Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EBF1 Is Essential for B-Lineage Priming and Establishment of a Transcription Factor Network in Common Lymphoid Progenitors1

Development of B-lymphoid cells in the bone marrow is a process under strict control of a hierarchy of transcription factors. To understand the development of a B-lymphoid-restricted functional network of transcription factors, we have investigated the cell autonomous role of the transcription factor EBF1 in early B cell development. This revealed that even though transplanted EBF1-deficient fetal liver cells were able to generate common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) as well as B220+CD43+AA4.1+ candidate precursor B cells, none of these populations showed signs of B lineage priming. The isolated CLPs were able to generate T lymphocytes in vitro supporting the idea that the phenotype of EBF1-deficient mice is restricted to the development of the B lineage. Furthermore, EBF deficient CLPs displayed a reduction in Ig H chain recombination as compared with their wild-type counterpart and essentially lacked transcription of B-lineage-associated genes. Among the genes displaying reduced expression in the EBF1 deficient CLPs were the transcription factors Pax5, Pou2af1 (OcaB), and FoxO1 that all appear to be direct genetic targets for EBF1 because their promoters contained functional binding sites for this factor. This leads us to suggest that EBF1 regulates a transcription factor network crucial for B lineage commitment.
Progressive loss of bone in the femoral neck in elderly people: longitudinal findings from the Dubbo osteoporosis epidemiology study

Abstract Objectives: To determine prospectively the rates of change in bone mineral density in elderly people and to examine the relation between lifestyle and demographic factors and these rates of change. Design: Longitudinal population based study. Setting: Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. Subjects: Representative sample (n=769) of residents aged >=60 on 1 January 1989. Main outcome measure: Rates of change in bone mineral density measured prospectively (mean scan interval 2.5 years) at the femoral neck and lumbar spine by dual energy x ray absorptiometry. Results: Summary rates of loss in the femoral neck were 0.96% per year (95% confidence interval 0.64% to 1.28%) in women and 0.82% per year (0.52% to 1.12%) in men. Importantly, rates of loss at the femoral neck (both percentage and absolute) increased in both sexes with advancing age. No significant loss was evident in either sex at the lumbar spine, probably because of coexistent osteoarthritis. Lifestyle factors had only modest effects on rates of loss at either site. Conclusions: These data show that bone density of the femoral neck declines at an increasing rate in elderly people, and as this site is predictive of fracture suggest that treatment to minimise bone loss may be important even in very elderly people.
FLEXURAL STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED HPC BEAMS INCORPORATED WITH BY-PRODUCTS

High performance concrete (HPC) shows better performance when compared to conventional concrete. The concrete having industrial by-products of silica fume, bottom ash and steel slag aggregate distinguished that the structural manner of reinforced concrete beams related to cracking behaviour and load strain manner is investigated in the present study. The beams were designed to have concrete strength of cube compression was 30 – 40 N/mm2. The cracking behaviour, strain distribution and ductility have been studied throughout their flexural loading range, and their mode of failure.
Variability of Outer Membrane Protein P1 and Its Evaluation as a Vaccine Candidate against Experimental Otitis Media due to Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: an Unambiguous, Multifaceted Approach

ABSTRACT Candidate vaccine antigens for preventing otitis media caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) should possess one or more conserved epitopes. We sought to evaluate the candidacy of P1, a surface-expressed outer membrane protein knowing that this antigen is subject to diversifying selection. Therefore, we selected NTHI strains from among >500 phylogenically variant isolates representative of the diversity found in natural populations ofH. influenzae. Twenty-three variants of P1 (≤95% similarity) were identified among 42 strains. When chinchillas were immunized with recombinant P1 (rP1) obtained from one of these isolates (BCH-3), all animals developed antibodies specific for rP1. Immunized animals were protected against disease when challenged with BCH-3, but not with an ompP1 mutant of BCH-3 or a strain (BCH-2) possessing a heterologous P1 (91% identity). We conclude that (i) while P1 induces protection against NTHI-mediated otitis media, development of a polyvalent vaccine reflecting the variability of P1 would be necessary to construct an efficacious vaccine and (ii) use of a phylogenically characterized collection of representative isolates in concert with gene sequencing, cloning, gene inactivation, and animal testing offers an efficient, rational, and rigorous strategy for evaluating the potential problems associated with variability of vaccine targets and specificity of related immune responses.
Using Short Message Service (SMS) to teach English idioms to EFL students

