Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Filtration-guided assembly for patterning one-dimensional nanostructures

Tremendous progress has been made in synthesizing various types of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures (NSs), such as nanotubes and nanowires, but some technical challenges still remain in the deterministic assembly of the solution-processed 1D NSs for device integration. In this work we investigate a scalable yet inexpensive nanomaterial assembly method, namely filtration-guided assembly (FGA), to place nanomaterials into desired locations as either an individual entity or ensembles, and form functional devices. FGA not only addresses the assembly challenges but also encompasses the notion of green nanomanufacturing, maximally utilizing nanomaterials and eliminating a waste stream of nanomaterials into the environment. FGA utilizes selective filtration of 1D NSs through the open windows on the nanoporous filter membrane whose surface is patterned by a polymer mask for guiding the 1D NS deposition. The modified soft-lithographic technique called blanket transfer (BT) is employed to create the various photoresist patterns of sub-10-micron resolution on the nanoporous filter membrane like mixed cellulose acetate. We use single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a model 1D NS and demonstrate the fabrication of an array pattern of homogeneous 1D NS network films over an area of 20 cm2 within 10 min. The FGA-patterned SWCNT network films are transferred onto the substrate using the adhesive-based transfer technique, and show the highly uniform film thickness and resistance measurements across the entire substrate. Finally, the electrical performance of the back-gated transistors made from the FGA and transfer method of 95% pure SWCNTs is demonstrated.
Human Monoclonal Antibodies againstPseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide Derived from Transgenic Mice Containing Megabase Human Immunoglobulin Loci Are Opsonic and Protective against Fatal Pseudomonas Sepsis

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant human pathogen, and no vaccine is commercially available. Passive antibody prophylaxis using monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against protectiveP. aeruginosa epitopes is an alternative strategy for preventing P. aeruginosa infection, but mouse MAb are not suitable for use in humans. Polyclonal human antibodies from multiple donors have variable antibody titers, and human MAb are difficult to make. We used immunoglobulin-inactivated transgenic mice reconstituted with megabase-size human immunoglobulin loci to generate a human MAb against the polysaccharide (PS) portion of the lipopolysaccharide O side chain of a common pathogenic serogroup ofP. aeruginosa, 06ad. The anti-PS human immunoglobulin G2 MAb made from mice immunized with heat-killed P. aeruginosa was specific for serogroup 06ad pseudomonas. The MAb was highly opsonic for the uptake and killing of P. aeruginosa by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the presence of human complement. In addition, 25 μg of the MAb protected 100% of neutropenic mice from fatal P. aeruginosasepsis. DNA sequence analysis of the genes encoding the MAb revealed VH3 and Vκ2/A2 variable-region genes, similar to variable-region genes in humans immunized with bacterial PS and associated with high-avidity anti-PS antibodies. We conclude that human MAb to P. aeruginosa made in these transgenic mice are highly protective and that these mice mimic the antibody response seen in humans immunized with T-cell-independent antigens such as bacterial PS.
HIV‐1 Nef triggers Vav‐mediated signaling pathway leading to functional and morphological differentiation of dendritic cells

The accessory HIV‐1 Nef protein plays a key role in AIDS pathogenesis. We recently demonstrated that exogenous Nef triggers phenotypic and functional differentiation of immature dendritic cells (DCs). Here we investigated whether the Nef‐induced DC differentiation occurs with morphological remodeling and have focused on the interference of Nef in the signaling pathways that regulates DC maturation. We found that exogenous Nef enters immature DCs, promoting their functional and morphological differentiation. Specifically, Nef promotes interleukin (IL) ‐12 release, which closely fits with nuclear factor (NF) ‐κB activation. Nef induces rearrangement of actin microfilaments, leading to uropod and ruffle formation. Moreover, Nef increases the capacity of DCs to form clusters with allogeneic CD4+ T cells, improving immunological synapse formation. Searching for molecules involved in Nef‐triggered signaling pathways driving the DC maturation, we found that Nef targets Vav and promotes its tyrosine phosphorylation, associated with its nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm redistribution. This has a direct effect on Vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity for the small GTPase Rac1. We hypothesize that targeting Vav, Nef modulates both early signaling events (such as cytoskeletal rearrangement) and delayed responses (such as transcriptional regulation), promoting DC differentiation. Our results highlight how Nef may enhance T lymphocyte activation, thus fostering virus dissemination, manipulating the DC arm of the immune response. —Quaranta, M. G. , Mattioli, B. , Spadaro, F. , Straface, E. , Giordani, L. , Ramoni, C. , Malorni, W. , Viora, M. HIV‐1 Nef triggers Vav‐mediated signaling pathway leading to functional and morphological differentiation of dendritic cells. FASEB J. 17, 2025–2036 (2003)
Update on B-cell targeted therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by flares and remission, leading to accrual of organ damage over time as a result of persistent tissue inflammation and treatment-related complications. Novel therapies aiming at better treatment response and fewer adverse effects are being tested in the pipeline. Areas covered: This review summarizes the B-cell abnormalities observed in patients with SLE, and updates recent data on the efficacy and safety of B-cell targeted therapies in the treatment of SLE. The pitfalls of clinical trial design and future directions of the development of SLE therapeutics are discussed. Expert opinion: The variability of clinical response to treatment in SLE reflects the clinical and immunological heterogeneity of the disease. The treatment plan for patients with SLE should be individualized with the aim of eradicating disease activity, preventing flares and minimizing treatment-related complications. Despite the disappointment of recent clinical trials, B-cell remains the promising target of future SLE therapies. Results from ongoing clinical trials on B-cell targeted biological agents are eagerly awaited.
Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Index for policy learning in cities

