Th2 activities induced during virgin T cell priming in the absence of IL-4, IL-13, and B cells.

Virgin T cells being primed to Th2-inducing or Th1-inducing Ags, respectively, start to synthesize IL-4 or IFN-gamma as they begin to proliferate. Parallel respective induction of B cells to produce gamma1 or gamma2a switch transcripts provides additional evidence of early divergent Th activity. This report concerns the roles of IL-4, IL-13, and B cells in these early events in vivo. Th2 responses were induced in lymph nodes against hapten-protein given s.c. with killed Bordetella pertussis adjuvant. In T cell proliferation in wild-type mice, IL-4 message up-regulation and gamma1 and epsilon switch transcript production were underway 48-72 h after immunization. The absence of IL-4, IL-13, or B cells did not alter the early T cell proliferative response. The gamma1 and epsilon switch transcript production was still induced in the absence of IL-4, IL-13, or both, but at a reduced level, while the dominance of switching to IgG1 in the extrafollicular hapten-specific plasma cell response was retained. The up-regulation of IL-4 message was not reduced or delayed in the absence of B cells and was only marginally reduced by the absence of IL-13. It is concluded that signals delivered by dendritic cells, which are not dependent on the presence of IL-4, IL-13, or B cells, can prime virgin T cells and induce the early Th2 activities studied. These early events that direct virgin T cells toward Th2 differentiation contrast with the critical later role of Th2 cytokines in selectively expanding Th2 clones and driving further IL-4 synthesis.

Improved Methods for Determining Wind Loads on Highway Sign and Traffic-Signal Structures, TR-559, 2007

The main objective of the proposed study is to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools to determine the wind loads by accurate numerical simulations of air flow characteristics around large highway sign structures under severe wind speeds conditions. Fully three-dimensional Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are used to estimate the total force on different panels, as well as the actual pressure distribution on the front and back faces of the panels. In particular, the present study investigates the effects of aspect ratio and sign spacing for regular panels, the effect of sign depth for the dynamic message signs that are now being used on Iowa highways, the effect induced by the presence of back-to-back signs, the effect of the presence of add-on exit signs, and the effect of the presence of trucks underneath the signs potentially creating “wind tunnel” effect.

Composição e qualidade de pólen apícola coletado em Minas Gerais

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência das composições florísticas locais sobre a qualidade do pólen apícola, em dois apiários de Minas Gerais. Em cada apiário, foram instaladas cinco colméias de Apis mellifera (L.). A flora polinífera foi identificada nas proximidades dos apiários. As bolotas de pólen foram coletadas de agosto a dezembro de 2005. A análise melissopalinológica foi realizada pelo método padrão europeu. Foram realizadas análises nutricionais do pólen relativas à porcentagem de matéria seca, orgânica e mineral, à proteína bruta, ao extrato etéreo e aos carboidratos totais. Foi realizada correlação de Spearman entre os componentes nutricionais e os tipos polínicos ocorrentes. No apiário UFV, a flora polinífera predominante apresentou espécies ornamentais com hábito arbóreo, e no apiário Mesmel predominaram as espécies da pastagem abandonada com hábito herbáceo. A composição nutricional do pólen coletado não apresentou correlação com a diversidade de tipos polínicos, mas apresentou correlação com a predominância de tipos polínicos específicos. As diferentes composições florísticas influenciam na qualidade do pólen apícola, e a coleta em diversas fontes de alimento, pelas abelhas, é importante para a obtenção de uma dieta mais equilibrada.

Quand la nourriture se fait parole: Scènes de communication alimentaire dans les récits médiévaux