Abstract This study aimed to gauge the efficacy of three modes of instruction of English idioms, ie, Short Message Service (SMS)-based learning, contextual learning and self-study learning. More precisely, this study capitalized on the push aspect of SMS affordance to deliver bite-sized English idiom lessons on spaced intervals to the learners irrespective of the traditionally inherent problems in most teaching classrooms of English as a Foreign Language learning contexts and thus promote regular study. Students' perceptions and attitudes toward mobile learning and the application of SMS in teaching and learning English (idioms) were also sought by conducting a poststudy survey. Overall, the results revealed that students receiving short mini-lessons on their mobile phones via SMS were more enthusiastic and learned more than their counterparts on paper or contextual groups. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic • Among different functions a mobile phone can afford, its Short Message Service (SMS) has been widely used to transmit and receive general and educational contents. • SMS affordance of mobile phones has been used to teach language components such as grammar and vocabulary. • The efficiency of teaching English idioms via SMS in comparison with other methods (eg, contextual learning and self-study approaches) has not been examined in the Mobile Assisted Language Learning practices simultaneously. What this paper adds • Gauging the comparative efficacy of SMS-based instruction of English idioms in contrast with two other instruction modes, ie, contextual learning and self-study simultaneously. • Delivering bite-sized SMS-based English idiom lessons to the learners beyond the constraints of the traditional classrooms and promoting regular study. • Seeking students' perceptions and attitudes toward mobile learning and the application of SMS in teaching and learning English idioms by conducting a poststudy survey. Implications for practice and/or policy • Insights gathered from the comparative integration of mobile devices, particularly mobile phones and its different affordances into teaching classrooms of English as a Foreign Language learning contexts, are considered to have important implications for the educators and technologists to harness the potential of mobile technologies and design appropriate tasks that pave the way for the widespread use of this platform for language learning on a large scale. • A deep understanding of the mobile devices used and the possibilities associated with them is needed in order to better design the mobile learning (m-learning) activities. • Embarking on an m-learning project entails designing particular activities tailored to the needs of students involved in the learning process.
Impact of Internal Open Source Development on Reuse: Participatory Reuse in Action

Adoption of open source software (OSS) principles to internal software development has gained considerable momentum. Often labeled as "internal open source" (IOS), several large firms have started to implement these programs. Research to date has mostly focused on facilitating IOS adoption. In the present research, we focus on how IOS affects reuse. Employing a qualitative case study, we examine the IOS program at IBM called "Community Source. " Analyzing data gathered from multiple sources reveals that IOS adoption facilitates participatory reuse by enhancing information sharing and leveraging of broader community skills. Participatory reuse manifests itself when potential reusers participate in the entire development process leading to the creation of reusable assets. Based on data, we develop a theoretical model to illustrate how IOS affects reuse. While furthering research on IOS and reuse, the model informs managers wishing to foster participatory reuse that they are wise to adopt IOS as a vehicle to promote greater openness of the software development infrastructure for leveraging broader community skills and enhancing information sharing among projects' stakeholders.
Diagnosis, management, and prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children

