Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Murine Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease by Recipient-Derived Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor B Lentivirus-Transfected Dendritic Cells

Direct interaction between T-suppressor and dendritic cells (DCs) results in DC tolerance by inducing upregulation of immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT) 3 and ILT4. DCs were treated with a lentiviral vector containing paired immunoglobulin-like B gene (PIR-B) DCs and the effect of PIR-B-DCs on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was analyzed after allogeneic bone marrow (BM) transplantation (BMT). Therefore, 1 × 106 recipient-derived PIR-B-DCs were injected into BALB/c (H-2kd) mice using BM-splenocyte grafts from major histocompatibility complex-disparate C57BL/6 (H-2kb). Our results showed that PIR-B-DCs deficient in surface costimulatory molecules had higher PIR-B protein expression than immature DCs and interleukin 10-treated DCs. Survival analysis showed PIR-B-DC cotransplantation resulted in significant prolongation of allograft survival (mean survival time: 46.0 ± 13.6 vs. 17.4 ± 3.6 days in untreated MST; p < 0.01). Furthermore, samples from the liver and skin of a mouse did not show clinical or histological signs of GVHD following the injection of PIR-B-DCs. These results demonstrated that PIR-B-DC cotransplantation may attenuate the severity of GVHD after BMT.
Burkitt cell acute leukaemia (L3 ALL) in adults: a report of 18 cases

Summary Between 1981 and 1987, L3 ALL was diagnosed in 18 adult patients, with a median age of 26 (range 16‐66) and M/F ratio of 3.5. At diagnosis, 11 patients had splenomegaly, 11 had enlarged lymph nodes, and 15 patients had central nervous system (CNS) disease, of whom 10 had mental neuropathy. Anaemia was found in 13 patients, thrombocytopenia in 17 and the median white cell count was 25.5 × 109/1(range 8.6‐89). Surface immunoglobulins were found on the blasts of every patient. Seventeen patients had a t(8;14) (q24;q32) translocation. One had an apparently normal karyotype, but only six mitoses could be examined. During the period of the study different treatment protocols, which comprised increasingly intensive systemic and CNS chemotherapy, were used. Six patients died less than 3 weeks after admission, two of them of acute tumour lysis syndrome and two of CNS haemorrhage. In two other patients, rapid progression of CNS leukaemia was seen in spite of the treatment. Ten patients (56%) achieved complete remission (CR). Two were allografted and two were autografted early in CR. Four patients relapsed, three of the four relapses involving the CNS. A median actuarial disease‐free survival was not attained, and a plateau was achieved at 57% after 7 months, with no later relapse. Median actuarial survival of the 18 patients was only 6 months, but a plateau was obtained at 31% after 11 months. Prognosis seemed related to the intensity of chemotherapy: recent patients, treated more aggressively, achieved CR more often than earlier patients, treated with less intensive protocols, although the number of patients was too small to draw any firm conclusion. The initial white cell count was also a prognostic factor, as none of the patients with more than 30 × 109/1 leucocytes achieved CR. Our results suggest that the outcome of adult L3 ALL can be improved, as in children, by increased intensity of treatment, particularly with regard to CNS leukaemia therapy. Early deaths are still frequent, however, but their incidence can probably be reduced by better prevention and early management of the acute tumour lysis syndrome.
The evolution of reduced antagonism—A role for host–parasite coevolution

Why do some host–parasite interactions become less antagonistic over evolutionary time? Vertical transmission can select for reduced antagonism. Vertical transmission also promotes coevolution between hosts and parasites. Therefore, we hypothesized that coevolution itself may underlie transitions to reduced antagonism. To test the coevolution hypothesis, we selected for reduced antagonism between the host Caenorhabditis elegans and its parasite Serratia marcescens. This parasite is horizontally transmitted, which allowed us to study coevolution independently of vertical transmission. After 20 generations, we observed a response to selection when coevolution was possible: reduced antagonism evolved in the copassaged treatment. Reduced antagonism, however, did not evolve when hosts or parasites were independently selected without coevolution. In addition, we found strong local adaptation for reduced antagonism between replicate host/parasite lines in the copassaged treatment. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that coevolution was critical to the rapid evolution of reduced antagonism.
Fluorescent Bocillins: Synthesis and application in the detection of penicillin‐binding proteins

Novel fluorescent analogs of penicillin V were synthesized and evaluated for efficacy in the detection of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). These molecules include the full structure of penicillin V, with the potent Bodipy fluorophore attached to the para‐position of the penicillin V phenyl group. The green fluorescent Bocillin FL and the near‐infrared (IR) fluorescent Bocillin 650/665 probes were shown to bind to PBPs, both purified and from membrane preparations, with high affinity and specificity. These reagents allow for facile detection of 2–4 ng of purified PBP with the aid of a fluorescent scanner.
Targeted deletion of the cytosolic domain of tissue factor in mice does not affect development.

