Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of laser microdissection in the analysis of renal-infiltrating T cells in murine lupus

Objective To clarify the role of T cells in kidney pathology of three widely used murine lupus models. Material and methods Cells infiltrating the glomeruli and perivascular areas in MRL/lpr (n = 10 female), NZB× NZW F1 (B/W F1) (n = 9 female), and BXSB (n = 10 male) mice were captured by laser microdissection (LMD). Samples were subjected to nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers specific to β-actin, T-cell receptor β chain (TCR-Cβ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-13, IL-17, and interferon-g (IFN-γ). Frozen sections of lesions were also stained immunohistochemically for tissue and cellular characterization. Results T cells infiltrating the glomeruli and perivascular areas predominantly produced IFN-γ, IL-13, and IL-17 in MRL/lpr, B/W F1, and BXSB mice, with IL-17 expression in glomeruli of BXSB mice being significantly lower than that of MRL/lpr and B/W F1 mice. IL-10 was detected only in the perivascular areas of MRL/lpr and B/W F1 mice and not in glomeruli isolates. Immunohistochemical staining revealed positive for the expression of Thy-1, CD4, CD8, and B220 in glomeruli and perivascular areas from all three strains of mice. Conclusions Cytokine balance in murine SLE is complex and cannot be attributed simply to the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells. Th17 cells may play a critical role in disease pathology, possibly with greater contribution toward disease progression in MRL/lpr and B/W F1 mice than in BXSB mice. Furthermore, these findings lend support to the concept that different molecular mechanisms underlie glomerulonephritis as compared to vasculitis.
Humoral immunity to aerosolized staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a superantigen, in monkeys vaccinated with SEB toxoid-containing microspheres

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) toxoid-containing microspheres were tested for efficacy in rhesus monkeys as a vaccine candidate for respiratory SEB toxicosis and toxic shock. Forty monkeys were randomly separated into 10 groups of four monkeys each: 9 groups were vaccinated with the microspheres via combinations of mucosal and nonmucosal routes, and 1 group served as nonvaccinated controls. Both vaccinated and nonvaccinated monkeys were then challenged with a high lethal dose of SEB aerosol. Monkeys primed with an intramuscular dose of the microspheres followed by an intratracheal booster all survived the SEB challenge. Overall, monkeys with an intratracheal booster generally had the highest antibody levels, which is consistent with their high survival rate and lower rate of illness. Protective immunity was correlated with antibody levels in both the circulation and the respiratory tract. The protection was not due to the depletion or anergy of SEB-reactive T cells, since SEB-induced proliferation in cultures of circulating lymphocytes was not significantly reduced after the microsphere vaccination. It is evident that the nonsurvivors did not die of systemic anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity because the monkeys did not die immediately after SEB challenge and there were no significant differences in histamine levels between the vaccinated and control monkeys before and after SEB challenge. The antibodies seemed to neutralize the SEB that got into the airway and the circulation.
Impact of palladium to the interfacial behavior of palladium coated copper wire on aluminium pad metallization during high temperature storage

Reliability of palladium coated copper wire is believed to have enhancement over bare copper wire. With current understanding, the main failure mode in copper wire bonding is galvanic corrosion of the less stable Cu9Al4 intermetallic compound (IMC) phase in the highly accelerated stress test (HAST). In gold wire bonding, palladium (Pd) is known to retard formation of the corrosive prone Au4Al phase, which resulted in better reliability in high temperature storage (HTS) test. Recent literature on palladium coated copper wire suggested that also in copper-aluminium interfaces, IMC growth of Cu9Al4 is slowed down by palladium-enriched layer. However it is not fully understood on how the palladium in palladium coated copper wire interacts with the other metals within this interface. This paper covers the study of IMC phase growth rate using a palladium coated copper wire on an aluminium bond pad, palladium distribution and identification of IMC phase by means of optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. Bonded balls of palladium coated copper wire were prepared using different EFO sparking condition to achieve an obvious palladium rich phase layer at the interface and another condition without palladium rich phase. The formation and growth of the IMC phase can be achieved by subjecting the bonded ball to high temperature storage (HTS) test in an un-molded device and analyzing the IMC phase at different aging durations. The results of this IMC study could give insights as to which initial interface morphology is more robust against the common corrosion in HAST test.
Additive manufacturing of patient-specific tubular continuum manipulators

