Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binding of pulmonary surfactant proteins A and D to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia enhances phagocytosis and killing by human neutrophils and alveolar macrophages

To determine whether the lung surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) are involved in the initial protective immunity against opportunistic pulmonary fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, we performed a series of in vitro functional studies to see if SP-A and SP-D enhanced binding, phagocytosis, activation, and killing of A. fumigatus conidia by human alveolar macrophages and circulating neutrophils. Both SP-A and SP-D bound to carbohydrate structures on A. fumigatus conidia in a calcium-dependent manner. SP-A and SP-D were also chemoattractant and significantly enhanced agglutination and binding of conidia to alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Furthermore, in the presence of SP-A and SP-D, the phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and killing of A. fumigatus conidia by neutrophils were significantly increased. These findings indicate that SP-A and SP-D may have an important immunological role in the early antifungal defense responses in the lung, through inhibiting infectivity of conidia by agglutination and by enhancing uptake and killing of A. fumigatus by phagocytic cells.
Data Storage Scheme Supporting for Multidimensional Query

The query and storage of data is very important in wireless sensor networks (WSN). It is mainly used to solve how to effectively manage the distributed data in the monitored area with extremely limited resources. Recent advances in technology have made the number of the sensing modules in one sensor develop from single to multiple. The existing storage scheme for one-dimensional data is not suitable for the multidimensional data or costs too much energy. We proposed a kind of data storage scheme supporting multidimensional query inspired by K-D tree. The scheme can effectively store the high-dimensional similar data to the same piece of two-dimensional area. It can quickly fix the storage area of the event by analyzing the query condition and then fetch back the query result. Meanwhile the scheme has a certain degree of robustness to packet loss and node failure. Finally the experiment on the platform of Matlab showed that our scheme has some advantages compared with the existing methods.
Molecular mechanisms of enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis in differentiating oligodendrocytes

Several studies have shown that the progression of oligodendrocyte progenitors along the lineage correlates with increased susceptibility to death stimuli. The molecular basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. This study demonstrates that the protein levels of several proapoptotic molecules, including Bax, Bad (nonphosphorylated form), and certain caspase proforms, increase during oligodendrocyte development. In contrast, the steady‐state levels of antiapoptotic molecules, such as Bcl2 and BclXL, remain constant. This altered equilibrium between proapoptotic and antiapoptotic molecules correlates with increased cytochrome C in the cytosol. We conclude that, as oligodendrocytes mature, their susceptibility to apoptosis increases because of a change in the balance between protective mechanisms and proapoptotic pathways. This suggests the possible existence of a death susceptibility program, which is intrinsic to differentiating oligodendrocyte progenitors. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The national colonoscopy audit: a nationwide assessment of the quality and safety of colonoscopy in the UK

Objective To perform a comprehensive audit of all colonoscopy undertaken in the UK over a 2-week period. Design Multi-centre survey. All adult (≥16 years of age) colonoscopies that took place in participating National Health Service hospitals between 28 February 2011 and 11 March 2011 were included. Results Data on 20 085 colonoscopies and 2681 colonoscopists were collected from 302 units. A validation exercise indicated that data were collected on over 94% of all procedures performed nationally. The unadjusted caecal intubation rate (CIR) was 92.3%. When adjusted for impassable strictures and poor bowel preparation the CIR was 95.8%. The polyp detection rate was 32.1%. The polyp detection rate for larger polyps (≥10mm diameter) was 11.7%. 92.3% of resected polyps were retrieved. 90.2% of procedures achieved acceptable levels of patient comfort. A total of eight perforations and 52 significant haemorrhages were reported. Eight patients underwent surgery as a consequence of a complication. Conclusions This is the first national audit of colonoscopy that has successfully captured the majority of adult colonoscopies performed across an entire nation during a defined time period. The data confirm that there has been a significant improvement in the performance of colonoscopy in the UK since the last study reported seven years ago (CIR 76.9%) and that performance is above the required national standards.
Circulating nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) levels in postmenopausal women substituted with 17 beta-estradiol and norethisterone acetate. A two-year follow-up study.

