Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of eye‐associated lymphoid tissue in corneal immune protection

Because the cornea is optimized for refraction, it relies on supporting tissues for moistening and nutrition and in particular for immune protection. Its main support tissue is the conjunctiva, in addition to the lacrimal gland, the latter which provides soluble mediators via the tear film. The cornea and conjunctiva constitute a moist mucosal surface and there is increasing evidence that apart from innate defence mechanisms, also lymphoid cells contribute to the normal homeostasis of the corneal surface. A Medline‐based literature search was performed in order to review the existing literature on the existence, composition and functions of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) at the ocular surface for corneal protection. The existence of lymphoid cells at the ocular surface and appendage has been known for many years, but for a long time they were believed erroneously to be inflammatory cells. More recent research has shown that in addition to the known presence of lymphoid cells in the lacrimal gland, they also form MALT in the conjunctiva as conjunctiva‐associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) and in the lacrimal drainage system as lacrimal drainage‐associated lymphoid tissue (LDALT). Together this constitutes an eye‐associated lymphoid tissue (EALT), which is a new component of the mucosal immune system of the body. When the topographical distribution of CALT is projected onto the ocular surface, it overlies the cornea during eye closure and is hence in a suitable position to assist the corneal immune protection during blinking and overnight. It can detect corneal antigens and prime respective effector cells, or distribute protective factors as secretory IgA.
Modeling of Continuous Wave Intracavity Raman Lasers

We present results from a simple numerical model simulating continuous wave (CW) intracavity Raman lasers and intracavity-doubled Raman lasers, which will guide optimization of experimental devices. We show that the laser efficiently converts the incident pump power into the fundamental photons, allowing us to derive simple expressions for the Raman threshold and total efficiency. The model shows that the behavior of the laser can be described as a function of two coupling parameters, and enhanced efficiency may be achieved by strongly increasing these coupling parameters for the Raman and doubling processes.
Statistical Model Checking for Hybrid Petri Nets with Multiple General Transitions

The modeling formalism of hybrid Petri nets allows investigating the dependability of e.g. critical infrastructures with hybrid characteristics. Hybrid Petri nets can model random delays with so-called general transitions. Approaches for analyzing such Petri nets are available for models with one or two general transitions, which change the discrete marking of the system by firing only once. We extend the formalism to more general transitions that possibly fire multiple times. This work provides a definition of the probability space for the evolution of hybrid Petri nets over time and presents an efficient approach to discrete-event simulation. Statistical Model Checking techniques are introduced to verify complex properties on hybrid Petri nets. The presented methods are implemented in Java and we show their feasibility in a case study that also serves to validate our results.
Distant sequences determine 5′ end formation of cox3 transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype C24

The genomic environments and the transcripts of the mitochondrial cox3 gene are investigated in three Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes. While the proximate 5′ sequences up to nucleotide position −584, the coding regions and the 3′ flanking regions are identical in Columbia (Col), C24 and Landsberg erecta (Ler), genomic variation is detected in regions further upstream. In the mitochondrial DNA of Col, a 1790 bp fragment flanked by a nonanucleotide direct repeat is present beyond position −584 with respect to the ATG. While in Ler only part of this insertion is conserved, this sequence is completely absent in C24, except for a single copy of the nonanucleotide direct repeat. Northern hybridization reveals identical major transcripts in the three ecotypes, but identifies an additional abundant 60 nt larger mRNA species in C24. The extremities of the most abundant mRNA species are identical in the three ecotypes. In C24, an extra major 5′ end is abundant. This terminus and the other major 5′ ends are located in identical sequence regions. Inspection of Atcox3 transcripts in C24/Col hybrids revealed a female inheritance of the mRNA species with the extra 5′ terminus. Thus, a mitochondrially encoded factor determines the generation of an extra 5′ mRNA end.
Structure and Function of the Escherichia coli Tol-Pal Stator Protein TolR

