Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antigen targeting to dendritic cells elicits long-lived T cell help for antibody responses

Resistance to several prevalent infectious diseases requires both cellular and humoral immune responses. T cell immunity is initiated by mature dendritic cells (DCs) in lymphoid organs, whereas humoral responses to most antigens require further collaboration between primed, antigen-specific helper T cells and naive or memory B cells. To determine whether antigens delivered to DCs in lymphoid organs induce T cell help for antibody responses, we targeted a carrier protein, ovalbumin (OVA), to DCs in the presence of a maturation stimulus and assayed for antibodies to a hapten, (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NP), after boosting with OVA-NP. A single DC-targeted immunization elicited long-lived T cell helper responses to the carrier protein, leading to large numbers of antibody-secreting cells and high titers of high-affinity antihapten immunoglobulin Gs. Small doses of DC-targeted OVA induced higher titers and a broader spectrum of anti-NP antibody isotypes than large doses of OVA in alum adjuvant. Similar results were obtained when the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium yoelii was delivered to DCs. We conclude that antigen targeting to DCs combined with a maturation stimulus produces broad-based and long-lived T cell help for humoral immune responses.
Milk Replacer Acidification for Free-Access Feeding: Effects on the Performance and Health of Veal Calves

Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of milk replacer (MR) acidification for free- access feeding on pre- and post-weaning performance, morbidity and mortality of calves. Calves were randomly assigned to free-access feeding of acidified (ACID, n = 31) or non-acidified (NON, n = 31) MR, and weaned at 42 days. ACIDMR was prepared to pH 4.0 - 4.5 using formic acid. Intakes were measured daily and weights weekly. Samples of ACID and NON MR were analyzed for coliform and aerobic bacterial growth. After weaning, calves transitioned to a grain-fed veal diet, weighed every 2 weeks. At slaughter (approximately 6 months of age), lungs were evaluated for gross pathological changes and dressed carcass weights were obtained. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to examine the effects of MR acidification. Differences by treatment group for pre- and post-weaning morbidity and mortality were tested using Pearson’s χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests. ACID calves consumed less MR than NON (10.6 vs. 11.7 L/d, P = 0.02). Acidification tended to promote earlier onset of starter ration consumption (32.0 vs. 39.5 d, hazard ratio = 1.5, P = 0.07), but did not affect average daily starter ration or water intakes across the pre-weaning period. ACID and NON calves did not differ for BW at weaning, pre- or post-weaning ADG or dressed carcass weight. ACID MR had less coliform (P < 0.001) and aerobic bacterial growth (P < 0.001) than NON MR, but odds of disease treatment and mortality did not differ. ACID calves tended to have lower odds of pulmonary lesions during post-mortem inspection than NON calves (OR = 0.3, P = 0.07). These results indicate that under free-access feeding conditions, acidification limited bacterial growth and MR intake, but there were no long-term impacts of acidification on calf performance or health. In conclusion, acidification to pH 4.0 - 4.5 will significantly reduce bacterial growth in milk fed to calves.
Spatial distribution and longitudinal development of deep cortical sulcal landmarks in infants

Sulcal pits, the locally deepest points in sulci of the cerebral cortex, are found to be spatially highly consistent across human adult individuals. It is suggested that sulcal pits are genetically controlled and have close relationships with functional areas. To date, most imaging studies of sulcal pits are focused on adult brains, yet little is known about the spatial distribution and temporal development of sulcal pits in the first 2 years of life, the most dynamic period of postnatal brain development. Studying sulcal pits during this period would enrich our current limited understanding of the developmental trajectories of sulcal pits and provide insights into neurodevelopmental disorders associated with abnormal cortical foldings. In this paper, by using surface-based morphometry, for the first time, we systemically investigated the spatial distribution and temporal development of sulcal pits in major sulci from 73 healthy infants, each with longitudinal 3T MR scans at term birth, 1 year, and 2 years of age. Our results suggest that the consistency of spatial distribution of sulcal pits in major sulci across subjects has already existed at term birth and this spatial distribution pattern is relatively stable during cortex development in the first 2 years, despite that the cortex expands dramatically and the sulcal depth increases considerably.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Method for Discrimination between Molecular Types of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii

ABSTRACT We evaluated the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for Cryptococcus identification at the species and subspecies levels by using an in-house database of 25 reference cryptococcal spectra. Eighty-one out of the 82 Cryptococcus isolates (72 Cryptococcus neoformans and 10 Cryptococcus gattii) tested were correctly identified with respect to their molecular type designations. We showed that MALDI-TOF MS is a practicable alternative to conventional mycology or DNA-based methods.
Risk acceptance from non‐linear utility theory

The concept of risk acceptance is defined, analysed and applied within a recently developed statistical framework for non‐expected utility theory (non‐EU) based on conceptions of status quo‐dependent decision making under uncertainty. First, an outline of this framework is given, and its possible extension to decisions with multiple objectives is discussed. Explicit definitions of various risk acceptance attitudes are introduced, the exact probability‐dependent utility function is derived, and basic properties of marginally acceptable risk are discussed along with examples and applications. These include, among other things, the observed variability of risk acceptance attitudes, voluntary and involuntary risk‐taking, aversion to catastrophic risks with low probabilities but large potentials for damage, and observed societal attitudes toward technological risks. The results indicate that basic risk acceptance patterns familiar from psychometric and social studies of risk are, to some considerable extent, utility‐oriented attitudes. Their notorious variability can be attributed, in systematic ways, to varying ‘pragmatic’ constraints on decision making, notably the aspirations, prospects and extant exposure to risk (status quo, economic and other) of decision makers. The final section emphasizes the significance of the non‐EU results for risk management practices. Methodological issues connected with the interpretation of observed patterns of individual and societal risk bearing in terms of utility maximization will also be addressed.
An Overview of Molecular Mechanism of Nephrotic Syndrome

Podocytopathies (minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)) together with membranous nephropathy are the main causes of nephrotic syndrome. Some changes on the expression of nephrin, podocin, TGF- β , and slit diaphragm components as well as transcription factors and transmembrane proteins have been demonstrated in podocytopathies. Considering the pathogenesis of proteinuria, some elucidations have been directed towards the involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, the usefulness of some markers such as TGF- β 1, nephrin, synaptopodin, dystroglycans, and malondialdehyde have been determined in the differentiation between MCD and FSGS. Experimental models and human samples indicated an essential role of autoantibodies in membranous glomerulonephritis, kidney damage, and proteinuria events. Megalin and phospholipase-A2-receptor have been described as antigens responsible for the formation of the subepithelial immune complexes and renal disease occurrence. In addition, the complement system seems to play a key role in basal membrane damage and in the development of proteinuria in membranous nephropathy. This paper focuses on the common molecular changes involved in the development of nephrotic proteinuria.
Re-Patterning Sleep Architecture in Drosophila through Gustatory Perception and Nutritional Quality

Organisms perceive changes in their dietary environment and enact a suite of behavioral and metabolic adaptations that can impact motivational behavior, disease resistance, and longevity. However, the precise nature and mechanism of these dietary responses is not known. We have uncovered a novel link between dietary factors and sleep behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Dietary sugar rapidly altered sleep behavior by modulating the number of sleep episodes during both the light and dark phase of the circadian period, independent of an intact circadian rhythm and without affecting total sleep, latency to sleep, or waking activity. The effect of sugar on sleep episode number was consistent with a change in arousal threshold for waking. Dietary protein had no significant effect on sleep or wakefulness. Gustatory perception of sugar was necessary and sufficient to increase the number of sleep episodes, and this effect was blocked by activation of bitter-sensing neurons. Further addition of sugar to the diet blocked the effects of sweet gustatory perception through a gustatory-independent mechanism. However, gustatory perception was not required for diet-induced fat accumulation, indicating that sleep and energy storage are mechanistically separable. We propose a two-component model where gustatory and metabolic cues interact to regulate sleep architecture in response to the quantity of sugar available from dietary sources. Reduced arousal threshold in response to low dietary availability may have evolved to provide increased responsiveness to cues associated with alternative nutrient-dense feeding sites. These results provide evidence that gustatory perception can alter arousal thresholds for sleep behavior in response to dietary cues and provide a mechanism by which organisms tune their behavior and physiology to environmental cues.
Amorphous silica nanoparticles trigger vascular endothelial cell injury through apoptosis and autophagy via reactive oxygen species-mediated MAPK/Bcl-2 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling

Environmental exposure to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is inevitable due to their widespread application in industrial, commercial, and biomedical fields. In recent years, most investigators focus on the evaluation of cardiovascular effects of SiNPs in vivo and in vitro. Endothelial injury and dysfunction is now hypothesized to be a dominant mechanism in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore interaction of SiNPs with endothelial cells, and extensively investigate the exact effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the signaling molecules and cytotoxicity involved in SiNPs-induced endothelial injury. Significant induction of cytotoxicity as well as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy was observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells following the SiNPs exposure (P<0.05). The oxidative stress was induced by ROS generation, leading to redox imbalance and lipid peroxidation. SiNPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by membrane potential collapse, and elevated Bax and declined bcl-2 expression, ultimately leading to apoptosis, and also increased number of autophagosomes and autophagy marker proteins, such as LC3 and p62. Phosphorylated ERK, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly decreased, but phosphorylated JNK and p38 MAPK were increased in SiNPs-exposed endothelial cells. In contrast, all of these stimulation phenomena were effectively inhibited by N-acetylcysteine. The N-acetylcysteine supplement attenuated SiNPs-induced endothelial toxicity through inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy via MAPK/Bcl-2 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, as well as suppression of intracellular ROS property via activating antioxidant enzyme and Nrf2 signaling. In summary, the results demonstrated that SiNPs triggered autophagy and apoptosis via ROS-mediated MAPK/Bcl-2 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in endothelial cells, and subsequently disturbed the endothelial homeostasis and impaired endothelium. Our findings may provide experimental evidence and explanation for cardiovascular diseases triggered by SiNPs. Furthermore, results hint that the application of antioxidant may provide a novel way for safer use of nanomaterials.
Longitudinal Evaluation of the Efficacy of Heat Treatment Procedures against Legionella spp. in Hospital Water Systems by Using a Flow Cytometric Assay

ABSTRACT Legionella spp. are frequently isolated in hospital water systems. Heat shock (30 min at 70°C) is recommended by the World Health Organization to control its multiplication. The aim of the study was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of heat treatments by using a flow cytometry assay (FCA) able to identify viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. The study included Legionella strains (L. pneumophila [3 clusters] and L. anisa [1 cluster]) isolated from four hot water circuits of different hospital buildings in Saint-Etienne, France, during a 20-year prospective surveillance. The strains recovered from the different circuits were not epidemiologically related, but the strains isolated within a same circuit over time exhibited an identical genotypic profile. After an in vitro treatment of 30 min at 70°C, the mean percentage of viable cells and VBNC cells varied from 4.6% to 71.7%. The in vitro differences in heat sensitivity were in agreement with the observed efficacy of preventive and corrective heating measures used to control water contamination. These results suggest that Legionella strains can become heat resistant after heating treatments for a long time and that flow cytometry could be helpful to check the efficacy of heat treatments on Legionella spp. and to optimize the decontamination processes applied to water systems for the control of Legionella proliferation.
Partitions of Faulty Hypercubes into Paths with Prescribed Endvertices

Given a set $\pc=\{a_i,b_i\}_{i=1}^m$ of pairs of vertices in a graph $G$, is there a collection of paths $\{P_i\}_{i=1}^m$ such that $P_i$ connects $a_i$ with $b_i$ and $\{V(P_i)\}_{i=1}^m$ partitions $V(G)$? We study this problem for the graph $Q_n-\ff$ obtained from the $n$-dimensional hypercube $Q_n$ by removing a set $\ff$ of faulty vertices. We show that an obvious necessary condition for the existence of such a partition is also sufficient provided $2|\pc|+ 3|\ff|\le n-3$. As a corollary, we obtain a similar characterization for the existence of a hamiltonian cycle and a hamiltonian path of $Q_n-\ff$ provided $|\ff|\le(n-5)/3$. On the other hand, if the size of $\ff$ is not limited, the problems are NP-complete.
An artificial neural network model for the determination of leaky confined aquifer parameters: an accurate alternative to type curve matching methods

A neural network is developed for the determination of leaky confined aquifer parameters. Leakage into the aquifer takes place from the storage in the confining aquitard. The network is trained for the well function of leaky confined aquifers by the back propagation technique and adopting the Levenberg–Marquardt optimization algorithm. By applying the principal component analysis (PCA) on the adopted training input data and through a trial and error procedure the optimum structure of the network is fixed with the topology of [2×10×2]. The network generates the optimal match point coordinates for any individual real pumping test data set which are incorporated with Hantush’s analytical solution and the aquifer parameter values are determined. The performance of the network is evaluated by real field data and its accuracy is compared with that of the type curve matching technique. The network eliminates graphical error inherent in the type curve matching technique and is recommended as a simple and reliable alternative to the type-curve matching technique.
Hormone levels of world class cyclists during the Tour of Spain stage race

