Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microenvironment and Immunology SA-4-1 BBL and Monophosphoryl Lipid A Constitute an Ef fi cacious Combination Adjuvant for Cancer Vaccines

Vaccines based on tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have limited therapeutic efficacy due to their weak immunogenic nature and the various immune evasion mechanisms active in advanced tumors. In an effort to overcome these limitations, we evaluated a combination of the T-cell costimulatorymolecule SA-4-1BBLwith the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) as a novel vaccine adjuvant system. In the TC-1 mouse allograft model of human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced cancer, a single administration of this combination adjuvant withHPVE7 protein caused tumor rejection in all tumor-bearingmice. On its own, SA-4-1BBL outperformedMPL in this setting. Against established tumors, two vaccinations were sufficient to elicit rejection in the majority of mice. In the metastatic model of Lewis lung carcinoma, vaccination of the TAA survivin with SA-4-1BBL/MPL yielded superior efficacy against pulmonary metastases. Therapeutic efficacy of SA-4-1BBL/MPL was achieved in the absence of detectable toxicity, correlating with enhanced dendritic cell activation, CD8þ T-cell function, and an increased intratumoral ratio of CD8þ T effector cells to CD4þFoxP3þ T regulatory cells. Unexpectedly, use of MPL on its own was associated with unfavorable intratumoral ratios of these T-cell populations, resulting in suboptimal efficacy. The efficacy of MPL monotherapy was restored by depletion of T regulatory cells, whereas eliminating CD8þ T cells abolished the efficacy of its combination with SA-4-1BBL. Mechanistic investigations showed that IFNg played a critical role in supporting the therapeutic effect of SA-4-1BBL/MPL. Taken together, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for the use of a powerful new adjuvant system for TAA-based cancer vaccines. Cancer Res; 74(22); 6441–51. 2014 AACR.
SINGLE INTERCONNECTION OF KURAMOTO COUPLED OSCILLATORS

Abstract In this work, we analyze the almost global synchronization property of sinusoidally coupled oscillators. In contrast with previous works, we introduce an approach that uses the strong basic facts of algebraic graph theory to prove dynamical properties of the standard symmetric Kuramoto model. We show how we can interconnect two (or several) systems via bridges, keeping the almost global synchronization. These ideas can be used to explore other kinds of interconnections.
Deriving qualitative rules from neural networks - a case study for ozone forecasting

As alternative to physical models, neural networks are a valuable forecast tool in environmental sciences. They can be used effectively due to their learning capabilities and their low computational costs. As far as the relevant variables of the system are measured and put into the network, it works fast and accurately. However, one of the major shortcomings of neural networks is that they do not reveal causal relationships between major system components and thus are unable to improve the explicit knowledge of the user. To overcome this problem, we introduce an approach for deriving qualitative informations out of neural networks. Some of the resulting rules can be directly used by a qualitative simulator for producing possible future scenarios. Because of the explicit representation of knowledge the rules should be easier to understand and can be used as starting point for creating models wherever a physical model is not available. We illustrate our approach using a Network for predicting surface ozone concentrations and discuss open problems and future research directions.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE ON REPRODUCTION AND FAWN HARVEST VULNERABILITY IN WISCONSIN WHITE-TAILED DEER

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that affects free-ranging and captive North American cervids. Although the impacts of CWD on cervid survival have been documented, little is known about the disease impacts on reproduction and recruitment. We used genetic methods and harvest data (2002–04) to reconstruct parentage for a cohort of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns born in spring 2002 and evaluate the effects of CWD infection on reproduction and fawn harvest vulnerability. There was no difference between CWD-positive and CWD-negative male deer in the probability of being a parent. However, CWD-positive females were more likely to be parents than CWD-negative females. Because our results are based on harvested animals, we evaluated the hypothesis that higher parentage rates occurred because fawns with CWD-positive mothers were more vulnerable to harvest. Male fawns with CWD-positive mothers were harvested earlier (>1 mo relative to their mother’s date of harvest) and farther away from their mothers than male fawns with CWD-negative mothers. Male fawns with CWD-positive mothers were also harvested much earlier and farther away than female fawns from CWD-positive mothers. Most female fawns (86%) with CWD-positive mothers were harvested from the same section as their mothers, while almost half of male and female fawns with CWD-negative mothers were farther away. We conclude that preclinical stages of CWD infection do not prohibit white-tailed deer from successfully reproducing. However, apparently higher harvest vulnerability of male fawns with CWD-positive mothers suggests that CWD infection may make females less capable of providing adequate parental care to ensure the survival and recruitment of their fawns.
Effect of L-DOPA on blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity after decarboxylase inhibition in cats.

