Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methods of Controlling Invasive Fungal Infections Using CD8+ T Cells

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Pattern-recognition receptors present on the surfaces of innate immune cells recognize fungal pathogens and activate the first line of defense against fungal infection. The second line of defense is the adaptive immune system which involves mainly CD4+ T cells, while CD8+ T cells also play a role. CD8+ T cell-based vaccines designed to prevent IFIs are currently being investigated in clinical trials, their use could play an especially important role in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. So far, none of the vaccines used to treat IFI have been approved by the FDA. Here, we review current and future antifungal immunotherapy strategies involving CD8+ T cells. We highlight recent advances in the use of T cells engineered using a Sleeping Beauty vector to treat IFIs. Recent clinical trials using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to treat patients with leukemia have shown very promising results. We hypothesized that CAR T cells could also be used to control IFI. Therefore, we designed a CAR that targets β-glucan, a sugar molecule found in most of the fungal cell walls, using the extracellular domain of Dectin-1, which binds to β-glucan. Mice treated with D-CAR+ T cells displayed reductions in hyphal growth of Aspergillus compared to the untreated group. Patients suffering from IFIs due to primary immunodeficiency, secondary immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV), or hematopoietic transplant patients may benefit from bioengineered CAR T cell therapy.
Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors among Male Citizens in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is as the leading cause of cancer mortality and other chronic diseases in males worldwide. The prevalence of cigarette smoking is different across and within countries by age, education level, occupation, and so on. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and its relationship with individuals' demographic factors and BMI in adolescent men living in Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study involved secondary analysis of the 'Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool-2' survey conducted in Tehran, Iran, among men aged 20+, 2011-2012. Using a multistage sampling method, 45,990 men were included in the study. The cigarette smoking status, BMI and demographic factors measured through a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression model were used to examine the relationships between the independents variables and cigarette smoking behavior, using SPSS software version 21. RESULTS In the total of 45,990 men, the overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 14.6% (CI 95%: 14.29- 14.94). Age (OR=0.96; CI 95%:0.94-0.98), house ownership (OR=0.68; CI 95%: 0.64-0.72), job status (OR=0.60; CI 95%: 0.46-0.86), marital status (OR=0.42; CI 95%: 0.39-0.47) and educational levels (OR=0.50; CI95%: 0.45-0.54) were associated with the prevalence of cigarette smoking. However, associations with BMI, family size, residency years, and district were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Given the relatively high prevalence of cigarette smoking in the study population, policy interventions are required to address this major public health issue, with a focus on the population demographic influences.
Locally Nameless Sigma Calculus

We present a Theory of Objects based on the original functional sigma-calculus by Abadi and Cardelli but with an additional parameter to methods. We prove confluence of the operational semantics following the outline of Nipkow's proof of confluence for the lambda-calculus reusing his theory Commutation, a generic diamond lemma reduction. We furthermore formalize a simple type system for our sigma-calculus including a proof of type safety. The entire development uses the concept of Locally Nameless representation for binders. We reuse an earlier proof of confluence for a simpler sigma-calculus based on de Bruijn indices and lists to represent objects.
of the 23 rd Annual EMBS International Conference , October 25-28 , Istanbul , Turkey EFFECT OF SKULL RESISTIVITY ON THE RELATIVE SENSITIVITY DISTRIBUTIONS OF EEG AND MEG MEASUREMENTS

Absfrocf-We have previously published calculations which show that, contrary IO what has been believed, despite the high resistivity of the skull the spatial sensilkily of magnetoencephalography, MEG, is no better than that of electroencephalography, EEG. The results were based on the widely used Rush-Driscoll head model, where skull resistivity is considered to be 80 times that afthe brain and the scalp. Recent research indicated that the skull resistivity is only about 15 times that of the brain and scalp. Calcolations of EEG sensitivity distributions with this value show that EEG has considerably better spatial resolution than MEG. Since clinical recordings are not in conflict with such a result, the conclusion can be considered reliable. The finding supports use of highresolution EEG as research and clinical tool in recording the electric activity ofthe brain. Kqwords Bioelectromagnetism, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography
Titrating steroids on exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma: a randomized controlled trial.

