Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: The Role of IFN-α Receptor and MyD88 Signaling in Induction of IL-15 Expression In Vivo

IL-15 plays a multifaceted role in immune homeostasis, but the unreliability of IL-15 detection has stymied exploration of IL-15 regulation in vivo. To visualize IL-15 expression, we created a transgenic mouse expressing emerald-GFP (EmGFP) under IL-15 promoter control. EmGFP/IL-15 was prevalent in innate cells including dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and monocytes. However, DC subsets expressed varying levels of EmGFP/IL-15 with CD8+ DCs constitutively expressing EmGFP/IL-15 and CD8− DCs expressing low EmGFP/IL-15 levels. Virus infection resulted in IL-15 upregulation in both subsets. By crossing the transgenic mice to mice deficient in specific elements of innate signaling, we found a cell-intrinsic dependency of DCs and Ly6C+ monocytes on IFN-α receptor expression for EmGFP/IL-15 upregulation after vesicular stomatitis virus infection. In contrast, myeloid cells did not require the expression of MyD88 to upregulate EmGFP/IL-15 expression. These findings provide evidence of previously unappreciated regulation of IL-15 expression in myeloid lineages during homeostasis and following infection.
Nanoscale Surface Modification Techniques for Pool Boiling Enhancement—A Critical Review and Future Directions

New discoveries presented in the last decade for enhancing boiling performance utilizing nanoscale structures on surfaces are critically examined in this paper. Since the mechanism for such a phenomenon is not fully understood, this review mainly focuses on the experimental studies reported in the literature on the boiling phenomena on nanostructures, and implementation of nanostructures on various substrates. The paper also focuses on the interpretation of underlying phenomena for enhancing the boiling performance. The main influencing parameter in controlling is seen as the change in the surface energy of the boiling surface, which is characterized by the contact angle of the liquid and vapor phase interface at the heating surface. The nanostructures are seen to alter the contact angle. Design consideration and theoretical developments are also discussed, followed by practical aspects of nanostructure manufacturing. The issues related to performance, ease of fabrication, and durability (whenever available) are reviewed and recommendations are made for future research in this emerging area.
Pressure Increase in the Dorsal Root Ganglion following Mechanical Compression: Closed Compartment Syndrome in Nerve Roots

Spinal nerve roots including the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) often are mechanically deformed in connection with degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine. However, the pathophysiology underlying various functional changes, including pain production, in such conditions is incompletely known. In this study, the tissue fluid pressure in the DRG of L5 nerve roots of rats was measured before and after compression. Normal values were found to be 3.7 ± 0.3 cm H2O (2.7 ± 0.2 mm Hg). After mechanical compression, the endoneurial fluid pressure in the ganglia rose to 9.6 ± 1.7 cm H2O (7.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg) (P < 0.001). Histologic examination revealed edema and haemorrhage in the endoneurial space of the DRG. Pressure increase in the DRG as a result of mechanical deformation by, for example, a herniated disc might be expected to reduce blood flow to the sensory nerve cell bodies in the DRG. This may be a mechanism underlying the production of nerve root pain, which previously has not been described.
Purification and characterization of S-alkylcysteine alpha,beta-lyase from Pseudomonas putida.

S-Alkylcysteine alpha,beta-lyase [EC 4.4. 1.6] was purified to more than 90% homogeneity from the cell extract of Pseudomonas putida ICR 3640. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 195,000, and is composed of six subunits identical in molecular weight (37,000). Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is required as a cofactor. The enzyme catalyzes the alpha,beta-elimination of S-methyl-L-cysteine and its analogs such as S-ethyl-L-cysteine, L-djenkolate, Se-methyl-DL-selenocysteine, and O-methyl-L-serine. However, S-methyl-D-cysteine, L-methionine, and L-norvaline were inert. The enzyme catalyzes also the beta-replacement reaction of the thiomethyl group of S-methyl-L-cysteine with various thiols to yield the corresponding S-substituted cysteines. In addition to S-methyl-L-cysteine, Se-methyl-DL-selenocysteine and O-methyl-L-serine also serve as substrates in the beta-replacement reaction.
Macroscopic structure of articular cartilage of the tibial plateau: influence of a characteristic matrix architecture on MRI appearance.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to describe the structural organization of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage of the tibial plateau and its influence on MRI appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spin-echo images of 11 resected tibial plateaus acquired at 7 T were compared with the structure of the extracellular matrix as shown by fracture sectioning the samples in the plane of imaging. Four samples were scanned at two different orientations relative to the main magnetic field (B(0)). T2 maps were acquired in two orientations on three of these four samples. RESULTS On the basis of the presence of reproducible regional variations in the shape of the matrix, a characteristic matrix architecture was described. The location of peak signal intensity and T2 on MRI correlated with the level at which the matrix was estimated to be aligned at approximately 55 degrees to B(0) (r = 0.91). This correlation of matrix orientation relative to B(0) with T2 and signal intensity on MRI was not altered by regional variations in the shape of the matrix or by imaging samples at two different orientations. CONCLUSION The structure of the extracellular matrix, through its orientation-dependent influence on T2 decay, exerts a strong influence on the MRI appearance of cartilage. At the tibial plateau, a characteristic matrix architecture is associated with an equally characteristic MRI appearance.
Comparative oncogenomics identifies breast tumors enriched in functional tumor-initiating cells

