Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OPERATIONAL TOLERANCE INDUCED BY PRETREATMENT WITH DONOR DENDRITIC CELLS UNDER BLOCKADE OF CD40 PATHWAY1

Background. Dendritic cells can mount immune response as competent antigen presenting cells. Recently, it has been reported that immature dendritic cells induce prolongation of allograft survival. However, the ability of mature dendritic cells to induce operational tolerance is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the ability of splenic mature dendritic cells to induce operational tolerance to fully allogeneic antigens using mouse heterotopic heart transplantation model. Methods. CBA (H2k) mice received i.v. injections with donor splenic dendritic cells or B cells in the absence or presence of monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for CD40 ligand or CD80/CD86 2 weeks before transplantation of a C57BL/10 (H2b) heart. Results. When donor dendritic cells were injected i.v. 2 weeks before transplantation, rejection response was accelerated compared with that of naive mice [median survival time (MST) = 7 and 8 days, respectively]. However, when CD40 pathway was blocked by anti-CD40 ligand mAb, i.v. injection of donor dendritic cells but not B cells induced indefinite graft survival (MST >100 and 20 days, respectively). Mice treated with anti-CD40 ligand mAb alone rejected their grafts with a MST of 18 days. Intravenous injection of donor dendritic cells and B cells in combination with anti-CD80/CD86 mAbs was less effective to induce graft prolongation (MST = 9.5 and 13 days, respectively). Conclusions. Therefore, under blockade of CD40 pathway, mature dendritic cells were tolerogens in vivo independent of CD80/86 pathways.
Effect of electrostatic forces control on the structure and properties of polyaniline/graphene oxide nanocomposite

Abstract The effects of electrostatic forces (EF), control on the morphology, structure, and electrochemical properties of polyaniline, PANI/graphene oxide (GO), nanocomposites prepared by interfacial electropolymerization (IEP), are studied in this work. FESEM images showed that the IEP method can form the PANI/GO nanocomposites when the EF-control has been found mainly on the PANI nanofibers formation and growth on the GO film surface; and the EF-enhancement can form PANI nanofibers with small nano-diameter, longer length, uniform morphology, high order and well orientation as compared with the EF-reduction-formed sample. The EF-enhancement-formed PANI/GO nanocomposite showed improved electrochemical properties than that of the EF-reduction-formed sample due to the EF-enhancement that enhances the C–N structure for PANI/GO nanocomposite.
Swimming in warm water is ineffective in heat acclimation and is non‐ergogenic for swimmers

Heat acclimation (HA) in air confers adaptations that improve exercise capabilities in hot and possibly temperate air. Swimmers may benefit from HA, yet immersion may constrain adaptation. Therefore, we examined whether warm‐water swimming constitutes effective HA. In a randomized‐crossover study, eight male swimmers swam 60 min/day on 7 days in 33 °C (HA) or 28 °C (CON) water. They performed 20‐min distance trials before and after each regime: in 33 °C water (Warm); 28 °C water (Temperate); and cycling in 29 °C air (Terrestrial) following standardized exercise. Rectal temperature (Tre) rose ∼ 1 °C in HA sessions, and sweat loss averaged 1.4 L/h. After accounting for CON, HA did not confer any clear expansion of plasma volume [1.9% (95% CI: 7.7)], reduction in heart rate during standardized cycling exercise [1 b/min (9)], reduction in Tre during rest [+0.1 °C (0.1)] or exercise, or change in sudomotor function. Only perceived temperature and discomfort tended to improve. Performance was clearly not improved for Warm [+0.3% (1.8)] or Temperate [+0.3% (1.9)], was unclear for Terrestrial [+0.4% (17.7)], and was unrelated to changes in resting plasma volume (r < 0.3). In conclusion, short‐term HA using swimming in 33 °C water confers little adaptation and is not ergogenic for warm or temperate conditions.
Daily multidisciplinary rounds shorten length of stay for trauma patients.

