Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exogenous IL-33 Restores Dendritic Cell Activation and Maturation in Established Cancer

The role of IL-33, particularly in tumor growth and tumor immunity, remains ill-defined. We show that exogenous IL-33 can induce robust antitumor effect through a CD8+ T cell–dependent mechanism. Systemic administration of rIL-33 alone was sufficient to inhibit growth of established tumors in transplant and de novo melanoma tumorigenesis models. Notably, in addition to a direct action on CD8+ T cell expansion and IFN-γ production, rIL-33 therapy activated myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) in tumor-bearing mice, restored antitumor T cell activity, and increased Ag cross-presentation within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, combination therapy consisting of rIL-33 and agonistic anti-CD40 Abs demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity. Specifically, MyD88, an essential component of the IL-33 signaling pathway, was required for the IL-33–mediated increase in mDC number and upregulation in expression of costimulatory molecules. Importantly, we identified that the IL-33 receptor ST2, MyD88, and STAT1 cooperate to induce costimulatory molecule expression on mDCs in response to rIL-33. Thus, our study revealed a novel IL-33–ST2–MyD88–STAT1 axis that restores mDC activation and maturation in established cancer and, thereby, the magnitude of antitumor immune responses, suggesting a potential use of rIL-33 as a new immunotherapy option to treat established cancer.
Mutual Information and Coded BER Analysis of PAPR Reduced OFDM System with Active Constellation Extension

Active constellation extension (ACE) has been proposed for a peak-to-average power (PAPR) reduction of orthogonal frequency- division multiplexing (OFDM) signals, which projects the clipping noise generated by iterative clipping and filtering (CAF) onto the outside region of the constellation such that its minimum Euclidean distance (MED) is not reduced. Due to this arrangement, some amount of average power increase is introduced, but ACE can achieve better trade-off between uncoded bit-error rate (BER) and power amplifier (PA) efficiency compared to simple CAF. However, the coded BER of ACE has not been analyzed so far, where the degradation of signal-to-noise power ratio (SNR) due to the average power increase may have dominant effect on the performance. Moreover, in order to perform effective error correction, the statistical property of the clipping noise imposed by ACE should be developed. This paper empirically models the clipping noise distribution after ACE such that soft decoding can be employed at its receiver, and investigates its performance in terms of mutual information and coded BER employing near optimal channel coding. It is revealed that the simple CAF may outperform the ACE in terms of both PA efficiency and BER performance when both are protected by practical channel coding.
Unstable Hoogsteen base pairs adjacent to echinomycin binding sites within a DNA duplex.

The bisintercalation complex present between the DNA octamer [d(ACGTACGT)]2 and the cyclic octadepsipeptide antibiotic echinomycin has been studied by one- and two-dimensional proton NMR, and the results obtained have been compared with the crystal structures of related DNA-echinomycin complexes. Two echinomycins are found to bind cooperatively to each DNA duplex at the CpG steps, with the two quinoxaline rings of each echinomycin bisintercalating between the C.G and A.T base pairs. At low temperatures, the A.T base pairs on either side of the intercalation site adopt the Hoogsteen conformation, as observed in the crystal structures. However, as the temperature is raised, the Hoogsteen base pairs in the interior of the duplex are destabilized and are observed to be exchanging between the Hoogsteen base pair and either an open or a Watson-Crick base-paired state. The terminal A.T base pairs, which are not as constrained by the helix as the internal base pairs, remain stably Hoogsteen base-paired up to at least 45 degrees C. The implications of these results for the biological role of Hoogsteen base pairs in echinomycin-DNA complexes in vivo are discussed.
Brain shape in human microcephalics and Homo floresiensis

Because the cranial capacity of LB1 (Homo floresiensis) is only 417 cm3, some workers propose that it represents a microcephalic Homo sapiens rather than a new species. This hypothesis is difficult to assess, however, without a clear understanding of how brain shape of microcephalics compares with that of normal humans. We compare three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstructions of the internal braincases (virtual endocasts that reproduce details of external brain morphology, including cranial capacities and shape) from a sample of 9 microcephalic humans and 10 normal humans. Discriminant and canonical analyses are used to identify two variables that classify normal and microcephalic humans with 100% success. The classification functions classify the virtual endocast from LB1 with normal humans rather than microcephalics. On the other hand, our classification functions classify a pathological H. sapiens specimen that, like LB1, represents an ≈3-foot-tall adult female and an adult Basuto microcephalic woman that is alleged to have an endocast similar to LB1's with the microcephalic humans. Although microcephaly is genetically and clinically variable, virtual endocasts from our highly heterogeneous sample share similarities in protruding and proportionately large cerebella and relatively narrow, flattened orbital surfaces compared with normal humans. These findings have relevance for hypotheses regarding the genetic substrates of hominin brain evolution and may have medical diagnostic value. Despite LB1's having brain shape features that sort it with normal humans rather than microcephalics, other shape features and its small brain size are consistent with its assignment to a separate species.
Chronic kidney disease and measurement of albuminuria or proteinuria: a position statement