The claudin-low subtype is a recently identified rare molecular subtype of human breast cancer that expresses low levels of tight and adherens junction genes and shows high expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes. These tumors are enriched in gene expression signatures derived from human tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and human mammary stem cells. Through cross-species analysis, we discovered mouse mammary tumors that have similar gene expression characteristics as human claudin-low tumors and were also enriched for the human TIC signature. Such claudin-low tumors were similarly rare but came from a number of distinct mouse models, including the p53 null transplant model. Here we present a molecular characterization of 50 p53 null mammary tumors compared with other mouse models and human breast tumor subtypes. Similar to human tumors, the murine p53 null tumors fell into multiple molecular subtypes, including two basal-like, a luminal, a claudin-low, and a subtype unique to this model. The claudin-low tumors also showed high gene expression of EMT inducers, low expression of the miR-200 family, and low to absent expression of both claudin 3 and E-cadherin. These murine subtypes also contained distinct genomic DNA copy number changes, some of which are similarly altered in their cognate human subtype counterpart. Finally, limiting dilution transplantation revealed that p53 null claudin-low tumors are highly enriched for TICs compared with the more common adenocarcinomas arising in the same model, thus providing a unique preclinical mouse model to investigate the therapeutic response of TICs.
LoCuSS: THE SUNYAEV–ZEL'DOVICH EFFECT AND WEAK-LENSING MASS SCALING RELATION

We present the first weak-lensing-based scaling relation between galaxy cluster mass, MWL, and integrated Compton parameter Ysph. Observations of 18 galaxy clusters at z ≃ 0.2 were obtained with the Subaru 8.2 m telescope and the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich Array. The MWL–Ysph scaling relations, measured at Δ = 500, 1000, and 2500 ρc, are consistent in slope and normalization with previous results derived under the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium (HSE). We find an intrinsic scatter in MWL at fixed Ysph of 20%, larger than both previous measurements of MHSE–Ysph scatter as well as the scatter in true mass at fixed Ysph found in simulations. Moreover, the scatter in our lensing-based scaling relations is morphology dependent, with 30%–40% larger MWL for undisturbed compared to disturbed clusters at the same Ysph at r 500. Further examination suggests that the segregation may be explained by the inability of our spherical lens models to faithfully describe the three-dimensional structure of the clusters, in particular, the structure along the line of sight. We find that the ellipticity of the brightest cluster galaxy, a proxy for halo orientation, correlates well with the offset in mass from the mean scaling relation, which supports this picture. This provides empirical evidence that line-of-sight projection effects are an important systematic uncertainty in lensing-based scaling relations.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF DIE CLEARANCE DISTRIBUTION IN A PRESSTOOL ASSEMBLY

Shearing is one of the most widely used methods for manufacturing sheet metal components. Extensive research studies are currently being carried out in the field of tool making aiming at improving the quality of shearing. This paper analyses yet another issue arising from the production of sheet metal components. The distribution of die clearance in a progressive tool that produces sheet metal products is the focus of this study. The effect of uneven distribution of die clearance on the quality of shear is experimentally analysed. A methodology to control the uneven distribution of die clearance is also worked out.
Youth, HIV/AIDS and the importance of sexual culture and context

Abstract This article reviews the current state of HIV/AIDS and youth research with special reference to South Africa. As a sector known to be at high risk for acquiring HIV infection, studies aimed at understanding young peoples’ vulnerability are a vitally important part of an informed response to the AIDS epidemic. Discussion focuses on the social context and contemporary sexual culture as shaping factors in the enactment of high‐risk sexual behaviour. Illustrating the importance of these factors, the author describes the rise of a particular sexual dynamic in one community in KwaZulu‐Natal, and analyses its implications for continued high rates of HIV transmission. The question emerges how best to focus research and inform efforts aimed at mediating the ‘dis‐enabling’ environments that effectively nullify safe‐sex messages.
Suppression of Restraint-induced Plasma Cytokines in Mice Pretreated With LPS