Policy learning between cities is a vital process to enable the diffusion of more sustainable practices. The Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) Index provides a composite indicator to benchmark city performance based on 7 dimensions and 35 main indicators. In this research work, the SDEWES Index is applied to 25 cities. Data are collected, normalised, and aggregated to obtain the results. Stockholm (3.29), Espoo (3.25) and Sevilla (2.98) are the top three cities. An average city in the sample receives an index score of 2.75. The paper further develops a benchmarking tool to trigger policy learning based on the index performance. Two typologies of policy learning are discussed to stimulate an exploratory process for catching-up or finding solutions to common needs. On the basis of the total of 56 cities to which the index is applied to date, a search algorithm is developed to match cities in which 10 common patterns are identified. The paper concludes with the prospect of using the SDEWES Index to stimulate innovation for more sustainable cities.
Synchronized activity in prefrontal cortex during anticipation of visuomotor processing

It is commonly presumed, though not well established, that the prefrontal cortex exerts top-down control of sensory processing. One aspect of this control is thought to be a facilitation of sensory pathways in anticipation of such processing. To investigate the possible involvement of prefrontal cortex in anticipatory top-down control, we studied the statistical relations between prefrontal activity, recorded while a macaque monkey waited for presentation of a visual stimulus, and subsequent sensory and motor events. Local field potentials were simultaneously recorded from prefrontal, motor, occipital and temporal cortical sites in the left cerebral hemisphere. Spectral power and coherence analysis revealed that during stimulus anticipation three of five prefrontal sites participated in a coherent oscillatory network synchronized in the &bgr;-frequency range. Pre-stimulus network power and coherence were highly correlated with the amplitude and latency of early visual evoked potential components in visual cortical areas, and with response time. The results suggest that synchronized oscillatory networks in prefrontal cortex are involved in top-down anticipatory mechanisms that facilitate subsequent sensory processing in visual cortex. They further imply that stronger top-down control leads to larger and faster sensory responses, and a subsequently faster motor response.
Fluctuations of Intraocular Pressure during the Day in Open-Angle Glaucoma, Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Normal Subjects

Purpose: The aim of the present paper is to describe the variations in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the day in normals, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). IOP represents one of the most important risk factors for glaucoma. However the IOP value is not constant during the day and IOP fluctuation could influence the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of the glaucomatous disease. Methods: For this purpose IOP was evaluated every 2 h from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in one randomized eye of 33 normal subjects, 95 POAG and 50 NTG patients. Results: The results show that the highest IOP values were detectable in the morning in all three groups. The lowest values were found in the early afternoon hours. These variations were most evident in POAG patients. The daily IOP fluctuations were directly proportional to IOP level. Conclusion: The study evidents that a single tonometric evaluation, especially if done in the first hours of the afternoon, is not sufficient to correctly evaluate the IOP-related risk in glaucoma patients. If the pressure peaks are important in determining the extent of glaucomatous damage in NTG patients IOP should not have an important role in optic nerve head damage. The use of diurnal curves seems to be mandatory for the assessment of IOP-related risk and of efficiency of the therapeutic approach.
Back to the future of intellectual capital research: a systematic literature review

