Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of the Transgene-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response Induced by Adenoviral Vector Immunization Is Critically Influenced by Virus Dose and Route of Vaccination

Adenoviral vectors have been widely used for experimental gene therapy and vaccination, yet there is a surprising lack of knowledge connecting the route and dose of adenovirus administration to the induced transgene-specific immune response. We have recently demonstrated polyfunctional CD8+ T cells and protective memory responses using adenoviral vectors, which seem to contrast with recent reports suggesting that an exhausted CD8+ T cell phenotype is induced by inoculation with adenoviral vectors. Accordingly, we investigated the route and dose interrelationship for transgene-specific CD8+ T cells using adenoviral vectors encoding β-galactosidase applied either s.c. or i.v. Irrespective of the route of inoculation, most of the adenoviral inoculum was found to disseminate systemically as the dose was raised beyond 109 particles. The number of transgene-specific CD8+ T cells correlated positively with dissemination, whereas the functional capacity of the generated T cells correlated inversely with vector dissemination. A comparison of the immune response to s.c. or i.v. administration at moderate doses revealed that inoculation by both routes induced a transient peak of IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells 2 to 3 wk postinfection, but following i.v. administration, these cells were only detected in the liver. Two to four months after systemic, but not peripheral, immunization, dysfunctional transgene-specific CD8+ T cells impaired in both cytokine production and important in vivo effector functions, accumulated in the spleen. These findings indicate that the localization of the adenoviral inoculum and not the total Ag load determines the quality of the CD8+ T cell response induced with adenoviral vaccines.
A Study on Middleware for IoT A comparison between relevant articles

In this paper, we present initial concepts of Internet of Things, whose technology combines Internet, sensors and smart objects; and Middleware, that is software that interconnects hardware and software in different layers. We analyzed several scientific publications covering many visions of Internet of Things using Middleware to integrate objects into different applications and networks. Using this knowledge base, we made summaries of the main articles, aiming to bring the main points addressed in each one, and performed a comparative analysis between them, highlighting their similarities and points of greatest relevance. In the end, we bring conclusions about the current state of the use of Middleware for IoT and the main challenges for combining IoT and marketing applications.
Mechanisms of Signal Transduction in Vascular Permeability: Potential Targets

La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine 4570 Executive Drive, #100, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA) Tel. 1 858 587 8788, Fax 1 831 604 4166 E-Mail beliceiri@ljimm.org Our research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of the requirement for receptors for the extracellular matrix (integrins) during growth factor-induced vascular responses, including angiogenesis and vascular permeability (VP). Significant progress has been made in the understanding of some of the fundamental biological differences between two angiogenic growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). For example, we have previously shown that the ligation of specific integrins is required for a sustained intracellular signal (MAP kinase) during bFGF-induced angiogenesis (J Cell Biology 1998;140:1255–1263). As tumors are known to secrete combinations of growth factors such as bFGF and VEGF, it is imperative to understand how each one functions on its own to better understand the effects of combinations of these growth factors on angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. This strategy has led to the discovery of differences at the molecular level between these growth factor-induced cascades (Molecular Cell 1999;4:915–924). These results have translated not only into a better understanding of the signaling pathways following integrin ligation and growth factor receptor activation, but it has also uncovered a molecular cue which distinguishes between VEGF-induced blood vessel growth and blood vessel leakage/permeability. This work indicates that the VEGF-induced vascular growth can be distinguished from VEGF-induced VP in mutant mice that are deficient for the Src tyrosine kinase. These results have immediate consequences not only in cancer models in mice but also in mouse models of stroke. In murine stroke models, Src deficiency or blockade of Src activity provided cerebral protection following cerebral ischemia (Nature Med 2001;7: 222–227).
Talin Binding to Integrin ß Tails: A Final Common Step in Integrin Activation

Control of integrin affinity for ligands (integrin activation) is essential for normal cell adhesion, migration, and assembly of an extracellular matrix. Integrin activation is usually mediated through the integrin β subunit cytoplasmic tail and can be regulated by many different biochemical signaling pathways. We report that specific binding of the cytoskeletal protein talin to integrin β subunit cytoplasmic tails leads to the conformational rearrangements of integrin extracellular domains that increase their affinity. Thus, regulated binding of talin to integrin β tails is a final common element of cellular signaling cascades that control integrin activation.
Age at Death Estimation Using Multislice Computed Tomography Reconstructions of the Posterior Pelvis *