Background: TolR forms part of the proton-motive force (pmf)-linked stator of the Tol-Pal complex in bacteria. Results: Structural and biophysical analysis shows the periplasmic domain of TolR to be a strand-swapped dimer. Conclusion: Strand swapping blocks peptidoglycan binding by TolR. Significance: Pmf-linked stator proteins must disassemble strand-swapped dimer structures to traverse the periplasm and bind peptidoglycan. TolR is a 15-kDa inner membrane protein subunit of the Tol-Pal complex in Gram-negative bacteria, and its function is poorly understood. Tol-Pal is recruited to cell division sites where it is involved in maintaining the integrity of the outer membrane. TolR is related to MotB, the peptidoglycan (PG)-binding stator protein from the flagellum, suggesting it might serve a similar role in Tol-Pal. The only structure thus far reported for TolR is of the periplasmic domain from Haemophilus influenzae in which N- and C-terminal residues had been deleted (TolR(62–133), Escherichia coli numbering). H. influenzae TolR(62–133) is a symmetrical dimer with a large deep cleft at the dimer interface. Here, we present the 1.7-Å crystal structure of the intact periplasmic domain of E. coli TolR (TolR(36–142)). E. coli TolR(36–142) is also dimeric, but the architecture of the dimer is radically different from that of TolR(62–133) due to the intertwining of its N and C termini. TolR monomers are rotated ∼180° relative to each other as a result of this strand swapping, obliterating the putative PG-binding groove seen in TolR(62–133). We found that removal of the strand-swapped regions (TolR(60–133)) exposes cryptic PG binding activity that is absent in the full-length domain. We conclude that to function as a stator in the Tol-Pal complex dimeric TolR must undergo large scale structural remodeling reminiscent of that proposed for MotB, where the N- and C-terminal sequences unfold in order for the protein to both reach and bind the PG layer ∼90 Å away from the inner membrane.
Single-Center Experience with the Talent LPS Endograft in Patients with at Least 5 Years of Follow-up

Purpose: To evaluate long-term results in patients undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Talent LPS endograft to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods: Fifty patients (49 men; median age 72 years, range 54–89) were treated electively between 1997 and 2001 with the Talent LPS endograft chosen for various anatomical reasons, including short (≤15 mm) aortic neck (32.5%), iliac ectasia (≥18 mm) in at least 1 iliac artery (32%), angulated (30°–60°) aortic neck (16%), large (≥28 mm) aortic neck (6%), and tapered, reversed tapered, or bulging aortic neck (14%). A quarter of patients were preoperatively classified as unfit for AAA open repair, and 58% were high risk (ASA III or IV). The primary endpoints were immediate success, aneurysm-related and non-aneurysm-related mortality, secondary interventions, graft-related complications, graft migration (≥5 mm), and structural failure. Results: Implantation success was achieved in 96% (48/50). Four (8%) patients died within 30 days; in follow-up, the mortality rate was 51% over a mean 47.7±27.4 months (minimum of 5 years). Aneurysm-related mortality was 12% (6/50); 3 (6%) patients were converted. The overall reintervention rate was 16% (8/50). There were 9 (18%) endoleaks in 8 patients: 4 type I (2 proximal, 2 distal), 3 type II, and 2 type III. The migration rate was 4% (1 ruptured AAA, 1 endoleak). Individual cases of graft kinking and stent fracture occurred in this series. Conclusion: Despite the small population, trends in our results suggest that the Talent stent-graft performs well over the long term. Surveillance, especially with regard to migration and graft integrity, remains of great importance.
Reference distributions for apolipoproteins AI and B and B/AI ratios: comparison of a large cohort to the world's literature

