Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different types of in vitro generated human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells release exosomes with distinct phenotypes

Human in vitro generated dendritic cells and the exosomes they release are potential tools for the modulation of immune responses. Here, we characterized differently generated monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and their exosomes. Culturing of peripheral CD14+ cells from the same individuals with either interleukin (IL)‐4 and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) (conventional MDDCs) or alternatively with IL‐4 and IL‐3 generated immature MDDCs in 7 days. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that the IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs had significantly lower percentages of CD1a+, CD40+ and CD80+ cells and a higher percentage of CD86+ cells as compared with conventional MDDCs. In addition, IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs had significantly higher densities of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐ABC], MHC class II (HLA‐DR), CD11c and the tetraspanin CD81 as compared with conventional MDDCs. In a comparison of their ability to stimulate CD8+ T cells, we found that the IL‐4/IL‐3 MDDCs were slightly more efficient than the conventional MDDCs at inducing interferon (IFN)‐γ release in response to viral peptides. Exosome morphology was confirmed by electron microscopy and exosome phenotypes were analysed by flow cytometry and western blot. In comparison to exosomes from conventional MDDCs, exosomes from IL‐4/IL‐3‐generated MDDCs showed significantly stronger signals for HLA‐ABC, HLA‐DR, CD11c, CD63 and CD81. Thus, phenotypically the exosomes largely reflected their MDDCs of origin. When exosomes were loaded with viral peptides, both types of exosomes induced IFN‐γ release from CD8+ T cells. Our findings might have significance for the development of DC‐ and exosome‐based therapies.
Organ- and age-specific replication of polyomavirus in mice

A novel organ- and age-specific pattern of polyomavirus DNA replication in mice is described. Two broadly defined classes of response to polyomavirus infection were observed: class I organs (mammary gland, bone, and skin) responded with high levels of replication in neonate mice and moderate levels in adults; class II organs (kidney, liver, and lung) responded with high levels in neonates and very low levels in adults. Thus, aging affected replication in all organs, and organ specificity was superimposed on this age-related decrease. We argue that the organ- and age-specific pattern likely reflects in part the activities of a multiplicity of general or tissue-specific, age-dependent transcription factors, which modulate viral replication or viral transcription or both. Interestingly, the majority of tumors in mice infected as neonates or as immunoincompetent adults originate in class I organs, suggesting that the ability to replicate in adult tissues is an important factor controlling polyomavirus oncogenesis. From the analysis of the infection process in adult mammary glands, a novel mode of polyomavirus infection emerged which contrasts with that derived from observations of tissue culture systems. A nonproductive infection was seen, characterized by very low levels of live virus (in the range of 10(-4) PFU per cell) and maintenance of the viral genome in an unintegrated, moderately replicating state. Maintenance of the viral genome was accomplished without integration into host cell DNA in all three tumor-prone organs, both prior to as well as beyond oncogenesis.
Management of septic arthritis: a systematic review

Objective: To evaluate the existing evidence on the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis in native joints. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, National Electronic Library for Health, reference lists, national experts. Review methods: Systematic review of the literature with evaluation of the methodological quality of the selected papers using defined criteria set out by the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit of the Royal College of Physicians. Results: 3291 citations were initially identified. Of these, 189 full text articles were identified for potential selection. Following review of these full text articles, 80 articles were found to fulfil the inclusion criteria and were included in the final list. Conclusions were drawn on the diagnosis, investigation and management of septic arthritis. Discussion: Little good quality evidence exists to guide the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis. Overall, no investigation is more reliable in the diagnosis of septic arthritis than the opinion of an experienced doctor. Aspiration and culture of synovial fluid is crucial to the diagnosis, but measurement of cell count is unhelpful. Antibiotics are clearly required for a prolonged period, but there are no data to indicate by which route or for how long. Key unanswered questions remain surrounding the medical and surgical management of the infected joint.
Detection and Identification of Salmonella Typhimurium in Bovine Diarrhoeic Fecal Samples by Immunomagnetic Separation and Multiplex PCR Assay

