Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Assessment of Determinant Specificity, Frequency, and Cytokine Signature of the Primed CD8 Cell Repertoire Induced by a Minor Transplantation Antigen1

T cell immunity is often focused on one peptide segment of a complex protein Ag, with other epitopes inducing weaker, low frequency responses or no responses at all. Such determinant hierarchy has been well characterized for MHC class II-restricted CD4 cell immunity, but is less well understood for class I-restricted CD8 cell responses. We studied class I determinant recognition in a skin transplant model with β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a minor transplantation Ag. CD8 T cells from C57BL/6 mice that rejected congenic C57BL/6 β-gal transgenic skin were tested in enzyme-linked immunospot assays for recall responses to single-step, overlapping, 9-mer peptides that spanned a 94-aa region of the β-gal sequence. This approach provided every possible class I-restricted peptide for CD8 cell recognition, allowing us to define the in vivo frequency of CD8 cells specific for each of the 86 individual peptides. While four peptides were predicted to bind to the Kb or Db molecules, only one (β-gal96–103) actually induced an immune response. No peptides outside of the motifs were recognized. Tolerization to β-gal96–103 significantly prolonged β-gal transgenic skin graft survival, confirming its immune dominance. Therefore, single-determinant dominance characterized this CD8 cell response. The data demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale, comprehensive, class I determinant mapping, an approach that should be indispensable in measuring CD8 cell immunity in humans.
UMA SOLUÇÃO DE BAIXO CUSTO PARA TOMOGRAFIA SPECT DE ALTA RESOLUÇÃO E SENSIBILIDADE DE PEQUENOS ANIMAIS DE EXPERIMENTAÇÃO: CONSIDERAÇÕES PRÁTICAS

Introducao: No ambiente clinico, tecnicas de obtencao de imagens in vivo sao consideradas ferramentas padrao na avaliacao da morfologia ou funcionalidade de orgaos no interior do corpo humano. A transferencia dessas tecnicas para o ambiente pre-clinico melhoraria aspectos economicos, eticos ou estatisticos dos procedimentos experimentais, ja que o numero necessario de animais e reduzido, podem ser feitas avaliacoes longitudinais em diferentes momentos no mesmo grupo experimental e os animais podem ser usados como seus proprios controles. Objetivo: Neste trabalho, apresentamos uma revisao da nossa experiencia adquirida no desenvolvimento de instrumentacao para produzir imagens tomograficas SPECT de alta qualidade de orgaos de pequenos animais, usando como base uma câmara clinica durante o tempo ocioso, em combinacao com colimadores de orificio simples e multiorificio. Metodos: As adaptacoes de hardware da câmara clinica incluem a construcao de um dispositivo apropriado para colimacao e blindagem, assim como um conjunto para posicionamento e rotacao do alvo. As adaptacoes de software incluem uma ferramenta para sincronizacao da rotacao do alvo com o protocolo de registro da câmara, e uma ferramenta de reconstrucao de imagens tomograficas utilizando o algoritmo de Maxima Verossimilhanca. Com este sistema, obtivemos imagens detalhadas de orgaos como o coracao e os rins de ratos e hamsters, em menos de 1 h, com resolucao espacial proxima de 1,5 mm (FWHM). O modulo de adaptacao e montado em um carro, de forma que pode ser usado em diferentes câmaras. Conclusao: Assim sendo, esta e uma solucao de baixo custo, multiplataforma e multiproposito, com aplicacao em estudios pre-clinicos em areas como Cardiologia, Neurologia ou Nefrologia.
Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization-Induced Changes in Skim Milk: Impact on Acid Coagulation Properties

The effects of ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) on skim milk yogurt making properties were investigated. UHPH-treated milk was compared with conventionally homogenised (15 MPa) heat-treated skim milk (90°C for 90 s), and to skim milk treated under the same thermal conditions but fortified with 3% skim milk powder. Results of the present study showed that UHPH is capable of reducing skim milk particle size which leads to the formation of finer dispersions than those obtained by conventional homogenisation combined with heat treatment. In addition, results involving coagulation properties and yogurt characteristics reflected that, when increasing UHPH pressure conditions some parameters such as density of the gel, aggregation rate and water retention are improved.
A linear-system-theoretic view of discrete-event processes

