in creating, designing and maintaining urban places. The study demonstrates that citizens working outside a professional urban design context can (and do) innovate to create meaningful community spaces, while socially advancing new forms of participation, production and knowledge.
Treatment of End-of-Dose Wearing-Off in Parkinson’s Disease: Stalevo® (Levodopa/Carbidopa/Entacapone) and Levodopa/DDCI Given in Combination with Comtess®/Comtan® (Entacapone) Provide Equivalent Improvements in Symptom Control Superior to That of Traditional Levodopa/DDCI Treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the new optimised levodopa, Stalevo® (levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone) in patients with Parkinson’s disease experiencing end-of-dose wearing-off. Treatment with Stalevo was compared to treatment with traditional immediate-release levodopa and dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (DDCI) formulations along with adjunct entacapone (Comtess®/Comtan®). A European, open, parallel-group, active treatment-controlled phase IIIb study evaluating 176 patients randomised to switch from their current regimen of levodopa/DDCI to either an equivalent dose of Stalevo or levodopa/DDCI plus entacapone. After 6 weeks, treatments were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression of Change, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and a Motor Fluctuations Questionnaire. Over 70% of patients in both the Stalevo and adjunct entacapone arms felt that they were clinically improved and over 80% experienced a reduction in fluctuations. Although there was no significant difference between Stalevo and levodopa/DDCI plus entacapone with regard to motor improvement and side effects, 81% of patients stated that they preferred treatment with Stalevo compared with taking two separate tablets (i.e. levodopa/DDCI and entacapone). Stalevo was well tolerated and safe when substituted for levodopa DDCI preparations.
Development of a multivariate statistical model to predict peroxisome proliferation in the rat, based on urinary 1H-NMR spectral patterns

A previous report of this work (Ringeissen et al. 2003) described the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical data analysis (MVDA) to identify novel biomarkers of peroxisome proliferation (PP) in Wistar Han rats. Two potential biomarkers of peroxisome proliferation in the rat were described, N-methylnicotinamide (NMN) and N-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4PY). The inference from these results was that the tryptophan-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) pathway was altered in correlation with peroxisome proliferation, a hypothesis subsequently confirmed by TaqMan® analysis of the relevant genes encoding two key enzymes in the pathway, aminocarboxymuconate-semialdehyde decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.45) and quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.19). The objective of the present study was to investigate these data further and identify other metabolites in the NMR spectrum correlating equally with PP. MVDA Partial Least Squares (PLS) models were constructed that provided a better prediction of PP in Wistar Han rats than levels of 4PY and NMN alone. The resulting Wistar Han rat predictive models were then used to predict PP in a test group of Sprague Dawley rats following administration of fenofibrate. The models predicted the presence or absence of PP (above on arbitrary threshold of >2-fold mean control) in all Sprague Dawley rats in the test group.
Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND Colloid solutions are widely used in fluid resuscitation of critically ill patients. There are several choices of colloid and there is ongoing debate about the relative effectiveness of colloids compared to crystalloid fluids. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of colloids compared to crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's specialised register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the National Research Register, Web of Science and MetaRegister. Bibliographies of trials and review articles retrieved were searched. The searches were last updated in December 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of colloids compared to crystalloids, in patients requiring volume replacement. Cross-over trials and trials in pregnant women and neonates were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data and rated quality of allocation concealment. Trials with a 'double-intervention', such as those comparing colloid in hypertonic crystalloid to isotonic crystalloid, were analysed separately. The analysis was stratified according to colloid type and quality of allocation concealment. MAIN RESULTS We identified 63 eligible trials, 55 of these presented mortality data. COLLOIDS COMPARED TO CRYSTALLOIDS: Albumin or plasma protein fraction - 23 trials reported data on mortality, including a total of 7,754 patients. The pooled relative risk (RR) from these trials was 1.01 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.92 to 1.10). When the trial with poor quality allocation concealment was excluded, pooled RR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.09). Hydroxyethyl starch - 16 trials compared hydroxyethyl starch with crystalloids, n = 637 patients. The pooled RR was 1.05 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.75). Modified gelatin - 11 trials compared modified gelatin with crystalloid, n = 506 patients. The pooled RR was 0.91 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.72). Dextran - nine trials compared dextran with a crystalloid, n = 834 patients. The pooled RR was 1.24 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.65). COLLOIDS IN HYPERTONIC CRYSTALLOID COMPARED TO ISOTONIC CRYSTALLOID: Eight trials compared dextran in hypertonic crystalloid with isotonic crystalloid, including 1,283 randomised participants. Pooled RR was 0.88 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.05). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence from RCTs that resuscitation with colloids reduces the risk of death, compared to resuscitation with crystalloids, in patients with trauma, burns or following surgery. As colloids are not associated with an improvement in survival, and as they are more expensive than crystalloids, it is hard to see how their continued use in these patients can be justified outside the context of RCTs.
Introduction to the special issue on high-power electromagnetics (HPEM) and intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI)