The role of the cytosolic domain of tissue factor (TF) in signal transduction and gene regulation was studied in mice with a targeted deletion of the 18 carboxy-terminal intracellular amino acids. This deletion was introduced in exon 6 along with a floxed neo(R) selection cassette in intron 5 using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Removal of the floxed neo(R) cassette by in vivo Cre-mediated loxP recombination yielded TF(+/deltaCT) and TF(deltaCT/deltaCT) mice. In contrast to TF(-/-) mice, TF(+/deltaCT) and TF(deltaCT/deltaCT) mice displayed normal embryonic development, survival, fertility, and blood coagulation. Factor VIIa or factor Xa stimulation produced similar p44/42 MAPK activation in TF(+/+) and TF(deltaCT/deltaCT) fibroblasts. These data, based on expression of a TF(deltaCT) molecule from the endogenous TF locus, provide conclusive proof that the cytosolic domain of TF is not essential for signal transduction in embryogenesis and in physiological postnatal processes.
Back Pain Prevalence and Visit Rates: Estimates From U.S. National Surveys, 2002

Study Design. Review and analysis of data from two U.S. national surveys in 2002. Objectives. To examine the prevalence of back pain and physician visits for back pain in the United States. Summary of Background Data. National data on the prevalence of back pain become available only intermittently. Methods. We summarized published data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on the prevalence of back pain and compared it with earlier surveys. We also analyzed the 2002 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) to determine physician visit rates for back pain. Results. In the 2002 NHIS, there were 31,044 adult respondents. Low back pain lasting at least a whole day in the past 3 months was reported by 26.4% of respondents, and neck pain was reported by 13.8%. Among racial groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest prevalence of low back pain, and Asian Americans had the lowest. Prevalence generally declined with greater levels of education and increasing income. Prevalence estimates were consistent with those from previous surveys, although methodologic differences limited comparisons. NAMCS data suggested that the proportion of all physician visits attributable to low back pain (2.3% in 2002) has changed little since the early 1990s. Conclusions. About one fourth of U.S. adults report low back pain in the past 3 months; the proportion of physician visits attributed to back pain has changed little in the past decade.
The effect of botulinum toxin type A injection into the gastrocnemius muscle on sit-to-stand transfer in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Objective: To investigate the benefit of botulinum toxin type A injection into the ankle plantarflexor muscle on sit-to-stand transfer in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Inpatients in a university-affiliated hospital. Subjects: Forty spastic diplegic children aged from 2 to 6 years (18 children with botulinum toxin type A injection into both gastrocnemius muscles as an experimental group and 14 children without injection as a control group). Main measures: Sit-to-stand transfer task was evaluated using a motion analyser (Vicon 370 MA with six infrared cameras). The tests were performed twice with a two-week interval. The changes in temporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters were investigated in each group. Results: In the control group there were no significant changes in any of the measured parameters between the tests. In the experimental group, total duration (s) of sit-to-stand transfer was shortened after injection (4.359 ± 2.49 to 2.899 ± 1.48, P < 0.05). The maximal angles (degrees) of pelvic and hip joints were reduced (28.889 ± 5.53 to 26.579 ± 3.73 and 90.789 ± 8.69 to 87.239 ± 8.76) and the initial angle of ankle dorsiflexion was increased (4.419 ± 6.16 to 7.089 ± 6.09) after injection (P < 0.05). The maximal moments (Nm/kg) of the hip and knee joints (0.449 ± 0.17 to 0.519 ± 0.21 and 0.139 ± 0.05 to 0.189 ± 0.14) were increased while that of the ankle joint was reduced (0.329 ± 0.09 to 0.289 ± 0.10) after injection (P < 0.05). Only the cases with greater reduction of spasticity showed an improvement on kinematic and kinetic parameters. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin type A injection into spastic ankle plantarflexors led to better accomplishment of sit-to-stand transfer in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy versus Ahmed valve implantation for refractory primary congenital glaucoma in Egyptian patients: a long-term follow-up