#### Summary points Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis. Each year, rotavirus is responsible for about 25 million clinic visits, two million hospital admissions, and 180 000-450 000 deaths in children under 5 years of age globally.1 2 3 Although rotavirus infection is prevalent worldwide, most deaths from this infection occur in developing countries (fig 1⇓). Gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus cannot be clinically distinguished from that caused by other enteric pathogens; diagnosis requires testing of fecal specimens with commercially available assays. However, rotavirus is not routinely tested for in patients with gastroenteritis because the results do not alter clinical management, which relies mainly on appropriate rehydration therapy. Orally administered live attenuated vaccines that mimic natural infection offer the best protection against rotavirus. Two licensed rotavirus vaccines have been available since 2006 and have been implemented in many countries. We review approaches to diagnosis, management, and prevention of rotavirus gastroenteritis. #### Sources and selection criteria We looked at recent conference proceedings and searched PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinical Evidence online using the terms “rotavirus”, “rotavirus gastroenteritis”, and “rotavirus vaccines”. We focused on …
Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy in Egyptian Arabian foals: 22 cases (1985-2005).

BACKGROUND Epilepsy is relatively uncommon in horses compared with other species and limited information is available. HYPOTHESIS The objectives of the study were to describe the age of onset, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, electroeticephalographic findings, treatment, and outcome, including long-term prognosis in Arabian foals with idiopathic epilepsy. ANIMALS Twenty-two foals were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records from 1985 to 2005 were reviewed. RESULTS The age of onset of affected foals ranged from 2 days to 6 months. Seizures were characterized by generalized tonic and clonic motor activity, staring, and loss of consciousness. The most common postictal signs were transient blindness and abnormal mental status. The interictal neurologic examination was otherwise normal. Clinicopathologic data and imaging diagnostics were normal except in 4 foals that developed complications. Electroencephalography revealed epileptiform activity in 9 of 13 foals. Foals were treated with benzodiazepines for the short-term; whereas phenobarbital was used over the long-term. Potassium bromide was added in 3 foals in which seizures were multiple, frequent, and difficult to control. The long-term prognosis was favorable with cessation of seizures by 1 year of age. The most common complication was head trauma. The most common concurrent disease was pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy of Egyptian Arabian foals has an early clinical onset but appears to be self-limiting. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a heritable condition that merits further investigation.
Sodium Channel β4, a New Disulfide-Linked Auxiliary Subunit with Similarity to β2

The principal α subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels is associated with auxiliary β subunits that modify channel function and mediate protein-protein interactions. We have identified a new β subunit termed β4. Like the β1-β3 subunits, β4 contains a cleaved signal sequence, an extracellular Ig-like fold, a transmembrane segment, and a short intracellular C-terminal tail. Using TaqMan reverse transcription-PCR analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry, we show that β4 is widely distributed in neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and some sensory neurons. β4 is most similar to theβ2 subunit (35% identity), and, like theβ2 subunit, the Ig-like fold of β4 contains an unpaired cysteine that may interact with the α subunit. Under nonreducing conditions, β4 has a molecular mass exceeding 250 kDa because of its covalent linkage to Nav1.2a, whereas on reduction, it migrates with a molecular mass of 38 kDa, similar to the mature glycosylated forms of the otherβ subunits. Coexpression ofβ4 with brain Nav1.2a and skeletal muscle Nav1.4 α subunits in tsA-201 cells resulted in a negative shift in the voltage dependence of channel activation, which overrode the opposite effects ofβ1 andβ3 subunits when they were present. This novel, disulfide-linked β subunit is likely to affect both protein-protein interactions and physiological function of multiple sodium channel α subunits.
Physical appearance and repercussions on the quality of life and the autonomy of elderly people affected by leprosy *