A discrete-event system is a system whose behavior can be described by means of a set of time-consuming activities, performed according to a prescribed ordering. Events correspond to starting or ending some activity. An analogy between linear systems and a class of discrete-event systems is developed. Following this analogy, such discrete-event systems can be viewed as linear, in the sense of an appropriate algebra. The periodical behavior of closed discrete-event systems, i.e. involving a set of repeatedly performed activities, can be totally characterized by solving an eigenvalue and eigenvector equation in this algebra. This problem is numerically solved by an efficient algorithm which basically consists in finding the shortest paths from one node to all other nodes in a graph. The potentiality of this approach for the performance evaluation of repetitive production processes is illustrated on an example.
A biophysical interpretation of temperature-dependent body size in Drosophila aldrichi and

The temperature–size rule, the observation that most ectotherms grow faster but reach smaller size at higher temperatures, has defied a general explanation. Here, the temperature–size rule in Drosophila aldrichi and Drosophila buzzatii is investigated, using data on development rate and adult dry weight at nine temperatures. In both species the linear regression of dry weight on temperature is negative. The data are used to infer the potential for a description of temperature dependent size by biophysical modelling. The biophysical Sharpe–Schoolfield model for biological rates and its derivative model for adult weight yield detailed patterns for the two species’ development rate, growth rate, and adult weight. These detailed patterns do not confirm the existence of a simple temperature–size rule. The species differ significantly in the values of the parameters in the Sharpe–Schoolfield model, and as a consequence in different patterns of weight over temperatures. The different parameters of the Sharpe– Schoolfield model play distinct roles in the patterns of weight over temperatures. A temperature–size rule as a negative regression of weight on temperature might statistically follow from an upper temperature boundary for growth that is lower than the upper temperature boundary for development; as such a relation between the upper temperature boundaries for growth and development would lead to a decrease of weight at high temperature. & 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Exposure to parturient cats: a risk factor for acquisition of Q fever in Maritime Canada.

Over a 34-mo period we studied 51 patients with Q fever and 102 control subjects (with various lower-respiratory-tract infections) who were matched for age, sex, and time of onset of infection. By univariate analysis (not adjusted for multiple comparisons), cases differed significantly from controls in the following activities: working on a farm; slaughtering or dressing animals; and contact with cats, cattle, and sheep. The strongest association was with exposure to stillborn kittens--11 of 51 cases vs. none of 102 controls (P less than .00000)--and with exposure to parturient cats (odds ratio, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-31.8). Exposures to newborn animals (chiefly kittens) and stillborn kittens were significant risk factors by multivariate analysis, as were rural residence and slaughtering or dressing animals. In 13 Q fever incidents following exposure to parturient cats, 80 people became ill, 52 of whom had serological evidence of recent Coxiella burnetii infection (most of the others were not tested).
Italian recommendations on dental support in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

BACKGROUND The aim of the present article is to present a set of proposed clinical recommendations aimed at Italian dentists involved in the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or snoring. METHODS With the purpose of creating a study group, some of the most important Italian scientific societies operating in fields relevant to the issue of sleep medicine in dentistry were asked to appoint a representative. Each member of the study group was required to answer questions regarding the clinical management of OSAS and snoring. RESULTS Oral appliances can be used to treat: - simple snoring, in patients who do not respond to, or do not appear to be suitable candidates for behavioral measures such as weight loss or positional therapy; - mild or moderate OSAS, in patients who prefer OAs to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or who are not suitable candidates for CPAP, because of its failure or failure of behavioral approaches like weight loss or positional therapy; - severe OSAS, in patients who do not respond to or do not tolerate CPAP and in whom no indication for either maxillofacial or ENT surgery appears applicable. CONCLUSIONS The application of oral appliances is highly desirable in cases of simple snoring or mild to moderate OSAS, whereas considerable caution is warranted when treating severe OSAS. It is fundamental to ensure that the patient understands his problem and, at the same time, to present all the various treatment options.
How Much Stress are Presidents Under ? A Study of Age Progression in Automated Face Recognition

One of the major challenges faced by automatic face recognition is caused by aging. An algorithm has recently been developed that can not only recognize a face that has aged, but can also tell how much the face has aged. We collected several photographs of U.S. presidents before and after they were in office and sent them through the algorithm. The results will show how much each president appeared to age while he was in office, whether it was more than he should have or less.
The Relevance of IS Academic Research: Not As Good As It Can Get

It is generally agreed that IS practitioners do not read academic research. Does it imply that research is irrelevant to practice or does not inform practice? While I believe that this is not the case, and that dissemination does take place, I am concerned because I believe that academic research should be readable and accessible to practitioners. I suggest that writing for practitioners should be rewarded, but only as a complement to and based upon academic research. Academic research should address important and interesting issues. It should be relevant to audiences other than businesses, such as the non-profit and public sectors and society at large.
Effect of reflux‐induced inflammation on transient receptor potential vanilloid one (TRPV1) expression in primary sensory neurons innervating the oesophagus of rats