RATIONALE Corticosteroids are the antiinflammatory treatment of choice in asthma. Treatment guidelines are mainly symptom-driven but symptoms are not closely related to airway inflammation. The fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FENO) is a marker of airway inflammation in asthma. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether titrating steroids on FENO improved asthma management in children. METHODS Eighty-five children with atopic asthma, using inhaled steroids, were allocated to a FENO group (n=39) in which treatment decisions were made on both FENO and symptoms, or to a symptom group (n=46) treated on symptoms only. Children were seen every 3 months over a 1-year period. MEASUREMENTS Symptoms were scored during 2 weeks before visits and 4 weeks before the final visit. FeNO was measured at all visits, and airway hyperresponsiveness and FEV1 were measured at the start and end of the study. Primary endpoint was cumulative steroid dose. RESULTS Changes in steroid dose from baseline did not differ between groups. In the FENO group, hyperresponsiveness improved more than in the symptom group (2.5 vs. 1.1 doubling dose, p=0.04). FEV1 in the FENO group improved, and the change in FEV1 was not significantly different between groups. The FENO group had 8 severe exacerbations versus 18 in the symptom group. The change in symptom scores did not differ between groups. FENO increased in the symptom group; the change in FENO from baseline differed between groups (p=0.02). CONCLUSION In children with asthma, 1 year of steroid titration on FENO did not result in higher steroid doses and did improve airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
Molecular mechanism of bacterial type 1 and P pili assembly

The formation of adhesive surface structures called pili or fimbriae (‘bacterial hair’) is an important contributor towards bacterial pathogenicity and persistence. To fight often chronic or recurrent bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of the nanomachines assembling such pili. Here, we focus on the so far best-known pilus assembly machinery: the chaperone–usher pathway producing the type 1 and P pili, and highlight the most recently acquired structural knowledge. First, we describe the subunits' structure and the molecular role of the periplasmic chaperone. Second, we focus on the outer-membrane usher structure and the catalytic mechanism of usher-mediated pilus biogenesis. Finally, we describe how the detailed understanding of the chaperone–usher pathway at a molecular level has paved the way for the design of a new generation of bacterial inhibitors called ‘pilicides’.
Leg and trunk length at 43 years in relation to childhood health, diet and family circumstances; evidence from the 1946 national birth cohort.

BACKGROUND This is a study of the associations of adult leg and trunk length with early life height and weight, diet, socioeconomic circumstances, and health, and parental height, divorce and death. METHOD The data used were collected in a longitudinal study of the health, development and ageing of a British national birth cohort (N = 2879 in this analysis) studied since birth in 1946. Multiple regression models were used to investigate the relationships. RESULTS Adult leg and trunk length were each positively associated with parental height, birthweight, and weight at 4 years. Leg length was associated positively with breastfeeding and energy intake at 4 years. Trunk length was associated negatively with serious illness in childhood and possibly also parental divorce, but not with the dietary data. CONCLUSION Adult leg length is particularly sensitive to environmental factors and diet in early childhood because that is the period of most rapid leg growth. Trunk growth is faster than leg growth after infancy and before puberty, and may be associated with the effects of serious illness and parental separation because of the child's growing sensitivity to stressful circumstances, as well as the result of the biological effects of illness.
Effective division and merger of the autonomous clustering scheme for highly mobile large ad hoc networks

The autonomous clustering scheme (shortly, previous scheme) was proposed to construct the hierarchical structure in ad hoc networks. The feature of the previous scheme is that the number of nodes in each cluster is bounded by two constants called upper and lower bounds. If the number of nodes in a cluster exceeds the upper bound, the cluster is divided into two clusters. If the number of nodes in a cluster becomes less than the lower bound, the cluster merges itself with one of its neighboring clusters. However, in the previous scheme, there is some possibility that the number of nodes in the divided cluster becomes less than the lower bound. In this case, it happens that the divided cluster tries to remerge itself with one of its neighboring clusters. Moreover, due to the remerger, the cluster might be divided again. This paper proposes a new autonomous clustering scheme (shortly, proposed scheme) which improved the previous scheme. In the proposed scheme, by using a tree in each cluster, the number of nodes is adjusted so that it becomes between the upper and lower bounds. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme has higher adaptability to node movement than the previous scheme.
Computational design

Computational thinking refers to a deliberative process that finds a computational solution for a concern. Computational doing refers to use of computation and computational tools to address concerns. Computational design refers to creating new computational tools and methods that are adopted by the members of a community to address their concerns. Unfortunately, the definitions of both "thinking" and "doing" are fuzzy and have allowed misconceptions about the nature of algorithms. Fortunately, it is possible to eliminate the fuzziness in the definitions by focusing on computational design, which is at the intersection between thinking and doing. Computational design is what we are really after and would be a good substitute for computational thinking and doing.
Routing enhancements based on evolutionary algorithm