Introduction Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is the most common type of glaucoma in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy versus Ahmed valve implantation for cases of PCG refractory to traditional incisional angle surgery (goniotomy and trabeculotomy) in the Egyptian population. Methods The study was conducted in the Glaucoma Clinic of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology (Egypt). The study included 66 eyes of 66 patients (in two groups) with advanced PCG who had previous failed goniotomy, trabeculotomy, or both. Group 1 included 33 patients who underwent trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy procedures; group 2 included 33 patients who underwent FP 8 Ahmed valve implantation. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, corneal diameter, and axial length stability in both groups. Secondary outcome measures included detection of complications in both groups. Results The average ages of the patients were 13.5 ± 3.9 months and 15.3 ± 5.8 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ten patients (30.3%) in group 1 and 9 patients (27.3%) in group 2 had family histories of PCG. Positive consanguinity was present in 26 patients (78.8%) in group 1 and in 27 patients (81.8%) in group 2. In group 1, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) value decreased from 33.6 ± 3.4 mmHg preoperatively to 13.8 ± 0.6, 16.9 ± 1.5, 18.2 ± 2.5, 19.8 ± 3.6, and 20.2 ± 3.1 mmHg in the first postoperative month and after years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < 0.001). In group 2, the mean IOP value decreased from 33.4 ± 4.5 mmHg preoperatively to 13.3 ± 1.1, 16.3 ± 1.6, 18.1 ± 1.0, 19.1 ± 3.5, and 19.9 ± 3.7 mmHg in the first postoperative month and after years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p < 0.001). The average number of medications decreased from 2.2 ± 0.4 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 0.4 postoperatively in group 1, while it decreased from 2.1 ± 0.4 preoperatively to 1.9 ± 0.3 postoperatively in group 2. The success rate in group 1 was 97, 91, 76, and 61% in years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, whereas the success rate in group 2 was 97, 93, 81, and 66% in years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Conclusion Both procedures, i.e., combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy and Ahmed valve implantation are suitable options in advanced PCG with failed trabeculotomy and goniotomy. Ahmed valve implanation has a better long-term survival, but trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy provides a second chance for surgical intervention.
The Early X-Ray Emission from GRBs

We present observations of the early X-ray emission for a sample of 40 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) obtained using the Swift satellite, for which the narrow-field instruments were pointed at the burst within 10 minutes of the trigger. Using data from the Burst Alert Telescope and the X-Ray Telescope, we show that the X-ray light curve can be well described by an exponential that relaxes into a power law, often with flares superimposed. The transition time between the exponential and the power law provides a physically defined timescale for the burst duration. In most bursts, the power law breaks to a shallower decay within the first hour, and a late emission "hump" is observed, which can last for many hours. In other GRBs the hump is weak or absent. The observed variety in the shape of the early X-ray light curve can be explained as a combination of three components: prompt emission from the central engine, afterglow, and the late hump. In this scenario, afterglow emission begins during or soon after the burst, and the observed shape of the X-ray light curve depends on the relative strengths of the emission due to the central engine and that of the afterglow. There is a strong correlation such that those GRBs with stronger afterglow components have brighter early optical emission. The late emission hump can have a total fluence equivalent to that of the prompt phase. GRBs with the strongest late humps have weak or no X-ray flares.
Several classes of optimal p-ary cyclic codes with minimal distance four

Cyclic codes are a subclass of linear codes and have wide applications in data storage systems, communication systems and consumer electronics due to their efficient encoding and decoding algorithms. Let $p\ge 5$ be an odd prime and $m$ be a positive integer. Let $\mathcal{C}_{(1,e,s)}$ denote the $p$-ary cyclic code with three nonzeros $\alpha$, $\alpha^e$, and $\alpha^s$, where $\alpha $ is a generator of ${\mathbb F}_{p^m}^*$, $s=\frac{p^m-1}{2}$, and $2\le e\le p^m-2$. In this paper, we present four classes of optimal $p$-ary cyclic codes $\mathcal{C}_{(1,e,s)}$ with parameters $[p^m-1,p^m-2m-2,4]$ by analyzing the solutions of certain polynomials over finite fields. Some previous results about optimal quinary cyclic codes with parameters $[5^m-1,5^m-2m-2,4]$ are special cases of our constructions. In addition, by analyzing the irreducible factors of certain polynomials over ${\mathbb F}_{5^m}$, we present two classes of optimal quinary cyclic codes $\mathcal{C}_{(1,e,s)}$.
The role of IgM rheumatoid factor in experimental immune vasculitis.

The effect of IgM rhematoid factor (RF) on reversepassive cutaneous Arthus reaction in rats was studied. The RF was obtained from the serum cryoglobulin of a patient with symptoms of purpura, arthralgia and digital gangrene. The cryoglobulins was of IgG-IgM type and when given i.v it induced a prompt hypocomplementaemia in experimental animals. The purified RF also induced low serum complement levels when injected i.v. along with complexes of non-complement-fixing, aggregated IgG. A reverse passive Arthus reaction was induced by intradermal injection of IgG anti-bovine serum albumin (BSA), followed by an i.v. dose of antigen (Ag). The cutaneous inflammatory reaction was aggravated by simultaneous administration of IgM RF intradermally, but not by IgM without antibody (Ab) properties. Intradermal injection of low concentrations of non-complement-fixing IgG anti-BSA, along with normal human IgM, followed by i.v. injection of BSA, resulted in a complete lack of cutaneous inflammation. At higher Ab concentrations there was only a mild inflammation. However, when IgM RF was substituted for normal IgM and injected with non-complement-fixing anti-BSA, an effective reverse passive cutaneous Arthus reaction and vasculitis was induced. The inflammatory response was greatly suppressed by decomplementation of animals by cobra venom factor. This study provides evidence favouring an inflammatory, complement-dependent role for RF in vasculitis.
E‐Business: A Review of Research Published in Production and Operations Management (1992–2008)