PURPOSE Efficient patient care depends on close communication between the trauma team, other surgical providers, nursing, physical therapy, and discharge planners. Communication is hampered by the number of services involved, the workload of each service, and the institution's training mission. We hypothesized that daily multidisciplinary "discharge rounds" would improve patient flow and increase readiness. METHODS A senior trauma center physician leads discharge rounds, focusing on each patient's plan of care, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and anticipated date of discharge or transfer. Present at rounds are the fellows leading each trauma team; an orthopedic surgeon; the hospital bed manager; the unit's discharge planner; the unit nursing staff; and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. RESULTS Discharge rounds cover 90 inpatient trauma service beds in approximately 60 minutes each day. Discharge rounds have had a dramatic effect on patient flow. While maintaining the daily census, we have seen a 36% increase in patient volume and a 15% decrease in length of stay. "Bypass" status-inability to accept admissions-has been virtually eliminated. This effect has been sustained. CONCLUSION By providing a forum for clear communications among all providers, discharge rounds have streamlined the care of complex trauma patients. As health care resources become ever more constrained, this sort of multidisciplinary effort is a viable option for senior physicians to directly impact hospital performance.
Studying Clinical Reasoning, Part 1: Have We Been Taking the Wrong ‘Track’?

This is the first of two papers that examine clinical reasoning research in occupational therapy. It discusses the reasoning studies of the 1980s and 1990s, focusing on ethnographic and process-tracing approaches. From this critique, a need for an approach that acknowledges the experienced thinker's intuitive reasoning is identified. The second paper will present such an approach, based on social judgement theory, and demonstrate the first application of such a method in the field of occupational therapy.
A simple mathematical model for Ebola in Africa

ABSTRACT We deal with the following question: Can the consumption of contaminated bush meat, the funeral practices and the environmental contamination explain the recurrence and persistence of Ebola virus disease outbreaks in Africa? We develop an SIR-type model which, incorporates both the direct and indirect transmissions in such a manner that there is a provision of Ebola viruses. We prove that the full model has one (endemic) equilibrium which is locally asymptotically stable whereas, it is globally asymptotically stable in the absence of the Ebola virus shedding in the environment. For the sub-model without the provision of Ebola viruses, the disease dies out or stabilizes globally at an endemic equilibrium. At the endemic level, the number of infectious is larger for the full model than for the sub-model without provision of Ebola viruses. We design a nonstandard finite difference scheme, which preserves the dynamics of the model. Numerical simulations are provided.
SEALANT : Preventing Inter-Application Attacks in Android Technical Report : USC-CSSE-16-601

Android is the most widely adopted mobile operating system today. However, Android has a major security weakness that resides in its communication model via which apps interact with each other. This weakness can expose the end-users’ personal, sensitive information to attackers. Specifically, malicious apps may exploit Android’s communication model to manipulate other apps into performing unintended operations and to steal end-users’ data. Even the latest version of Android does not provide framework-level protection from those attacks. As a result, the end-users must defend their device and data, which is difficult since the apps interact in the background, while the behaviors of the malicious apps often appear ordinary and harmless. This paper presents SEALANT , an integrated technique that leverages static analysis of app code to automatically infer vulnerable communication channels via which attacks may take place between a group of apps installed on the same device; then, at runtime, SEALANT monitors all inter-app communications through those channels to prevent the attacks. We evaluated SEALANT in four ways and observed that (1) it blocks inter-app attacks with 100% accuracy in a controlled experiment using real-world applications, (2) it suffers from fewer false alarms than existing techniques in several representative scenarios, (3) the performance overhead added by SEALANT’s runtime monitoring is negligible, and (4) adopting SEALANT does not present a significant challenge to end-users.
Obrieniolus, a new monotypic genus of Naupactini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) from the Peruvian Andes and its phylogenetic placement