Limiting the clinical utility of apolipoproteins AI (apo AI) and B (apo B) and the apo B/AI ratios until the last decade has been the lack of satisfactory methods for quantifying serum levels and credible reference materials. Great technological strides have been made in the last few years. The remaining barrier to more relevant and cost‐effective use of serum protein data for diagnosis and prognosis has been the availability of widely recognized reliable reference intervals from birth to old age for both males and females. A total of 82 publications reporting reference intervals have been identified that meet most of the same inclusion criteria used in our prior six studies. These have been analyzed statistically and compared to similar studies, i.e., sufficient number, listed subject criteria, method, and reference material, in general terms. Published smaller studies with constrained age ranges, agree on average with our large series of life‐long reference intervals that range from less than one year to over 80 years. This study was performed to assess the degree of agreement between smaller reference interval studies to our large population analysis. This meta‐analysis provides support and reassurance that many of the smaller reference intervals published previously fall within reasonable limits of out large population. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:218–226, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexural Stiffness of Reinforced Concrete Columns and Beams: Analytical Approach

The present ACI code 318-02 provisions on effective stiffnesses of beams and columns are reviewed. Factors influencing moments of inertia of beams and columns are discussed. The primary variables considered are: the reinforcement ratio, the axial load ratio, the eccentricity ratio, and the compressive strength of concrete. On the basis of a parametric study, simple formulas are proposed to determine the effective stiffnesses of reinforced concrete columns and beams. The proposed stiffness expressions are applicable for all levels of applied loading, including both service and ultimate loads. The analytical results show that the flexural stiffness assumption in the current ACI code procedure for design of slender columns using the moment magnifier method (Eq. 10-11 and 10-12) is extremely conservative. Recommendations are made concerning stiffness assumptions in the analysis of reinforced concrete frames under lateral loads.
Non-Affine Deformations at a Concentration Transition in Cross-Linked Elastomers in the Light of the 3D XY Spin Glass Model

X-ray and mechanical spectroscopy on liquid-crystalline elastomers give evidence of rubber elasticity, which depends upon the crosslink concentration. After applied macroscopic deformations, mesoscale non-affine deformations in these systems might lead to long relaxation times. Basing on the example of the crosslink-dependent smectic A − nematic (SmA−N) transition in polysiloxanes, we propose to use the three-dimensional Villain spin glass model and reduce it to the lattice version of the three-dimensional XY spin-glass model. By using the Monte Carlo loop algorithm in this model, we found a percolation threshold depending on the crosslink concentration.
A Pacific Moisture Conveyor Belt and Its Relationship to a Significant Precipitation Event in the Semiarid Southwestern United States

Abstract In this study the term moisture conveyor belt (MCB) is defined as an elongated band of enhanced poleward water vapor fluxes (WVFs) above the PBL that is rooted in the Tropics. This new terminology is illustrated through an exemplary detailed case study of an MCB over the northeastern Pacific during 9–13 November 2003 that provides the moisture for a significant precipitation event in the dry southwestern United States. The analysis of the involved moisture transports and dynamics comprises both Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches, and is based upon output from a simulation with the University of Wisconsin-Nonhydrostatic Modeling System, as well as analysis data, surface observations, and satellite images. The formation of the MCB is related to a quasi-stationary upper-level cutoff low (COL) resulting from a wave-breaking event over the North Pacific. A pronounced upper-tropospheric baroclinic zone and a strong, inertially unstable subtropical jet (STJ) are found to the east of the COL, where at la.
Seroprevalence of antibody to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 attributed to vaccination or infection, before and after the second (2010) pandemic wave in Australia

Historical records of influenza pandemics demonstrate variability in incidence and severity between waves. The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic was the first in which many countries implemented strain‐specific vaccination to mitigate subsequent seasons. Serosurveys provide opportunity to examine the constraining influence of antibody on population disease experience.
Application of Prospective ECG-Gated High-Pitch 128-Slice Dual-Source CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Congenital Extracardiac Vascular Anomalies in Infants and Children

