Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative Patterning Process for Realization of Large-Area, Full-Color, Active Quantum Dot Display.

Although various colloidal quantum dot (QD) coating and patterning techniques have been developed to meet the demands in optoelectronic applications over the past years, each of the previously demonstrated methods has one or more limitations and trade-offs in forming multicolor, high-resolution, or large-area patterns of QDs. In this study, we present an alternative QD patterning technique using conventional photolithography combined with charge-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to solve the trade-offs of the traditional patterning processes. From our demonstrations, we show repeatable QD patterning process that allows multicolor QD patterns in both large-area and microscale. Also, we show that the QD patterns are robust against additional photolithography processes and that the thickness of the QD patterns can be controlled at each position. To validate that this process can be applied to actual device applications as an active material, we have fabricated inverted, differently colored, active QD light-emitting device (QD-LED) on a pixelated substrate, which achieved maximum electroluminescence intensity of 23 770 cd/m2, and discussed the results. From our findings, we believe that our process provides a solution to achieving both high-resolution and large-scale QD pattern applicable to not only display, but also to practical photonic device research and development.
Pioglitazone Stimulates Apolipoprotein A-I Production Without Affecting HDL Removal in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of PPAR-&agr;

Objective—Pioglitazone, an antihyperglycemic drug, increases plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms by which pioglitazone regulate HDL levels are not clear. This study examined the effect of pioglitazone on hepatocyte apolipoprotein AI (apoA-I) and apoA-II production and HDL-protein/cholesterol ester uptake. Methods and Results—In human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells, pioglitazone, dose-dependently (0.5 to 10 &mgr;mol/L), increased the de novo synthesis (up to 45%), secretion (up to 44%), and mRNA expression (up to 59%) of apoA-I. Pioglitazone also increased apoA-II de novo synthesis (up to 73%) and mRNA expression (up to 129%). Pioglitazone did not affect the uptake of HDL3-protein or HDL3-cholesterol ester in HepG2 cells. The pioglitazone-induced apoA-I lipoprotein particles increased cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages. The pioglitazone-induced apoA-I secretion or mRNA expression by the HepG2 cells was abrogated with the suppression of PPAR-&agr; by small interfering RNA or a specific inhibitor of PPAR-&agr;, MK886. Conclusions—The data indicate that pioglitazone increases HDL by stimulating the de novo hepatic synthesis of apoA-I without affecting hepatic HDL-protein or HDL-cholesterol removal. We suggest that pioglitazone-mediated hepatic activation of PPAR-&agr; may be one of the mechanisms of action of pioglitazone to raise hepatic apoA-I and HDL.
The promise of 4‐1BB (CD137)‐mediated immunomodulation and the immunotherapy of cancer

Summary: The continuing efforts in biomedical research to develop new therapies for cancer are entering an exciting new phase. Research over the past two to three decades has yielded a much more detailed understanding of the complexities of the cellular and molecular interactions involved in the generation and regulation of immune responses. We are also gaining insights into the mechanisms by which tumors evade or escape immune recognition and by which they become resistant to various existing chemotherapeutic and/or radiotherapeutic strategies. A clear conclusion that can be drawn from these studies is that effective treatments of cancer will become much more multifaceted and will include immunotherapeutic approaches. The identification and molecular cloning of genes encoding the receptors and ligands that play crucial roles in the generation and regulation of immune responses provides exciting new opportunities to induce and enhance effective endogenous immune responses to cancer. In this regard, the genes that comprise the tumor necrosis factor and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamilies show particular promise. One receptor:ligand pair (4‐1BB/CD137 and 4‐1BBL/CD137L) is emerging as a target with important potential in its ability to enhance the generation of effective tumor‐specific immune responses in situ. The results of the studies cited in this review highlight the potentials of 4‐1BB‐mediated immunotherapy.
A Grid-Based Location Update Protocol in mobile wireless sensor networks

The introduction of mobile sinks to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) leads to several advantages such as hot-spot removal, energy balancing and longer network lifetime. However, as each sink moves freely and unpredictably in the sensing area, its location information needs to be broadcasted periodically to ensure network connectivity. This process results in unexpected communication overhead in each sensor node. In this paper, a Grid-Based Location Update Protocol (GBLUP) is proposed. In GBLUP, the sensing area is divided into virtual grids, and a sensor node is selected as the anchor in each grid. Sensor nodes inside the Current Grid (CG) report their sensing data directly to the mobile sink. While sensor nodes in other grids only send their Data Submitting Requests (DSRs) to the anchor, the anchor decides whether the source's data packets will be forwarded to the sink or not. In this way, when the sink moves inside the CG, location update will be confined in the local grid. When the sink needs to move out of the CG, its location information will only be updated in the anchors. Besides, both the optimal size of the grid and the max sojourn time in a grid are considered jointly to further improve the GBLUP performance. Simulation results demonstrate that GBLUP outperforms the traditional protocols in reducing the energy consumption of location update and prolonging the network lifetime.
Depolarizing Effectors of Bradykinin Signaling in Nociceptor Excitation in Pain Perception