Leprosy, coupled with aging process, brings physical changes, which interfere in dependency and autonomy. The objective was to evaluate the physical aspect and the impact on the quality of life and the autonomy of elderly people affected by leprosy. This is a descriptive study of a quantitative approach, conducted with 60 elderly people in two rehabilitation centers in São Luís (MA). We used the Physical Domain of the WHOQOL-Bref and facets "Sensory Skills" and "Autonomy" of WHOQOL-OLD, from the World Health Organization. There were observed problems with pain/discomfort (31.6 percent), fatigue (21.6%) and sleep/rest (23.3 percent), acting in the inability for locomotion (23.3%), carrying out daily activities (16.6%), and work (33.3 percent), as well as related to the dependency on drugs/treatments (56.6%). The quality of life has changed by loss of sensory (33.3%), as well as the ability to perform activities (28.3%) and interact with people (23.3%). Regarding autonomy, most seniors felt free to make decisions (53.3%) and respected by taking them (55.0%), although stated that do not perform all who desire (38.3%). Thus, it was concluded that the disease, before the process of senescence and/or senility, might have contributed negatively about the physical aspects and quality of life of the elderly.
Compact proximity coupled multi-band patch antenna

This paper presents a new design of a multi-band microstrip-patch antenna with a proximity coupled feed for operating at Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ISM, WiMax and WLAN Bands. The proposed antenna consists of a V-shape patch with a rectangular shape strip in middle of it and a defected ground plane. The band around WiMax and WLAN application are achieved by adding rectangular strip in middle of patch. A defected ground plane is used to achieve Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/ISM band and it also helps to achieve better return loss and wide bandwidth for WLAN application. The antenna is designed on FR-4 substrate with dielectric constant 4.4. This antenna operates in three bands 2.4-2.65, 3.3-3.7, and 5-5.95 GHz covering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ISM, WiMax and WLAN Band. The proposed antenna shows omnidirectional and dipole like radiation pattern in E-plane and H-plane respectively.
On the Schalkwijk-Kailath coding scheme with a peak energy constraint

In a recent series of papers, [2]-[4] Schalkwijk and Kailath have proposed a block coding scheme for transmission over the additive white Gaussian noise channel with one-sided spectral density N_{0} using a noiseless delayless feedback link. The signals have bandwidth W (W \leq \infty) and average power \bar{P} . They show how to communicate at rates R , the channel capacity, with error probability P_{e} = \exp \{-e^{2(C-R)T+o(T)}\} (where T is the coding delay), a "double exponential" decay. In their scheme the signal energy (in a T -second transmission) is a random variable with only its expectation constrained to be \bar{P}T . In this paper we consider the effect of imposing a peak energy constraint on the transmitter such that whenever the Schalkwijk-Kailath scheme requires energy exceeding a \bar{P}T (where a > 1 is a fixed parameter) transmission stops and an error is declared. We show that the error probability is degraded to a "single exponential" form P_{e} = e^{-E(a)T+o(T)} and find the exponent E(a) . In the case W = \infty , E(a) = (a - 1)^{2}/4a C . For finite W, E(a) is given by a more complicated expression.
Longitudinal relationships between lexical and grammatical development in typical and late-talking children.

PURPOSE This study examined the longitudinal relationships between lexical and grammatical development in typically developing (TD) and late-talking children for the purposes of testing the single-mechanism account of language acquisition and comparing the developmental trajectories of lexical and grammatical development in late-talking and TD children. METHOD Participants included 30 children identified as late talkers (LTs) at 2;0 (years;months), and 30 TD children matched on age, nonverbal cognition, socioeconomic status, and gender. Data were collected at 5 points between 2;0 and 5;6. RESULTS Cross-lagged correlational analyses indicated that TD children showed evidence of bidirectional bootstrapping between lexical and grammatical development between 2;0 and 3;6. Compared with the TD group, LTs exhibited less evidence of syntactic bootstrapping. Linear mixed-effects modeling of language sample data suggested that the relationship between lexical and grammatical growth was similar for the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Lexical and grammatical development were strongly related in both groups, consistent with the single-mechanism account of language acquisition. The results were mixed in terms of finding longitudinal differences in lexical-grammatical relationships between the TD and late-talking children; however, several analyses suggested that for late-talking children, syntactic growth may be less facilitative of lexical development.
RODENT MODELS OF INTRA-ABDOMINAL INFECTION