Purpose To investigate the value of prospective ECG-gated high-pitch 128-slice dual-source CT (DSCT) angiography in the diagnosis of congenital extracardiac vascular anomalies in infants and children in comparison with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Methods Eighty consecutive infants or children clinically diagnosed of congenital heart disease and suspected with extracardiac vascular anomaly were enrolled, and 75 patients were finally included in this prospective study. All patients underwent prospective ECG-gated high-pitch DSCT angiography after TTE with an interval of 1–7 days. The diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of high-pitch DSCT angiography and TTE were compared according to the surgical/CCA findings. The image quality of DSCT was assessed using a five-point scale. The effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated. Results A total of 17 congenital heart diseases and 162 separate extracardiac vascular anomalies were confirmed by surgical/CCA findings in 75 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of high-pitch DSCT angiography and TTE was 99.67% and 97.89%, respectively. The sensitivity of high-pitch DSCT angiography and TTE was 97.53% and 79.62%, respectively. There was significant difference regarding to the diagnostic accuracy and the sensitivity between high-pitch DSCT angiography and TTE (χ2 = 23.561 and 28.013, P<0.05). The agreement on the image quality scoring of DSCT between the two observers was excellent (κ = 0.81), and the mean score of image quality was 4.1±0.7. The mean ED of DSCT was 0.29±0.08 mSv. Conclusions Prospective ECG-gated high-pitch 128-slice DSCT angiography with low radiation dose and high diagnostic accuracy has higher sensitivity compared to TTE in the detection of congenital extracardiac vascular anomalies in infants and children.
Keratectasia induced by laser in situ keratomileusis in keratoconus.

PURPOSE Corneal thinning disorders weaken the mechanical strength of affected corneas, suggesting that photorefractive procedures may be contraindicated in keratoconus. Few cases have been reported to confirm this hypothesis. METHODS A 45-year-old man had two laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures and one photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) performed on his left eye, and three LASIK procedures on his right eye. After these surgeries, a dramatic corneal ectasia and grade III haze occurred in both eyes, with a clinical diagnosis of keratoconus. The changes in his corneas were followed with videokeratography and slit-lamp microscopy. RESULTS Preoperative videokeratograph of both eyes suggested keratoconus. After multiple refractive procedures, the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was as low as 20/1200 bilaterally. Both eyes displayed dramatic corneal protrusion with corneal scarring. CONCLUSIONS This case emphasizes the need for preoperative corneal thickness measurement and detailed analysis of videokeratographs. Thinning corneal disorders such as keratoconus, keratoconus suspects, or pellucid marginal degeneration are a contraindication for excimer laser ablative refractive procedures.
Caveolin-1 alters Ca2+ signal duration through specific interaction with the Gαq family of G proteins

Caveolae are membrane domains having caveolin-1 (Cav1) as their main structural component. Here, we determined whether Cav1 affects Ca2+ signaling through the Gαq–phospholipase-Cβ (PLCβ) pathway using Fischer rat thyroid cells that lack Cav1 (FRTcav–) and a sister line that forms caveolae-like domains due to stable transfection with Cav1 (FRTcav+). In the resting state, we found that eCFP-Gβγ and Gαq-eYFP are similarly associated in both cell lines by Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon stimulation, the amount of FRET between Gαq-eYFP and eCFP-Gβγ remains high in FRTcav– cells, but decreases almost completely in FRTcav+ cells, suggesting that Cav1 is increasing the separation between Gαq-Gβγ subunits. In FRTcav– cells overexpressing PLCβ, a rapid recovery of Ca2+ is observed after stimulation. However, FRTcav+ cells show a sustained level of elevated Ca2+. FRET and colocalization show specific interactions between Gαq and Cav1 that increase upon stimulation. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy studies show that the mobility of Gαq-eGFP is unaffected by activation in either cell type. The mobility of eGFP-Gβγ remains slow in FRTcav– cells but increases in FRTcav+ cells. Together, our data suggest that, upon stimulation, Gαq(GTP) switches from having strong interactions with Gβγ to Cav1, thereby releasing Gβγ. This prolongs the recombination time for the heterotrimer, thus causing a sustained Ca2+ signal.
THE ROLE OF NATURAL ENEMIES IN THE EXPRESSION AND EVOLUTION OF MIXED MATING IN HERMAPHRODITIC PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Abstract Although a large portion of plant and animal species exhibit intermediate levels of outcrossing, the factors that maintain this wealth of variation are not well understood. Natural enemies are one relatively understudied ecological factor that may influence the evolutionary stability of mixed mating. In this paper, we aim for a conceptual unification of the role of enemies in mating system expression and evolution in both hermaphroditic animals and plants. We review current theory and detail the potential effects of enemies on fundamental mating system parameters. In doing so, we identify situations in which consideration of enemies alters expectations about the stability of mixed mating. Generally, we find that inclusion of the enemy dimension may broaden conditions in which mixed mating systems are evolutionarily stable. Finally, we highlight avenues ripe for future theoretical and empirical work that will advance our understanding of enemies in the expression and evolution of mixed mating in their hosts/victims, including examination of feedback cycles between victims and enemies and quantification of mating system-related parameters in victim populations in the presence and absence of enemies.
Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in Canada