Abstract A possible mechanism of oesophageal hypersensitivity is the acid‐induced activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) in the primary sensory neurons. We investigated TRPV1 expression and its colocalization with substance P (SP) and isolectin B4 (IB4)‐positive cells in the thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and nodose ganglia (NGs) of rats with reflux‐induced oesophagitis (RO). RO was developed by fundus ligation and partial obstruction of the pylorus of Sprague‐Dawley rats. Four groups of rats were used; fundus ligated acute (RO 48 h), chronic 7 days (RO 7D), RO 7D + omeprazole (7D + Omz, 40 mg kg−1, i.p.) and sham‐operated controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of TRPV1, SP and IB4 expression were carried out in spinal cord (SC), DRGs and NGs. RO rats exhibited significant inflammation and increase in TRPV1‐ir and SP‐ir expressions in the SC, DRGs and NGs. The maximum colocalization of TRPV1 and SP was observed in RO 7D rats, but Omz prevented inflammation and over expression of TRPV1 and SP. TRPV1‐ir significantly increased in IB4‐positive cells in DRGs and SC, but not in the NGs. Results document that acid‐induced oesophagitis increases TRPV1 expression in both SP‐ and IB4‐positive sensory neurons. The over expression of TRPV1 may contribute to oesophageal hypersensitivity observed in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Stress and strain state of thick plates under their own weight

The method of initial functions (MIF) is an analytical method used to obtain a solution of static and dynamic equations of the theory of elasticity. In three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates the method is effective for analysing thick plates (including layered ones) in case when loads on their two opposite faces can be expanded in trigonometric series. However for a thick plate its own weight mustn't be neglected. In the paper a partial solution of the inhomogeneous system of equations, which appear in the theory of elasticity, is founded and together with MIF is used to analyse a thick isotropic plate under its own weight.
The Development of High-grade Serous Carcinoma From Atypical Proliferative (Borderline) Serous Tumors and Low-grade Micropapillary Serous Carcinoma: A Morphologic and Molecular Genetic Analysis

Recently, we have proposed a model for the development of ovarian surface epithelial tumors. In this model, all histologic types of surface epithelial tumors are divided into 2 categories designated type I and type II which correspond to 2 pathways of tumorigenesis. Type I tumors include low-grade serous carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, endometrioid carcinoma, malignant Brenner tumor, and clear cell carcinoma which develop slowly in a stepwise fashion from well-recognized precursors, namely atypical proliferative (borderline) tumors. Type II tumors are high-grade, rapidly growing tumors that typically have spread beyond the ovaries at presentation. They include high-grade serous carcinoma (“moderately” and “poorly” differentiated), malignant mixed mesodermal tumors (carcinosarcomas), and undifferentiated carcinoma. These tumors are rarely associated with morphologically recognizable precursor lesions and it has been proposed that they develop “de novo” from ovarian inclusion cysts. This model implies that the pathogenesis of type I and type II tumors are separate and independent but it is not clear whether some type II tumors develop from type I tumors. In this study, we attempted to address this issue by determining the clonality of 6 cases of high-grade serous carcinomas that were closely associated with atypical proliferative serous (borderline) tumors and invasive low-grade micropapillary serous carcinomas. We reviewed 210 ovarian serous tumors from the surgical pathology files of the Johns Hopkins Hospital and identified 3 high-grade serous carcinoma that were directly associated with atypical proliferative serous (borderline) tumors and 3 that were associated with invasive low-grade micropapillary serous carcinomas. A morphologic continuum between the high-grade carcinoma and the low-grade tumors was observed in 4 cases whereas in the remaining 2 cases the high-grade and low-grade components were separate. Mutational analyses for KRAS, BRAF, and p53 genes were performed on microdissected samples from the high-grade and low-grade tumor areas for each case. All 6 tumors demonstrated wild-type BRAF and p53 genes. Only 2 of the 6 cases were informative from a molecular genetic standpoint. In those 2 cases we found the same mutations of KRAS in both the atypical proliferative serous (borderline) tumor and the high-grade serous carcinoma component of the tumor, indicating a clonal relationship. The above results suggest that the majority of high-grade and low-grade carcinomas develop independently but in rare cases, a high-grade serous carcinoma may arise from an atypical proliferative serous (borderline) tumor.
NORTH CAROLINA MACULAR DYSTROPHY (MCDR1) IN TEXAS