Blood pressure, heart rate and electrical activity of preganglionic splanchnic sympathetic nerves and postganglionic renal and cardiac sympathetic nerves were measured in cats given L-dopa after pretreatment with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. L-Dopa caused a reduction in pre- and postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity which closely paralleled the fall in blood pressure and heart rate. L-Dopa, when given with a decarboxylase inhibitor, reduces sympathetic nerve activity through an effect on the central nervous system. This is a mechanism by which L-dopa lowers blood pressure in anesthetized cats.
Hepatitis C virus antibodies among risk groups in a South African area endemic for hepatitis B virus

The prevalence of anti‐HCV was studied in a South African area endemic for hepatitis B virus. A total of 35,685 volunteer blood donors (22,034 whites, 9,218 Asians, 3,077 Africans, 1,356 coloureds), 71 haemophiliacs, 84 chronic dialysis patients, 100 antenatal attenders, 212 nurses, and 20 HIV‐positive male homosexuals were tested for anti‐HCV. Repeat positive second generation Ortho HCV EIA was used to determine HCV status for the blood donors; Abbott‐II HCV EIA combined with a neutralisation test was used for the other risk groups. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) was also tested in the haemophiliacs, nurses, and chronic dialysis patients. Seroprevalence for the blood donor population was 0.16, 0.34, 0.75, and 0.22% for whites, Asians, Africans, and coloureds, respectively. Of the risk groups tested, 39.4% of haemophiliacs and 4.8% of chronic dialysis patients were positive; of the remainder tested none was positive. Fifty percent of nurses, 47.9% of haemophiliacs, and 22.6% of dialysis patients had serological evidence of past exposure to hepatitis B virus (anti‐HBc positive). These findings indicate a low prevalence of anti‐HCV in the blood donor population, thus probably resulting in a low prevalence in groups exposed to blood and blood derivatives. The overall difference in prevalence between the race groups was significant (P < 0.0001). The high prevalence of hepatitis B virus compared to the low prevalence of HCV suggests that the main modes of transmission of the two viruses are probably different. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nano-Cones Formed on a Surface of Semiconductors by Laser Radiation: Technology, Model and Properties

The new laser method for nanostructures formation on a surface of semiconductors Si, Ge, GaAs and SiGe, CdZnTe solid solutions is proposed. For the first time was shown the possibility of graded band gap structure formation in elementary semiconductors. Thermogradient effect has a main role in initial stage of nano‐cones and graded band gap structure formation by laser radiation in semiconductors.
Importance of the N-Distal AP-2 Binding Element in Nef for Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Replication and Pathogenicity in Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT Point mutations in SIVmac239 Nef disrupting CD4 downmodulation and enhancement of virion infectivity attenuate viral replication in acutely infected rhesus macaques, but changes selected later in infection fully restore Nef function (A. J. Iafrate et al., J. Virol. 74:9836-9844, 2000). To further evaluate the relevance of these Nef functions for viral persistence and disease progression, we analyzed an SIVmac239 Nef mutant containing a deletion of amino acids Q64 to N67 (Δ64-67Nef). This mutation inactivates the N-distal AP-2 clathrin adaptor binding element and disrupts the abilities of Nef to downregulate CD4, CD28 and CXCR4 and to stimulate viral replication in vitro. However, it does not impair the downmodulation of CD3 and class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) or MHC-II and the upregulation of the MHC-II-associated invariant chain, and it has only a moderate effect on the enhancement of virion infectivity. Replication of the Δ64-67Nef variant in acutely infected macaques was intermediate between grossly nef-deleted and wild-type SIVmac239. Subsequently, three of six macaques developed moderate to high viral loads and developed disease, whereas the remaining animals efficiently controlled SIV replication and showed a more attenuated clinical course of infection. Sequence analysis revealed that the deletion in nef was not repaired in any of these animals. However, some changes that slightly enhanced the ability of Nef to downmodulate CD4 and moderately increased Nef-mediated enhancement of viral replication and infectivity in vitro were observed in macaques developing high viral loads. Our results imply that both the Nef functions that were disrupted by the Δ64-67 mutation and the activities that remained intact contribute to viral pathogenicity.
Metabolic and Respiratory Costs of Increasing Song Amplitude in Zebra Finches