Postmenopausal women (PMW) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease that is attenuated by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Inasmuch as hypertension and atherosclerosis are associated with diminished endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO), we investigated whether HRT augments NO release in PMW. We determined serum levels of nitrite/nitrate (NO2 + NO3) at baseline and during the 6th, 12th, and 24th months of the study in two groups of PMW. One group (HRT-PMW, n = 13) received continuous transdermal administration of 17 beta-estradiol (Estraderm-TTS-50) supplemented with oral norethisterone acetate (NETA) on days 1 through 12 of each month, and the other group (control PMW, n = 13) did not receive HRT. Blood samples in the HRT-PMW group were collected without regard to whether subjects were taking NETA at the time of blood sampling. Serum NO2 + NO3 levels increased in HRT-PMW for the duration of the study, whereas serum NO2 + NO3 levels remained unchanged in control PMW. When all samples regardless of timing of collection with respect to NETA treatment were included in the statistical analysis, the change in NO2 + NO3 levels in HRT-PMW was significantly greater compared with the change in control PMW (P = .037). Likewise, when only those samples collected when estradiol-treated subjects were not taking oral NETA were included in the statistical analysis, the change in NO2 + NO3 levels in the HRT-PMW group remained significant (P = .047) compared with control PMW. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An autostereoscopic projector array optimized for 3D facial display

Video projectors are rapidly shrinking in size, power consumption, and cost. Such projectors provide unprecedented flexibility to stack, arrange, and aim pixels without the need for moving parts. We present a dense projector display that is optimized in size and resolution to display an autostereoscopic life-sized 3D human face with a wide 110 degree field of view. Applications include 3D teleconferencing and fully synthetic characters for education and interactive entertainment.
Social and Student Engagement and Support: The Sloan-C Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Programs.

As combinations of place-based, blended and fully online education proliferate, so do options for support and services. Regional accreditors provide criteria for student support. Aligning with regional criteria, the Sloan-C Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Programs is a useful way for institutions to measure and compare the quality of social and student engagement and support. The Scorecard aids quality efforts in institutional strategic planning, compliance reporting, and internal and external evaluation. Focusing on two of the nine categories of quality indicators—Social and Student Engagement and Student Support—this paper illustrates some ways institutions can meet Scorecard indicators while complementing regional accreditation guidelines.
Small-mammals from the Middle Pleistocene layers of the Sima del Elefante (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, northwestern Spain)

The Sima del Elefante site, located in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain), is an important Pleistocene archaeopalaeontological locality that has been excavated every year since 1996. At least two main infill phases have been identified: a first (TELRU) early Pleistocene phase that has provided a rich faunal assemblage, various stone tools and the earliest human remains from western Europe; and a second phase (TEURU) attributed to the Middle Pleistocene. In this paper, for the first time we present a description of the TEURU small-mammal assemblage and its subsequent biochronological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic implications. The small-mammal assemblage is highly diverse and comprises at least 17 species: 3 insectivores (cf. Erinaceus sp., Crocidura sp. and Sorex sp.); 4 chiropters (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus gr. euryale-mehelyi, Myotis gr. myotisoxygnathus and Miniopteurs schreibersii); 9 rodents (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Iberomys brecciensis, Terricola cf. atapuerquensis, Arvicola sp., Apodemus sylvaticus, Eliomys quercinus and Allocricetus bursae) and 1 lagomorph (Oryctolagus sp.). Such an association suggests a late Middle Pleistocene age (ca. 250-350 ka), a patchy landscape dominated by humid meadows and woodland areas, and mild climatic conditions. These results are compared with other proxies, such as the herpetofauna, malacofauna, large-mammals and charcoals, providing a new scenario for the climatic and environmental conditions that prevailed during the latest Middle Pleistocene in the Sierra de Atapuerca. 2
Enhanced renewal of regulatory T cells in relation to CD4+ conventional T lymphocytes in the peripheral compartment

CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are necessary for the maintenance of self‐tolerance and T‐cell homeostasis. This population is kept at stable frequencies in secondary lymphoid organs for the majority of the lifetime, despite permanent thymic emigration or in the face of thymic involution. Continuous competition is expected to occur between recently thymus‐emigrated and resident Treg cells (either natural or post‐thymically induced). In the present work, we analysed the renewal dynamics of Treg cells compared with CD4+Foxp3‐ conventional T cells (Tconv), using protocols of single or successive T‐cell transfers into syngeneic euthymic or lymphopenic (nu/nu or RAG2−/−) mice, respectively. Our results show a higher turnover for Treg cells in the peripheral compartment, compared with Tconv cells, when B cell‐sufficient euthymic or nude hosts are studied. This increased renewal within the Treg pool, shown by the greater replacement of resident Treg cells by donor counterparts, correlates with augmented rates of proliferation and is not modified following temporary environmental perturbations induced by inflammatory state or microbiota alterations. Notably, the preferential substitution of Treg lymphocytes was not observed in RAG2−/− hosts. We showed that limited B‐cell replenishment in the RAG2−/− hosts decisively contributed to the altered peripheral T‐cell homeostasis. Accordingly, weekly transfers of B cells to RAG2−/− hosts rescued the preferential substitution of Treg lymphocytes. Our study discloses a new aspect of T‐cell homeostasis that depends on the presence of B lymphocytes to regulate the relative incorporation of recently arrived Treg and Tconv cells in the peripheral compartment.
Ethical Reputation, Not Fees Drive Auditor Selection At Inc. 500 Companies