Tubular continuum robots, which are composed of multiple concentric, precurved, elastic tubes, provide more dexterity than traditional surgical instruments at the same diameter. The tubes can be precurved such that the resulting manipulator fulfills surgical task requirements. Up to now the only material used for the component tubes of those manipulators is NiTi, a super-elastic shape-memory alloy of nickel and titan. NiTi is a cost-intensive material and fabrication processes are complex, requiring (proprietary) technology, e.g. for shape setting. In this paper, we evaluate component tubes made of 3 different thermoplastic materials (PLA, PCL and nylon) using fused filament fabrication technology (3D printing). This enables quick and cost-effective production of custom, patient-specific continuum manipulators, produced on site on demand. Stress-strain and deformation characteristics are evaluated experimentally for 16 fabricated tubes of each thermoplastic with diameters and shapes equivalent to those of NiTi tubes. Tubes made of PCL and nylon exhibit properties comparable to those made of NiTi. We further demonstrate a tubular continuum manipulator composed of 3 nylon tubes in a transnasal, transsphenoidal skull base surgery scenario in vitro.
A Framework for Statistical Timing Analysis using Non-Linear Delay and Slew Models

In this paper, we propose a framework for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) considering intra-die process variations. Given a cell library, we propose an accurate method to characterize the gate and interconnect delay as well as slew as a function of underlying parameter variations. Using these accurate delay models, we propose a method to perform SSTA based on a quadratic delay and slew model. The method is based on efficient dimensionality reduction technique used for accurate computation of the max of two delay expansions. Our results indicate less than 4% error in the variance of the delay models compared to SPICE Monte Carlo and less than 1% error in the variance of the circuit delay compared to Monte Carlo simulations
The Relation Between Parental Expressed Emotion and Externalizing Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

The current study examined the relation between parental expressed emotion, a construct of the quality and amount of emotion expressed within the family environment that is a well-established predictor of symptom relapse in various psychological disorders, with externalizing behaviors in children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 111 parents of 6- to 18-year-old children and adolescents with an ASD who completed questionnaires measuring family environment variables (including parental expressed emotion, parental distress, and parenting practices), as well as assessing their child’s autism symptoms and emotional and behavioral functioning. Results of regression analyses indicated that parental expressed emotion, specifically criticism/hostility, accounted for 18.7% of the variance in child externalizing behaviors beyond that accounted for by demographic control variables, overinvolvement, parental distress, and parenting practices. Findings highlight a possible point of intervention for parents of children and adolescents with an ASD with concomitant externalizing behaviors.
Bioenergetic theory of prostate malignancy

Normal and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) prostate is characterized by the presence of extraordinarily high levels of citrate. Presumably, this results from the inability of the prostate epithelial cells to oxidize citrate due to a limiting mitochondrial (m‐) aconitase. In contrast, prostate carcinoma (CA) is not characterized by high citrate levels. Malignant prostate epithelial cells apparently undergo a metabolic transformation from citrate‐producing to citrate‐oxidizing cells. A consequence of citrate production in normal and BPH cells is an inefficient and low level of ATP production. It is proposed that the process of malignancy necessitates an energy production that cannot be provided by citrate‐producing cells. Consequently, the transformation of prostate epithelial cells to citrate‐oxidizing cells which increases the energy production capability is essential to the process of malignancy and metastasis. The metabolic transformation likely occurs as a premalignant or early malignant stage. This bioenergetic theory of prostate malignancy, if correct, will provide new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of CA. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of alkaline phosphatase activity in cell cultures derived from human urinary bladder carcinoma.

T24 cells derived from a human urinary bladder carcinoma have very low alkaline phosphatase activity. The specific activity is 500 to 1000 times lower than that of HeLa S3 cells. Enzyme activity increases when T24 cells are grown in the presence of prednisolone (δ1-hydrocortisone). Increase in the osmolality of the culture medium with NaCl or sucrose has a similar effect. When cells are grown in hyperosmolar medium with prednisolone added, a synergistic effect is noted. Neither stimulus significantly affects acid phosphatase activity.
Gageostatins A–C, Antimicrobial Linear Lipopeptides from a Marine Bacillus subtilis

Concerning the requirements of effective drug candidates to combat against high rising multidrug resistant pathogens, we isolated three new linear lipopeptides, gageostatins A–C (1–3), consisting of hepta-peptides and new 3-β-hydroxy fatty acids from the fermentation broth of a marine-derived bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Their structures were elucidated by analyzing a combination of extensive 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data and high resolution ESIMS data. Fatty acids, namely 3-β-hydroxy-11-methyltridecanoic and 3-β-hydroxy-9,11-dimethyltridecanoic acids were characterized in lipopeptides 1 and 2, respectively, whereas an unsaturated fatty acid (E)-7,9-dimethylundec-2-enoic acid was assigned in 3. The 3R configuration of the stereocenter of 3-β-hydroxy fatty acids in 1 and 2 was established by Mosher’s MTPA method. The absolute stereochemistry of amino acid residues in 1–3 was ascertained by acid hydrolysis followed by Marfey’s derivatization studies. Gageostatins 1–3 exhibited good antifungal activities with MICs values of 4–32 µg/mL when tested against pathogenic fungi (R. solani, B. cinerea and C. acutatum) and moderate antibacterial activity against bacteria (B. subtilis, S. aeureus, S. typhi and P. aeruginosa) with MICs values of 8–64 µg/mL. Futhermore, gageostatins 1–3 displayed cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines with GI50 values of 4.6–19.6 µg/mL. It is also noteworthy that mixed compounds 1+2 displayed better antifungal and cytotoxic activities than individuals.
Perceptions of New Student Affairs Professionals and Their Supervisors Regarding the Application of Competencies Learned in Preparation Programs