Depuis les travaux d'Anita Guerreau-Jalabert sur la symbolique des triangles alimentaires dans le roman arthurien, personne ne saurait douter qu'au Moyen Âge la nourriture obéit à des codes. Une scène de table ne se réduit pas à une notation à valeur référentielle, à un éclat de vie aristocratique : intégrée au récit, la notation alimentaire est un élément constitutif du sens de l'oeuvre. Plus particulièrement, un plat peut servir de message adressé par un personnage à un autre. On s'est peu intéressé, si ce n'est pour la légende du coeur mangé, à ces passages où la nourriture vient compléter, voire se substituer à la parole. Des nouvelles de Boccace (traduites par Laurent de Premierfait) aux Cent Nouvelles nouvelles et au Pogge (traduit par Guillaume Tardif), mais aussi dans les romans (Ysaÿe le Triste, Le Cuer d'amours espris, Jehan de Saintré), les exemples ne manquent pas qui, à la fin du Moyen Âge, illustrent la variété des messages alimentaires. Si le plat qu'on sert peut être l'instrument d'une vengeance (le repas cannibale !), il est aussi et surtout utilisé comme moyen de séduction. Parfois, il s'agit d'un avertissement qui, par la transgression des codes, donne voix à la morale ; ailleurs, l'ironie s'en mêle, quand la nourriture traduit une attitude de dérision face au convive. Ce dernier procédé, plus ludique, ne se rencontre pas seulement - comme on pourrait s'y attendre - dans l'univers du fabliau ou de la nouvelle. Il traverse le Moyen Âge et, du XIIe au XVe siècle, prépare l'émergence du cuisinier dont l'art et les « joyeux dits » font un double du poète.

Effectiveness of Dynamic Messaging on Driver Behavior for Late Merge Lane Road Closures, 2009

Efforts to improve safety and traffic flow through merge areas on high volume/high speed roadways have included early merge and late merge concepts and several studies of the effectiveness of these concepts, many using Intelligent Transportation Systems for implementation. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) planned to employ a system of dynamic message signs (DMS) to enhance standard temporary traffic control for lane closures and traffic merges at two bridge construction projects in western Iowa (Adair County and Cass County counties) on I-80 during the 2008 construction season. To evaluate the DMS system’s effectiveness for impacting driver merging actions, the Iowa DOT contracted with Iowa State University’s Center for Transportation Research and Education to perform the evaluation and make recommendations for future use of this system based on the results. Data were collected over four weekends, beginning August 1–4 and ending October 16–20, 2008. Two weekends yielded sufficient data for evaluation, one of transition traffic flow and the other with a period of congestion. For both of these periods, a statistical review of collected data did not indicate a significant impact on driver merging actions when the DMS messaging was activated as compared to free flow conditions with no messaging. Collection of relevant project data proved to be problematic for several reasons. In addition to personnel safety issues associated with the placement and retrieval of counting devices on a high speed roadway, unsatisfactory equipment performance and insufficient congestion to activate the DMS messaging hampered efforts. A review of the data that was collected revealed different results taken by the tube counters compared to the older model plate counters. Although variations were not significant from a practical standpoint, a statistical evaluation showed that the data, including volumes, speeds, and classifications from the two sources were not comparable at a 95% level of confidence. Comparison of data from the Iowa DOT’s automated traffic recorders (ATRs) in the area also suggested variations in results from these data collection systems. Additional comparison studies were recommended.

Construcción y explotación de un almacén de datos para el análisis de información sobre el tránsito rodado de vehículos

El objetivo principal del TFC es la construcción y explotación de un almacén de datos. El proceso de trabajo se basa en la ejecución de un caso práctico, en el cual se presenta un escenario en el que se necesita desarrollar un almacén de datos para la Fundació d'Estudis per a la Conducció Responsable, la cual desea estudiar la evolución del número de desplazamientos en vehículo de motor en Cataluña así como analizar las posibles correlaciones entre medios de locomoción, perfiles de conductores y algunas variables de seguridad vial.

Construcció i explotació d'un magatzem de dades per a l'anàlisi d'informació sobre trànsit rodat de vehicles

Aquest document defineix la construcció i explotació d'un magatzem de dades per a la Fundació d'Estudis per a la Conducció Responsable. L'objectiu del projecte és homogeneïtzar la informació que rep la fundació, des de diverses fonts i en diferents formats, consolidar-la en un únic magatzem de dades i habilitar eines que facilitin la seva explotació i anàlisi. La consecució d'aquestes fites és determinant perquè la direcció conegui l'evolució del trànsit rodat de vehicles a Catalunya i minimitzi el riscos en cas de qualsevol presa de decisions.

Construcció i explotació d'un magatzem de dades per a l'anàlisi d'informació sobre trànsit rodat de vehicles

Aquest treball de fi de carrera proposa la construcció i explotació d'un magatzem de dades o data warehouse amb l'objectiu d'analitzar la informació relativa a l'evolució del parc de vehicles a Catalunya.