Optimal detection and subsequent risk stratification of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires simultaneous consideration of both kidney function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) and kidney damage (as indicated by albuminuria or proteinuria). Measurement of urinary albuminuria and proteinuria is hindered by a lack of standardisation regarding requesting, sample collection, reporting and interpretation of tests. A multidisciplinary working group was convened with the goal of developing and promoting recommendations that achieve consensus on these issues. The working group recommended that the preferred method for assessment of albuminuria in both diabetic and non‐diabetic patients is urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) measurement in a first‐void spot urine specimen. Where a first‐void specimen is not possible or practical, a random spot urine specimen for UACR is acceptable. The working group recommended that adults with one or more risk factors for CKD should be assessed using UACR and estimated GFR every 1–2 years, depending on their risk‐factor profile. Recommended testing algorithms and sex‐specific cut‐points for microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria are provided. The working group recommended that all pathology laboratories in Australia should implement the relevant recommendations as a vital component of an integrated national approach to detection of CKD.
Signalling and Incentive Processes in Instrumental Reinforcer Devaluation

We have previously reported that conditioning an aversion to the reinforcer using an isotonic lithium chloride (LiCl) solution following instrumental training reduces performance in a subsequent extinction test only if animals are re-exposed to the reinforcer prior to the test. Rescorla (1992), in contrast, reported an immediate devaluation effect using a hypertonic LiCl solution that did not depend upon re-exposure. In two experiments we examined the effect of using a hypertonic LiCl solution to condition the aversion to the reinforcer on subsequent instrumental performance in extinction, with and without re-exposure. In Experiment 1 thirsty rats were trained to press a lever for a sucrose solution before being injected with 0.6 M LiCl either immediately or after a delay. Half of the immediate and delay groups were then re-exposed to the sucrose in the absence of the lever, with the remainder being exposed to water. Contrary to the previously reported effects of isotonic LiCl, a hypertonic solution induced a reinforcer devaluation effect in all the immediately poisoned animals, which did not depend upon re-exposure to the reinforcer. In Experiment 2 the possibility that this devaluation effect was induced by the discomfort associated with the hypertonicity of the solution was assessed by replicating Experiment 1 but, in addition, using two immediately poisoned groups given the LiCl injection under anaesthesia. In the absence of anaesthesia, the devaluation effect observed without re-exposure to the reinforcer in Experiment 1 was replicated. When the injection was given under anaesthesia, however, a reinforcer devaluation effect was observed only in animals that were re-exposed to the reinforcer prior to the extinction test. These results were interpreted as evidence that a reinforcer devaluation effect induced by pairing the reinforcer with illness depends upon a process of incentive learning, whereas a devaluation effect mediated by learning a signalling relationship between the reinforcer and somatic discomfort does not.
High-Order-Tilted Fiber Bragg Gratings With Superposed Refractive Index Modulation

A high-order-tilted fiber Bragg gratings (HO-TFBG) with superposed refractive index (RI) modulation written by a femtosecond laser and a phase mask has been demonstrated. The superposed grating structure is realized by the combined action of the pure ±1 order pulses interference and the heat accumulation effect of ±1 order and zero-order pulses. For the phase mask with the pitch of 3.33 μm, there are 11 groups of high-order Bragg resonance and cladding mode resonances sets in the wavelength range of 600–1700 nm, the information carried by which is doubled compared to the HO-TFBG written by pure two beams interference. It demonstrates that the sensitivities of the cladding mode resonances sets to surrounding RI, axial strain and temperature decrease with the increase of the grating order.
Soft polymer MEMS

This paper presents a fabrication process for soft all-polymer MEMS actuators. This process allows high-aspect ratio conductive and non-conductive polymer features to be fabricated together in-plane. This process has been used to realize robust thermal actuators that have demonstrated displacements as large at 100 µm and forces as high as 55 µN. Since the actuators are fabricated with elastomeric materials, they are very robust and can undergo large strains in both tension and bending and still operate once released.
Skill-Based and Planned Active Play Versus Free-Play Effects on Fundamental Movement Skills in Preschoolers

