Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential infection of mononuclear phagocytes by Francisella tularensis: role of the macrophage mannose receptor

Francisella tularensis (Ft) is a Gram‐negative bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia. It is well established that this organism replicates inside macrophages, but we are only beginning to understand this interface at the molecular level. Herein, we compared directly the ability of Ft subspecies holarctica live‐vaccine strain to infect freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes, monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM), and cells of the murine macrophage cell line J774A.1 (J774). We now show that unopsonized bacteria infected human MDM fivefold more efficiently than monocytes or J774 cells in standard media. Moreover, enhanced infection of MDM was mediated, in part, by te macrophage mannose receptor (MR). Forming Ft phagosomes accumulated MR, and infection was inhibited by MR‐blocking antibody or soluble mannan but not by the dectin‐1 ligand laminarin. Up‐regulation of MR in MDM (by exposure to interleukin‐4) increased Ft phagocytosis, as did expression of MR in J774 cells. Conversely, opsonized Ft were ingested readily by monocytes and MDM. Medium supplementation with 2.5% fresh autologous serum was sufficient to confer opsonophagocytosis and CD11b accumulated in the membrane at sites of Ft engulfment. Infection of monocytes by opsonized Ft was nearly ablated by complement receptor 3 (CR3) blockade. Conversely, MDM used MR and CD11b/CD18 to ingest opsonized organisms. Altogether, our data demonstrate differential infection of mononuclear phagocytes by Ft and define distinct roles for MR and CR3 in phagocytosis.
Soft Magnetic Materials—Nanocrystalline Alloys

Nanocrystalline Fe-based alloys combine the advantageous properties of various soft magnetic materials, that is, the high saturation induction of Fe-based alloys, the high permeability and low magnetostriction of permalloys or amorphous Co-based alloys and the favorable high-frequency behavior of ferrites or amorphous metals. The materials to be highlighted are devitrified glassy Fe–Cu–Nb–Si–B alloys, which, owing to their outstanding properties, have meanwhile successfully entered into application. The microstructure consists of randomly oriented, about 10–15-nm small bcc-FeSi grains embedded in a ferromagnetic amorphous minority matrix. The article surveys the key factors from which the extraordinary properties of this new class of soft ferromagnets derive. Thus, the local magnetocrystalline anisotropies are largely averaged out since their orientation is randomly fluctuating on a scale much smaller than the domain wall width. The structural phases formed upon crystallization lead to a low or vanishing saturation magnetostriction. Like in other soft magnetic materials, annealing-induced anisotropies finally allow to tailor the hysteresis loop according to the various demands of application. Keywords: soft magnetic properties; nanocrystalline materials; random anisotropy model; magnetic anisotropies; magnetostriction; grain size dependence of coercivity/permeability; magnetocrystalline anisotropy; field induced anisotropy; creep-induced anisotropy; annealing-induced anisotropy; Fe-Cu-Nb-Si-B; exchange coupling
Partial Molar Volumes from High-Temperature Lattice Parameters of Iron–Carbon Austenites

AbstractThe lattice parameters of a number of iron–carbon alloys have been measured in the austenite field for temperatures up to 1200° C (1473 K). By extrapolation and interpolation of these data the variation with carbon concentration of the lattice parameter of austenite has been determined for a wide range of temperatures, and used to calculate partial molar volumes of iron and carbon in austenite. Both partial molar quantities show little variation with composition but V c, γ decreases with increasing temperature, while V Fe, γ increases. The values obtained for the partial molar volume of carbon in austenite are appreciably lower than those cited earlier. It is probable that the differences previously reported between the measured and calculated effect of pressure on the composition of austenite in equilibrium with cementite at 727° C (1000 K), are due primarily to the use in the calculations of too high a value for the partial molar volume of carbon in austenite.
Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin on alveolar bone loss in experimental diabetes and periodontitis

OBJECTIVE Grape seed proanthocyanidine extract (GSPE) is a strong antioxidant derived from the grape seeds (Vitis vinifera, Terral J.F.) and has a polyphenolic structure with a wide range of biological activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GSPE on alveolar bone loss and histopathological changes in rats with diabetes mellitus and ligature-induced periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty rats were divided into 6 study groups. Control (C, 6 rats) group, periodontitis (P, 6 rats) group, diabetes (D, 6 rats) group, diabetes and periodontitis (D+P, 6 rats) group, diabetes, periodontitis and 100 mg/kg/day GSPE (GSPE-100, 8 rats), and diabetes, periodontitis and 200 mg/kg/day GSPE (GSPE-200, 8 rats) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Periodontitis was induced via ligation method. Silk ligatures were placed at the mandibular right first molars. GSPE was administered by oral gavage. After 30 days, all rats were killed. Alveolar bone loss was measured morphometrically via a stereomicroscope. For histopathological analyses, Alizarin red staining, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α immunohistochemistry were performed. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclast cells and relative total inflammatory cells were also determined. RESULTS The highest alveolar bone loss was observed in the D+P group (P < .05). GSP-200 group decreased alveolar bone loss (P < .05). The D+P group had the highest osteoclast counts, but the difference was not significant compared to the P, GSPE-100 and GSPE-200 groups (P > .05). The inflammation in the D+P group was also higher than the other groups (P < .05). The osteoblast numbers increased in the GSPE-100 and GSPE-200 groups compared to the P and D+P groups (P < .05). MMP-8 and HIF-1α levels were highest in the D+P group and GSPE significantly decreased these levels (P < .05). CONCLUSION Within the limits of this animal study, it can be suggested that GSPE administration may decrease periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss via decreasing MMP-8 and HIF-1α levels and increase osteoblastic activity in diabetic rats with experimental periodontitis.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Bacillus pumilus Phage Leo2

