Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Threshold for Central T Cell Tolerance to an Inducible Serum Protein1

We report an inducible system of self Ag expression that examines the relationship between serum protein levels and central T cell tolerance. This transgenic approach is based on tetracycline-regulated expression of a secreted form of hen egg lysozyme, tagged with a murine hemoglobin (Hb) epitope. In the absence of the tetracycline-regulated transactivator, serum levels of the chimeric protein are extremely low (≤0.1 ng/ml) and the mice show partial tolerance to both Hb(64–76) and lysozyme epitopes. In the presence of the transactivator, expression increases to 1.5 ng/ml and the mice are completely tolerant. Partial tolerance was further investigated by crossing these mice to strains expressing transgenic TCRs. At the lowest Ag levels, 3.L2tg T cells (specific for Hb(64–76)/I-Ek) escape the thymus and ∼10% of CD4+ splenocytes express the 3.L2 TCR. In contrast, 3A9 T cells (specific for hen egg lysozyme(46–61)/I-Ak) are completely eliminated by negative selection. These data define a tolerogenic threshold for negative selection of Ag-specific T cells by circulating self proteins that are 100-fold more sensitive than previously demonstrated. They suggest that partial tolerance at extremely low levels of self Ag exposure is the result of a restricted repertoire of responding T cells, rather than a simple reduction in precursor frequency; tolerogenic thresholds are T cell specific.
A comparison of four gutta-percha filling techniques in simulated C-shaped canals.

AIM To compare four gutta-percha filling techniques in simulated C-shaped canals based on filling quality at three cross-sectional levels, filling time and the apical extrusion of gutta-percha. METHODOLOGY Forty resin simulated C-shaped canals were constructed and filled using one of four techniques: cold lateral compaction (LC), ultrasonic compaction (UC), single cone with injectable gutta-percha (Obtura II(™) ) (IT) and core-carrier (Thermafil(®) ) (CC). Cross sections were made at 1 (L1), 3 (L3) and 6 (L6) mm from the canal terminus. Areas of gutta-percha, sealer and voids in each cross section were measured using an image analysis system. Data were analysed using a univariate general linear model and post hoc test (Dunnett's T3). Data on time taken to fill canals was evaluated using the Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS CC had more gutta-percha and less sealer compared with IT at L1 (P < 0.05). LC had marginally significantly less gutta-percha than CC at this level (P = 0.049). At level 3 mm, significantly more gutta-percha and less sealer were present in IT compared with LC (P < 0.05). The techniques showed no difference in quality at L6. The time for LC (20.72 min) was three times longer than for both IT (6.11 min) and CC (6.67 min), whereas for UC (26.92 min), it was four times longer (P < 0.001). Finally, the four techniques were not different in the occurrence of apical extrusion of gutta-percha. CONCLUSIONS The core-carrier technique was the most effective technique when assessed by gutta-percha area in this simulated C-shaped canal.
Efficient use of automatic exposure control systems in computed tomography requires correct patient positioning

Background: Image quality and radiation dose to the patient are important factors in computed tomography (CT). To provide constant image quality, tube current modulation (TCM) performed by automatic exposure control (AEC) adjusts the tube current to the patient's size and shape. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of patient centering on tube current–time product (mAs) and image noise. Material and Methods: An oval-shaped acrylic phantom was scanned in various off-center positions, at 30-mm intervals within a 500-mm field of view, using three different CT scanners. Acquisition parameters were similar to routine abdomen examinations at each site. The mAs was recorded and noise measured in the images. The correlation of mAs and noise with position was calculated using Pearson correlation. Results: In all three scanners, the mAs delivered by the AEC changed with y-position of the phantom (P<0.001), with correlation values of 0.98 for scanners A and B and −0.98 for scanner C. With x-position, mAs changes were 4.9% or less. As the phantom moved into the y-positions, compared with the iso-center, the mAs varied by up to +70%, −34%, and +56% in scanners A, B, and C, respectively. For scanners A and B, noise in two regions of interest in the lower part of the phantom decreased with elevation, with correlation factors from −0.95 to −0.86 (P<0.02). In the x-direction, significant noise relationships (P<0.005) were only seen in scanner A. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that patient centering markedly affects the efficacy of AEC function and that tube current changes vary between scanners. Tube position when acquiring the scout projection radiograph is decisive for the direction of the mAs change. Off-center patient positions cause errors in tube current modulation that can outweigh the dose reduction gained by AEC use, and image quality is affected.
Isolated limb perfusion for unresectable extremity sarcoma