A new threat to civil society has recently emerged. It is known as intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) and covers the threat of intense electromagnetic disturbances that may be applied to the sophisticated electronic systems that are so important to our daily lives. This paper provides a brief background for the threat, defines important terms, describes the different types of electromagnetic threats, explores the importance of topological concepts, summarizes the current understanding of equipment susceptibility, provides an overview of protection concepts, and summarizes the ongoing work in international standardization. This paper also serves as the introduction to the IEMI papers in this special issue.
Patterns and correlates of tobacco use among suburban Philadelphia 6th- through 12th-grade students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Tobacco use among teenagers is increasing, even in the face of an understanding of its harmful effects. Data suggest that tobacco use often begins before entrance to eighth grade. This study examined the prevalence of tobacco use among students in 6th grade and compared it to the prevalence of tobacco use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in a northeastern suburban community and to national data. METHODS We used a survey that measured selected tobacco and smokeless tobacco use, demographic variables, school-related factors, and social influences on the use of tobacco products. RESULTS Sixth-grade tobacco use existed but was minimal compared to the rates seen in 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Only 1% of 6th graders reported they were current smokers, compared with 41% of 12th graders. Risk factors for becoming a smoker were smoking habits of parents, siblings, and friends. CONCLUSIONS Cigarette experimentation and use begins as early as sixth grade and increases substantially by eighth grade. Our data suggest that efforts toward primary prevention of smoking should be pursued between sixth and eighth grade.
Performance of physical asset management using the analytic hierarchy process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore certain resources, capabilities and competencies needed to improve the performance of physical asset management (PAM). Design/methodology/approach The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to select and prioritize the most appropriate factors for improving performance. A multi-criteria approach is used to analyze and compare the importance of 6 main criteria and 18 subcriteria identified from a survey of relevant literature. Findings The study revealed that not all factors are viewed as having equal importance in improving PAM performance, as three of the main factors attained greater importance among the six factors. Research limitations/implications This study explored the factors required for managing assets only within the third stage of asset lifecycle, that is, the utilization stage. It is recommended that future studies be conducted in such a way as to determine the importance of similar factors in the other stages of the asset lifecycle, or to identify new factors and add new criteria. Practical implications Knowledge of the differential impacts of the factors on the performance of PAM can impact asset managers and decision makers in their allocation of resources and focus their work on the highest-ranked rather than the lowest-ranked factors. Also, AHP used provides an effective mean for asset managers to identify priorities among decision criteria in their organization. Originality/value To date, no study has explored the impact of six combined factors on the performance of PAM. Previous studies have found that these factors each had equal importance. However, their relative ranking in practice and when they appear together have remained unrecognized.
CONTRASTIVE MOVE ANALYSIS: PERSIAN AND ENGLISH RESEARCH ARTICLES ABSTRACTS IN LAW DISCILLINE

Abstracts are important parts of research articles because researchers are very likely to read the abstract first and then they decide to continue or stop reading the research article. Therefore, it is important to write an effective abstract in order to produce acceptable research articles in the international discourse community of specific disciplines.So, the study of the rhetorical structure of research article genres is of crucial importance in academic writing investigations. The purpose of this study is to investigate research article abstracts written in English and Persian languages in the law discipline. To this end, 90 research article abstracts in ten law journals in English and Persian languageswere investigated to examinethe move structures and the verb tenses of each move. The move structures were analyzed based on Hyland's (2000) five-move structure model. In addition, Tseng's (2011) model was used to analyze the verb tenses for each move in the abstracts.The results show that all moves (i.e. Introduction, Purpose, Method, Result, and Conclusion) were considered as obligatory structural moves in English research article abstracts, while move one (Introduction) and move two (Purpose) served as obligatory moves in Persian abstracts. Regarding the use of verb tenses in each move, the findings indicate that the present tense was the preferred tense in all moves in English abstracts, but the past tense was the preferred tense only in the method section in Persian abstracts. It is hoped that this study could help native Iranian students and researchers of law as well as legal professionals to benefit from thorough understanding of specific texts and would guide them in producing academic discourse following the required norms and thus would increase their chances for publication and effectively participate in international academic discourse communities.
Dietary diosgenin attenuates subacute intestinal inflammation associated with indomethacin in rats.

We investigated the effects of dietary diosgenin (Dio), a plant-derived sapogenin, on indomethacin (Indo)-induced intestinal inflammation and alterations in bile secretion in rats. In anesthetized rats, bile secretion, intestinal inflammation, and blood chemistry were assessed 3 days after two subcutaneous injections of Indo given 24 h apart. Dio (> 80 mg.kg-1.day-1) pretreatment significantly inhibited weight and food intake decreases and intestinal inflammation. This protective effect was confirmed by examination of gross and histological findings and intestinal myeloperoxidase activity. Dio significantly increased biliary cholesterol (Chol) output and prevented the decreases in bile flow, bile acid output, and biliary alpha-muricholic acid and the increases in biliary hyodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and hydrophobicity index of bile. Significantly more biliary Chol and phospholipids were present in macromolecules separate from bile acids and Indo in Dio-treated rats. Dio significantly increased the elimination constant of Indo and reduced plasma Indo levels at 3 and 12 h but did not influence biliary secretion of Indo for 3.5 h after injection. Although Dio dose-dependently attenuated subacute intestinal inflammation and normalized bile secretion in this model, it may also compromise the anti-inflammatory action of indo.
Environmental Proactivity and Firms’ Performance: Mediation Effect of Competitive Advantages in Spanish Wineries

The main aim of this paper is to show the extent to which environmental proactivity is able to generate competitive advantages in a firm in order to improve their economic-financial performance by introducing the role of managerial perception into the analysis. This study focuses on Spanish wineries and their environmental practices and covers a total of 4598 wineries with a sample of 142 valid responses during the month of November 2015. The results can be summarized as follows. Firstly, there is positive environmental proactivity in terms of obtaining both cost-based and differentiation-based competitive advantages. Likewise, this proactivity has a positive impact on the manager’s perception of performance. Secondly, obtaining differentiation-based competitive advantages has a positive impact on the manager’s perception of performance although a negative impact on performance itself. There is, however, no significant evidence of the impact of cost-based competitive advantages on financial performance nor on the perception of performance itself, nor the impact of environmental proactivity on financial performance.