ABSTRACT Bacillus spp. are ubiquitous Gram-positive microbes with many ecological and symbiotic interactions and can be pathogens. Phage Leo2 was found to infect a Bacillus pumilus strain isolated from soil. The sequence of phage Leo2 revealed 74 genes; 31% of the genes have associated functions, and 67% of coding regions are unidentified open reading frames.
Graph-based resource allocation with conflict avoidance for V2V broadcast communications

In this paper we present a graph-based resource allocation scheme for sidelink broadcast vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. Harnessing available information on the geographical position of vehicles and spectrum resources utilization, eNodeBs are capable of allotting the same set of sidelink resources to several different vehicles in order for them to broadcast their signals. Hence, vehicles sharing the same resources would ideally be in different communications clusters for the interference level — generated due to resource repurposing — to be maintained under control. Within a communications cluster, it is crucial that vehicles transmit in orthogonal time resources to prevent conflicts as vehicles — with half-duplex radio interfaces s— cannot transmit and receive simultaneously. In this research, we have envisaged a solution based on a bipartite graph, where vehicles and spectrum resources are represented by vertices whereas the edges represent the achievable rate in each resource based on the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) that vehicles perceive. The aforementioned constraint on time orthogonality of allocated resources can be approached by aggregating conflicting vertices into macro-vertices which, in addition, narrows the search space yielding a solution with computational complexity equivalent to the conventional graph matching problem. We show mathematically and through simulations that the proposed approach yields an optimal solution. In addition, we provide simulations showing that the proposed method outperforms other competing approaches, specially in scenarios with high vehicular density.
Decline in the acute insulin response in relationship to plasma glucose concentrations

To investigate (1) whether the decline in acute insulin response (AIR) precedes or coincides with defined glucose regulation categories and whether acute insulin response decline varies by race and adiposity, (2) linearity of the relationship between acute insulin response and increasing plasma glucose concentrations, (3) longitudinal changes in acute insulin response accounting for changes in insulin action across categories of glucose tolerance.
Correlations between pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry and conventional flammability tests with halogen‐free flame retardant polyolefin compounds

Seven halogen‐free flame retardant (FR) compounds were evaluated using pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) and cone calorimetry. Performance of wires coated with the compounds was evaluated using industry standard flame tests. The results suggest that time to peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat released (THR) in cone calorimetry (and THR and temperature at PHRR in PCFC) be given more attention in FR compound evaluation. Results were analyzed using flame spread theory. As predicted, the lateral flame spread velocity was independent of PHRR and heat release capacity. However, no angular dependence of flame spread velocity was observed. Thus, the thermal theory of ignition and flame spread, which assumes that ignition at the flame front occurs at a particular flame and ignition temperature, provides little insight into the performance of the compounds. However, results are consistent with a heat release rate greater than about 66kW/m2 during flame propagation for sustained ignition of insulated wires containing mineral fillers, in agreement with a critical heat release rate criterion for burning. Mineral fillers can reduce heat release rate below the threshold value by lowering the flaming combustion efficiency and fuel content. A rapid screening procedure using PCFC is suggested by logistic regression of the binary (burn/no‐burn) results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GFRP REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGES

This report investigates the application of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars in concrete bridge decks as a potential replacement or supplement to conventional steel rebars. Tests were conducted to determine the material properties of the GFRP reinforcement, and experiments were performed to study aspects of GFRP rebar placement in actual bridge decks. These included observation of GFRP rebar handling characteristics and worker response during construction. Load tests of full-scale reinforced concrete specimens were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of three reinforcing schemes: (1) an epoxy coated steel (ECS) reinforcing scheme; (2) a GFRP reinforcing scheme, and (3) a hybrid reinforcing scheme combining GFRP and ECS rebars. Results of the investigation showed that the moduli of elasticity in tension and compression for the GFRP rebars were approximately the same, but the ultimate strength in compression was 50% of the ultimate strength in tension. Several recommendations were made for construction and repair procedures for decks reinforced with GFRP rebars. Modifications are suggested to existing theoretical expressions for predicting ultimate shear strength and maximum crack width of GFRP reinforced concrete members. The results of this study show that bridge decks reinforced with GFRP rebars satisfy the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications for strength. AASHTO's crack width requirements were not satisfied.
Influence of xylitol- and/or fluoride-containing toothpastes on the remineralization of surface softened enamel defects in vivo.