Controversy has surrounded the role of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for unresectable extremity sarcomas. However, there remains a group of sarcoma patients for whom amputation is the only potential treatment. Because systemic therapies are limited, the authors evaluated ILP in an effort to provide a limb‐salvage option.
Defective immunoglobulin M responses to vaccination or infection with Schistosoma mansoni in xid mice

Mice vaccinated with irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae develop a persistent immunoglobulin M (IgM) antischistosomulum antibody response. To investigate the possible role of antilarval IgM antibodies in the effector mechanism of vaccine-induced immunity, CBA/N mice, which have an X-linked genetic defect resulting in impaired IgM antibody responses to certain antigens, were analyzed for their resistance to a challenge infection. When either infected with unattenuated parasites or vaccinated with irradiated cercariae, mice of this inbred strain failed to produce detectable IgM antibodies to schistosomulum surface membrane and soluble worm antigens. To analyze the effect of this IgM deficiency on immunity, F1 hybrids were constructed between CBA/N females and nondefective C57BL/6J males. As expected, vaccinated (CBA/N X C57BL/6J)F1 females, as well as (CBA/J X C57BL/6J)F1 males and females, produced normal IgM antibodies to both surface antigens and worm antigen extracts. However, such antibodies were not produced by (CBA/N X C57BL/6J)F1 males (hemizygous for xid). Nevertheless, (CBA/N + C57BL/6J)F1 males displayed the same high levels of immunity to challenge infection as (CBA/N X C57BL/6J)F1 females and (CBA/J X C57BL/6J)F1 males and females. These results indicate that vaccine-induced immunity is not dependent on an IgM response to schistosome antigens.
Site‐specific cartilage changes in murine degenerative knee joint disease induced by iodoacetate and collagenase

Degenerative joint disease was induced in the knee joints of mice by intraarticular injection of two different stimuli: iodoacetate and highly purified collagenase. Proteoglycan synthesis was measured in vivo at different time points in four topographical areas of the knee joint (central and peripheral parts of the patella and central parts of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus) and was compared with histological observations of localized damage to the joint. In vitro incubation with iodoacetate had a direct effect on proteoglycan metabolism. Intra‐articular injection of iodoacetate in vivo inhibited the proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage from the central part of the patella. In the peripheral part of the patella, inhibition on day 1 was followed by stimulation of synthesis on days 3–30. Proteoglycan synthesis also was inhibited in the central parts of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus. The areas with inhibited synthesis had loss of safranin O staining on histology. In vitro incubation with collagenase did not have a direct effect on the proteoglycan metabolism of intact cartilage; this led to the assumption that osteoarthritis after injection of collagenase is caused by ligamentous injury, which leads to an unstable joint. Injection of collagenase in vivo stimulated the proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage from the central and peripheral parts of the patella. In an early stage of the process, the cartilage from the tibial plateaus also was slightly stimulated. From 30 days after injection of collagenase, synthesis in the lateral tibial plateau decreased, whereas synthesis in the patella remained stimulated and synthesis in the medial tibial plateau remained normal. On histology, cartilage from the patella and the medial tibial plateau had a normal appearance, and there was loss of cartilage from the lateral tibial plateau. Our data indicate that the variation in response of cartilage from different anatomical areas of the knee joint depends on the stimulus used. This suggests that the location of cartilage damage depends on the etiological factor responsible for induction of the osteoarthritic process.
Risk factors for seropositivity to bovine coronavirus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus in dairy herds