Purpose For better mapping the path of intellectual capital (IC) research, the purpose of this paper is to selectively review empirical studies of IC published, and identify theories, components and three dimensions of analysis: national IC (NIC), regional IC (RIC) and organizational IC (OIC). Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review (SLR) subject to analysis is based on empirical studies made between 1960 and 2016, and focuses on three dimensions of analysis: NIC, RIC and OIC. Four research questions were designed, using the following databases, namely, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar, for data collection purposes. Findings The SLR unveils a multidimensional taxonomy for measuring and classifying the type of IC applicable to the different levels of analysis and provides some recommendations for future studies of NIC, RIC and OIC, by outlining the need for clear definitions of components and measures of IC and identifying strengths, limitations and future research avenues. Originality/value In order to fill the gap found in the literature and the non-existence of a study clarifying the multiple dimensions of analysis of IC, this SLR makes a twofold, original contribution to the literature on management: providing an SLR of the main empirical studies dealing with different units of analysis; and identifying a multidimensional taxonomy for measuring and classifying the type of IC applicable to the different levels of analysis.
Autism risk across generations: a population-based study of advancing grandpaternal and paternal age.

IMPORTANCE Advancing paternal age has been linked to autism. OBJECTIVE To further expand knowledge about the association between paternal age and autism by studying the effect of grandfathers' age on childhood autism. DESIGN Population-based, multigenerational, case-control study. SETTING Nationwide multigeneration and patient registers in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS We conducted a study of individuals born in Sweden since 1932. Parental age at birth was obtained for more than 90% of the cohort. Grandparental age at the time of birth of the parent was obtained for a smaller subset (5936 cases and 30 923 controls). MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE International Classification of Diseases diagnosis of childhood autism in the patient registry. RESULTS A statistically significant monotonic association was found between advancing grandpaternal age at the time of birth of the parent and risk of autism in grandchildren. Men who had fathered a daughter when they were 50 years or older were 1.79 times (95% CI, 1.35-2.37; P < .001) more likely to have a grandchild with autism, and men who had fathered a son when they were 50 years or older were 1.67 times (95% CI, 1.35-2.37; P < .001) more likely to have a grandchild with autism, compared with men who had fathered children when they were 20 to 24 years old, after controlling for birth year and sex of the child, age of the spouse, family history of psychiatric disorders, highest family educational level, and residential county. A statistically significant monotonic association was also found between advancing paternal age and risk of autism in the offspring. Sensitivity analyses indicated that these findings were not the result of bias due to missing data on grandparental age. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Advanced grandparental age was associated with increased risk of autism, suggesting that risk of autism could develop over generations. The results are consistent with mutations and/or epigenetic alterations associated with advancing paternal age.
Effectiveness of a glass ionomer cement used as a pit and fissure sealant in recently erupted permanent first molars.

PURPOSE This study's purpose was to evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) used as an occlusal sealant on recently erupted permanent first molars. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical trial was undertaken that included 36 5- to 8-year-olds (and 92 permanent first molars) who were randomly allocated to the test group (GIC) or the control group (auto-polymerized resin-based sealant [RBS]). The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the number of new carious or filled occlusal surfaces in the 2 groups. RESULTS After 6 months, 1 occlusal surface in the test group and 2 occlusal surfaces in the control group showed carious lesions (P=.15). In the fifth year of follow-up, 2 occlusal surfaces in the test group and 7 occlusal surfaces in the control group were filled or carious (P=.42), and the mean number of sealed surfaces that became carious or filled was 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.02-0.70) for the GIC-sealed teeth and 0.6 (95% CI=0.20-1.30) for the RBS-sealed teeth (P=.30). CONCLUSION High-viscosity glass ionomer cement can provide some level of protection against dental caries when used as a dental sealant in newly erupted permanent first molars.
Plumbagin elicits differential proteomic responses mainly involving cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways in human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells

Plumbagin (PLB) has exhibited a potent anticancer effect in preclinical studies, but the molecular interactome remains elusive. This study aimed to compare the quantitative proteomic responses to PLB treatment in human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells using the approach of stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). The data were finally validated using Western blot assay. First, the bioinformatic analysis predicted that PLB could interact with 78 proteins that were involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, immunity, and signal transduction. Our quantitative proteomic study using SILAC revealed that there were at least 1,225 and 267 proteins interacting with PLB and there were 341 and 107 signaling pathways and cellular functions potentially regulated by PLB in PC-3 and DU145 cells, respectively. These proteins and pathways played a critical role in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and reactive oxygen species generation. The proteomic study showed substantial differences in response to PLB treatment between PC-3 and DU145 cells. PLB treatment significantly modulated the expression of critical proteins that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, and EMT signaling pathways in PC-3 cells but not in DU145 cells. Consistently, our Western blotting analysis validated the bioinformatic and proteomic data and confirmed the modulating effects of PLB on important proteins that regulated cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and EMT in PC-3 and DU145 cells. The data from the Western blot assay could not display significant differences between PC-3 and DU145 cells. These findings indicate that PLB elicits different proteomic responses in PC-3 and DU145 cells involving proteins and pathways that regulate cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, reactive oxygen species production, and antioxidation/oxidation homeostasis. This is the first systematic study with integrated computational, proteomic, and functional analyses revealing the networks of signaling pathways and differential proteomic responses to PLB treatment in prostate cancer cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis using SILAC represents an efficient and highly sensitive approach to identify the target networks of anticancer drugs like PLB, and the data may be used to discriminate the molecular and clinical subtypes, and to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers, for prostate cancer. Further studies are warranted to explore the potential of quantitative proteomic analysis in the identification of new targets and biomarkers for prostate cancer.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic abscess: A case series of 8 patients.