This paper describes the effect of xylitol and fluoride on remineralization of surface softened human enamel in vivo. Surface softened enamel blocks were mounted in the lower prosthesis of 20 full denture-wearing participants. These participants used xylitol- and/or fluoride-containing toothpastes during 4-week periods. Knoop hardness measurements were employed to estimate the degree of remineralization in each period. After 26 days of toothpaste use it was found that the enamel defects were rehardened substantially and that the hardness of sound enamel was approached. The changes of enamel hardness were not significantly affected by the presence of xylitol and/or fluoride in the toothpastes.
AAOG: Anti-Addiction on Online Gaming Leveraging CSI from Commodity WiFi Devices

In recent years, with the substantial progress in machine learning and wireless sensing such as RF, infrared sensors, etc., WiFi has already been utilized over its traditional applications due to its accessibility and low expense, which enables varieties of device-free passive (DfP) WiFi- recognition and detection systems. In this paper, we propose AAOG: AntiAddiction on Online Gaming system, which firstly presents that WiFi signals could also be leveraged to detect the behavior of Playing Online Game (POG) utilizing the fine-grained Channel State Information (CSI). AAOG recognizes that someone is playing online game by studying the motions of the player and exploiting the common features during POG. We implement AAOG on commercial off-the-shelf devices. Experimental results demonstrate that AAOG is robust and accurate, it achieves an optimal detection rate of 95.8%, and the False Positive Rate (FPR) is lower than 4.4%. We envisage that this technology can be widely employed in smart home settings or office room.
Differential in vivo urodynamic measurement in a single thin catheter based on two optical fiber pressure sensors

Abstract. Urodynamic analysis is the predominant method for evaluating dysfunctions in the lower urinary tract. The exam measures the pressure during the filling and voiding process of the bladder and is mainly interested in the contraction of the bladder muscles. The data arising out of these pressure measurements enables the urologist to arrive at a precise diagnosis and prescribe an adequate treatment. A technique based on two optical fiber pressure and temperature sensors with a resolution of better than 0.1 cm H2O (∼10 Pa), a stability better than 1 cm H2O/hour, and a diameter of 0.2 mm in a miniature catheter with a diameter of only 5 Fr (1.67 mm), was used. This technique was tested in vivo on four patients with a real-time urodynamic measurement system. The optical system presented showed a very good correlation to two commercially available medical reference sensors. Furthermore, the optical urodynamic system demonstrated a higher dynamic and better sensitivity to detect small obstructions than both pre-existing medical systems currently in use in the urodynamic field.
Effects of cell cycle phases on the induction of dental pulp stem cells toward dopaminergic‐like cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by tremors and cognitive issues, and is due to the death of dopaminergic (DA‐ergic) neurons in brain circuits that are responsible for producing neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Currently, cell replacement therapies are underway to improve upon existing therapeutic approaches such as drug treatments and electrical stimulation. Among the widely available sources, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from deciduous teeth have gained popularity because of their neural crest origin and inherent propensity toward neuronal lineage. Despite the various pre‐clinical studies conducted, an important factor yet to be elucidated is the influence of growth phases in a typical trans‐differentiation process. This study selected DPSCs at three distinct time points with variable growth phase proportions (G0/G1, S and G2/M) for in vitro trans‐differentiation into DA‐ergic‐like cells. Using commercially available PCR arrays, we identified distinct gene profiles pertaining to cell cycles in these phases. The differentiation outcomes were assessed in terms of morphology and gene and protein expression, as well as with functional assays. It was noted that DPSCs with the highest G0/G1 phase were comparatively the best, representing at least a 2‐fold up regulation (p < 0.05) of DA‐ergic molecular cues compared to those from the remaining time points. Further investigations in terms of protein expression and DA‐release assays also revealed a similar phenomenon (p < 0.05). These findings are expected to provide vital information for consideration in improving standard operating procedures in future cell transplantation work. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiles of Cognitive Impairments in an Older Age Community Sample: A Latent Class Analysis

