Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mature dendritic cells differentiated in the presence of interferon‐b and interleukin‐3 prime functional antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells

Dendritic cell (DC)‐based immunization represents a promising approach for the immunotherapy of cancer. The optimal conditions required to prepare DCs remain to be defined. Monocytes incubated in the presence of interferon (IFN)‐β and interleukin (IL)‐3 give rise to a distinct type of DCs (IFN‐β/IL‐3 DCs) that are particularly efficient at eliciting IFN‐γ and IL‐5 production by allogeneic helper T cells. We assessed the capacity of this new type of DCs to prime antigen‐specific naive CD8+ T cells and compared them to the conventional DCs differentiated in the presence of granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and IL‐4 (GM‐CSF/IL‐4 DCs). We demonstrate that IFN‐β/IL‐3 DCs matured by TLR3 or CD40 ligation efficiently prime Melan‐A26−35‐specific CD8+ T cells in vitro, at a similar level as GM‐CSF/IL‐4 DCs. Activated antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells produced IFN‐γ and displayed potent cytotoxic activity against peptide‐pulsed target cells. Expansion of CD8+ T cell numbers was generally higher following priming with CD40‐L than with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) matured DCs. Cytolytic activity was induced by both maturing agents. These data indicate that IFN‐β/IL‐3 DCs represent a promising cell population for the immunotherapy of cancer.
Apelin and nutritional status in children on dialysis

Abstract Background: We aimed to evaluate whether serum apelin could reflect the nutritional status of children on dialysis. Methods: Twelve patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 20 patients on hemodialysis (HD) were enrolled. Patients received individualized diet for six months. Anthropometric and laboratory indices were measured at onset and the end of the study. Results: The anthropometric indices were all significantly lower in patients than in controls whereas similar in PD and HD patients. The protein catabolic rate (nPCR), height, mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA) z scores were significantly increased in dialysis patients after nutritional intervention. Weight z scores statistically increased in HD group whereas did not statistically change in PD group. Serum albumin levels were significantly improved in PD and HD patients. Apelin levels were similar in PD, HD and control groups. Post nutritional apelin values did not differ in each dialysis groups. On multivariate analysis, apelin was independently associated with age, weight, ESR and TG. Conclusions: Apelin seems to be not a useful indicator for monitoring the nutritional status in children on dialysis. However, the close link of apelin with inflammatory and lipid parameters suggested that apelin might be a novel target for slowing the atherogenic process in pediatric dialysis patients.
The contribution of ozone to future stratospheric temperature trends

The projected recovery of ozone from the effects of ozone depleting substances this century will modulate the stratospheric cooling due to CO2, thereby affecting the detection and attribution of stratospheric temperature trends. Here the impact of future ozone changes on stratospheric temperatures is quantified for three representative concentration pathways (RCPs) using simulations from the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). For models with interactive chemistry, ozone trends offset ~50% of the global annual mean upper stratospheric cooling due to CO2 for RCP4.5 and 20% for RCP8.5 between 2006–2015 and 2090–2099. For RCP2.6, ozone trends cause a net warming of the upper and lower stratosphere. The misspecification of ozone trends for RCP2.6/RCP4.5 in models that used the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC)/Stratosphere‐troposphere Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC) Ozone Database causes anomalous warming (cooling) of the upper (lower) stratosphere compared to chemistry‐climate models. The dependence of ozone chemistry on greenhouse gas concentrations should therefore be better represented in CMIP6.
Bone marrow-derived fibrocytes contribute to liver fibrosis