We review, classify, consolidate, and synthesize the contributions to the expanding field of e‐business that have been published in Production and Operations Management. We classify e‐business research in the following four categories: (1) e‐auctions, (2) radio frequency identification, (3) e‐business system design, and (4) competition, conflict, collaboration, and coordination (C4 in e‐business). We identify important research themes, research methodologies, and research techniques within each of these categories. We also provide directions for future research and discuss the managerial implications of the e‐business research reported in our paper.
A model for schema integration in heterogeneous databases

Schema integration is the process by which schemata from heterogeneous databases are conceptually integrated into a single cohesive schema. In this work we propose a modeling framework for schema integration, capturing the inherent uncertainty accompanying the integration process. The model utilizes a fuzzy framework to express a confidence measure, associated with the outcome of a schema integration process. In this paper we provide a systematic analysis of the process properties and establish a criterion for evaluating the quality of matching algorithms, which map attributes among heterogeneous schemata.
In Vivo Anteroposterior Femorotibial Translation of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Analysis

A study was conducted to determine in vivo femorotibial contact patterns for subjects having a posterior cruciate retaining or posterior cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty. Femorotibial contact of 72 subjects implanted with a total knee replacement, performed by five surgeons, was analyzed using video fluoroscopy. Thirty-one subjects were implanted with a posterior cruciate retaining total knee replacement with a flat polyethylene posterior lipped insert, 12 with a posterior cruciate retaining total knee replacement with a curved insert, and 29 with a posterior cruciate substituting total knee replacement. Each subject performed successive deep knee bends to maximum flexion. Video images at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion were downloaded onto a workstation computer. Femorotibial contact paths were determined for the medial and lateral condyles using an interactive model fitting technique. Femorotibial contact anterior to the tibial midline in the sagittal plane was denoted as positive and contact posterior was denoted as negative. Analysis of average femorotibial contact pathways of both posterior cruciate retaining designs revealed posterior femorotibial contact in full extension with anterior translation of femorotibial contact commonly observed in midflexion and terminal flexion. In posterior cruciate substituting designs, anterior femoral translation was seen medially at 30° to 60° flexion but rarely was observed laterally. Posterior femoral rollback laterally from full extension to 90° flexion was seen in 100% of subjects implanted with a posterior cruciate substituting total knee replacement, versus 51.6% (posterior lipped polyethylene insert) and 58.3% (curved insert) of those with a posterior cruciate retaining total knee replacement. Data from this multicenter study are remarkably similar to previous fluoroscopy data from a single surgeon series, showing a lack of customary posterior femoral rollback in both posterior cruciate retaining designs, and conversely showing an average anterior femoral translation with knee flexion. Posterior femoral rollback, less than in normal knees, routinely was observed in posterior cruciate substituting total knee arthroplasty, attributed to engagement of the femoral component cam with the tibial post. The abnormal anterior femoral translation observed in posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty may be a factor in premature polyethylene wear observed in retrieval studies.
Current childhood vaccine programs: An overview with emphasis on the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine and of its compromising of the mucosal immune system

Both common observation and official statistics confirm that there have been dramatic increases in chronic physical and mental illnesses in American children, such as autism, asthma, and allergies since the introduction of the MMR vaccine in 1978. Government health officials have denied a relationship with vaccines, but U.S. Congressional hearings on vaccine safety (1999 to Dec. 2004) revealed a total absence of vaccine safety tests that would meet current scientific standards, so that it can be assumed that many vaccine reactions are taking place unrecognized. Prior to the introduction of vaccines, the Th1 cellular immune system of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems served as the primary defense systems with the Th2 humoral immune system in the bone marrow, serving a secondary role. There is a school of thought that the “minor childhood diseases” of earlier times, including measles, mumps, chicken pox, and rubella, which involved the epithelial tissues of skin, respiratory, and/or gastrointestinal tracts, served a necessary purpose in challenging, strengthening, and establishing the dominance of Th1 cellular immune system during early childhood. Current vaccines against these diseases, in contrast, being directed at stimulating antibody production in the bone marrow, are bypassing the cellular immune system and thereby tending to reverse the roles of the cellular and humoral systems, with the former suffering from a lack of challenge. In addition, the cellular immune system is being further compromised by the powerfully immunosuppressive effects of the MMR vaccine. The time is overdue to totally rethink and redirect our current childhood vaccine program.