Abstract A new monotypic genus of Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Obrieniolus del Río is described based on the new species Obrieniolus robustus del Río, endemic to Peru. This genus is easily recognized by the black, denuded and shiny integument, with imbricate microsculpture and the rounded body, with short, cordiform and moderately convex elytra. According to a cladistic analysis based on 69 continuous and discrete morphological characters, the new genus is the sister taxon of a group formed by Amitrus Schoenherr, Trichocyphus Heller, Amphideritus Schoenherr, Asymmathetes Wibmer & O’Brien and Galapaganus Lanteri. The paper includes habitus photographs, line drawings of genitalia, mouthparts, and other external features of taxonomic value, and a dichotomous key to the genera of Naupactini distributed in the South American Transition Zone.
A SIP-based P2P multicast streaming

With the proliferation of the high speed, broadband network technologies, the peer-to-peer (P2P) live multimedia streaming becomes more and more popular. In this paper, we proposed a SIP-based P2P multicast scheme for live multimedia streaming. By utilizing the SIP protocol, our proposed scheme not only minimizes the initial delay for playing live media streams but also reduces the infrastructure deployment cost. In addition, we proposed a passive mechanism to construct a balanced multicast tree without a centralized server to maintain the topology of the P2P overlay. The performance evaluation shows that our proposed scheme can minimize the initial delay and constructs a balanced multicast tree for live multimedia streaming successfully.
Acute and Perioperative Care of the Burn-injured Patient

Care of burn-injured patients requires knowledge of the pathophysiologic changes affecting virtually all organs from the onset of injury until wounds are healed. Massive airway and/or lung edema can occur rapidly and unpredictably after burn and/or inhalation injury. Hemodynamics in the early phase of severe burn injury is characterized by a reduction in cardiac output and increased systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. Approximately 2 to 5 days after major burn injury, a hyperdynamic and hypermetabolic state develops. Electrical burns result in morbidity much higher than expected based on burn size alone. Formulae for fluid resuscitation should serve only as guideline; fluids should be titrated to physiologic endpoints. Burn injury is associated basal and procedural pain requiring higher than normal opioid and sedative doses. Operating room concerns for the burn-injured patient include airway abnormalities, impaired lung function, vascular access, deceptively large and rapid blood loss, hypothermia, and altered pharmacology.
Using luminosity data as a proxy for economic statistics

A pervasive issue in social and environmental research has been how to improve the quality of socioeconomic data in developing countries. Given the shortcomings of standard sources, the present study examines luminosity (measures of nighttime lights visible from space) as a proxy for standard measures of output (gross domestic product). We compare output and luminosity at the country level and at the 1° latitude × 1° longitude grid-cell level for the period 1992–2008. We find that luminosity has informational value for countries with low-quality statistical systems, particularly for those countries with no recent population or economic censuses.
New research findings on emotionally focused therapy: introduction to special section.

This article introduces the special section "New Research Findings on Emotionally Focused Therapy. " Emotionally focused couple therapy researchers have a strong tradition of outcome and process research and this special section presents new findings from three recent studies. The first study furthers the goal of determining the kinds of clients for which EFT is effective (Denton, Wittenborn, & Golden, this issue) and the next two studies (Furrow, Edwards, Choi, & Bradley, this issue; Wittenborn, this issue) focus on the person of the therapist and provide some implications for EFT intervention and training. Together, these three studies provide valuable lessons on how to deepen our knowledge of the application of EFT for different populations and therapists.
Total Chemical Synthesis of Modified Histones

In the post-genome era, epigenetics has received increasing attentions in recent years. The post-translational modifications (PTMs) of four core histones play central roles in epigenetic regulation of eukaryotic genome by either directly altering the biophysical properties of nucleosomes or by recruiting other effector proteins. In order to study the biological functions and structural mechanisms of these histone PTMs, an obligatory step is to prepare a sufficient amount of homogeneously modified histones. This task cannot be fully accomplished either by recombinant technology or enzymatic modification. In this context, synthetic chemists have developed novel protein synthetic tools and state-of-the-art chemical ligation strategies for the preparation of homologous modified histones. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the preparation of modified histones, focusing on the total chemical synthesis strategies. The importance and potential of synthetic chemistry for the study of histone code will be also discussed.
Frequency-domain steering for negative beamformers in speech enhancement and directional source separation