Chronic liver injury often leads to hepatic fibrosis, a condition associated with increased levels of circulating TGF-β1 and lipopolysaccharide, activation of myofibroblasts, and extensive deposition of extracellular matrix, mostly collagen Type I. Hepatic stellate cells are considered to be the major1 but not the only source of myofibroblasts in the injured liver.2 Hepatic myofibroblasts may also originate from portal fibroblasts, mesenchymal cells, and fibrocytes.3 Since the discovery of fibrocytes in 1994 by Dr. Bucala and colleagues, this bone marrow (BM)-derived collagen Type I-producing CD45+ cells remain the most fascinating cells of the hematopoietic system. Due to the ability to differentiate into collagen Type I producing cells/myofibroblasts, fibrocytes were implicated in the pathogenesis of liver, skin, lung, and kidney fibrosis. However, studies of different organs often contain controversial results on the number of fibrocytes recruited to the site of injury and their biological function. Furthermore, fibrocytes were implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis and were shown to possess antimicrobial activity. Finally, in response to specific stimuli, fibrocytes can give rise to fully differentiated macrophages, suggesting that in concurrence with the high plasticity of hematopoietic cells, fibrocytes exhibit progenitor properties. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the role of CD45+Collagen Type I+ BM-derived cells in response to fibrogenic liver injury and septicemia and discuss the most recent evidence supporting the critical role of fibrocytes in the mediation of pro-fibrogenic and/or pro-inflammatory responses.
Antiviral Effects of Antisense Morpholino Oligomers in Murine Coronavirus Infection Models

ABSTRACT The recent emergence of novel pathogenic human and animal coronaviruses has highlighted the need for antiviral therapies that are effective against a spectrum of these viruses. We have used several strains of murine hepatitis virus (MHV) in cell culture and in vivo in mouse models to investigate the antiviral characteristics of peptide-conjugated antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (P-PMOs). Ten P-PMOs directed against various target sites in the viral genome were tested in cell culture, and one of these (5TERM), which was complementary to the 5′ terminus of the genomic RNA, was effective against six strains of MHV. Further studies were carried out with various arginine-rich peptides conjugated to the 5TERM PMO sequence in order to evaluate efficacy and toxicity and thereby select candidates for in vivo testing. In uninfected mice, prolonged P-PMO treatment did not result in weight loss or detectable histopathologic changes. 5TERM P-PMO treatment reduced viral titers in target organs and protected mice against virus-induced tissue damage. Prophylactic 5TERM P-PMO treatment decreased the amount of weight loss associated with infection under most experimental conditions. Treatment also prolonged survival in two lethal challenge models. In some cases of high-dose viral inoculation followed by delayed treatment, 5TERM P-PMO treatment was not protective and increased morbidity in the treated group, suggesting that P-PMO may cause toxic effects in diseased mice that were not apparent in the uninfected animals. However, the strong antiviral effect observed suggests that with further development, P-PMO may provide an effective therapeutic approach against a broad range of coronavirus infections.
A multicentre prospective evaluation of alcohol-related admissions to intensive care units in Wales

Purpose We conducted a prospective multicentre study in 13 Welsh intensive care units to assess what proportion of intensive care admissions relate to alcohol, and how outcomes among these patients compare with non-alcohol related admissions. Materials and methods Data were prospectively collected for one month between June and July 2015. Every intensive care admission was screened for alcohol associations based on ICD-10 criteria, using a pre-designed pro-forma. Follow-up data were collected at 60 days using a pre-existing database (WardWatcher; Critical Care Audit Ltd, England). Outcomes included: lengths of mechanical ventilation, intensive care units and hospital stay; intensive care units and hospital mortality. Results Alcohol contributed directly to 10% of all ICU admissions and to 11% of unplanned admissions. These patients were younger (52 vs. 66, p = 0.0011), more likely to be male (68% vs. 52%, p = 0.014) and had more prolonged ventilation (p = 0.019) There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to length of stay or mortality. Conclusions Alcohol contributes to a significant proportion of ICU admissions in Wales, a Western European country with a relatively low number of ICU beds per capita. Strategies to address this impact should be explored.
Muscle Fiber Atrophy and Degeneration Induced by Experimental Immobility and Hindlimb Suspension