Construcción y explotación de un almacén de datos para el análisis de información sobre tránsito de vehículos

Este trabajo consiste en la creación de un almacén de datos y su explotación por medio de un conjunto de informes. El almacén de datos registra información relativa al tránsito de vehículos, número de licencias, conductores, etc., la cual está organizada por municipios y años.

Construcción y explotación de un almacén de datos para el análisis de información sobre tránsito de vehículos

Construcción y explotación de un almacén de datos para el análisis de información sobre el tránsito de vehículos.

Almacén de datos para la Federación de Estudios para la Conducción RESponsable (FECRES)

El caso práctico de este trabajo consiste, en esencia, en la creación de un almacén de datos para nuestro cliente ficticio ¿FECRES¿, así como la realización de varios informes. Algunos de estos informes serán estáticos y otros dinámicos (cubos OLAP).

The CD4-like molecule LAG-3, biology and therapeutic applications.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Promising immunotherapeutic agents targeting co-stimulatory pathways are currently being tested in clinical trials. One player in this array of regulatory pathways is the LAG-3/MHC class II axis. The lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is a negative co-stimulatory receptor that modulates T cell homeostasis, proliferation and activation. A recombinant soluble dimeric form of LAG-3 (sLAG-3-Ig, IMP321) shows adjuvant properties and enhances immunogenicity of tumor vaccines. Recent clinical trials produced encouraging results, especially when the human dimeric soluble form of LAG-3 (hLAG-3-Ig) was used in combination with chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: The biological relevance of LAG-3 in vivo. Pre-clinical data demonstrating adjuvant properties, as well as the improvement of tumor immunity by sLAG-3-Ig. Recent advances in the clinical development of the therapeutic reagent IMP321, hLAG-3-Ig, for cancer treatment. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: This review summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the biological functions of LAG-3. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The LAG-3 inhibitory pathway is attracting attention, in the light of recent studies demonstrating its role in T cell unresponsiveness, and Treg function after chronic antigen stimulation. As a soluble recombinant dimer, the sLAG-3-Ig protein acts as an adjuvant for therapeutic induction of T cell responses, and may be beneficial to cancer patients when used in combination therapies.

Impact of enhanced compliance initiatives on the efficacy of rosuvastatin in reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia.

The effectiveness of lipid-lowering medication critically depends on the patients' compliance and the efficacy of the prescribed drug. The primary objective of this multicentre study was to compare the efficacy of rosuvastatin with or without access to compliance initiatives, in bringing patients to the Joint European Task Force's (1998) recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level goal (LDL-C, <3.0 mmol/L) at week 24. Secondary objectives were comparison of the number and percentage of patients achieving European goals (1998, 2003) for LDL-C and other lipid parameters. Patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia and a 10-year coronary heart disease risk of >20% received open label rosuvastatin treatment for 24 weeks with or without access to compliance enhancement tools. The initial daily dosage of 10 mg could be doubled at week 12. Compliance tools included: a) a starter pack for subjects containing a videotape, an educational leaflet, a passport/goal diary and details of the helpline and/or website; b) regular personalised letters to provide message reinforcement; c) a toll-free helpline and a website. The majority of patients (67%) achieved the 1998 European goal for LDL-C at week 24. 31% required an increase in dosage of rosuvastatin to 20 mg at week 12. Compliance enhancement tools did not increase the number of patients achieving either the 1998 or the 2003 European target for plasma lipids. Rosuvastatin was well tolerated during this study. The safety profile was comparable with other drugs of the same class. 63 patients in the 10 mg group and 58 in the 10 mg Plus group discontinued treatment. The main reasons for discontinuation were adverse events (39 patients in the 10 mg group; 35 patients in the 10 mg Plus group) and loss to follow-up (13 patients in the 10 mg group; 9 patients in the 10 mg Plus group). The two most frequently reported adverse events were myalgia (34 patients, 3% respectively) and back pain (23 patients, 2% respectively). The overall rate of temporary or permanent study discontinuation due to adverse events was 9% (n = 101) in patients receiving 10 mg rosuvastatin and 3% (n = 9) in patients titrated up to 20 mg rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin was effective in lowering LDL-C values in patients with hypercholesterolaemia to the 1998 European target at week 24. However, compliance enhancement tools did not increase the number of patients achieving any European targets for plasma lipids.