The aim of this study was to use the immunomagnetic separation (IMS) test plus a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) assay to detect Salmonella at genus level and also for the identification of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in bovine diarrhoeic fecal samples. In all, 400 bovine diarrhoeic fecal specimens were examined by conventional bacterial culture, IMS, and m‐PCR. For m‐PCR assay, four set primers were selected: 139‐141, specific for inv‐A gene of Salmonella spp and the RfbJ, FliC and FljB, specific for the rfbJ, FliC and fljB genes of Salmonella Typhimurium or other Salmonella serovars with similar antigenic properties. Thirty‐three (8.25%) out of the 400 fecal samples were culture positive for Salmonella serovars. Of these, 66.7% (22 of 33) were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and 9.1% (three of 33) were serovar Dublin. In the IMS + m‐PCR, four amplified product (663, 526, 284 and 183 bp) were found in all specimens that had serovar Typhimurium (4,5,12:i:1,2), they corresponded, respectively, to the rfbJ, fljB, inv‐A and Flic genes of this serovar. In serovar Dublin (1,9,12:g,p:‐), Georgia (6,7:b:e,n,z15) and, Enteritidis (1,9,12;g,m:‐) only one PCR product (284 bp) was amplified from the inv‐A gene. In serovars Augustenborg (6,7:i:1,2) and Lindenburg (6,8:i:1,2) three positive bands (526, 284 and 183 bp) were amplified corresponding to the fljB, inv‐A and Flic genes, respectively. In serovar Virchow (6,7:r:1,2) two amplified products (284 and 526 bp) from the inv‐A and FliC genes were observed. In serovar Gloucster (1,4,12(27):i:1,w) three fragments (183, 284 and 663) from the FliC, inv‐A and, rfbJ genes respectively, were observed. In the positive control as expected, four PCR products were amplified corresponding to the FliC, inv‐A, fljB and rfbJ genes, respectively. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that detection of Salmonella at genus level with universal ST139‐141 primers and identification of Salmonella Typhimurium by using specific primers of O4, H2:1, 2 and H1 antigens can potentially permit to more readily evaluate fecal and other types of samples for the presence of these organisms. Compared to bacteriological culture the combination of IMS and m‐PCR resulted a faster method for the detection and identification of Salmonella at genus and serovar level by using of universal and specific primers.
Degree of polymerization estimation of insulation papers in power transformers based on load and temperature histories in Java-Bali Region of Indonesia National Electric company

Degree of polymerization (DP) is thought to be a good index to determined deterioration level of insulation paper in power transformers. In practical conditon, using this method is complicated and expensive due to the necessity of disasembling the transformer. Therefore an alternative method has been expected. In this paper a new method to estimate DP from load and temperature histories is proposed. The exsistence of moisture also considered. Mechanical strength of insulation paper of power transformers in Java Bali Region is assesed using the estimated DP based on the real load and temperature data. Furthermore failure probability of those transformers is considered based on the design stresses in a transformer winding generated by fault currents. Finally the estimated DP values are compared with those from furfural test.
Replication of flock house virus RNAs from primary transcripts made in cells by RNA polymerase II

To develop vector systems that combine high transcription activity with biologically safe delivery vehicles, we have explored the use of RNA replication to amplify mRNAs, by using flock house virus (FHV) as a model system. The FHV RNA replicase is encoded in the larger of the two segments that comprise the viral positive-sense RNA genome. A cDNA copy of this self-replicating RNA was precisely positioned between a promoter site for cellular RNA polymerase II and a cDNA encoding a self-cleaving ribozyme from hepatitis delta virus. Transfection of this plasmid into cultured BHK cells resulted in prolonged, autonomous FHV RNA replication in the cytoplasm and substantial amplification of the RNA replicon. The replicase also amplified RNA transcribed from a second plasmid of similar design that contained a cDNA copy of the other FHV genome segment. These results constitute a significant step toward the harnessing of nodaviral RNA replication as the basis of a versatile vector system.
The evaluation of body image in children with type 1 diabetes: A case-control study