Inflammation is one of the main causes of pathologic pain. Knowledge of the molecular links between inflammatory signals and pain-mediating neuronal signals is essential for understanding the mechanisms behind pain exacerbation. Some inflammatory mediators directly modulate the excitability of pain-mediating neurons by contacting the receptor molecules expressed in those neurons. For decades, many discoveries have accumulated regarding intraneuronal signals from receptor activation through electrical depolarization for bradykinin, a major inflammatory mediator that is able to both excite and sensitize pain-mediating nociceptor neurons. Here, we focus on the final effectors of depolarization, the neuronal ion channels, whose functionalities are specifically affected by bradykinin stimulation. Particular G-protein coupled signaling cascades specialized for each specific depolarizer ion channels are summarized. Some of these ion channels not only serve as downstream effectors but also play critical roles in relaying specific pain modalities such as thermal or mechanical pain. Accordingly, specific pain phenotypes altered by bradykinin stimulation are also discussed. Some members of the effector ion channels are both activated and sensitized by bradykinin-induced neuronal signaling, while others only sensitized or inhibited, which are also introduced. The present overview of the effect of bradykinin on nociceptor neuronal excitability at the molecular level may contribute to better understanding of an important aspect of inflammatory pain and help future design of further research on the components involved and pain modulating strategies.
EXPLAINING THE SUSPECT BEHAVIOR OF TRAVEL DEMAND FORECASTERS

30 years ago scholars first offered compelling evidence of local officials using biased travel demand forecasts (TDF) to justify decisions based on unstated considerations. Since then, many researchers have shown convincingly that TDF are systematically optimistic--often wildly so--for reasons that cannot be explained solely by the inherent difficulty of predicting the future. This paper aims to explore the issue of why modelers generate biased TDF and tolerate the misuse of their work. Data from in-depth interviews with 29 travel demand forecasters throughout the U.S. and Canada suggest new ways for understanding the suspect behavior of transport planning professionals. Those most likely to introduce bias and invite misuse of TDF assume their technical analyses have little, if any, impact on policymaking. For many, this leads to disillusionment and requires responses to cope with feelings of marginalization. Others, untroubled by their apparent lack of influence are complacent and need ways to avoid the ethical questions of practice. Both types of practitioners circumscribe professional roles and rely on the self-deceptive strategies of evasion and excusemaking to mute their own disquieting realities that undermine positive concepts of self. The disillusioned wish not to see that they do not matter and the complacent that they do. Bias and misuse seem to be the unintentional byproducts of these attitudes.
Evidence for hope : the search for sustainable development : the story of the International Institute for Environment and Development

Introduction * Part I: Beginning with Hope - Only One Earth * The Duty to Hope: a Tribute to Barbara Ward * Stockholm: The Founding of IIED * Part II: Three Decades of Change and Development - Time for Change: IIED 1984-1990 * Earthscan-Panos: Favourite Son, Via Cuckoo-in-the-nest, to Friendly Rival * Change that Works * Part II: IIED Programmes - Forestry and Land Use * The Energy Programme * Sustainable Agriculture * Setting an Urban Agenda: Human Settlements and IIED-America Latina * Drylands: A History of Networks * Economics of Environment and Development * Strategies, Plans, Impacts and People: IIED's Role in Assessment * Part IV: Endpiece - Globalization, Civil Society and Governance: Challenges for the 21st Century * Index of People
Inverse European Latitudinal Cline at the timeless Locus of Drosophila melanogaster Reveals Selection on a Clock Gene: Population Genetics of ls-tim

The spread of adaptive genetic variants in populations is a cornerstone of evolutionary theory but with relatively few biologically well-understood examples. Previous work on the ls-tim variant of timeless, which encodes the light-sensitive circadian regulator in Drosophila melanogaster, suggests that it may have originated in southeastern Italy. Flies characterized by the new allele show photoperiod-related phenotypes likely to be adaptive in seasonal environments. ls-tim may be spreading from its point of origin in Italy by directional selection, but there are alternative explanations for its observed clinal geographical distribution, including balancing selection and demography. From population analyses of ls-tim frequencies collected on the eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula, we show that ls-tim frequencies are inverted compared with those in Italy. This pattern is consistent with a scenario of directional selection rather than latitude-associated balancing selection. Neutrality tests further reveal the signature of directional selection at the ls-tim site, which is reduced a few kb pairs either side of ls-tim. A reanalysis of allele frequencies from a large number of microsatellite loci do not demonstrate any frequent ls-tim-like spatial patterns, so a general demographic effect or population expansion from southeastern Italy cannot readily explain current ls-tim frequencies. Finally, a revised estimate of the age of ls-tim allele using linkage disequilibrium and coalescent-based approaches reveals that it may be only 300 to 3000 years old, perhaps explaining why it has not yet gone to fixation. ls-tim thus provides a rare temporal snapshot of a new allele that has come under selection before it reaches equilibrium.
Aerolysin — the ins and outs of a model channel‐forming toxin