Acquiring a new client is an arduous task. Accordingly, losing an important client can be devastating to a firm and demoralizing to the accounting team assigned to the client, particularly if the client represents a significant portion of the firm’s revenue stream. This research study reflects the concern of CEOs that poor customer service can result in firing the present accounting firm. Besides completing the work required by the client, the accounting firm needs to build the perception of being a problem-solver and an initiator of ideas that markedly helps a client’s overall financial health and well-being. To do otherwise will result in the client putting its need for professional services “out to bid. ”
Bringing the Central Bank into the Study of Currency Internationalization: Monetary Policy, Independence, and Internationalization

Despite the central bank's crucial position in the economy, as the issuer of the currency and the body responsible for monetary policy, its preferences regarding currency internationalization and its roles in that process have rarely been analyzed in the literature. This study attempts to fill this critical gap by bringing the central bank into the study of currency internationalization. A conventional understanding of currency internationalization is that it tends to reduce monetary policy autonomy, which implies a natural tendency of the central bank to oppose it. This study shows, however, that currency internationalization does not necessarily reduce the central bank's monetary policy autonomy, and may in fact even strengthen it. It shows that currency internationalization is likely to strengthen the central bank's independence as well. Based on these findings, this study argues that a central bank with weak monetary policy autonomy and low independence is more likely to support the internationalization of its country's currency. These arguments are empirically verified, mainly by in-depth analysis of the case of the People's Bank of China and the renminbi.
Improving Project, Program and Policy Performance in Developing Countries through Managing for Development Results

This article seeks to answer five questions: (1) What is ‘Managing for Development Results (MfDR)’? (2) What are the known conditions for the successful adoption of MfDR? , (3) Do these conditions apply to developing countries? , (4) Does MfDR produce better results in developing countries? , and (5) What are some of the emerging challenges in adopting MfDR? In noting that that MfDR is results-based management expressed in the language of development, the reasons for the adoption of the new term and the possible consequences of this are explored. While the perils of transferring management practices from one cultural context to another are noted, the Asian Development Bank's experience supports the view that the known conditions for successful adoption of MfDR generally apply to developing countries. Many developing countries also face special challenges not faced by rich countries and they need to deal with the particular cultural context that may support or impede successful adoption. Surprisingly little research has been conducted to test the relationship between MfDR and improved development results. However, the evidence presented in this article supports the view that applying the principles of MfDR can bring about significant improvements in project, program and policy performance. Paradoxically though, those countries that need the benefits the most are the least likely to be able to apply whole-of-government MfDR. Notwithstanding this, adoption where the conditions are favorable offers hope for better results from projects, programs and policies in the future.
Young adults' judgments of the costs and benefits of smoking: The predictive efficacy of different outcome weightings in behavioral decision making

Given the public health burden of smoking and the knowledge that many smokers begin during adolescence and young adulthood, understanding how decisions about smoking behaviors are made is of considerable importance. Most health decision-making models relevant to understandingbenefits smoking behavior posit that beliefs about the costs and of smoking are an important influence on decision making. However, these models differ in how other factors (e.g., outcome importance, perceived positivity or negativity of outcome) are weighted in cost-benefit analyses. We examined the relative efficacy of different weightings in cost/benefit formulations to predict young adults' current smoking behavior and intentions to smoke in the future. Smoking and non-smoking participants listed advantages and disadvantages of smoking and then rated the importance and positivity/negativity of each outcome. Number of consequences listed, consequences weighted by importance, by positivity/negativity, and by an importance, x positivity/negativity interaction were examined as predictors of both current smoking status and reported intentions to smoke in 5 years. Both importance and positivity/negativity (but not their interaction) predicted current smoking status, whereas importance alone was the strongest predictor of future smoking intentions. This suggests the possibility that different decision-making processes might underlie future behavioral intentions relative to those that guide current behavior.
Le valutazioni economiche in Italia: una revisione sistematica della letteratura esistente