Abstract: Thanks to recent advances, computed tomography is now seen as a tool of great value in the field of physical anthropology. In this study, we focused on the posterior pelvis and the auricular surface and evaluated the accuracy of 3D reconstructions of the auricular surface, using a methodology derived from a previous study by Lovejoy et al. We also looked for trabecular bone criteria expressing age‐related changes. Forty‐six coxal bones were scanned, and scoring of macroscopic criteria showed a good agreement between 3D reconstructions and photographs, especially for transverse organization (k = 0.90). The changes occurring in the posterior part of the sacropubic trabecular bundle were evaluated on CT reconstructions via three new criteria, which exhibited a good intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement (k = 0.77–0.89), and were particularly useful in identifying older subjects. We concluded that these CT‐evaluated trabecular bone criteria are promising and yield useful information about age at death.
Conceptos, representaciones y ciencia cognitiva

Uno de los problemas que ha preocupado en la ultima decada a los filosofos de la mente ligados a la ciencia cognitiva contemporanea ha sido el de la naturaleza de los conceptos. Una solucion filosofica cabal a dicho problema requiere: (i) formular condiciones cuya satisfaccion permita individuar conceptos;(ii) formular condiciones cuya satisfaccion permita establecer que es tener un concepto y (iii) formular condiciones cuya satisfaccion permita determinar las propiedades semanticas genericas de un concepto. En este articulo se examinan criticamente algunas propuestas significativas respecto de (i) y (ii). Las consideraciones criticas persiguen dos objetivos. En primer lugar, establecer si las propuestas teoricas de individuacion actualmente en oferta permiten seguir sosteniendo que los conceptos son representaciones mentales. En segundo lugar, si es que una teoria representacional de los conceptos es viable, establecer cual es la modalidad de individuacion que habria que adoptar. Se sostiene que la modalidad atomista de individuacion es, en principio, la modalidad filosoficamente mas razonable, aun cuando, quizas por su escasa popularidad, hay muy pocas formulaciones filosoficas detalladas acerca de como habria que formular esta modalidad de individuacion que permitan juzgar si es filosoficamente viable.
Maternal Education and the Link between Birth Timing and Children's School Readiness.

OBJECTIVE This study explored whether mothers' education magnified the benefits of their fertility delays for their children. METHODS Multiple-group path modeling assessed whether and why the positive association between mothers' age at first birth and children's test scores was greater for children of college educated women than children of other women. RESULTS Older age at first birth was associated with higher math and reading test scores among the children of college educated women via their mothers' higher income and cognitive support for children. These mediational paths were less pronounced among the children of high school educated women and were not observed among the children of high school dropouts. CONCLUSION The potential for women's delayed fertility to have benefits for their children's early educational experiences depended on their own educational attainment.
Cardiac rehabilitation is associated with reduced long-term mortality in patients undergoing combined heart valve and CABG surgery

Background No reports have been published to date on the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality in patients undergoing combined heart valve and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (V + CABG), a procedure that has increased significantly in frequency in recent years. Methods We identified consecutive patients who underwent V + CABG surgery in the Olmsted County from 1996 to 2007. Propensity scores were developed using more than 40 clinical, operative, and post-operative characteristics. The impact of CR on long-term mortality was assessed via landmark analysis and using propensity score regression adjustment and stratification techniques. Results A total of 201 patients were included in our study, in whom 86 deaths occurred over a mean follow up of 6.8 years. Forty-seven per cent of patients participated in CR, with a significant trend towards increased participation in recent years (p = 0.04). Conditional on 6-month survival and controlling for propensity factors as well as mortality risk factors, CR participation was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (propensity score adjustment: HR 0.48, p = 0.009; propensity score stratification: HR 0.48, p = 0.016). The absolute risk reduction over 10 years was 14.5% (number needed to treat = 7). Results did not differ significantly based on age, gender, emergent status, or history of heart failure or arrhythmias, but CR participation was more beneficial for patients who underwent a mitral valve procedure (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0.77). Conclusions This is the first study reporting a significant survival benefit with CR participation in patients who have undergone combined V + CABG surgery. These findings provide evidence in support of recommendations for CR participation after V + CABG surgery.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Techniques for Guiding and Assessing Response to Locoregional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are diagnosed in patients with cirrhosis and/or when tumor burden is too advanced for surgical treatment. In many of these cases the only suitable therapy is locoregional, percutaneous and/or intraarterial treatment. Moreover, the best way to guide and assess response to locoregional HCC treatment are two issues under discussion today. First-generation and subsequent second-generation microbubble contrast agents, together with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging, have expanded the role of US techniques in HCC treatments. In this review our purpose is to illustrate the advantages, limits and potential of contrast-enhanced US application for locoregional HCC treatment.
Bankia's IPO: some remarks on the biggest failure in the Spanish banking system

The multiple judicial decisions in favour of those who invested in Bankia's IPO have posed a serious problem for this major Spanish credit institution. This situation has been made even more complicated for the bank by the two judgements recently issued by the Supreme Court, whereby the invalidity of the purchase of shares was acknowledged and the bank was ordered to refund the investments made by the plaintiffs. Summary.
Potentially inappropriate medication use in hospitalized elders.