This study evaluated the body image perception in children with type 1 diabetes in order to identify symptoms of disordered eating behaviours early. Children with type 1 diabetes and controls showed underestimation and dissatisfaction with body size. The patients, especially girls, were more accurate in their perception of body size than the control group. The study sheds light on some of the underlying factors that may contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours in adolescence. The causes of the differences of perception of body size are discussed.
Neomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a burns unit

Early in 1963 neomycin-resistant Staph. aureus appeared in the burns of patients in a burns unit; after a period of 7 weeks three-quarters of the strains of Staph. aureus isolated from patients in the unit were resistant to neomycin, and after 22 weeks almost half of the patients in the burns wards were carrying the organism on their burns. When treatment with neomycin and kanamycin was stopped in the Burns Unit, neomycin-resistant strains gradually diminished in numbers and were no longer found in the ward after 6 months. The neomycin-resistant staphylococci appeared during controlled trials of local neomycin and systemic kanamycin, and were much more frequently isolated from the burns of patients treated with these antibiotics than from patients in the control series. During the previous 9 years local neomycin application had been used on many patients; though all staphylococci were tested for sensitivity to neomycin for a considerable part of this time, no resistant staphylococci were found. All the neomycin-resistant staphylococci showed a pattern of inhibition by phages 6, 47, 54 and 77, and many also by phages 7, 53, 75 and 75B at 1000 R.T. D. No neomycin-sensitive staphylococci with this phage pattern were found at the time when resistant strains first appeared (though two such strains were found later); it seemed likely, therefore, that the resistant strain was introduced from outside the hospital. Preliminary tests of habituation to neomycin of sensitive strains with the phage inhibition pattern are described. Back mutation to sensitivity was not found in tests on neomycin-resistant staphylococci.
Low-Frequency Noise Characteristics of ZnO Nanorods Schottky Barrier Photodetectors

A Schottky barrier photodetector with ZnO nanorods is fabricated on a glass substrate and the I-V characteristics are investigated. The ZnO nanorods are synthesized by an aqueous method, which allowed the fabricated Schottky barrier photodetector to be more sensitive in the UV region. Under 370-nm illumination, the photocurrent of the ZnO nanorod Schottky barrier photodetector is 6.56 μA and the UV-to-visible ratio is 780.8 at -1V. In addition, the noise equivalent power and normalized detectivity (D*) of the photodetector are 6.74×10-13 W and 3.29 ×1011 cmHz0.5W-1 at -1V, respectively.
Physician variability in pain management: are the JCAHO standards enough?

“Top on down” regulation of all physicians, or “bottom on up” education of all physicians—are these strategies effective for improving physician performance in pain management? Dr. Carmen Green and her colleagues, in their series of studies of physician knowledge, attitudes and decision-making, suggest a third, analytical approach to this problem. Her paper in this issue investigates these matters in regard to the treatment of cancer pain and acute pain, and her findings suggest a “mixed” model is perhaps the best one. The publication in 1999 of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Standards for Pain Assessment and Management (the Standards) [1] indicated to the pain field that higher benchmarks for physician performance would be expected within the first decade of the 21st century. The Standards were consistent with the goals of the congressionally declared “Decade of Pain Control and Research” (the Decade) that was initiated and promoted by the Pain Care Coalition [2]. The Standards and the Decade expressed institutionally the growing societal value of “pain control”—that people should not suffer needlessly from pain, particularly when adequate treatment is available. This value, which for purposes of this editorial will be called “Pain Control”, appears to be widely held by the American public at this time. One premise underlying the need for the Standards was that the medical profession could not, or would not, adequately respond to the value, Pain Control, that is widely shared by the public. As Eric Cassell, in his treatise “The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine”, notes: “The relief of suffering, it would appear, is considered one of the primary ends of medicine by patients and lay persons, but not by the medical profession”[3]. The expression of Pain Control as a societal value, demonstrated by higher …
New introduction of clade 2.3.2.1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) into Bangladesh.