In his recent article on the relevance of grad uate preparation of new college student person nel professionals, Herdlein (2004) stated, “It is unclear whether graduate programs in student affairs have been satisfactory in preparing student affairs administrators in the rapidly changing environment of higher education. ” (p. 51). Indeed the issue of whether or not college student personnel (CSP) programs have been successful in preparing students to work in student affairs has been an issue for nearly 50 years. This issue has been compounded by the fact that there still remains fierce debate as to what knowledge college student personnel graduates need in order to be successful in the profession. Almost 5 decades ago, Mueller (1959) made the argument that the most essential skills needed for students considering a career in student personnel were counseling related. Mueller’s argument was supported by Parker (1971), who also contended that counseling skills were the essential ingredients necessary for success in student affairs. During the early 1980s, however, others argued that it was more important for graduate preparation programs in college student personnel to emphasize administration and practical experience over counseling skills (Ostroth, 1981; Stamatakos, 1981a, 1981b). Students in college student personnel preparation programs, it was felt, need to be given the opportunity to work in the field to develop their skills, and there was increasing concern that students who gradu­ ated from these programs were not learning the competencies that the field acknowledged as being crucial to early success in student affairs. By contrast, Sandeen (1982), in a poll of senior student affairs officers (SSAOs), found that 73% of the SSAOs surveyed assessed the academic quality of graduate degree programs in college student personnel as either “good” or “excellent. ” Sandeen’s study affirmed the notion that senior student affairs officers view professional preparation as a very important issue. As the profession continued to develop it became clear that it was not simply a case of “counseling vs. administration. ” College student personnel graduates needed to learn a wide range of skills, including those related to counseling and administration, if they were to be effective in their chosen profession. In a survey of first–year professionals in student
The control of flux.

Molecular Enzymology Group Colloquium Organized by D. Fell (School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brooke University) and D. Kell (Department of Biological Sciences, University College, Wales, Aberystwyth), Edited by D. Fell and Sponsored by Xenova Ltd, Zeneca Bioproducts, Glaxo Research and Development Ltd and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. 653rd Meeting held at the University of Sussex on I 3I 6 December 1994.
Nosocomial and community acquired urinary tract infections at a teaching hospital in north central Nigeria: findings from a study of 12,458 urine samples.

BACKGROUND Urinary tract infection (UTI) is still a problem not infrequently encountered in the course of clinical practice. This study was designed to ascertain its prevalence among both the in and out-patients and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates. METHOD A retrospective analysis of data from all the urine samples processed at Jos university teaching hospital microbiology laboratory was undertaken for a period of 36 months (January 2000-December 2002). Samples had been collected, stored and processed by standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained were analysed using SPSS 11 statistical software and P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Of the 12,458 urine samples studied comprising 43% males and 57% females: the overall prevalence of UTI was found to be 22%; 7.4% among males and a higher figure of 14.6% among females, this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rate of nosocomial UTI was significantly higher than the community acquired type: 12.3% and 9.3% respectively (p < 0.05). The commonest nosocomial isolate was Klebsiella spp while Escherichia coli were for community acquired group. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Proteus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also common isolates. The most effective antibiotics were Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxime. CONCLUSION In-patients especially should be encouraged to drink adequate water daily and practice "double urination" to reduce incidence of UTL. Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefuroxime should be considered first in the treatment of UTI in the absence of a susceptibility test.
Contribution of Monocytes to Overproduction of Interleukin-6 in a Case of Cardiac Myxoma

Cardiac myxoma cells have been demonstrated to produce interleukin (IL)-6, but its role in the systemic and immunologic manifestations of patients with this tumor is controversial. There is no evidence of any other source of such cytokine, but here we report a case of myxoma with systemic manifestations at diagnosis in which we evaluated the IL-6 production by peripheral blood cells before and after surgical tumor resection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and the IL-6 expression in monocytes and lymphocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. Before surgery, 74.4% of monocytes produced IL-6, but 1 month after surgery, a decrease in both the number of monocytes and the percentage of these cells expressing IL-6 was found along with an improvement of systemic and immunologic manifestations. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that monocytes contribute to the elevated production of IL-6 in patients with myxoma.
Normal Establishment of Epithelial Tight Junctions in Mice and Cultured Cells Lacking Expression of ZO-3, a Tight-Junction MAGUK Protein