Mammalian skeletal muscle fibers can be classified into three major forms of type 1.2A and 28 fibers by ATPase staining with preincubation at different pHs. In the rat, red muscles, such as the soleus muscle, consist largely of type 1 with a few type 2A fibers, and white muscles mostly of type 2B fibers. Type 1,2A and 28 fibers are almost equally distributed in a mosaic pattern in human limb muscles. In addition. there is an immature undifferentiated type 2C fiber in human fetal and rat neonatal muscle which later differentiates into either mature type 1,2A or 28 fiber with development. Type 2C fiber is also found in muscle diseases with immature muscle fibers such as congenital nonprogressive myopathies, in active regenerating processes, and during reinnervation in which one muscle fiber type is transformed into another different type via type 2C fiber, i.e. type 142C-ttype 2 fiber or vice versa. This fiber type classification based on ATPase is therefore the most useful method to understand the pathophysiology in muscle fiber maturation and in disease states.
Age Structural Transition and Economic Growth: Evidence from South and Southeast Asia

Age structural transition is a process and a consequence of shiftingage structure from a young aged population to old aged population. It iswell known that economic growth in the East Asian countries wassignificantly contributed by demographic gift, that is decline in youngaged population and increase in working aged population. However,little is known about the role of age structure changes on economicgrowth in the context of South and Southeast Asia. In this paper anattempt has been made to study the nature and process of age structuraltransition in the countries of South (Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka)and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore andThailand). Further, this paper also attempts to study the influence of agestructure changes on the economic growth in these countries. Timeseries analysis covering the period 1950-92 has been used for studyingthe relationship between age structure and economic growth, controllingmacroeconomic variables such as investment share of GDP, net foreignbalance, share of public consumption expenditure, inflation rate and openness. The `demographic bonus' or `window of opportunity' had a positive impact on economic growth in all Southeast Asian countries except in the Philippines. The South Asian countries did not perform well in terms of economic growth at the onset of `window of opportunity'. The results also indicate that countries that have had open economies and had excellent human capital benefited more from the "window of opportunity". In the next 20-25 years, the window of opportunity is likely to benefit most South Asian countries if favourable policies are pursued to take advantage of this with opening up their economy. The demographic bonus will be available for another 15-20 years followed by a period of demographic turbulence in the Southeast Asian countries. There will be a faster growth in the old aged population after 15 years and stagnantion/decline in the working aged population. As the gaps between demographic indicators are narrowing among the Asian countries, the question remains whether demographic convergence will lead to economic convergence in the future. The demographic transition has given the South Asian countries an opportunity for economic convergence. However, whether that opportunity is realised will depend on whether socio-economic policies are favourable to economic growth.
Reconfigurable Cluster Head Selection Protocol for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensors

This work presents a study on the energy consumption of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) while collecting the environmental information from the associated nodes. The lifespan of these nodes is very short because of the limited availability of energy which has given rise to the significant challenge in designing an energy efficient routing protocol. In this paper, a new Reconfigurable Cluster Head Selection (RCH) protocol has been presented which has an innovative concept – reconfiguration of fixed Cluster Heads (CHs). The status ‘reconfigurable’ means that the network reconfigures itself by selecting new CH from among the normal nodes. This process is done when the available CH is about to die due to energy constraints.The proposed protocol maintains stability and prolonged duration of communication by selection of new CH within the cluster for securing the communication to meet an outage. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out in MATLAB and results show that because of the new proposed RCH protocol, the system is more energy efficient as compared with already available LEACH protocol.
Large volume sample stacking with EOF and sweeping in CE for determination of common preservatives in cosmetic products by chemometric experimental design