BACKGROUND Prescribing of potentially harmful medications has not been well documented in hospitals. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the rate of and factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing in a large inpatient sample. DESIGN The study was a retrospective cohort of the period between September 1, 2002, and June 30, 2005. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify patient, physician, and hospital characteristics associated with PIM prescribing. SETTING The study collected data from 384 US hospitals. PATIENTS The sample was composed of patients aged >or=65 years admitted with 1 or more of 7 common medical diagnoses. MEASUREMENTS The percentage of patients prescribed PIMs as defined using a modified Beers list was measured. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for PIM use were computed. RESULTS Of the 493,971 patients, 49% received at least 1 PIM, and 6% received 3 or more, most commonly promethazine, diphenhydramine, and propoxyphene. Patient, physician, and hospital characteristics were all associated with PIM use. Patients with myocardial infarction or heart failure were most likely (61% and 52% vs. 46% for pneumonia), men (47% vs. 49% for women) and those in managed care plans (44% vs. 49% for other plans) were less likely, and patients >or=85 years were least likely (42% vs. 53% for patients aged 65-74 years) to receive PIMs (P < .0001 for all comparisons). For high-severity PIMs, internists and hospitalists had similar prescribing rates (33%), cardiologists had a higher rate (48%), and geriatricians had the lowest rate (24%). The proportion of elders receiving PIMs ranged from 34% in the Northeast to 55% in the South, and variation at the individual hospital level was extreme. At 7 hospitals, PIMs were never prescribed. CONCLUSIONS Wide variation in the use of PIMs is associated with hospital and physician characteristics. Care may be improved by minimizing this non-patient-centered variation.
Effect of intramuscular ceftriaxone on aerobic oral and faecal flora of 11 healthy volunteers.

11 volunteers received 1 g ceftriaxone i.m. every 24 h for 5 consecutive days. Volunteers were selected on the basis of the "ceftriaxone inactivating capacity" of their faeces, which should be 250 mg/kg faeces. The effect of treatment on the aerobic oral and faecal flora was studied. In the oral flora a temporary suppression of the viridans streptococci occurred, which normalised already during treatment. More spectacular was the effect on the faecal flora: suppression of aerobic Gram-negative bacilli with overgrowth of yeasts and enterococci. Two weeks after treatment the results of the faecal cultures were almost the same as before treatment in most of the volunteers. One volunteer experienced severe diarrhoea, starting the day after completion of ceftriaxone treatment and lasting 2 days.
A physico-chemical perspective of plant polysaccharides in relation to glucose absorption, insulin secretion and the entero-insular axis

There is a growing realization that studies of the physico-chemical structure and properties of foods in the gut lumen will greatly assist our understanding of the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in relation to human health and disease (British Nutrition Foundation, 1990). However, it is difficult to make reliable predictions of the behaviour of foods in the gut, because there are serious deficiencies in our knowledge and methodology in this area. Our knowledge of GI function at the luminal, mucosal and cellular levels is unlikely to make significant progress until we have a detailed and basic understanding of the structure and properties of foods. Thus, for example, the behaviour of a food matrix in the GI environment is of critical importance to our understanding of the kinetics of nutrient bioavailability. Interestingly, the mechanical properties of foods have been studied extensively in relation to their behaviour in the mouth, in order to understand, for example, the process of mastication and how human subjects perceive texture (Blanshard & Mitchell, 1988; Vincent, 1990). This approach has not been used in any fundamental way, however, to study the relationship between the physical properties of foods and their effects on GI function and systemic responses, such as meal-stimulated blood metabolite and hormone levels. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) from plant food sources are of special interest to nutritionists in that they have marked effects on the physical properties of digesta at all sites of the GI tract (Selvendran et al. 1987; Eastwood & Morris, 1992; Moms, 1992). Thus, the consumption of NSP (‘dietary fibre’) in the form of plant cell walls or purified extracts can strongly influence GI function, including the rate and extent of nutrient absorption in the small intestine and bacterial fermentation in the colon. The present paper is a brief review of the possible physico-chemical mechanisms by which NSP, mainly the water-soluble polymers, influence glucose absorption, insulin secretion and the entero-insular axis.
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Active Management: A Review of the Past 20 Years of Academic Literature on Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Just over 20 years have passed since the publication of Mark Carhart’s landmark 1997 study on mutual funds. Its conclusion—that the data did “not support the existence of skilled or informed mutual fund portfolio managers”—was the capstone of an academic literature, which began with Michael Jensen in 1968, that formed the conventional wisdom that active management does not create value for investors. We review the literature on active mutual fund management since the publication of Carhart’s work to assess the extent to which current research still supports the conventional wisdom. Our review of the most recent literature suggests that the conventional wisdom is too negative on the value of active management. Disclosure: This research was supported by the Investment Adviser Association’s Active Managers Council. Martijn Cremers currently serves as an independent director at Ariel Investments and a consultant to Touchstone Investments and State Street Associates. Editor’s note Submitted 27 January 2019 Accepted 23 May 2019 by Stephen J. Brown
HINFINITY Feedback Boundary Stabilization of the Two-Dimensional Navier-Stokes Equations