AIM To show the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pelvic abscess that were inaccessible for percutaneous drainage. METHODS Eight consecutive patients with pelvic abscess that were not amenable to drainage under computed tomography (CT) guidance were referred for EUS-guided drainage. The underlying cause of the abscesses included diverticulitis in 4, postsurgical surgical complications in 2, iatrogenic after enema in 1, and Crohn's disease in 1 patient. Abscesses were all drained under EUS guidance via a transrectal or transsigmoidal approach. RESULTS EUS-guided placement of one or two 7 Fr pigtail stents was technically successful and uneventful in all 8 patients (100%). The abscess was perisigmoidal in 2 and was multilocular in 4 patients. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation and without fluoroscopic monitoring. Fluid samples were successfully retrieved for microbiological studies in all cases and antibiotic policy was adjusted according to culture results in 5 patients. Follow-up CT showed complete recovery and disappearance of abscess. The stents were retrieved by sigmoidoscopy in only two patients and had spontaneously migrated to outside in six patients. All drainage procedures resulted in a favourable clinical outcome. All patients became afebrile within 24 h after drainage and the mean duration of the postprocedure hospital stay was 8 d (range 4-14). Within a median follow up period of 38 mo (range 12-52) no recurrence was reported. CONCLUSION We conclude that EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscesses without fluoroscopic monitoring is a minimally invasive, safe and effective approach that should be considered in selected patients.
Railroad Development, Temporal‐Spatial Externalities, and Growth Spillover: Theory and Empirical Evidence

This paper develops an extended Solow model by considering the time‐variant spillover effect of interregional economies. Instead of using fixed spatial distances among regions, the regions' temporal‐spatial distances are measured by constructing a database of train types and calculating the fastest region‐to‐region routes. We collect provincial economic data and railroads data over the period 2003–2012 in China to establish a dynamic temporal‐spatial panel model. The estimation results indicate significant temporal‐spatial externalities. Compared with classical spatial models, the temporal‐spatial model not only has a much better goodness‐of‐fit but also has consistent total effects, direct effects and indirect effects.
Chondroitin Sulfate Characterized by the E-disaccharide Unit Is a Potent Inhibitor of Herpes Simplex Virus Infectivity and Provides the Virus Binding Sites on gro2C Cells*

Although cell surface chondroitin sulfate (CS) is regarded as an auxiliary receptor for binding of herpes simplex virus to cells, and purified CS chain types A, B, and C are known to interfere poorly or not at all with the virus infection of cells, we have found that CS type E (CS-E), derived from squid cartilage, exhibited potent antiviral activity. The IC50 values ranged from 0.06 to 0.2 μg/ml and substantially exceeded the antiviral potency of heparin, the known inhibitor of virus binding to cells. Furthermore, in mutant gro2C cells that express CS but not heparan sulfate, CS-E showed unusually high anti-herpes virus activity with IC50 values of <1 ng/ml. Enzymatic degradation of CS-E with chondroitinase ABC abolished its antiviral activity. CS-E inhibited the binding to cells of the purified virus attachment protein gC. A direct interaction of gC with immobilized CS-E and inhibition of this binding by CS-E oligosaccharide fragments greater than octasaccharide were demonstrated. Likewise, the gro2C-specific CS chains interfered with the binding of viral gC to these cells and were found to contain a considerable proportion (13%) of the E-disaccharide unit, suggesting that this unit is an essential component of the CS receptor for herpes simplex virus on gro2C cells and that the antiviral activity of CS-E was due to interference with the binding of viral gC to a CS-E-like receptor on the cell surface. Knowledge of the determinants of antiviral properties of CS-E will help in the development of inhibitors of herpes simplex virus infections in humans.