Bird song is a widely used model in the study of animal communication and sexual selection, and several song features have been shown to reflect the quality of the singer. Recent studies have demonstrated that song amplitude may be an honest signal of current condition in males and that females prefer high amplitude songs. In addition, birds raise the amplitude of their songs to communicate in noisy environments. Although it is generally assumed that louder song should be more costly to produce, there has been little empirical evidence to support this assumption. We tested the assumption by measuring oxygen consumption and respiratory patterns in adult male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) singing at different amplitudes in different background noise conditions. As background noise levels increased, birds significantly increased the sound pressure level of their songs. We found that louder songs required significantly greater subsyringeal air sac pressure than quieter songs. Though increased pressure is probably achieved by increasing respiratory muscle activity, these increases did not correlate with measurable increases in oxygen consumption. In addition, we found that oxygen consumption increased in higher background noise, independent of singing behaviour. This observation supports previous research in mammals showing that high levels of environmental noise can induce physiological stress responses. While our study did not find that increasing vocal amplitude increased metabolic costs, further research is needed to determine whether there are other non-metabolic costs of singing louder or costs associated with chronic noise exposure.
Omnistereo: Panoramic Stereo Imaging

An omnistereo panorama consists of a pair of panoramic images, where one panorama is for the left eye and another panorama is for the right eye. The panoramic stereo pair provides a stereo sensation up to a full 360 degrees. Omnistereo panoramas can be constructed by mosaicing images from a single rotating camera. This approach also enables the control of stereo disparity, giving larger baselines for faraway scenes, and a smaller baseline for closer scenes. Capturing panoramic omnistereo images with a rotating camera makes it impossible to capture dynamic scenes at video rates and limits omnistereo imaging to stationary scenes. We present two possibilities for capturing omnistereo panoramas using optics without any moving parts. A special mirror is introduced such that viewing the scene through this mirror creates the same rays as those used with the rotating cameras. The lens used for omnistereo panorama is also introduced, together with the design of the mirror. Omnistereo panoramas can also be rendered by computer graphics methods to represent virtual environments.
Medial Prefrontal Cortex Supports Recollection, But Not Familiarity, in the Rat

There is continuing controversy about the extent to which the rodent medial prefrontal cortical area (mPFC) is functionally homologous to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in humans and nonhuman primates. Previous studies have compared the effects of mPFC lesions in rats to those of dorsolateral prefrontal lesions in working memory, strategy switching, and temporal ordering. None, however, has examined the role of the rodent mPFC in recognition memory, wherein, in humans, dorsolateral prefrontal damage results in a deficit in source monitoring resulting in impaired recollection. In the present study, we examined recognition memory in rats with bilateral mPFC lesions (prelimbic/infralimbic regions; ibotenic acid) using a variant of a non-match-to-sample task with manipulations of response bias that allowed for a signal detection analysis that distinguishes recollection and familiarity contributions to recognition memory. Animals with medial prefrontal lesions had a modest overall deficit in recognition with no general change in their tendency to elicit “old” or “new” responses. Signal detection analyses indicated that rats with mPFC damage had a curvilinear and symmetrical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, compared with a curvilinear and asymmetrical ROC curve in control subjects, indicating that mPFC damage severely reduced recollection-based performance, while sparing familiarity. The recollection failure was associated with an impaired ability to reject new items (increased false alarm rate), whereas the identification of old items (hit rate) was normal. This pattern of findings is similar to that observed in humans with dorsolateral prefrontal damage and is complementary to the selective deficit in hit rate observed after hippocampal damage.
Effect of newborn’s admission to intensive care unit on “quality of life” of mother: an Indian perspective

Abstract Background: Newborn hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) raises a mother’s risk of reduced health-related quality of life (QoL). We explored the contributors inducing stress among mothers related to NICU. Methodology: One hundred thirty-five mothers, whose newborn has completed 48 hours of NICU stay, were interviewed using parental stress scale: neonatal intensive care unit and SF-36 health survey questionnaire for further assessment. Results: The look and behavior of the baby were predominant contributor to the decreased QoL among mothers (p= <.001). A moderate negative association between parental stresses related to the NICU environment and their QoL = −. 467 was observed. Conclusion: It is required to look back at the interiors of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the duration provided for the mother and child’s physical bonding, the unnecessary noise of the alarms and the jungle of wires around the baby to optimize the QoL of mothers. The further policy requires focusing on building a relation of the mother and child, especially when a child needs supportive care.
Patients’ experiences and perceptions of medical student candidates sitting a finals examination

Background: The Final Professional Examination for medical students at Leicester Medical School involves the use of real patients, and senior clinicians assess students over a series of consultations with these patients. What the patients themselves think of the students is not known. Aims: This qualitative study identifies the perceptions and opinions which patients who have been used in this examination have of the student candidates, and whether these may be used to enhance the training of medical students. Method: Patients who had participated in a number of examination diets were interviewed in either a group interview or individually. The interviews were loosely structured in order to discover the experiences that these patients had and how they interpreted them. Data was analysed inductively using the constant comparative method. Results: The large majority of views of patients fell into the following categories: observations on student conduct during the examination (both in terms of affective and professional behaviours), demographic characteristics of students and views on student performance. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, educational recommendations are made which might improve student performance in the examination and lead to greater patient satisfaction with the ‘end product’ of the medical school, namely the graduating student. These include the incorporation of students’ observation of infection control measures within the assessment schedule, and more direct preparation of students in handling uncertainty and their anxieties within the consultation. Practice points Patients used for finals examinations make judgments on the student candidates. These judgements are based on behavioural characteristics of students. Anxiety demonstrated by students is perceived by patients to be associated with poorer performance and competence. Patients have major concerns about hygiene and infection control in the examination setting. Patients are keen to provide feedback to students on their performance, but not to contribute to the overall score or mark.
Communication and miscommunication: The role of egocentric processes

