In this paper, we consider the problem of computing the smallest enclosing ball (SEB) of a set of m balls in R, where the product mn is large. We first approximate the non-differentiable SEB problem by its log-exponential aggregation function and then propose a computationally efficient inexact Newton-CG algorithm for the smoothing approximation problem by exploiting its special (approximate) s...

The surface energy balance (SEB) is essential for understanding the coupled cryosphere-atmosphere system in the Arctic. In this study, we investigate the spatiotemporal variability in SEB across tundra, snow and ice. During the snow-free period, the main energy sink for ice sites is surface melt. For tundra, energy is used for sensible and latent heat flux and soil heat flux leading to permafro...

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is capable of inducing life-threatening fever, rash, and systemic organ failure, though the specific mechanisms behind these symptoms remain poorly understood. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and other superantigens have shown to be important factors in TSS, capable of promoting cross-linking between T cell receptors and major histocompatibility complexes which res...

BACKGROUND Bacterial superantigens are virulence factors that cause toxic shock syndrome. Here, the genome-wide, temporal response of mice to lethal intranasal staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) challenge was investigated in six tissues. RESULTS The earliest responses and largest number of affected genes occurred in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), spleen, and lung tissues with the ...

Microspheres composed of biocompatible, biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (DL-PLG) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) toxoid were evaluated as a vaccine delivery system when subcutaneously injected into mice. As measured by circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antitoxin titers, the delivery of SEB toxoid via DL-PLG microspheres, 1 to 10 microns in diameter, induced an immune respons...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on bond strength of a self etching primer system to pulp chamber dentin. METHODS SE Bond (Kuraray, JAPAN) adhesive system and Clearfil Photo Posterior (Kuraray, JAPAN) composite resin were used. Eight extracted caries-free human molar teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared through the pulp chamber, rand...

T cell responses to self Ags and normal microbial flora are carefully regulated to prevent autoreactivity. Because IL-10-deficient mice develop colitis, and this response is triggered by luminal flora, we investigated whether IL-10 regulates the ability of microbial Ags to induce autoreactive T cells that could contribute to intestinal inflammation. T cells from wild-type mice were primed with ...

The intestinal mucosa contributes to homeostasis by preventing the entrance of biological and chemical agents across the epithelium that could alter the stability of the system. This protective function is especially important at the time of weaning, when animals are exposed to infectious agents and to numerous stresses such as the change of environment and diet. Diets supplemented with spray-d...

Type 1 T-cell responses against intracellular pathogens play a crucial role in mediating protection. We examined whether the induction of a strong type 1 T-cell response during a chronic bacterial infection influences responses to superantigens capable of inducing acute shock. Intravenous infection of mice with Mycobacterium bovis BCG appeared to induce a progressive anergy towards staphylococc...

The investor interest in multi-regional earthquake bonds may drop because high-risk locations are less appealing to investors than low-risk ones. Furthermore, a single parameter (earthquake magnitude) cannot accurately express the severity due an earthquake. Therefore, aim of this research is propose valuing framework for (SEB) using double trigger type, namely magnitude and depth earthquakes, ...