We study the robust or $H^\infty$ exponential stabilization of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations around an unstable stationary solution in a two-dimensional domain $\Omega$. The disturbance is an unknown perturbation in the boundary condition of the fluid flow. We determine a feedback boundary control law, robust with respect to boundary perturbations, by solving a max-min linear quadratic control problem. Next we show that this feedback law locally stabilizes the Navier-Stokes system. Similar problems have been studied in the literature in the case of distributed controls and disturbances. To the authors' knowledge, it is the first time that the robust stabilization of the Navier-Stokes equations is studied for boundary controls and boundary disturbances.
Attention towards the goalkeeper and distraction during penalty shootouts in association football: a retrospective analysis of penalty shootouts from 1984 to 2012

ABSTRACT In the present study, we tested the consequences of attention towards goalkeepers in association football penalty shootouts that have exclusively been derived from laboratory experiments. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all penalty shootouts during FIFA World Cups (1986–2010) and UEFA European Football Championships (1984–2012). We linked key variables of previous laboratory research to observable behaviour in the field that was coded by two independent coders. The following hypotheses were tested: first, attention towards goalkeepers results in more saves/better goalkeeper performance; second, goalkeepers can deliberately distract penalty takers by drawing attention towards themselves which results in less accurate penalty kicks/better goalkeeper performance. Results were in line with previous laboratory analyses as they showed that attention towards goalkeepers resulted in more saves/better goalkeeping performance. Further, if goalkeepers distracted penalty takers this also resulted in better goalkeeping performance. The applied implications of these findings are discussed for both goalkeepers and penalty takers in association football.
The Nexus between Urbanization, Energy Demand and Healthcare in Bangladesh

Urbanization leads to increase in energy usage as it aggravates the demand of housing, land usage, commutation and many more. Economic theory postulates that urbanization is a demographic activity where a big share of any country’s people migrates in urban settlements (Arouri et al., 2014). The energy demand will keep on increasing in the upcoming years as targets for development and economic growth aggravates. Bangladesh aims to become a middle-income nation by 2021. As more and more workers will migrate to the urban city for job, they will use more and more healthcare facilities available in the city, which in turn will increase the demand for energy. Healthcare industry is termed as a vital sector for any country, as health is wealth for any nation. Furthermore, patients’ health and quality of life is important to perform economic activities or to be an active citizen of the country for growth of the economy, as a healthy economy is the key to a successful nation. Good governance is important in this aspect as the country has set a target to gain universal health coverage by 2023 to pay 70% of the medical expenses. However, healthcare industry needs to utilize renewable energy and smart technology for the sustained economic growth.
The Role of Organizational Factors to the Effectiveness of ISMS Implementation in Malaysian Public Sector

Many organizations have initiated efforts to manage the security of their information by implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). ISMS is a set of guiding principles for managing organization’s confidential information and minimizing risk for business continuity. However, information security remains a major challenge and the effectiveness of ISMS is often argued due to the exposure of organizations to information security threats, incidents, risks, and vulnerabilities. One of the reasons is the unsuccessful ISMS current practices amongst all employees and lack of ISMS awareness in organizations. Several critical success factors are identified from previous studies that lead to the ISMS success. Among the success factors are human, organizational and technical factors. This study explores the factors that contribute to the success of ISMS and identify the organizational factors that relate to the information security effectiveness. The conceptual model is developed and will be tested within the Malaysian Public Sectors (MPS) organizations to provide a preliminary insight, understanding, and clarification of the organizational factors, together with the significant effects on ISMS effectiveness. This study used a quantitative approach and data collected from personnel’s that were directly involved with the ISMS implementation through a questionnaire survey.
Photo Data Retrieval via P300 Evoked Potentials

In this letter, a new concept of life log retrieval using human brain activities is presented. The non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) recording was applied to have P300 evoked potentials during the photo retrieving tasks. Three subjects tried to select the photo images that interest them among nine according to their mental states. It was found that with four times EEG averaging, the performances of target photo selections could reach 90% for two subjects. This concept would be applicable in future to achieve intuitive retrieval of life log with large quantities of data.