Aim of this paper is to provide some systematic information about Economic Evaluation studies published on national and international journals by Italian authors. All studies are in Italian or English language and published between 1994 and 2000. The main source is the CESAV database, according to these keywords: “Economic Evaluation”, “Cost-Benefit Analysis”, “Cost-Efficacy Analysis”, “Cost-Utility Analysis”, Cost of Illness” and “Italy”. The study investigated the following variables: methods of analysis, illness, kind of therapy, source of data on efficacy, modelling, source of data on health resources, source of data on unit cost, type of costs, sensitivity analysis. A comparison with the main international reviews (“The U .K. NHS Economic Evaluation Database” and “The Health Economic Evaluation Database”) showed that the approach to the Economic Evaluation in Italy is consistent to the European model, even though the number of studies is still less than in other States.
Axospinous synaptic subtype‐specific differences in structure, size, ionotropic receptor expression, and connectivity in apical dendritic regions of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

The morphology of axospinous synapses and their parent spines varies widely. Additionally, many of these synapses are contacted by multiple synapse boutons (MSBs) and show substantial variability in receptor expression. The two major axospinous synaptic subtypes are perforated and nonperforated, but there are several subcategories within these two classes. The present study used serial section electron microscopy to determine whether perforated and nonperforated synaptic subtypes differed with regard to their distribution, size, receptor expression, and connectivity to MSBs in three apical dendritic regions of rat hippocampal area CA1: the proximal and distal thirds of stratum radiatum, and the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare. All synaptic subtypes were present throughout the apical dendritic regions, but there were several subclass‐specific differences. First, segmented, completely partitioned synapses changed in number, proportion, and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor expression with distance from the soma beyond that found within other perforated synaptic subtypes. Second, atypically large, nonperforated synapses showed N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor immunoreactivity identical to that of perforated synapses, levels of AMPA receptor expression intermediate to that of nonperforated and perforated synapses, and perforated synapse‐like changes in structure with distance from the soma. Finally, MSB connectivity was highest in the proximal stratum radiatum, but only for those MSBs composed of nonperforated synapses. The immunogold data suggest that most MSBs would not generate simultaneous depolarizations in multiple neurons or spines, however, because the vast majority of MSBs are comprised of two synapses with abnormally low levels of receptor expression, or involve one synapse with a high level of receptor expression and another with only a low level. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:399–418, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Third‐party logistics in Europe – five years later

Discusses the results of a survey among shippers in several European countries involved in outsourcing their transport, warehousing and other logistics activities. The survey, which is a joint initiative of the universities of Cranfield, Eindhoven, Linkoping and Rotterdam (Erasmus) and of ManDat GmbH, is a sequel to a similar survey carried out five years ago and has led to a renewed insight into the characteristics of logistics partnerships, the key success factors for making partnerships work, the concerns that shippers have about outsourcing and the benefits they expect to receive from it. The survey has led to two major observations: first, that the scope and level of sophistication of the partnerships has increased over the last five years, be it very gradually, and second, that the perception of outsourcing by shippers has not changed over the last five years.
Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) Doping: Effects of Exercise on Anaerobic Metabolism in Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) administration on energy metabolism during exercise. Specifically, the contribution of anaerobic (glycogen) metabolism during exercise was evaluated. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an experimental [rHuEPO] (600 U x kg(-1) of Eprex, every 3 days) or control (equivalent volume of saline) group. After 15 days of treatment, animals from both groups were randomly subjected to either a 30-minute exercise (swimming with 5% body weight added) or resting period. They were sacrificed at the end of the exercise period. Their liver and muscles were quickly removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Blood was also sampled. rHuEPO administration resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase of hematocrit (from 42 +/- 2 to 54 +/- 7 L/L). In the rHuEPO group, both muscle glycogen and free fatty acids were higher whereas lactate was lower at the conclusion of the exercise period (P < 0.05). These results suggest that energy substrate utilization during exercise is affected by enhanced oxygen availability. Finally, a lower overall contribution to energy production from anaerobic metabolism during exercise followed rHuEPO administration.
Pulse Doubling in 18-Pulse AC-DC Converters

In this paper, a novel 36-pulse AC-DC converter is designed, modeled and simulated using pulse multiplication in an 18-pulse AC-DC converter using DC ripple re-injection technique. The proposed technique is suitable for large current rating rectifiers such as electrowinning, electrochemical processes, induction heating, plasma torches, etc., where isolation is required mainly for stepping down the supply voltage. It consists of a parallel 18-pulse AC-DC converter configuration involving three phase shifted uncontrolled diode bridges and interphase reactors tapped with diodes. A set of interphase reactors is used which is capable of effectively doubling the pulse number in the converter. A prototype of 36-pulse converter is developed to validate the design and its model. It improves the power quality to meet IEEE-519 standard at varying loads.