Mice from a genetically resistant background lacking the interferon gamma receptor are susceptible to infection with Leishmania major but mount a polarized T helper cell 1-type CD4+ T cell response.

Mice with homologous disruption of the gene coding for the ligand-binding chain of the interferon (IFN) gamma receptor and derived from a strain genetically resistant to infection with Leishmania major have been used to study further the role of this cytokine in the differentiation of functional CD4+ T cell subsets in vivo and resistance to infection. Wild-type 129/Sv/Ev mice are resistant to infection with this parasite, developing only small lesions, which resolve spontaneously within 6 wk. In contrast, mice lacking the IFN-gamma receptor develop large, progressing lesions. After infection, lymph nodes (LN) and spleens from both wild-type and knockout mice showed an expansion of CD4+ cells producing IFN-gamma as revealed by measuring IFN-gamma in supernatants of specifically stimulated CD4+ T cells, by enumerating IFN-gamma-producing T cells, and by Northern blot analysis of IFN-gamma transcripts. No biologically active interleukin (IL) 4 was detected in supernatants of in vitro-stimulated LN or spleen cells from infected wild-type or deficient mice. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis with primers specific for IL-4 showed similar IL-4 message levels in LN from both types of mice. The IL-4 message levels observed were comparable to those found in similarly infected C57BL/6 mice and significantly lower than the levels found in BALB/c mice. Anti-IFN-gamma treatment of both types of mice failed to alter the pattern of cytokines produced after infection. These data show that even in the absence of IFN-gamma receptors, T helper cell (Th) 1-type responses still develop in genetically resistant mice with no evidence for the expansion of Th2 cells.

Pituusleikkurin turvaväylät ja koneturvallisuus

Turvallisuuteen liittyvän ohjausjärjestelmän tehtävänä on siirtää ja käsitellä turvallisuuskriittistä tietoa. Esimerkiksi anturin (turvalaitteen) havaitessa vaaravyöhykkeelle pyrkivän ihmisen tulee ensimmäisenä tiedon välittyä ohjausjärjestelmään. Ohjausjärjestelmän on muodostettava saapuneen tiedon perusteella käsky tehonohjauselimille. Tehonohjauselimillä säädellään koneen käyttöenergian syöttöä ja sitä kautta on mahdollista pysäyttää koneen liike ennen mahdollisen vahingon sattumista. Perinteiset turvaratkaisut ovat perustuneet pakkotoimintaisiin releisiin ja kahdennuksiin. Tällämenetelmällä on toteutettu varmatoimintaisia turvaratkaisuja, joissa yksittäiset viat ovat paljastuneet. Nykyisin on kuitenkin yhä enemmän tarvetta integroida turvatoiminnot automaatiojärjestelmään ja toteuttaa turvaratkaisut hajautetuillajärjestelmillä. Hajautetut järjestelmät sisältävät osittain ohjelmoitavien järjestelmien etuja ja haittoja, mutta tuovat mukanaan myös uudenlaisia vikoja. Työn tarkoitus oli selvittää, millaisia rajoituksia koneturvallisuus asettaa paperiteollisuuden pituusleikkurien turvallisuuteen liittyville ohjausjärjestelmille, sekä selvittää turvallisuuteen liittyvien järjestelmien rakennetta ja ominaisuuksia. Tässä työssä tutkittiin AS-i, EsaLan ja ProfiSafe turvajärjestelmiä teknisten tietojen perusteella. Tutkitut järjestelmät ovat erilaisia ja soveltuvat tämän vuoksi hieman erilaisiin kohteisiin. Kaikilla näillä järjestelmillä on kuitenkin mahdollista toteuttaa pituusleikkurin turvaväyläjärjestelmässä riittävä turvallisuuden taso koneturvallisuuden näkökulmasta. Tämä edellyttää oikein tehtyä riskianalyysiä ja oikeita suunnittelumenetelmiä. Teknisten tietojen perusteella otettiin testattavaksi AS-i safety at workja EsaLan:in Compact järjestelmät, joille suoritettiin sähkömagneettiseen yhteensopivuuteen (EMC) ja toiminnallisuuteen liittyviä testejä.