Since the first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian inafluenza (HPAI) in Bangladesh in February 2007, a total of 519 disease events have been reported till 22 October 2011. Partial HA gene sequences of 11 selected H5N1 HPAI isolates of 2007 to 2011 were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed a recent introduction of clade 2.3. 2 and 2.3. 4 viruses into Bangladesh in 2011 in addition to clade 2.2 viruses that had been in circulation since 2007. Clade 2.3. 2 virus isolates from Bangladesh are phylogenetically related to the newly designated clade 2.3. 2.1 viruses, reported recently from Asia and Eastern Europe.
The Role of ICT in Education: A Longitudinal Study Based on Tourism Students Perceptions

The purpose of the paper is focused on information and communication technology (ICT) and its incomprehensible supporting role in the education process. In the empirical part of the paper are presented the results of five - years research conducted among the students of the University of Split/ Faculty of Economics. The research is based on tourism students’ perceptions of certain factors which influence the process of e-learning. In that context, the authors examine the relationship between perceived ease of use and IT literacy on satisfaction as a predictor of behavioral attitude as well as the relationship between perceived usefulness and the achieved student performance expressed in values of final grade. Additionally, the authors also identified the possible differences between professional and undergraduate students regarding the above mentioned relationships. In the conclusion section, the empirical results are interpreted in the context of current trends in education, especially tourism studies education. JEL Classification: I23, O14
Experimental study of the efferent projections from the cerebellar nuclei to the brainstem of the cat

The fastigial nucleus, which receives excluslJely the efferent fibers of the vermal cerebellar cortex (Jansen and Brodal, '40, '42), has been shown to have an extensive projection via both inferior and superior cerebellar peduncles to the brainstem bilaterally from the rostra1 thalamus to the upper cervical segment. (Thomas et al., '56). The present study is concerned with the brainstem projection of interposed and dentate nuclei, which receive fibers from parts of the cerebellar cortex distinct from that supplying the fastigii. So distinct are the efferent pathways from vermal, paravermal and lateral cortices to the fastigial, interposed and dentate nuclei respectively in the cat, rabbit and monkey, that it appeared justifiable to divide the cerebellum into longitudinal, cortico-nuclear zones (Jansen and Brodal, '40, '42). The functional validity of these anatomical divisions was established on the basis of symptoms following restricted lesions ; the differences are especially marked between the vermal zone on one hand and the paravermallateral zones on the other (Chambers and Sprague, '55a, '55b).
Keiretsu Membership, Firm Size, and Corporate Returns on Value and Cost

We test how keiretsu membership affects the Fama and French (1999) required IRR on value (or cost of capital) and the IRR on cost (or return on investment), 1974-95, of all listed non-financials in Japan. Rather than computing point estimates from aggregate data, we employ non-linear cross-sectional regression analysis of individual-firm data and we control for industry and size factors in returns. We find that firms have added value--and significantly so--regardless of industry, size, and governance system. In terms of cost of capital, we find no evidence of a keiretsu advantage. In fact, within the segment of medium- and small-sized firms the keiretsu ones often have the higher expected return on value. In terms of return on investment, mid- and low-cap firms show no clear difference but top-league keiretsu firms notched up definitely lower numbers than did comparable non-keiretsu ones. Our interpretation is that keiretsu groups have cross-subsidized their larger member firms, a strategy that led the latter to over-invest.
A quantitative electron tomography study of ruthenium particles on the interior and exterior surfaces of carbon nanotubes.