This study proposes a capillary electrophoresis method incorporating large volume sample stacking, EOF and sweeping for detection of common preservatives used in cosmetic products. The method was developed using chemometric experimental design (fractional factorial design and central composite design) to determine multiple separation variables by efficient steps. The samples were loaded by hydrodynamic injection (10 psi, 90 s), and separated by phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 3) containing 30% methanol and 80 mM SDS at −20 kV. During method validation, calibration curves were found to be linear over a range of 5–100 μg/mL for butyl paraben and isobutyl paraben; 0.05–10 μg/mL for ethyl paraben; 0.2–50 μg/mL for dehydroacetic acid; 0.5–70 μg/mL for methyl paraben; 5–350 μg/mL for sorbic acid; 0.02–450 μg/mL for p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 0.05–10 μg/mL for salicylic acid and benzoic acid. The analytes were analysed simultaneously and their detection limits (S/N = 3) were down to 0.005–2 μg/mL. The analysis method was successfully used for detection of preservatives used in commercial cosmetics.
Novel Clustering Method towards Identification of Activation Points for Atrial Fibrillation

In this paper, a novel approach to locate the activation points of atrial fibrillation (AF) is proposed. This new method is built upon machine learning, where common parameters, such as dominant frequency, first harmonic frequency, etc., are adopted. Features are extracted from the original electrocardiography (ECG) and then clustering is performed to classify the ECG signals into two groups, namely activation and nonactivation points. The experimental results are compared with those from the state-of-the-art system, Topera, used in East Jefferson General Hospital nowadays.
The Chinese Version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11: Reassessment of Its Psychometric Properties in Three Adolescent Samples

Background: Numerous studies have assessed the psychometric properties of BIS-11. But, psychometric research on the structure of the BIS-11 has been scant in different adolescent populations. This study aimed to assess psychometric characteristics of Chinese version of BIS-11 in normal adolescents, adolescents with mental disorders, delinquent juvenile and focused on testing the factor structures of Chinese version of BIS-11 based on the well-know theories in order to find appropriate structure representations of this instrument for different samples of adolescents. Methods:The internal consistency reliability of the BIS version 11 (BIS-11) was assessed by calculating the Cronbach’s a coefficient in three separate adolescent samples: normal adolescents (n = 406),adolescents with mental disorders (n = 258), delinquent juvenile (n = 331). Confirmatory factor analysis was examined in the total sample and each adolescent sample. Omegas (w) and explained common variance (ECV) of the general factor in bifactor model were computed to measure homogeneity reliability and dimensionality of the scale. Results:Cronbach’s a coefficients of the total BIS-11 and its subscale scores for three separate adolescent samples were all good (a=0.67-0.89). Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable goodness of fit indices for the three correlated first-order factor model, the six correlated first-order factor model and two bifactor models, for all adolescent samples. Conclusion:This study suggests that the Chinese version of the BIS-11 is a reliable instrument for assessing different adolescent populations’ impulsivity. Higher order models failed to provide appropriate interpretation of this instrument for all the adolescent samples. Bifactor model, especially for bifactor model with one general factor model and three group factors, provides an alternative multidimensional structural representation to explain the dimensionalities of impulsivity, especially for bifactor model with one general factor and three group factors
Trajectory tracking control method for high-speed and high-acceleration machine tool

For the trajectory tracking control problem of high-speed and high-acceleration machine tool, an adaptive feedforward control method with frictional compensation is proposed. The mathematical model of high-speed machine tool drive system is established, and the influence on tracking dynamic characteristic of nonlinear factor is analyzed. In order to enhance tracking characteristic of feed system, the traditional feedforward method is improved by introducing velocity-acceleration feedforward control, condition integral and anti-saturation links, and the acceleration feedforward parameter is adjusted online by target acceleration and position output deviation. To eliminate the influence of nonlinear friction of drive system, a friction compensator is constructed based on online identification method. Simulation experiments are made using the proposed trajectory tracking method, and the method is applied to a two-axis high-speed motion control platform. The actual data show that the proposed method has small tracking error and fast response speed, which can meet the control requirement of the feed system of high-speed and high-acceleration machine tool.
A numerical approach for the Riesz space-fractional Fisher' equation in two-dimensions