A previous exposure to an inflammatory reaction is known to increase or decrease the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis induced by a psychological/physical stress. Beside HPA activation, the non- specific responses to these two kinds of stresses involve the immune system including the production of cytokines. Therefore, they could interfere in cytokine production. In order to test this hypothesis, female C3H mice were first injected i.p. with 5 w g of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or not (C). Eight days later, half of them were submitted to a 4 h-restraint (R) applied during the nocturnal part of the dark-light cycle and sacrificed immediately after (groups LPS-R and C-R), while the non restrained mice stayed in their home cages (groups LPS-C and C-C). Restraint induced an increase in corticosterone production that was not altered by the previous administration of LPS. It had no effect on mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation. However, restraint induced an augmentation of plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 that was not observed in animals previously exposed to LPS. These results show that restraint, which represents a psychological stress is able to induce the production of plasma cytokines in mice. They also suggest that LPS may induce a long lasting suppression of plasma cytokines through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated.
Impact Analysis of Process Change at Run-Time

In complex domains with features of collaboration and integration, changes taking place in one process may have positive or negative impacts on other collaborative partners and processes. Therefore, supporting changes propagation as well as analysis the impact of changes are desirable functionalities of Business Process Management Systems (BPMSs) and have been investigated in many researches. This paper presents a method to analyze the impacts of process changes at run-time in order to help process practitioners deciding to adopt or not a change. We propose an approach based on Process Dependency Graph (PDG) to represent and monitor the dependencies among running process instances managed by a BPMS. When a change happens, we analyze the PDG graph to deduce the affected process elements and then assess the impact of change by using quantitative metrics extended from the workflow Quality of Service (QoS). Our approach thus provides a generic framework that can be adapted to a specific process domain and a BPMS. The work presented here was validated on some processes in Health-care and Software Development domains with the use of jBPM as a BPMS and Neo4j as a graph database to store and traverse the PDG.
Using the Technology Adoption Model to Analyze Internet Adoption and Use among Men and Women in Indonesia

This research (a) investigates differences in Internet adoption; (b) identifies factors affecting Internet adoption; and (c) examines differences of Internet usage pattern between men and women in Indonesia. Using data from 714 respondents/students with various backgrounds, the research unveils that in general, Internet adoption among women are lower than that among men. Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research also finds that the Internet adoption among women is affected by perceived ease of use rather than perceived usefulness. On the other hand, the Internet adoption among men is affected by perceived usefulness rather than perceived ease of use. Men are found to have a more flexible Internet access venue when compared to women. The research also gives evidence that Internet usage pattern among men and women differs. Proportion of women who use the Internet for chatting and study‐related activities is significantly larger than that of men. Conversely, proportion of men who use the Internet for reading online news, testing and downloading software, shopping, entertainment, seeking job vacancy, and visiting pornographic sites are larger than women. High cost Internet access and low access speed of the Internet and a lack of English proficiency are identified to be most severe obstacles of the Internet adoption in Indonesia.
Efficacy of oral micronized progesterone in the treatment of luteal phase defects.

OBJECTIVE Vaginal progesterone suppositories are an accepted treatment for infertility attributed to luteal phase defects. Although oral micronized progesterone may be preferable to suppositories for many patients, there are no studies on its use for patients with luteal phase defects. This study evaluated the efficacy of oral micronized progesterone for the treatment of luteal phase defects. STUDY DESIGN Seven women with luteal phase defects previously corrected by vaginal suppositories were administered oral micronized progesterone (200 mg by mouth three times a day). Endometrial biopsies were performed to evaluate treatment efficacy. Questionnaires were used to assess side effects, including sedation. RESULTS On oral micronized progesterone, all patients had in-phase endometrial biopsies. Despite complaints of drowsiness, the majority of patients preferred the oral formulation over the vaginal route of administration. CONCLUSION We conclude that oral micronized progesterone is efficacious in the treatment of luteal phase defects.
Why Did Central Banks Intervene in the EMS? The Post-1993 Experience