The first question to ask when deciding which model to use for the preclinical testing of a therapeutic agent should be: What exactly is it that the chosen model is attempting to model? Therefore, in the context of intra-abdominal models of infection, the question becomes, is the goal to mimic diffuse peritonitis, intra-abdominal abscesses, septic shock, or a multiple organ dysfunction-type syndrome. Having decided on the clinical situation to model, it becomes important to ensure that the model is as congruent with the clinical situation as feasible, especially when the goal is the preclinical testing of possible therapeutic agents. Consequently, different types of rodent intra-abdominal infection models will be reviewed, focusing on their rationales as well as their strengths and weaknesses as models of clinical disease.
Heavy alcohol consumption and marital status: disentangling the relationship in a national study of young adults.

AIMS To investigate why alcohol consumption varies by marital status, assessing (i) differences in heavy consumption prior to changes in marital status (indicating selection) and increases or decreases in heavy consumption associated with changes in marital status (indicating causation), (ii) whether such increases or decreases are transient, and (iii) the possible mediating effect of parental status. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort. SETTING Great Britain. PARTICIPANTS Data from the 23- and 33-year surveys of the 1958 British birth cohort (all born in England, Wales and Scotland, 3-9 March 1958). MEASUREMENTS Heavy drinking, defined as more than 35 (men) and 20 (women) units/week; changes between ages 23 and 33 in consumption and marital status. FINDINGS The divorced had the highest consumption levels at both ages, the married had the lowest. Selection effects were minimal in both sexes. Overall, heavy drinking declined between ages 23 and 33 (21.4-13.0% in men, 6.4-3.4% in women), but increased among individuals who divorced, compared to the continuously married (adjusted OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.83 for men; OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.67, 4.09 for women), most strikingly for recent divorces (adjusted OR = 4.97, 95% CI = 2.86, 8.57 and OR = 5.25, 95% CI = 2.60, 10.65). High rates of heavy drinking persisted for never married men (19.1%) and women (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS The heavy drinking level of divorced young adults was not due to selection. Marital separation was accompanied by increases in heavy drinking, with pronounced short-term effects. Adverse alcohol-related health consequences may occur in the immediate period around divorce. Individuals who never marry appear to have a chronic heavy consumption pattern that may contribute to their increased mortality.
A steady state bound for resilient packet rings

Resilient packet ring (RPR) is a new technology being standardized in the IEEE 802.17 working group. The paper presents the performance of 1TB-RPR, a proposal made to the working group. 1TB-RPR deploys a rate-based fairness algorithm rather than the quota-based algorithm that has been widely used in legacy ring schemes. This fairness algorithm significantly reduces access delays under steady state and allows RPR to be scalable in today's MAN/WAN environments. A ring access delay bound under steady state is given. The bound is then proved using both analytical and simulation approaches. Furthermore, we show that the bound is tight by constructing a worst-case traffic scenario. It is shown that straight overloading scenarios may not be the worst case.
Building IEEE 802.15.4 Accelerators for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Nodes

Bringing IPv6 connectivity to low-end wireless sensor nodes leads to considerable device resources utilization, e.g., central processing unit and energy, caused by the increased amount of data transferred over the network that needs to be handled. In order to reduce these overheads, this letter proposes an IEEE 802.15. 4 accelerator for heterogeneous wireless sensor systems that target the Internet of Things sensing applications, which include on the same node, field-programmable gate array technology beside a microcontroller provided with wireless connectivity. The deployed solution implements the Third-level of filtering specified by the standard, and performs basic packet handling such as the detection of multiple receptions of the same frame. The obtained results show the benefits of including such accelerator on the reconfigurable computing unit, offering nearly 17 of overhead reduction. All filtering functionalities are executed by the accelerator to discard unneeded data frames, which avoids unnecessary interrupts to the operating system and increases the system availability up to 59.