Objectives—To evaluate the hormonal response to strenuous endurance exercise performed by elite athletes. Methods—Nine professional cyclists (mean (SD) age 28 (1) years; mean (SD) Vo2max 75.3 (2.3) ml/kg/min) who participated in a three week tour race (Vuelta a España 1999) were selected as subjects. Morning urinary levels of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) and morning serum levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and cortisol were measured in each subject at t0 (before the competition), t1 (end of first week), t2 (end of second week), and t3 (end of third week). Urine samples of aMT6s were also evaluated in the evening at t0, t1, t2, and t3. Results—Mean urinary aMT6s levels had increased significantly (p<0.01) during the day after each stage (1091 (33) v 683 (68) ng/ml at t1; 955 (19) v 473 (53) ng/ml at t2; 647 (61) v 337 (47) ng/ml at t3). Both morning and evening aMT6s levels decreased significantly during the study. A similar pattern was observed for morning serum levels of cortisol and testosterone. Conclusions—The results suggest that the basal activity of the pineal gland, adrenal glands, and testis may be decreased after consecutive days of intense, long term exercise.
Ways of Coping and Biomarkers of an Increased Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elderly Individuals

Objective. To investigate the relationship between coping and atherothrombotic biomarkers of an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the elderly. Methods. We studied 136 elderly caregiving and noncaregiving men and women who completed the Ways of Coping Checklist to assess problem-focused coping, seeking social support (SSS), blamed self, wishful thinking, and avoidance coping. They had circulating levels of 12 biomarkers measured. We also probed for potential mediator and moderator variables (chronic stress, affect, health behavior, autonomic activity) for the relation between coping and biomarkers. Results. After controlling for demographic and CVD risk factors, greater use of SSS was associated with elevated levels of serum amyloid A (P = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.002), vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 (P = 0.021), and D-dimer (P = 0.032). There were several moderator effects. For instance, greater use of SSS was associated with elevated VCAM-1 (P < 0.001) and CRP (P = 0.001) levels in subjects with low levels of perceived social support and positive affect, respectively. The other coping styles were not significantly associated with any biomarker. Conclusions. Greater use of SSS might compromise cardiovascular health through atherothrombotic mechanisms, including elevated inflammation (i.e., serum amyloid A, CRP, VCAM-1) and coagulation (i.e., D-dimer) activity. Moderating variables need to be considered in this relationship.
Wafer cost reduction through design of high performance fully silicided ESD devices

A universal technique to design cost effective, fully silicided, high performance ESD devices is introduced. This novel design solution can be implemented in a straightforward manner without process modifications. ESD performance levels obtained in different 0.25 /spl mu/m and 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technologies demonstrate that this technique can successfully replace silicide-blocked devices to achieve good ESD performance levels with economical silicon real estate consumption. In addition, a novel multi-finger turn-on design technique, which can be applied to both fully silicided and silicide blocked designs is presented.
A Comprehensive Survey of Recommendation System Based on Taxi GPS Trajectory

In recent years, the service system based on taxi GPS trajectory gradually becomes a hot research topic. In this paper we first give some descriptions and definitions of the taxi GPS trajectory problems. Different from the traditional recommendation system, the service system based on taxi GPS trajectory will lead to some special challenges and we will give corresponding solutions to solve these problems. Therefore, we propose a recommendation system framework for this issue via the emphasis on temporal and spatial information mining. Then, we discuss the different classification method by different points of views including the statistics of spatial information, the modeling of time information, mining methods and knowledge discovery models. Finally, we point out the promising directions in this field.
Journal of Graph Algorithms and Applications Drawing Graphs with Few Arcs 394 A. Schulz Drawing Graphs with Few Arcs

Let G = (V, E) be a planar graph. An arrangement of circular arcs is called a composite arc-drawing of G, if its 1-skeleton is isomorphic to G. Similarly, a composite segment-drawing is described by an arrangement of straight-line segments. We ask for the smallest possible ground set of arcs/segments for a composite arc/segment-drawing. We present algorithms for constructing composite arc-drawings with a small ground set for trees, series-parallel graphs, planar 3-trees and general planar graphs. In the case where G is a tree, we also introduce an algorithm that realizes the vertices of the composite drawing on a O(n 1.81) × n grid. For each of the graph classes we provide a lower bound for the maximal size of the arrangement's ground set.