Abstract Communication is typically considered to be guided by principles of cooperation, requiring the consideration of the communication partner's mental states for its success. Miscommunication, in turn, is considered a product of noise and random error. I argue that communication proceeds in a relatively egocentric manner, with addressees routinely interpreting what speakers say from their own perspective, and speakers disambiguating their utterances with little consideration to the mental states of their addressees. Speakers also tend to overestimate how effective they are, believing that their message is understood more often than it really is. Together, these findings suggest a systematic cause for miscommunication.
Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging of tumor hypoxia: Enhanced spatial and temporal resolution for in vivo pO2 determination

The time‐domain (TD) mode of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data collection offers a means of estimating the concentration of a paramagnetic probe and the oxygen‐dependent linewidth (LW) to generate pO2 maps with minimal errors. A methodology for noninvasive pO2 imaging based on the application of TD‐EPR using oxygen‐induced LW broadening of a triarylmethyl (TAM)‐based radical is presented. The decay of pixel intensities in an image is used to estimate T 2* , which is inversely proportional to pO2. Factors affecting T 2* in each pixel are critically analyzed to extract the contribution of dissolved oxygen to EPR line‐broadening. Suitable experimental and image‐processing parameters were obtained to produce pO2 maps with minimal artifacts. Image artifacts were also minimized with the use of a novel data collection strategy using multiple gradients. Results from a phantom and in vivo imaging of tumor‐bearing mice validated this novel method of noninvasive oximetry. The current imaging protocols achieve a spatial resolution of ∼1.0 mm and a temporal resolution of ∼9 s for 2D pO2 mapping, with a reliable oxygen resolution of ∼1 mmHg (0.12% oxygen in gas phase). This work demonstrates that in vivo oximetry can be performed with good sensitivity, accuracy, and high spatial and temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case-control study of stroke and the quality of hypertension control in north west England

Abstract Objective: To examine the risk of stroke in relation to quality of hypertension control in routine general practice across an entire health district. Design: Population based matched case-control study. Setting: East Lancashire Health District with a participating population of 388 821 aged (80. Subjects: Cases were patients under 80 with their first stroke identified from a population based stroke register between 1 July 1994 and 30 June 1995. For each case two controls matched with the case for age and sex were selected from the same practice register. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ! 160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ! 95 mm Hg, or both, on at least two occasions within any three month period or any history of treatment with antihypertensive drugs. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of hypertension and quality of control of hypertension (assessed by using the mean blood pressure recorded before stroke) and odds ratios of stroke (derived from conditional logistic regression). Results: Records of 267 cases and 534 controls were examined; 61% and 42% of these subjects respectively were hypertensive. Compared with non-hypertensive subjects hypertensive patients receiving treatment whose average pre-event systolic blood pressure was controlled to <140 mm Hg had an adjusted odds ratio for stroke of 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 2.7). Those fairly well controlled (140-149 mm Hg), moderately controlled (150-159 mm Hg), or poorly controlled (! 160 mm Hg) or untreated had progressively raised odds ratios of 1.6, 2.2, 3.2, and 3.5 respectively. Results for diastolic pressure were similar; both were independent of initial pressures before treatment. Around 21% of strokes were thus attributable to inadequate control with treatment, or 46 first events yearly per 100 000 population aged 40-79. Conclusions: Risk of stroke was clearly related to quality of control of blood pressure with treatment. In routine practice consistent control of blood pressure to below 150/90 mm Hg seems to be required for optimal stroke prevention. Key messages A case-control study based on the community stroke register and practice records showed a prevalence of hypertension of 61% for stroke patients and 42% in controls Quality of control of blood pressure was clearly related to the risk of stroke, independent of baseline blood pressure Detection and treatment rates of hypertension were high but control of blood pressure to below 150/90 mm Hg in treated hypertensive patients was only 33% in cases and 42% in controls When achieving optimal control of hypertension (to <150/90 mm Hg) in the most at risk and treatable age range (40-79 years) 86 hypertensive patients currently not well controlled need to be treated over five years to prevent one stroke