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the association between herd-level characteristics, management routines and farm-level antibody status of bovine coronavirus (BCV) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in 257 Swedish dairy herds. The possible spatial clustering of positive herds compared with negative herds was also investigated. For each herd, a pooled milk sample from five primiparous cows was analysed for the presence of antibodies to BCV and BRSV. Herd-level information was obtained by a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between predictors and antibody status to BCV and BRSV. Large herd size, being located in southern Sweden, and not providing boots for visitors were found to be associated with being antibody-positive to BCV and BRSV. A short distance to the nearest cattle herd was an additional risk factor for BCV. One of the studied areas was suitable for spatial analysis. Positive herds were not spatially autocorrelated when compared with negative herds as estimated by the K-function regarding both BCV and BRSV. This indicates that local factors such as daily visiting milk trucks and wild animals were unlikely to be important sources of infection in this area. Moran' I statistics and semivariogram showed no evidence of spatial autocorrelation in the residuals, indicating that remaining unidentified factors are not spatially dependent in the areas under study.
Caspase inhibition increases survival of neural stem cells in the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising tool for the restoration of the enteric nervous system in a variety of motility disorders. Post‐transplant survival represents a critical limiting factor for successful repopulation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of both immunological as well as non‐immune‐mediated mechanisms on post‐transplant survival of NSC in the gut. Mouse CNS‐derived NSC (CNS‐NSC) were transplanted into the pylorus of recipient mice with and without the addition of a caspase‐1 inhibitor (Ac‐YVAD‐cmk) in the injection media. In a separate experiment, CNS‐NSC were transplanted in the pylorus of mice that were immunosuppressed by administration of cyclosporin A (CsA). Apoptosis and proliferation of the implanted cells was assessed 1 and 7 days post‐transplantation. Survival was assessed 1 week post‐transplantation. The degree of immunoresponse was also measured. The addition of a caspase‐1 inhibitor significantly reduced apoptosis, increased proliferation and enhanced survival of CNS‐NSC. CsA‐treatment did not result in improved survival. Our results indicate that caspase‐1 inhibition, but not immunosuppression, improves survival of CNS‐NSC in the gut. Pre‐treatment with a caspase‐1 inhibitor may be a practical method to enhance the ability of transplanted CNS‐NSC to survive in their new environment.
“It’s Parallel Universes”: An Analysis of Communication Between Surgeons and Intensivists*

Objectives:The intensivist-led model of ICU care requires surgical consultants and the ICU team to collaborate in the care of ICU patients and to communicate effectively across teams. We sought to characterize communication between intensivists and surgeons and to assess enablers and barriers of effective communication. Design:Qualitative interview study. An inductive data analysis approach was taken. Setting:Seven intensivist-led ICUs in four academic hospitals. Subjects:Surgeons (attendings and residents), intensivists (attendings and residents), and ICU nurses participating in the care of surgical patients in the ICU. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Communication enablers and barriers existed at two distinct levels: 1) organizational and 2) cultural. At an organizational level, participants identified that formally sanctioned communication structures and processes often acted as barriers to communication. Participants had developed informal strategies to improve communication. At a cultural level, surgical and ICU participants often expressed conflicting perspectives regarding patient ownership, scope of practice, and clinical expertise. Conclusions:Major barriers to optimal communication between surgical and ICU teams exist in the intensivist-led ICU environment. Many are related to the structures and processes meant to facilitate communication across teams and others to how some aspects of care in the ICU are conceptualized. Multiple actionable opportunities exist to improve communication in the intensivist-led ICU.
Exercise training decreases rat heart mitochondria free radical generation but does not prevent Ca2+-induced dysfunction.