In this paper, we present stylized facts of exchange rate and intervention behavior in the Exchange Rate Mechanism I (ERM I), in particular in light of the recent literature on multilateral target zone models. We estimate bilateral exchange rate distributions of the maximum spot rate deviations of six ERM-currencies explicitly taking the multilateral setting of the ERM I into account. In a further analysis, we estimate short term reaction functions for the Banque de Belgique, the Danmarks Nationalbank, the Banco d'España, the Banque de France, the Central Bank of Ireland and the Banco de Portugal by applying a Tobit analysis. The period under review ranges from August 1993 to April 1998. Daily exchange rate and intervention data are used. The exchange rate position in the band (deviation of the DEM-spot rates from the DEM-central parity) significantly induces intervention activity. There is less evidence that changes in volatility trigger central bank intervention. JEL-Classification: E58, F31, F33
Integrating country‐of‐origin image and brand image in corporate rebranding: the case of China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how companies entering the Chinese market integrate brand image and country image, how they redefine this integration in the corporate rebranding process adopted to develop the new market, and what impact they achieve in terms of commercial and economic results.Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on the analysis of the cases of Alpha and Beta. Alpha is a multinational company specialized in the production of chocolate, while Beta is one of the world's largest companies in the tyre industry. These cases are emblematic for the way the two companies combine brand attributes and country image attributes.Findings – The case analysis shows that: initially in the corporate rebranding strategy defined in China, brand image is created independently from the country image; the impact of the integration on brand attitude is sought by producing a cross‐fertilization between the meaning of brand attitude and of country image attitude; the level of i.
Construction site safety audit and organizational performance in shell bonny terminal integrated project

This article examined construction site safety audit (CSSA) and organizational performance in shell bonny terminal integrated project. The research question addressed the extent at which reduced accident/incident rate and increased organizational productivity is dependent on the implementation of construction site safety audit in shell bonny terminal integrated project. It assumes that if a company incorporates construction site safety audit into its investment in machines and technology (socio-technical investments) through regular site safety audits/inspections, it will result in better safety performance of employees, the management and the company as a whole. The core aspect of the study is the use of cross-sectional survey research design in generating the required primary data. The results indicated that reduced accident/incident rate in shell bonny terminal integrated project is to large extent dependent on the implementation of construction site safety audit as buttressed by the 88 % large extent response rate and increased organizational productivity in shell bonny terminal integrated project is to large extent dependent on the implementation of construction site safety audit as buttressed by the 83.33% large extent response rate. It therefore recommends among others: regular site safety audits to identify/eliminate potential workplace hazards, regular staff training to improve their hazard identification skills, involvement of both management and workers in the execution of construction site safety audit, formation of production quality circles to identify and eliminate potential hazards at each stage of production and making hazard identification/reporting everyone’s responsibility.
Evaluation of the Conservation Plan of the "Three lanes and Seven Lanes" Historical and Cultural District

Three lanes and Seven Lanes district is one of the top ten historical and cultural blocks.Based on the implement of the planning,this article made an assesment on the policy,the protection and the inherit of the culture,the content of the conservation plan,in order to find the way to improve the implement of the conservation planning of the historical and culture blocks.
Water Absorption of Some Denture Base Polymers

The absorption of water by denture base polymers is of considerable importance since it is accompanied by dimensional changes. The rate at which water is absorbed, and hence the time to equilibrate, is governed by a physical parameter known as the diffusion coefficient (M. BRADEN: J Prosth Dent 14:307-316, 1964). This property as well as the equilibrium uptake is therefore relevant to assessing the behavior of a given polymer in clinical applications, where contact with water is involved. In the present study, the diffusion behavior of these polymers at 37.4C is compared with that of a conventional dental acrylic. The materials studied were a conventional acrylic,* a high-impact acrylic,f a vinyl acrylic,$ and a polycarbonate. § Each material was prepared in the form of a flat sheet by methods previously described (M. BRADEN and G. D. STAFFORD: J Dent Res, in press). The polycarbonate polymer was filled with glass fibers. Specimens of each material were immersed in water at 37.4C and weighed at suitable intervals until the absorption process was complete. The samples were then transferred to an oven at 37.4C and weighing was continued during desorption until equilibrium was again established. Classical diffusion theory shows that for the early stages of water uptake (J. CRANK: Mathematics of Diffusion, ed 2, 1957, p 45), the ratio Mt/M. , that is, the ratio of uptake at time t to the uptake at equilibrium, is given by: Mt/M,=2 (Dt/12) The thickness of the specimen is 21, and D is the diffusion coefficient. Mt/Mo plotted against t'/a is linear. Similar conditions apply to desorption, except Mt will refer to water loss. The slope of the linear region enables D to be calculated from this equation. The diffusion coefficients and equilibrium data are given in the table. For reasons that are subsequently discussed, a value is obtained during desorption that is different from that obtained during sorption. The values for the diffusion coefficient and
Attention impairment in recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive disorders which can occur early in the course of the disease. The present study tried to investigate attention abilities of MS patients at the early stage of the disease. Three attention modalities (sustained, simple and complex focused attention) were evaluated. The results show that MS patients at the early stage of the disease presented attentional dysfunction only when the cognitive load of the attention task was high and when controlled information processing was required. This suggests that MS patients probably suffer from a processing resources deficit without modification of the attentional mechanisms.