OSPF is one of the most commonly used interior gateway protocols due to the ability to run between pieces of equipment produced by different vendors and its capacity of splitting the network into areas and fast convergence. In this paper, we propose an approach for setting OSPF weights, using Cisco onePK API, in order to minimize congestion in small networks. It is based on a genetic algorithm, combined with two evaluation functions. The first evaluation function is based on getting loads on links depending on costs, while the other is based on getting the maximum flow in the network. Information about link load is obtained through onePK SDK, a Software Defined Networking solution developed by Cisco.
Immediate benefits realized following implementation of physician order entry at an academic medical center.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the benefits of computerized physician order entry (POE) and electronic medication administration record (eMAR) on the delivery of health care. DESIGN Inpatient nursing units in an academic health system were the setting for the study. The study comprised before-and-after comparisons between phase 1, pre-implementation of POE (pre-POE) and phase 2, post-implementation of POE (post-POE) and, within phase 2, a comparison of POE and the combination of POE plus eMAR. Length of stay and cost were compared pre- and post-POE for a period of 10 to 12 months across all services in the respective hospitals. MEASUREMENTS Comparisons were made pre- and post-POE for the time intervals between initiation and completion of pharmacy (pre-POE, n=46; post-POE, n=70), radiology (pre-POE, n=11; post-POE, n=54), and laboratory orders (without POE, n=683; with POE, n=1,142); timeliness of countersignature of verbal order (University Hospitals [OSUH]: pre-POE, n=605; post-POE, n=19,225; James Cancer Hospital (James): pre-POE, n=478; post-POE, n=10,771); volume of nursing transcription errors (POE with manual MAR, n=888; POE with eMAR, n=396); length of stay and total cost (OSUH: pre-POE, n=8,228; post-POE, n=8,154; James: (pre-POE, n=6,471; post-POE, n=6,045). RESULTS Statistically significant reductions were seen following the implementation of POE for medication turn-around times (64 percent, from 5:28 hr to 1:51 hr; p<0.001), radiology procedure completion times (43 percent, from 7:37 hr to 4:21 hr; p<0.05), and laboratory result reporting times (25 percent, from 31:3 min to 23:4 min; p=0.001). In addition, POE combined with eMAR eliminated all physician and nursing transcription errors. There were 43 and 26 percent improvements in order countersignature by physicians in OSUH and James, respectively. Severity-adjusted length of stay decreased in OSUH (pre-POE, 3.91 days; post-POE, 3.71 days; p=0.002), but not significantly in James (pre-POE, 3.68 days; post-POE, 3.61 days; p=0.356). Although total cost per admission decreased significantly in selected services, it did not change significantly across either institution (OSUH: pre-POE, 5,697 dollars; post-POE, 5,661 dollars; p=0.687; James: pre-POE, 6,427 dollars; post-POE, 6,518 dollars; p=0.502). CONCLUSION Physician order entry and eMAR provided the framework for improvements in patient safety and in the timeliness of care. The significant cultural and workflow changes that accompany the implementation of POE did not adversely affect acuity-adjusted length of stay or total cost. The reductions in transcription errors, medication turn-around times, and timely reporting of results supports the view that POE and eMAR provide a good return on investment.
Salivary testosterone and cortisol in disruptive children: relationship to aggressive, hyperactive, and internalizing behaviors.

OBJECTIVE To test predictions that basal salivary testosterone and cortisol are related to antisocial and internalizing behaviors, respectively, and that cortisol moderates the testosterone-aggression relationship. METHOD Saliva samples were assayed to determine testosterone and cortisol levels in 40 clinic-referred disruptive children (aged 7 through 14 years) who were rated on aggression, inattention/overactivity, and internalizing behavior by parents, teachers, and clinic staff members. RESULTS Results indicated significant positive relationships between testosterone and staff-rated aggression and between cortisol and parent-rated internalizing behavior. A significant negative relationship was found between cortisol and staff-rated inattention/overactivity. No interactions between testosterone and cortisol were found. These results were maintained regardless of age, racial background, height, weight, diagnosis, or medication status. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest moderate relationships between testosterone and observed aggression, and between cortisol and emotional behaviors, in a group of disruptive children. Cortisol did not moderate the testosterone-aggression relationship in this population.
Implementing Reconfigurable Wireless Sensor Networks: The Embedded Operating System Approach

Remote monitoring and control are vital in ensuring the efficiency and safety of entities beneficial to man and his environment. These entities cut across oil and gas, biomedical, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, security, the Armed forces (Military, Navy, and Air force) etc. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are being used to effectively carry out the aforementioned task. Implementing WSN application might involve the deployment of hundreds or sometimes thousands of wireless sensor nodes to remote and inaccessible locations. A few examples of theses scenario can be related to the following: surveillance (e.g. international Border Monitoring, Littoral operations), environmental monitoring (e.g. Dam collapsing and flooding, earthquake early warning, avoiding Forest fire disaster), liquid (oil and water) and gas pipeline monitoring, etc. When operational needs changes or new functionalities are required in such scenario, reconfiguration of either the entire network or individual sensor nodes becomes inevitable. The inability to effect these changes could pose a serious challenge to the continued operation of the entire system. Other issues that could warrant the need for a reconfigurable WSN are bug fixes, regular code updates, update in response to security challenges, flexibility in adopting energy and performance efficient RF communication link or interface, efficient energy management, etc.
Urine bactericidal activity against resistant Escherichia coli in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model simulating urine concentrations obtained after 2000/125 mg sustained-release co-amoxiclav and 400 mg norfloxacin administration.