Purpose: To map the gene responsible for causing a macular degeneration in a Texan family that appears clinically similar to the North Carolina macular dystrophy (MCDR1) phenotype. Methods: A single family in Texas had all the typical clinical features of the North Carolina macular dystrophy phenotype. Of 23 family members examined, 10 were affected. Blood was collected from all 23 members and fundus photographs were obtained on those affected. A detailed family history consisting of nine generations was obtained. Genotyping and likelihood analysis was performed using the closest linked MCDR1 markers. Results: The genealogic data showed no relation with the original North Carolina macular dystrophy pedigree. The dinucleotide repeat marker D6S283 yielded the highest 2‐point LOD score with a Zmax = 4.1 at theta = 0. The peak LOD score generated from multipoint analysis was 6.0. Conclusions: The linkage results indicate that the macular degeneration in this Texan family is due to a mutation in the same genomic region as that causing North Carolina macular dystrophy. Furthermore, haplotype analysis suggests that the original North Carolina family and the Texan family have the same mutation and a common founder.
Dynamic Petri-nets: a new modeling technique for sensor networks and distributed concurrent systems

This paper introduces and describes a new extension to Petri-nets that enable additional mechanisms for the modeling of dynamic distributed and concurrent behavior. The extensions provide for the creation and destruction of conventional Petri-net Places and transitions inducing dynamic behavior of Petri-Net operation. Thus the structure of the Petri-net, i.e. the interconnection of places and transitions, will evolve over time. The paper introduces specific rules for the place/transition modifications, and presents some new and well known properties of Petri-nets under these modifications. A many sorted algebraic model of the DPN is presented that formally describes the techniques and relationships presented informally. Finally, an example of the use of these extensions is included
On the Cyto‐Toxicity Caused by Quantum Dots

Quantum dots (QDs) such as CdSe QDs have been introduced as new fluorophores. The QDs conjugated with antibody are starting to be widely used for immunostaining. However there is still not sufficient analysis of the toxicity of QDs in the literature. Therefore we evaluated the cell damage caused by the quantum dots for biological applications. We performed cell viability assay to determine the difference in cell damage depending on the sizes and colors of mercapto‐undecanoic acid (MUA) QDs and the cell types. The results showed that the cell viability decreased with increasing concentration of MUA‐QDs. But in the case of Vero cell (African green monkey's kidney cell) with red fluorescence QD (QD640), the cell damage was less than for the others. Furthermore through the flow cytometry assay we found that this cell damage caused by MUA‐QD turned out to be cell death after 4‐6‐hr incubation. From the two assays described above, we found that there is a range of concentration of MUA‐QDs where the cell viability decreased without cell death occurring and thus we conclude that attention should be given when MUA‐QDs are applied to living organisms even in low concentrations.
Twelve tips for increasing transfer of training from faculty development programs

Abstract Physicians serving as faculty in medical schools are taught medical skill and knowledge, but are usually not taught how to be competent teachers, researchers and leaders. Medical schools can provide the appropriate training for academic faculty by providing faculty development. However, to accomplish the purpose of producing competent teachers, researchers and leaders, faculty development programs must be designed to foster transfer of training, the use on the job of what is learned in instruction. Based on experience and empirical research, we provide tips as to how to design and conduct faculty development programs that will enable and motivate medical school faculty to use the skills and knowledge they learn as academic physicians.
Molecular cytogenetic studies of duplication 9q32→q34.3 inserted into 9q13

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies using whole chromosome 9 painting probe, classical satellite (9q12‐specific) probe and abl cosmid probe (locus: 9q34) were performed on a female infant who was born with multiple congenital anomalies and the karyotype 46,XX, 9q+. The results of FISH confirm the euchromatic nature of the extra material on the long arm of chromosome 9, and provide evidence that it is of chromosome 9 origin. The structural rearrangement has probably resulted from an insertion of a duplicated segment 9q32→q34.3 into band q13, as shown by the abl cosmid probe. The clinical features in this patient are similar to the previously reported cases of partial trisomy 9q3.
A study on gender-kansei of three-dimensional geometric shapes

When designing a product, geometrical shape becomes one of the most important factors among other visual factors such as colour, material and texture. Some products have shapes or parts that do not fulfil the consumer's desires and needs. In other words, product shape directly influence the buying behaviour, hence worth to study perception of shape in terms of semantic association. This study targeted to investigate people's perception on gender of 3D shape in semantic association such as 'feminine' or 'masculine'. Three elements of 3D shape were considered to investigate its gender; they are variable base, variable sweep and variable axis. In this paper, we observed the effect of variable base on perceiving gender kansei of 3D shapes as an extension of our earlier work. To assess base-variance of 3D shape, we examined whether convexity and concavity of base in the context of sharp and curved forms. The results of our psychophysical experiments will be very important and will lead to develop successful Kansei-driven design.