Negative beamformers are well known for their high angular selectivity, which makes them suitable for speech enhancement and directional source separation. A limitation to the applicability of negative beamformers is the steering problem. A new technique for scanning the whole frequency range of interest is shown based on a nonlinear mapping function from angular positions to steering factors. The effects of this technique in treating narrow- and broad-band sources are studied.
Potential virulence of viable but nonculturable Shigella dysenteriae type 1

We examined a virulent strain of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 after induction into the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state for its ability to (i) maintain the Shiga toxin (stx) gene; (ii) maintain biologically active Shiga toxin (ShT); and (iii) adhere to intestinal epithelial cells (Henle 407 cell line). PCR was used to amplify the stx gene from VBNC cells of S. dysenteriae type 1, thereby establishing its presence even when cells are in the VBNC state. VBNC S. dysenteriae type 1 ShT was monitored by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with mouse monoclonal antibodies against the B subunit of ShT and affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies against ShT. We used the Henle 407 cell line to study the adhesive property of VBNC S. dysenteriae type 1 cells in a series of tissue culture experiments. Results showed that VBNC S. dysenteriae type 1 not only maintained the stx gene and biologically active ShT but also remained capable of adhering to Henle 407 cells. However, S. dysenteriae type 1 cells lost the ability to invade Henle 407 cells after entering the VBNC state. From results of the study, we conclude that VBNC cells of S. dysenteriae type 1 retain several virulence factors and remain potentially virulent, posing a public health problem.
Modeling of Human Anti-GBM Antibody–α3(IV)NC1 Interactions Predicts Antigenic Cross-Linking through Contact of Both Heavy Chains with Repeating Epitopes on α3(IV)NC1

Background/Aims: Patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane diseases produce pathogenic autoantibodies (autoAb) that deposit in the kidney and initiate severe inflammation. Restricted antigenic specificity of the autoAb against 2 regions (with related sequences) within α3(IV)NC1, along with shared idiotypes (i.e. structural determinants), among pathogenic human autoAb suggested that common genetic elements encode the autoAb. The aim of this study was to determine whether the idiotypic relatedness of the autoAb was due to the fact that unique and similar genes were used to encode them, divergent genes were used to produce Ab with similar Ag-binding properties and conformation, or if other mechanisms were operative. Methods: The encoding V gene sequences of pathogenic human anti-α3(IV)NC1 Ab, derived following immunization of XenoMice® which produce human but not murine IgG, with α3(IV)NC1 were determined. Predicted conformations of autoAb–α3(IV)NC1 interactions were derived using the Ab sequences and molecularmodels of the α3(IV)NC1 structure. Results: The pathogenic Ab were encoded by multiple, common VH and VL gene families indicating that they were not encoded by a unique subset of genes and that normal individuals have the capacity to produce them. However, modeling of the Ag–Ab interactions suggested that although the contact regions varied for individual Ab, the optimized energy constraints facilitate interaction of both Ab-binding regions with pathogenically relevant epitopes on α3(IV)NC1. Conclusions: The results suggest that the repetitive nature and relatedness of the α3(IV)NC1 antigenic epitopes facilitate cross-linking of pathogenic Ab, in vivo, by allowing both IgG Fab to bind to the basement membrane. This most likely accounts for the high-affinity Ab binding we and others observed among human anti-α3(IV)NC1 Ab. Based on these observations, we postulate that this interaction provides for the stability of the Ab interaction, resulting in a high-affinity interaction that serves as an ideal scaffold for optimal FcR engagement and complement activation, thereby accelerating inflammation and contributing to the rapidly progressive nature of this disease.
Mental, physical, dietary, and nutritional effects on irritable bowel syndrome in young Japanese women.