Objective: Person-centered studies that could describe the different patterns of cognitive impairments among older people are lacking. To this end, the current study utilized a person-centered approach to examine the different profiles of cognitive impairment in an older age Chinese community sample. Additionally, the current study also examined whether functional impairments differ across the different profiles. Method: A total of 220 older people (Mage = 70.9 years) who were assessed to have an objective impairment in any of 7 domains (immediate memory, delayed memory, attention, inhibition, verbal fluency, working memory, and processing speed) were entered in a latent class analysis. Subsequently, functional impairment (both self-reported and clinician-rated) between the different profiles of cognitive impairments that emerged from the analyses were compared. Results: A 4-class solution was chosen based on fit statistics and interpretability. Three profiles were characterized by impairments in cognitive rigidity, memory, and other executive functions, and the 4th with impairments in both executive functions and memory. Furthermore, relative to the non-memory-impaired groups, the memory-impaired groups were significantly more likely to report a higher level of clinician-rated functional impairments even though these groups did not differ significantly in self-reported functional impairments. Conclusions: The observed cognitive impairments in the current sample can be classified into 4 distinct profiles along the lines of memory and/or executive functions impairment. The memory-impaired groups were significantly impaired relative to the non-memory-impaired groups, at least in terms of clinician-rated functional outcomes. These findings present some important implications.
Determining Localized Anode Condition to Maintain Effective Corrosion Protection

Thermal sprayed zinc anodes used for impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete deteriorate over time. Two different technologies, ultrasound and electrical circuit resistance combined with water permeability, were investigated in the laboratory to determine whether they were feasible methods for estimating anode condition. The ultrasonic method was unable to detect a reflected acoustic signal from zinc-on-concrete specimens due to scattering of the signal within the samples. Circuit resistance was shown to increase with the electrochemical age of the specimens, but the resistance trend did not correlate with the bond strength trend at later ages. The aged specimens were fairly impermeable to water infiltration presumably due to build up of reaction products in the porosity. Consequently, a method of using resistance measurements combined with water infiltration to determine anode condition was not successful. It was shown that the permeability improved if the surface was mechanically perturbed such as creating a pin hole. Improving permeability by penetrating the surface could have ramifications for improving anode performance.
Bifurcated Effects of Place‐Of‐Origin Diversity on Individual and Team Performance: Evidence from Ten Seasons of German Soccer

How does diversity affect performance? We develop a theoretical framework in which diversity of prevention employees (protecting the organization from harm) and of promotion employees (advancing positive outcomes) have different effects on individual and organizational performance. We use data for twenty&#8208;eight soccer teams and 1723 players that played in 6120 games during ten seasons and find that diversity of defensive (prevention) players has a positive effect on player and team performance whereas the opposite holds for offensive (promotion) players. Joint tenure of offensive players tends to amplify these effects.
E-cigarette vapour enhances pneumococcal adherence to airway epithelial cells

E-cigarette vapour contains free radicals with the potential to induce oxidative stress. Since oxidative stress in airway cells increases platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) expression, and PAFR is co-opted by pneumococci to adhere to host cells, we hypothesised that E-cigarette vapour increases pneumococcal adhesion to airway cells. Nasal epithelial PAFR was assessed in non-vaping controls, and in adults before and after 5 min of vaping. We determined the effect of vapour on oxidative stress-induced, PAFR-dependent pneumococcal adhesion to airway epithelial cells in vitro, and on pneumococcal colonisation in the mouse nasopharynx. Elemental analysis of vapour was done by mass spectrometry, and oxidative potential of vapour assessed by antioxidant depletion in vitro. There was no difference in baseline nasal epithelial PAFR expression between vapers (n=11) and controls (n=6). Vaping increased nasal PAFR expression. Nicotine-containing and nicotine-free E-cigarette vapour increased pneumococcal adhesion to airway cells in vitro. Vapour-stimulated adhesion in vitro was attenuated by the PAFR blocker CV3988. Nicotine-containing E-cigarette vapour increased mouse nasal PAFR expression, and nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonisation. Vapour contained redox-active metals, had considerable oxidative activity, and adhesion was attenuated by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. This study suggests that E-cigarette vapour has the potential to increase susceptibility to pneumococcal infection. Exposure of airway cells to E-cigarette vapour upregulates a receptor used by pneumococci to adhere to cells http://ow.ly/p9Be30hE5B1
Synthesis of Silver Particles by Replacement Reaction

Silver particles were synthesized by reducing silver ions with copper metal. The as-synthesized silver particles were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of synthesis conditions on particle morphology were studied. The results showed that dendritic structures were readily synthesized when the silver nitrate solution kept stationary. The low concentration of silver ion was benefit to get perfect silver dendrite. The use of ammonium made the silver shape transferring from dendritic to spherical. The ultrasonic wave accelerated the diffusion of mass and produced spherical silver particles. These results indicated that dendritic silver particles were easy to obtain in non-equilibrium condition while the shape of silver rod-like or spherical was easy to get in equilibrium condition. The morphology and the size of silver particles depend on the synthesis conditions. The formation mechanism of dendritic silver particles were also deduced.