Aerolysin is one of a large group of bacterial proteins that can kill target cells by forming discrete channels in their plasma membranes. The toxin has many properties in common with the porins of the Gram‐negative bacterial outer membrane, including an extensive amount of β‐structure, a high proportion of hydrophilic amino acid side‐chains and no hydrophobic stretches in the primary structure. It also oligomerizes to produce an insertion‐competent state. Aerolysin is secreted as a dimer by members of the Aeromonas family. It binds to a high‐affinity receptor on the target cell that has recently been shown to be a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored glycoprotein. Binding is followed by heptamerization to form a structure that we propose contains a β‐barrel which can insert into the membrane and produce a channel.
Unexpected Learning by Neophyte Principals: Factors Related to Success of First Year Principals in Schools

This paper reports the findings related to the International Beginning Principals study, which examined factors perceived by first year principals to both complicate, and account for, first year principalship successes in rural jurisdictions. Specifically, for this paper we deal with factors seen as significant in establishing oneself as a first time principal in a rural Canadian school. The general findings from this study centred on training and experience related to administration of schools. Many first time principals in rural schools had limited specific preparation for the principalship, or other related administrative roles such as the vice principalship. Such findings have taken on more importance in the last several years as school districts find it increasingly difficult to recruit principals for smaller rural schools.
Delusional ideation and manic symptoms in potential future emigrants in Uganda

Background. The cause of increased schizophrenia rates among immigrants in Europe is unknown. This study explores psychotic features in persons aspiring and actively planning to emigrate, prior to their potential emigration. Method. Potential future emigrants and controls in Kampala (Uganda) were screened for delusional ideation and manic symptoms, using the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI) and mania items from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Results. Aspirations regarding emigration were associated with increased delusional ideation compared with controls (p=0·01), whereas active plans regarding emigration were not. Neither aspiring nor actively planning to emigrate was associated with increased manic symptoms. Subjects with increased delusional ideation also had increased manic symptoms (p<0·001). Conclusions. Although some aspects of delusional ideation might include thoughts concerning emigration, practical circumstances (e.g. visa requirements, travel costs) probably prevent emigration of the psychosis-prone in many settings.
Corporate entrepreneurship: Research approaches

The paper presents results of the exploration stage of research project â€œCorporate entrepreneurship in Russian companiesâ€ . It contains analysis of core research problems connected with entrepreneurship phenomenon within established firms. Literature review is combined with formulation of preliminary research hypothesis for further discussion. Empirical part of the paper includes results of Entrepreneurial Health Audit, conducted in St. Petersburg companies Digital Design and Lyubimy kray, where research methodology was tested.
Traitement ordinal de l'information d'expertise pour le risque en génie civil : apport des sciences de la décision à la gestion des risques

Lorsque des systemes, tels les barrages, sont soumis a un haut degre d’incertitude et que l’heuristique des experts prend une place tres importante, les outils habituels de gestion des risques ne sont pas toujours efficaces pour rendre compte du jugement des experts. Les sciences de la decision proposent alors des outils pour aider a la comprehension, voire a l’elicitation de l’avis des experts. Dans le cas des barrages, nous disposons d’un retour d’experience encore peu formalise et de peu d’evenements significatifs. En outre, les mecanismes phenomenologiques a l’œuvre sont mal connus. Il est alors necessaire d’invoquer des outils qui sortent des habitudes pratiquees dans la gestion des risques. Cette etude propose une methode qui permet a l’expert de mieux eliciter son jugement, et de reveler les risques sur les barrages par un traitement ordinal de l’information d’expertise. En outre, nous montrerons que cet outil est un estimateur du maximum de vraisemblance, et promet donc une information de premiere importance pour un decisionnaire. Pour parvenir a ce resultat, nous utiliserons une methode articulee autour des bases de regles logiques, dont la construction est enrichie par des outils issus des theories du vote, des jeux cooperatifs et des bases de donnees. De cette facon, nous montrerons qu’il est possible de gerer les risques sans utiliser les outils issus des approches probabilistes, tout en prenant en compte les heuristiques des experts.
Evidence‐Based Recommendations for the Assessment and Management of Sleep Disorders in Older Persons