Fundamental movement skill interventions are important for promoting physical activity, but the optimal intervention model for preschool children remains unclear. We compared two 8-week interventions, a structured skill-station and a planned active play approach, to a free-play control condition on pre- and postintervention fundamental movement skills. We also collected data regarding program attendance and perceived enjoyment. We found a significant interaction effect between intervention type and time. A Tukey honest significant difference analysis supported a positive intervention effect showing a significant difference between both interventions and the free-play control condition. There was a significant between-group difference in group attendance such that mean attendance was higher for both the free-play and planned active play groups relative to the structured skill-based approach. There were no differences in attendance between free-play and planned active play groups, and there were no differences in enjoyment ratings between the two intervention groups. In sum, while both interventions led to improved fundamental movement skills, the active play approach offered several logistical advantages. Although these findings should be replicated, they can guide feasible and sustainable fundamental movement skill programs within day care settings.
Fabrication of flexible thermoelectric generators with a lens array for near-infrared solar light harvesting

A flexible thermoelectric generator with a lens array that converts near-infrared (NIR) solar light, was fabricated using lithography and thin-film deposition processes. The generator comprised serially connected 270 pairs of thin-film thermocouples and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lens array. It possessed the flexibility to be easily placed on glass windows. The thermoelectric elements of Cu (p-type) and Cu-Ni (n-type) thin films were used in thermoelectric generators. The thermoelectric thin films were deposited on flexible polyimide substrates using sputtering method and were formed using lift-off techniques. When solar light (A.M. 1.5) was irradiated onto the fabricated generator, the open-circuit voltage and the maximum power were 7.4 V/m2 and 11 μW/m2 respectively. The flexible thermoelectric generator can be placed on arbitral hard materials, such as glass windows, for energy harvesting.
An activation--verification model for letter and word recognition: the word-superiority effect.

An activation-verification model for letter and word recognition yielded predictions of two-alternative forced-choice performance for 864 individual stimuli that were either words, orthographically regular nonwords, or orthographically irregular nonwords. The encoding algorithm (programmed in APL) uses empirically determined confusion matrices to activate units in both an alphabetum and a lexicon. In general, predicted performance is enhanced when decisions are based on lexical information, because activity in the lexicon tends to constrain the identity of test letters more than the activity in the alphabetum. Thus, the model predicts large advantages of words over irregular nonwords, and smaller advantages of words over regular nonwords. The predicted differences are close to those obtained in a number of experiments and clearly demonstrate that the effects of manipulating lexicality and orthography can be predicted on the basis of lexical constraint alone. Furthermore, within each class (word, regular nonword, irregular nonword) there are significant correlations between the simulated and obtained performance on individual items. Our activation-verification model is contrasted with McClelland and Rumelhart's (1981) interactive activation model.
Timecourse of striatal re‐innervation following lesions of dopaminergic SNpc neurons of the rat

Previously we described the extent of sprouting that axons of the rat substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) undergo to grow new synapses and re‐innervate the dorsal striatum 16 weeks after partial lesions. Here we provide insights into the timing of events related to the re‐innervation of the dorsal striatum by regenerating dopaminergic nigrostriatal axons over a 104‐week period after partial SNpc lesioning. Density of dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive axonal varicosities (terminals) decreased up to 80% 4 weeks after lesioning but returned to normal by 16 weeks, unless SNpc lesions were greater than 75%. Neuronal tracer injections into the SNpc revealed a 119% increase in axon fibres (4 mm rostral to the SNpc) along the medial forebrain bundle 4 weeks after lesioning. SNpc cells underwent phenotypic changes. Four weeks after lesioning the proportion of SNpc neurons that expressed tyrosine hydroxylase fell from 90% to 38% but returned to 78% by 32 weeks. We discuss these phenotype changes in the context of neurogenesis. Significant reductions in dopamine levels in rats with medium (30–75%) lesions returned to normal by 16 weeks whereas recovery was not observed if lesions were larger than 75%. Finally, rotational behaviour of animals in response to amphetamine was examined. The clear rightward turning bias observed after 2 weeks recovered by 16 weeks in animals with medium (30–75%) lesions but was still present when lesions were larger. These studies provide insights into the processes that regulate sprouting responses in the central nervous system following injury.
Sociocultural dimension in agriculture adaptation to climate change