The efficiency of filling carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by ultrasound-assisted wet impregnation is quantified by electron tomography (ET). For image analysis, a method that combines edge detection with single-value thresholding is proposed and validated. A high proportion (80 wt %) of the ruthenium was deposited inside the tube at an average particle size of 2-4 nm. Particles located on the outer surface of the CNT had a size of 1-3 nm. The local ruthenium loading measured by ET (3.2 wt %) closely matched the value from elemental analysis (3.5 wt %). In addition, a few 1 nm-sized ruthenium particles were detected inside the carbon wall, which contained pores/cracks. Direct imaging and quantification is a powerful tool to understand and possibly model the unique properties of CNT-based catalysts.
Comparison of a new automated von Willebrand factor activity assay with an aggregation von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor activity assay for the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is caused by quantitative and/or qualitative defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The HemosIL von Willebrand Factor Activity assay, a new automated immunological test to measure VWF activity, was implemented on STAC and compared with the von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) aggregation method. Imprecision and dilution studies were also performed.Within-run imprecision was 17.2% and between-run imprecision was 8.3% (coefficients of variation). Dilution studies showed a linearity between 12.5 and 100%. Passing and Bablok regression comparing the HemosIL von Willebrand Factor Activity assay and the aggregation method yielded a slope of 1.25 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.38) and intercept of −1.40 (95% confidence interval: −8.07 to 0.00). The correlation coefficient was 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.89). With a cut-off value of 50% for VWF activity, the assay has a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 92.8%, compared with the VWF:RCo aggregation assay with a cut-off value of 60% producing a sensitivity of 100.0% (specificity 87.6%). With a cut-off value of 60%, the HemosIL von Willebrand Factor Activity assay on STAC is a reliable assay for VWD. VWF:RCo or other functional testing is still required to confirm the diagnosis and for further classification of VWD.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Full-Flowering Dates of Tree Peonies in the Middle and Lower Reaches of China’s Yellow River: A Simulation through the Panel Data Model

The spring flowering of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) not only attract tens of million tourists every year, but it can also serve as a bio-indicator of climate change. Examining climate-associated spatiotemporal changes in peony flowering can contribute to the development of smarter flower-viewing tourism by providing more efficient decision-making information. We developed a panel data model for the tree peony to quantify the relationship between full-flowering date (FFD) and air temperature in the middle and lower reaches of China’s Yellow River. Then, on the basis of the model and temperature data, FFD series at 24 sites during 1955–2011 were reconstructed and the spatiotemporal variation in FFD over the region was analysed. Our results showed that the panel data model could well simulate the phenophase at the regional scale with due consideration paid to efficiency and difficulty, and the advance of peony FFD responded to the increase in February–April temperature at a rate of 3.02 days/1 °C. In addition, the simulation revealed that regional FFDs followed the latitudinal gradient and had advanced by 6–9 days over the past 57 years, at the rate of 0.8 to 1.8 days/decade. Among sub-areas, the eastern forelands of Taihang Mountains and Luliang Mountains showed more FFD advances than the other areas.
The beta‐globin locus control region versus gene therapy vectors: a struggle for expression

Developmental control of gene expression has a major impact on the design of β‐globin retrovirus vectors for hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy of β‐thalassemia. It is obvious that the endogenous locus control region (LCR) elements that drive β‐globin gene expression in transgenic mice must be included in these vectors. However, the specific elements to use are not clear and require an understanding of LCR action. Moreover, retrovirus vectors contain silencer elements that function in stem cells and are dominant to LCR function. Recent studies on LCRβ‐globin transgenes and retrovirus silencing suggest ways to overcome this silencing effect after transfer into stem cells and carefully designed lentivirus vectors have exciting therapeutic benefit in animal models of β‐thalassemia. By building on 15 years of development, LCRβ‐globin vectors are now being tested in preclinical animal models and may ultimately lead to the long‐sought cure for this genetic disease.