Sleep‐related disorders are most prevalent in the older adult population. A high prevalence of medical and psychosocial comorbidities and the frequent use of multiple medications, rather than aging per se, are major reasons for this. A major concern, often underappreciated and underaddressed by clinicians, is the strong bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and serious medical problems in older adults. Hypertension, depression, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease are examples of diseases that are more likely to develop in individuals with sleep disorders. Conversely, individuals with any of these diseases are at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders. The goals of this article are to help guide clinicians in their general understanding of sleep problems in older persons, examine specific sleep disorders that occur in older persons, and suggest evidence‐ and expert‐based recommendations for the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders in older persons. No such recommendations are available to help clinicians in their daily patient care practices. The four sections in the beginning of the article are titled, Background and Significance, General Review of Sleep, Recommendations Development, and General Approach to Detecting Sleep Disorders in an Ambulatory Setting. These are followed by overviews of specific sleep disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders, Parasomnias, Hypersomnias, and Sleep Disorders in Long‐Term Care Settings. Evidence‐ and expert‐based recommendations, developed by a group of sleep and clinical experts, are presented after each sleep disorder.
The role of the default mode network in component processes underlying the wandering mind

Abstract Experiences such as mind-wandering illustrate that cognition is not always tethered to events in the here-and-now. Although converging evidence emphasises the default mode network (DMN) in mind-wandering, its precise contribution remains unclear. The DMN comprises cortical regions that are maximally distant from primary sensory and motor cortex, a topological location that may support the stimulus-independence of mind-wandering. The DMN is functionally heterogeneous, comprising regions engaged by memory, social cognition and planning; processes relevant to mind-wandering content. Our study examined the relationships between: (i) individual differences in resting-state DMN connectivity, (ii) performance on memory, social and planning tasks and (iii) variability in spontaneous thought, to investigate whether the DMN is critical to mind-wandering because it supports stimulus-independent cognition, memory retrieval, or both. Individual variation in task performance modulated the functional organization of the DMN: poor external engagement was linked to stronger coupling between medial and dorsal subsystems, while decoupling of the core from the cerebellum predicted reports of detailed memory retrieval. Both patterns predicted off-task future thoughts. Consistent with predictions from component process accounts of mind-wandering, our study suggests a 2-fold involvement of the DMN: (i) it supports experiences that are unrelated to the environment through strong coupling between its sub-systems; (ii) it allows memory representations to form the basis of conscious experience.
Evaluating The Forecast of Densities of Linear and Non-Linear Models: Applications to Output Growth and Unemployment

In economics density forecasts are rarely available, and as a result attention has traditionally focused on poit forecasts of the mean and the use of mean square error statistics to represent the loss function. We extend the methods of forecasts density evaluation in Diebold, Gunther and Tay (1997) to compare linear and non-linear model based forecasts of US out put growth and changes in the unemployment rate.
The use of behavior modeling training in a mobile app parent training program to improve functional communication of young children with autism spectrum disorder

Communication intervention in early life can significantly impact long-term outcomes for young children with autism. Parents can be vital resources in the midst of the current manpower shortage. Map4speech is a new mobile application developed for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. It is specially designed to provide high-quality, interactive learning, coupled with frequent feedback and live coaching to train parents in a naturalistic language intervention. A multiple-baseline single-case experimental design was conducted across three parent–child dyads. Results indicate that procedural integrity of parents’ intervention techniques was above 85% during post-training intervention, and their respective children showed increases in spontaneous word/gesture use. The results show that mobile applications with feedback can be a promising means for improving efficiency and effectiveness in disseminating evidence-based practices for autism intervention.
Engineering a Synthetic Dual-Organism System for Hydrogen Production

ABSTRACT Molecular hydrogen produced biologically from renewable biomass is an attractive replacement for fossil fuels. One potential route for biological hydrogen production is the conversion of biomass into formate, which can subsequently be processed into hydrogen by Escherichia coli. Formate is also a widely used commodity chemical, making its bioproduction even more attractive. Here we demonstrate the implementation of a formate-overproducing pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a well-established industrial organism. By expressing the anaerobic enzyme pyruvate formate lyase from E. coli, we engineered a strain of yeast that overproduced formate relative to undetectable levels in the wild type. The addition of a downstream enzyme, AdhE of E. coli, resulted in an additional 4.5-fold formate production increase as well as an increase in growth rate and biomass yield. Overall, an 18-fold formate increase was achieved in a strain background whose formate degradation pathway had been deleted. Finally, as a proof of concept, we were able to produce hydrogen from this formate-containing medium by using E. coli as a catalyst in a two-step process. With further optimizations, it may be feasible to use S. cerevisiae on a larger scale as the foundation for yeast-based biohydrogen.