ABSTRACT Societal responses to climate change are influenced by culture, but this has not been the focus of understanding and adapting to this phenomenon. This process is critical when examining agriculture, an eminently social activity that has an historic perspective and characteristic manners of production expressed by the culture carrying it out. Therefore, the present study analyzes and compares the theoretical–conceptual approaches used in the role of culture in agricultural adaptation to climate change, given the paradigmatic bias in each. This information is essential for the design and implementation of agricultural adaptation strategies having social and cultural viability.
Evaluation of respiratory motion effects in comparison with other parameters affecting PET image quality

Respiratory motion during emission imaging reduces both quality and quantitative accuracy. Proposed correction methodologies concentrate on the use of respiration gated acquisitions. However, the individual frame images are of reduced resolution as well as overall quality since they contain only a fraction of the counts available throughout a normal respiration average PET acquisition. The objectives of our study were to investigate (a) the effect of reduced image statistics present in respiratory gated images and (b) the relative significance of respiratory motion effects in comparison to other common parameters affecting image quality and quantitation in PET. The NCAT phantom, including different size lesions (7 mm to 22 mm) placed at various locations in the lungs and liver, was used in combination with a MC simulation of the GE Advance PET scanner. Ten individual time frames throughout the respiratory cycle were simulated. Five different levels of image statistical quality were considered. Images of individual frames and corresponding respiration average frames were reconstructed with and without scatter or attenuation corrections. Our results demonstrate that >6-8 million total coincidences are necessary per frame in order to realise any advantages of gated acquisitions in terms of reducing the effects of respiratory motion. Considering this level of statistical image quality, the magnitude of improvement is on average equivalent to performing a scatter correction.
The effect of Cobb angle correction on spinal length gain in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The relationship between curve correction and spinal length gain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was examined. A total of 102 patients who underwent posterior spinal correction and fusion alone or in combination with anterior spinal correction and fusion (ASF) were studied. The Cobb angle correction, increase in the main thoracic length, T1–L5 spinal length gain, and T1–L5 spinal length gain/Cobb angle correction were reported. The length gain/Cobb angle correction value was not significantly associated with sex, fusion approach, and the number of fused levels. Surgical T1–L5 spinal length gain (mm) equaled (70.20)−(3.51)×(degrees of Cobb angle correction)+(0.08)×(degrees of Cobb angle correction)2.
Predictors of high healthcare resource utilization and liver disease progression among patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract Background: Since hepatitis C virus therapy is typically prioritized for patients with more advanced disease, predicting which patients will progress could help direct scarce resources to those likely to benefit most. This study aims to identify demographics and clinical characteristics associated with high healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and liver disease progression among CHC patients. Methods: Using health insurance claims (January 2001–March 2013), adult patients with ≥2 CHC claims (ICD-9-CM: 070.44 or 070.54), and ≥6 months of continuous insurance coverage before and ≥36 months after the first CHC diagnosis were included. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of being in the 20% of patients with the highest HRU. Factors predicting liver disease progression were also identified. Results: In the study population (n = 4898), liver disease severity and both CHC- and non–CHC-related comorbidities and conditions were strong predictors of high healthcare costs, with odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence interval [CI]) for ≥2 CHC-related and ≥2 non-CHC-related comorbidities/conditions of 2.78 (2.48–3.12) and 2.19 (1.76–2.72), respectively. CHC- and non-CHC-related comorbidities and conditions were also strong predictors of liver disease progression with ORs (95% CI) for ≥2 CHC-related and ≥2 non-CHC-related comorbidities and conditions of 2.18 (1.83–2.60) and 1.50 (1.14–1.97), respectively. Limitations: Potential inaccuracies in claims data, information or classification bias, and findings based on a privately insured population. Conclusion: This study suggests that CHC patients with high healthcare resource utilization have a high level of comorbidity at baseline and also that non-CHC comorbidities and conditions are strong predictors of high HRU. Non-cirrhotic CHC patients with one or more comorbidities are at high risk of progressing to cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease.
The Impact of Information Transparency on Information Transfer

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to the literature on how information transparency affects the intra-industry information transfers. Using data for Taiwanese firms covering the sample period 2005–2010, we separate the company announcements into good and bad news and test three hypotheses regarding how such announcements are transmitted to non–announcing firms under both low and high transparency and in a highly competitive industry setting. The results indicate significant intra–industry information transfers, and the results are sensitive to the degree of information transparency of companies and industry competitiveness. We discuss the policy implications of the findings.