ABSTRACT ZO-1, ZO-2, and ZO-3 are closely related MAGUK family proteins that localize at the cytoplasmic surface of tight junctions (TJs). ZO-1 and ZO-2 are expressed in both epithelia and endothelia, whereas ZO-3 is exclusively expressed in epithelia. In spite of intensive studies of these TJ MAGUKs, our knowledge of their functions in vivo, especially those of ZO-3, is still fragmentary. Here, we have generated mice, as well as F9 teratocarcinoma cell lines, that do not express ZO-3 by homologous recombination. Unexpectedly, ZO-3−/− mice were viable and fertile, and rigorous phenotypic analyses identified no significant abnormalities. Moreover, ZO-3-deficient F9 teratocarcinoma cells differentiated normally into visceral endoderm epithelium-like cells in the presence of retinoic acid. These cells had a normal epithelial appearance, and the molecular architecture of their TJs did not appear to be affected, except that TJ localization of ZO-2 was upregulated. Suppression of ZO-2 expression by RNA interference in ZO-3−/− cells, however, did not affect the architecture of TJs. Furthermore, the speed with which TJs formed after a Ca2+ switch was indistinguishable between wild-type and ZO-3−/− cells. These findings indicate that ZO-3 is dispensable in vivo in terms of individual viability, epithelial differentiation, and the establishment of TJs, at least in the laboratory environment.
What response rates are needed to make reliable inferences from student evaluations of teaching?

This paper addresses the determination of statistically desirable response rates in students’ surveys, with emphasis on assessing the effect of underlying variability in the student evaluation of teaching (SET). We discuss factors affecting the determination of adequate response rates and highlight challenges caused by non-response and lack of randomization. Estimates of underlying variability were obtained for a period of 4 years, from online evaluations at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Simulations were used to examine the effect of underlying variability on desirable response rates. The UBC response rates were compared to those reported in the literature. Results indicate that small differences in underlying variability may not impact desired rates. We present acceptable response rates for a range of variability scenarios, class sizes, confidence level, and margin of error. The stability of estimates observed at UBC, over a 4-year period, indicates that valid model-based inferences of SET could be made.
Differences in biologic dose-escalation, non-biologic and steroid intensification among three anti-TNF agents: evidence from clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate prevalence of dose escalation among RA patients in normal clinical practice treated with etanercept, adalimumab or infliximab and to estimate its economic impact. METHODS A retrospective observational study of 739 patients with RA receiving continuous treatment with etanercept (n=319), adalimumab (n=313) or infliximab (n=107) for 18 months. Dose escalation, intensification of concomitant DMARDs and risk of dose escalation were evaluated, as well as costs. RESULTS Significantly more patients prescribed adalimumab (10%, p<0.001) or infliximab (35%, p<0.001) experienced dose escalation compared with patients treated with etanercept (3%). DMARD or steroid dose adjustment, when added as criteria of escalation, occurred more often among patients treated with adalimumab (28%; p=0.022) or infliximab (47%; p<0.001) than those prescribed etanercept (19%). Independent of confounding covariates, hazard of dose escalation was significantly higher for either infliximab (28.1-fold) or adalimumab (4.9-fold) relative to etanercept. Escalation among subjects treated with either infliximab or adalimumab incurred statistically significant increases in total cost of care compared with non-escalators whereas such differences observed for subjects treated with etanercept were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapies, adalimumab or infliximab, had significantly higher rates of dose escalation than patients receiving the soluble TNF receptor, etanercept, and related costs were higher.
Social loafing and self-beliefs: People's collective effort depends on the extent to which they distinguish themselves as better than others

We tested whether the belief that one is better than others on performance aspects of the self moderates social loafing, or the tendency for individuals to expend less effort when working collectively than when working individually. French students performed an easy task either individually or collectively. They were then asked to rate how they individuate themselves from others on personal abilities within various domains of social life. The loafing effect was especially strong in participants who perceived themselves as better than others, suggesting that self-beliefs related to one’s feeling of uniqueness is a significant component of social loafing. This finding is discussed from the perspective of Karau and Williams’ (1993) collective effort model.
The Design of a Human Memory Prosthesis

, CB2 1ABworkplace and on technological possibilities fordealing with these problems. These guidelinesdefine this new class of application, provide thebasis for our continuing work in support of theproblems of everyday office life, and offer a newchallenge for computer systems research.Key words: human memory, officesystems, memory prosthesis, informationretrieval, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA),mobile computing, distributed computing