OBJECTIVE Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The pathogenesis of IBS is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of IBS using the Rome III criteria in young Japanese women and to assess the effects of mental, physical, dietary and nutritional factors on IBS. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, data obtained from self-administered questionnaires, including age, height, weight, lifestyle, food habits, anxiety and depressive states and IBS-related symptoms, were analyzed in 245 participants. An established semiquantitative questionnaire available for clinical investigation (FFQg) was used to obtain a detailed assessment of food intake and the physical activity levels. RESULTS The prevalence of IBS was 12.0%. Of the IBS participants, constipation-predominant IBS (25.0%) was more prevalent than the diarrhea-predominant subtype (17.9%). The IBS participants had lower body mass indices, consumed less eggs and milk and were more physically active than the non-IBS participants. In addition, an anxiety state was more common in the IBS participants. Those who hesitated with evacuation of stool and who thought that there is an association between abdominal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, and menstruation were more predominant among the IBS participants. The percentage of individuals who reported often rushing to the toilet within the past year and experiencing borborygmus (rumbling stomach) was greater among the IBS participants. A logistic regression analysis revealed that milk intake was an independent predictor of IBS. CONCLUSION The prevalence of IBS observed in this study was similar to that reported in previous studies conducted in Japan and other countries. Mental, physical, dietary and nutritional factors have an impact on IBS.
The Comparative Value Relevance of Donation and Advertising Expenditure Before and After the Global Financial Crisis in Korea

This paper investigates the comparative value relevance of donation and advertising expenditures before and after the 2008 global financial crisis in listed Korean stock markets between 2004 and 2011. To test whether the value relevance of donation and advertising expenditures is associated with the 2008 global financial crisis, this paper first divides its sample into pre- and post-December 31, 2007, periods and then divides those into several subgroups to observe value relevance changes according to the characteristics and conditions of listed firms in the Korean stock markets. This paper’s empirical results offer important evidence concerning the comparative changes in the value relevance of advertising and donation expenditures. First, advertising and donation expenditures have positive value relevance before and after the global economic crisis and show a positive association with firm value in every subsample group divided according to firm characteristics. Second, the results show significant time-period differences in the value relevance of donation and advertising expenditures before and after the global financial crisis. The results also show that value relevance changes according to the circumstance and contexts of the firms (e.g., KOSPI vs. KOSDAQ, large vs. small and medium, high technology vs. low technology).
Haze removal method based on a variation function and colour attenuation prior for UAV remote-sensing images

ABSTRACT Aiming at the problem of low visibility of images obtained by UAV in hazy weather, this paper proposes an image dehazing algorithm based on variation function and colour attention prior. A large number of experiments have proved that the sky or other bright regions could affect the estimation of atmospheric light and transmittance. In the experiment, our proposed algorithm divides the images into sky and dark regions and uses the pixels of the dark region to solve the atmospheric light value. According to the region where the pixels are located, the transmittances of the pixels in the sky and non-sky regions are separately estimated and adjusted. The experiment’s results show that the restored image visibility, information entropy and colour saturation are significantly improved, and the algorithm’s computational efficiency is high.
Ile-Ife and Igbo Olokun in the history of glass in West Africa

Abstract Recent excavations at the site of Igbo Olokun in the Yoruba city of Ile-Ife, in south-western Nigeria, have shed light on early glass manufacturing techniques in West Africa. The recovery of glass beads and associated production materials has enabled compositional analysis of the artefacts and preliminary dating of the site, which puts the main timing of glass-working between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries AD. The results of these studies suggest that glass bead manufacture at this site was largely independent of glass-making traditions documented farther afield, and that Igbo Olokun may represent one of the earliest known glass-production workshops in West Africa.