Exercise provides cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, a process involving mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and calcium overload. This study tested the hypotheses that isolated mitochondria from hearts of endurance-trained rats have decreased ROS production and improved tolerance against Ca(2+)-induced dysfunction. Male Fischer 344 rats were either sedentary (Sed, n = 8) or endurance exercise trained (ET, n = 11) by running on a treadmill for 16 wk (5 days/wk, 60 min/day, 25 m/min, 6 degrees grade). Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation measures were determined with glutamate-malate or succinate as substrates, and H(2)O(2) production and permeability transition pore (PTP) opening were determined with succinate. All assays were carried out in the absence and presence of calcium. In response to 25 and 50 microM CaCl(2), Sed and ET displayed similar decreases in state 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio, and ADP:O ratio. Ca(2+)-induced PTP opening was also similar. However, H(2)O(2) production by ET was lower than Sed (P < 0.05) in the absence of calcium (323 +/- 12 vs. 362 +/- 11 pmol.min(-1). mg protein(-1)) and the presence of 50 microM CaCl(2) (154 +/- 3 vs. 197 +/- 7 pmol.min(-1). mg protein(-1)). Rotenone, which blocks electron flow from succinate to complex 1, reduced H(2)O(2) production and eliminated differences between ET and Sed. Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were not affected by exercise. Catalase activity was extremely low but increased 49% in ET (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exercise reduces ROS production in myocardial mitochondria through adaptations specific to complex 1 but does not improve mitochondrial tolerance to calcium overload.
Predictors of pain 12 months after serious injury.

OBJECTIVE The majority of patients will report pain 12 months after a serious injury. Determining the independent risk factors for pain after serious injury will establish the degree to which high-risk patients can be detected in the acute setting and the viability of early triage to specialist pain services. DESIGN A prospective cohort study of patients following serious injury was conducted. The initial assessment comprised a comprehensive battery of known and possible risk factors for persistent pain. Patients were assessed at 12 months for pain severity and for the presence of chronic pain. RESULTS Two hundred ninety patients underwent an initial assessment of whom 238 (82%) were followed up at 12 months. At 12 months, 171 (72%) patients reported some pain over the past 24 hours. Thirty-five patients (14.7%) reported chronic pain. Five factors independently predicted the 24-hour pain severity: preinjury physical role function, preinjury employment status, initial 24 hours pain score, higher beliefs in the need for medication, and compensable injury (R(2) = 0.21, P < 0.0001). Four factors predicted the presence of chronic pain at 12 months: not working prior to injury, total Abbreviated Injury Scale, initial pain severity, and initial pain control attitudes (pseudo R(2) = 0.24, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Factors present at the time of injury can allocate patients into high- or low-risk groups. The majority of cases of chronic pain emerging from the high-risk group warrant more intense clinical attention. We recommend recording these factors in discharge documentation as indicators of persistent pain.
Computing as an Evolving Discipline: 10 Observations

Computing as a discipline can be traced to the 1960s, when universities such as Stanford and CMU established computer science as a stand-alone department. Since its inception, computing has been constantly evolving as a vibrant discipline. Here, I make 10 observations on its recent development, which can serve as references for computing stakeholders - including academic leaders, faculty members, administrators, staff, students and their parents, alumni, and potential employers - to rationally embrace the changes and opportunities ahead.
Lysophosphatidic acid cooperates with EGF in inducing branching morphogenesis of embryonic mouse salivary epithelium

Epithelial morphogenesis is supported by diffusible growth factors and by nondiffusible cell substrata, such as laminin and fibronectin. When embedded in a laminin‐rich basement‐membrane substratum, embryonic mouse submandibular epithelium undergoes cell proliferation and branching morphogenesis in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mesenchyme‐free culture but not in serum‐free medium. In this study, we sought to identify the biologically active factor in serum. As this factor was heat‐stable and trypsin‐resistant, the lipid fraction was analyzed. Horse serum was fractionated by ethanol extraction, Folch partition with chloroform–methanol–water, and high‐performance liquid chromatography, and we tested the branch‐inducing activity of each fraction. We also analyzed the partially purified fraction with a mass spectrometer, indicating that the active fraction largely consisted of lysophosphatidyl‐hexose. Finally we identified the molecule as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), because, whereas lysophosphatidyl‐inositol had only a slight branch‐inducing activity, its relevant LPA fully substituted for serum and induced branching morphogenesis in cooperation with EGF. LPA receptor genes were expressed in submandibular epithelial cells. DNA‐synthesizing cells were abundant only when cultured in the presence of both EGF and LPA, but not either singly. Developmental Dynamics 235:403–410, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of inspiratory muscle work on peripheral fatigue of locomotor muscles in healthy humans