Neurosyphilis refers to infection of the central nervous system by Treponema pallidum, which may occur at any stage. Neurosyphilis has been categorized in many ways including early and late, asymptomatic versus symptomatic and infectious versus non-infectious. Late neurosyphilis primarily affects the central nervous system parenchyma, and occurs beyond early latent syphilis, years to decades after the initial infection. Associated clinical syndromes include general paresis, tabes dorsalis, vision loss, hearing loss and psychiatric manifestations. Unique algorithms are recommended for HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, as immunocompromised patients may present with serologic and cerebrospinal fluid findings that are different from immunocompetent hosts. Antibody assays include a VDRL assay and the FTA-Abs, while polymerase chain reaction for T. pallidum can be used as direct detection assays for some specimens. This chapter reviews guidelines for specimen types and sample collection, and identifies two possible algorithms for use with immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts using currently available tests in Canada, along with a review of treatment response and laboratory testing follow-up.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of symptoms of depression in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of depression in a large sample of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study of 376 patients with SSc from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and through extensive clinical histories and medical examinations. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship of sociodemographic and clinical variables with symptoms of depression. RESULTS The percentages of patients who scored > or =16 and > or =23 on the CES-D were 35.1% and 18.1%, respectively. Patients with less education; patients who were not married; patients with higher physician-rated overall disease severity; and patients with more tender joints, more gastrointestinal symptoms, and more difficulty breathing had significantly higher total CES-D scores. As a group, specific symptom indicators (tender joints, gastrointestinal symptoms, breathing) predicted the most incremental variance in depressive symptoms (DeltaR(2) = 14.2%, P < 0.001) despite being added to the model after demographic, socioeconomic, and global disease duration/severity indicators. CONCLUSION High levels of depressive symptoms are common in patients with SSc and are related to overall SSc disease severity, as well as specific medical symptoms. Screening for depression among patients with SSc is recommended, although more research is needed to determine the best method for doing this. Successfully treating dyspnea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and joint pain may improve mood, although this has not yet been demonstrated.
The Action of Norepinephrine, Epinephrine and Isopropyl Norepinephrine on the Rhythmic Function of the Heart

The actions of norepinephrine and isopropyl norepinephrine on the rhythmic property of the heart were studied and compared with that of epinephrine. Norepinephrine does not abolish cardiac standstill by carotid sinus stimulation, has no effect on the ventricular rate of heart block and induces a sinus bradycardia. Isopropyl norepinephrine acts similarly to epinephrine in that it abolishes the induced cardiac standstill, increases the ventricular rate of heart block and produces a sinus tachycardia. In the treatment of cardiac arrest, the isopropyl compound appears to possess optimum features as it is very potent in the prevention of cardiac standstill and does not predispose to ventricular fibrillation.