OBJECTIVES To explore the urine bactericidal activity of co-amoxiclav and norfloxacin against Escherichia coli in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model simulating the human urinary concentrations observed after administration of a single oral dose of 2000/125 mg sustained-release co-amoxiclav and 400 mg norfloxacin. METHODS Six E. coli isolates exhibiting amoxicillin/clavulanic acid MICs of 4/2 (two strains), 8/4, 16/8, 32/16 and 64/32 mg/L and norfloxacin MICs of < or =0.25 mg/L (three strains), 32, 64 and 256 mg/L were used. Colony counts were determined over 12 h and differences between the bacterial counts of initial inocula and the bacterial counts at each sampling time-point were calculated. RESULTS With co-amoxiclav, bactericidal activity (>3 log(10) reduction) was obtained against the susceptible (MIC < or = 8/4 mg/L) and intermediate (MIC = 16/8 mg/L) strains from 3 to 12 h, and from 3 to 10 h against the resistant strains (MIC > or = 32/16 mg/L), which exhibited a 2 log(10) reduction at 12 h. With norfloxacin, bactericidal activity was obtained against the susceptible strains from 4 to 12 h and from 8 to 12 h against the resistant strain with an MIC of 32 mg/L. Regrowth, with respect to initial inocula, occurred from 8 h onwards with the strain with MIC = 64 mg/L and from 3 h onwards with the strain with MIC = 256 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS While regrowth occurs after exposure of high norfloxacin-resistant E. coli to urine physiological concentrations of norfloxacin, this study suggests that clavulanic acid can be given twice daily (to protect amoxicillin activity) with respect to uncomplicated cystitis due to E. coli exhibiting amoxicillin/clavulanic acid MICs up to 64/32 mg/L.
Memristor-based Center-Of-Gravity (COG) defuzzifier circuit

This work proposes a novel Center-Of-Gravity (COG) defuzzifier circuit based on memristors. The proposed circuit overcomes the prime disadvantage of COG defuzzifiers which is area occupancy via the use of memristors. The main idea in the circuit is to store the singletons (output fuzzy sets) in the memconductance (reciprocal of the memristance). This reduces the multiplication into Ohm's Law which provides significant area reduction. Meanwhile, the proposed circuit avoids the use of extensive analog processing in order to maintain high robustness. Simulations were successfully conducted to validate the functionality of the circuit.
The Effects of Revenue-Sharing Contracts on Welfare in Vertically-Separated Markets: Evidence from the Video Rental Industry

In this study I analyze the implications of contractual innovation in vertically-separated industries, using the example of the video rental industry. Prior to 1998, video stores obtained inventory from movie distributors using simple linear pricing contracts. In 1998, revenue-sharing contracts, which include inventory restrictions, were widely adopted. I investigate the effect of using revenue-sharing contracts on firms' profits and consumer welfare, relative to linear pricing contracts. I analyze a new panel dataset of home video retailers that includes information on individual retailers' contract and inventory choices, weekly rentals and sales, and contract terms (prices and quantity restrictions) for 1,114 movie titles and 6,594 retailers in the U. S during each week of 1998 and 1999. A structural econometric model of firms' behavior is developed and estimated, and counterfactual experiments are performed. The results indicate that total upstream and downstream profits increase by three to six percent, and consumers benefit substantially when revenue-sharing contracts are adopted. I also examine the effects of the observed quantity restrictions. I find that these restrictions serve to increase profit for upstream firms and decrease profits for downstream firms, relative to revenue-sharing contracts without inventory restrictions.
Negotiating the researcher: Interstitial, appropriated, and digital identitites in media production ethnography

While all people form, exhibit, and use multiple identities, the hybridity of identity plays an integral role in the production of ethnographic knowledge. This article explores three critical tensions concerning researcher identity in media production ethnographies. First, I argue ethnographer identity is interstitial, situated at the margins of contesting and, at times, divergent selves. Second, while researchers privilege certain selves and favor particular agendas, others can appropriate and promote certain aspects of the researcher’s identity to serve strategic purposes. Finally, the rise of digital and social media has complicated traditional notions of identity management and ‘the field’ and provides new opportunities for participants to study the researcher. Thus, while acts of identity are exertions of power, that power can be harnessed and enacted by both researchers and participants.