The work of breathing required during maximal exercise compromises blood flow to limb locomotor muscles and reduces exercise performance. We asked if force output of the inspiratory muscles affected exercise‐induced peripheral fatigue of locomotor muscles. Eight male cyclists exercised at ≥ 90% peak O2 uptake to exhaustion (CTRL). On a separate occasion, subjects exercised for the same duration and power output as CTRL (13.2 ± 0.9 min, 292 W), but force output of the inspiratory muscles was reduced (−56%versus CTRL) using a proportional assist ventilator (PAV). Subjects also exercised to exhaustion (7.9 ± 0.6 min, 292 W) while force output of the inspiratory muscles was increased (+80%versus CTRL) via inspiratory resistive loads (IRLs), and again for the same duration and power output with breathing unimpeded (IRL‐CTRL). Quadriceps twitch force (Qtw), in response to supramaximal paired magnetic stimuli of the femoral nerve (1–100 Hz), was assessed pre‐ and at 2.5 through to 70 min postexercise. Immediately after CTRL exercise, Qtw was reduced −28 ± 5% below pre‐exercise baseline and this reduction was attenuated following PAV exercise (−20 ± 5%; P < 0.05). Conversely, increasing the force output of the inspiratory muscles (IRL) exacerbated exercise‐induced quadriceps muscle fatigue (Qtw=−12 ± 8% IRL‐CTRL versus−20 ± 7% IRL; P < 0.05). Repeat studies between days showed that the effects of exercise per se, and of superimposed inspiratory muscle loading on quadriceps fatigue were highly reproducible. In conclusion, peripheral fatigue of locomotor muscles resulting from high‐intensity sustained exercise is, in part, due to the accompanying high levels of respiratory muscle work.
MOTIVATION OF EMPLOYEES IN SMALL-MEDIUM FOOD MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE ( SMEs )

Employee motivation is an issue that is usually overseen by most managers, yet many studies have shown that it is the key for having a successful and profitable company. The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that affect motivation of employees in small-medium food manufacturing enterprises based on Frederick Herzberg’ Two-Factor Theory of motivation. Data were gathered through interview and structured questionnaires by using a sample of 84 employees in XYZ Sdn. Bhd. , a medium-sized food manufacturing enterprise. The results of regression model suggest that responsibility and company policy are the top motivators which posted significant relationship with motivation. Other variables such as recognition, opportunity for advancement, salary, and interpersonal relationships have less profound effect on motivation. Field of Research: Motivation, Job satisfaction, Frederick-Herzberg Theory, Small-Medium Enterprise, Food industry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disruption of comA homolog in Ralstonia solanacearum does not impair its twitching motility

Ralstonia solanacearum is an important phyto‐pathogenic bacterium. The bacterium exhibits type IV pili meditated twitching motility that has been implicated in the process of natural transformation in it. A comA gene homolog, alike in several other naturally competent bacteria, has been already reported in this bacterium. However, there are no report of direct link between comA and twitching motility during the natural transformation process in this pathogen. In order to figure out any connection between comA and twitching motility, we created an insertion mutation in comA gene homolog of R. solanacearum F1C1 strain. As anticipated, the insertion mutant (CBRS01 strain) was inefficient for natural transformation. CBRS01 strain was found to be proficient for twitching motility alike the wild‐type F1C1. This is interesting since recent findings of Salzer et al. (2016;Environ Microbiol;18:65–74) showed deficiency of twitching motility due to comEC gene (comA homolog) mutation in another naturally competent Gram‐negative bacterium Thermus thermophilus. Additionally, we also found CBRS01 strain to be proficient for extracellular cellulase activity and virulence on tomato seedlings. Our findings in this work indicate that an R. solanacearum strain inefficient in undergoing natural transformation can, however, be proficient in exhibiting twitching motility.