ABSTRACT In this paper, we consider a fully discrete finite element method (FEM) to solve the two-dimensional nonlinear Fisher' equation with Riesz fractional derivatives in space. This method is chiefly performed by using Crank–Nicolson discretization in conjunction with a linearized approach in time and FEM in space. The existence, uniqueness of the weak solution, and the numerical stability of the scheme are proved in great detail. The optimal error estimate computed by -norm showed both in time and space is derived by introducing a fractional orthogonal projection. Moreover, several numerical examples are conducted on unstructured triangular meshes by a properly designed algorithm.
Effect of fabric patterns on electrotextile patch antennas

Two different electrotextile antennas made of the same e-textile material, but of different structure, are compared. Details of the fabric construction of the electrotextiles and their effect on the efficiency of the e-textile patch antennas are discussed. Finally, one fully-fabric patch antenna is demonstrated for potential WLAN applications. This fabric antenna with measured gain of 6.59 dB and impedance bandwidth of 3.4% is comparable to a standard rigid patch antenna of similar structure and dimension.
Mutational Activation of the AmgRS Two-Component System in Aminoglycoside-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT The amgRS operon encodes a presumed membrane stress-responsive two-component system linked to intrinsic aminoglycoside resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Genome sequencing of a lab isolate showing modest pan-aminoglycoside resistance, strain K2979, revealed a number of mutations, including a substitution in amgS that produced an R182C change in the AmgS sensor kinase product of this gene. Introduction of this mutation into an otherwise wild-type strain recapitulated the resistance phenotype, while correcting the mutation in the resistant mutant abrogated the resistant phenotype, confirming that the amgS mutation is responsible for the aminoglycoside resistance of strain K2979. The amgSR182 mutation promoted an AmgR-dependent, 2- to 3-fold increase in expression of the AmgRS target genes htpX and PA5528, mirroring the impact of aminoglycoside exposure of wild-type cells on htpX and PA5528 expression. This suggests that amgSR182 is a gain-of-function mutation that activates AmgS and the AmgRS two-component system in promoting modest resistance to aminoglycosides. Screening of several pan-aminoglycoside-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa revealed three that showed elevated htpX and PA5528 expression and harbored single amino acid-altering mutations in amgS (V121G or D106N) and no mutations in amgR. Introduction of the amgSV121G mutation into wild-type P. aeruginosa generated a resistance phenotype reminiscent of the amgSR182 mutant and produced a 2- to 3-fold increase in htpX and PA5528 expression, confirming that it, too, is a gain-of-function aminoglycoside resistance-promoting mutation. These results highlight the contribution of amgS mutations and activation of the AmgRS two-component system to acquired aminoglycoside resistance in lab and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Eradication of minimal residual disease in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia after alemtuzumab therapy is associated with prolonged survival.

PURPOSE To test whether eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD) in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by alemtuzumab is associated with a prolongation of treatment-free and overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-one previously treated patients with CLL (74 men and 17 women; median age, 58 years [range, 32 to 75 years]; 44 were refractory to purine analogs) received a median of 9 weeks of alemtuzumab treatment between 1996 and 2003. Regular bone marrow assessments by MRD flow cytometry were performed with the aim of eradicating detectable MRD (< 1 CLL cell in 10(5) normal cells). RESULTS Responses according to National Cancer Institute-sponsored working group response criteria were complete remission (CR) in 32 patients (36%), partial remission (PR) in 17 patients (19%), and no response (NR) in 42 patients (46%). Twenty-two (50%) of 44 purine analog-refractory patients responded to alemtuzumab. Detectable CLL was eradicated from the blood and marrow in 18 patients (20%). Median survival was significantly longer in MRD-negative patients compared with those achieving an MRD-positive CR, PR, or NR. Patients achieving an MRD-negative CR had a longer treatment-free survival than patients with MRD-positive CRs, PR, or NR: MRD-negative CRs, not reached; MRD-positive CRs, 20 months; PRs, 13 months; NR, 6 months (P < .0001). Overall survival for the 18 patients with MRD-negative remissions was 84% at 60 months. Eight (47%) of the MRD-negative patients converted to MRD positivity at a median of 28 months. CONCLUSION MRD-negative remission in CLL is achievable with alemtuzumab, leading to an improved overall and treatment-free survival.