Collection of 2429 constrained headshots of 277 volunteers for deep learning.

Deep learning has rapidly been filtrating many aspects of human lives. In particular, image recognition by convolutional neural networks has inspired numerous studies in this area. Hardware and software technologies as well as large quantities of data have contributed to the drastic development of the field. However, the application of deep learning is often hindered by the need for big data and the laborious manual annotation thereof. To experience deep learning using the data compiled by us, we collected 2429 constrained headshot images of 277 volunteers. The collection of face photographs is challenging in terms of protecting personal information; we therefore established an online procedure in which both the informed consent and image data could be obtained. We did not collect personal information, but issued agreement numbers to deal with withdrawal requests. Gender and smile labels were manually and subjectively annotated only from the appearances, and final labels were determined by majority among our team members. Rotated, trimmed, resolution-reduced, decolorized, and matrix-formed data were allowed to be publicly released. Moreover, simplified feature vectors for data sciences were released. We performed gender and smile recognition by building convolutional neural networks based on the Inception V3 model with pre-trained ImageNet data to demonstrate the usefulness of our dataset.

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Preferentially Marks and Promotes Gut Regulatory T Cells.

The local environment may affect the development and function of tissue-resident T regulatory cells (Tregs), which are crucial for controlling inflammation. Although the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), an environmental sensor, is expressed by Tregs, its role in Treg cell development and/or function remains elusive. Here, we generated mouse genetic models to ablate or activate Ahr expression specifically in Tregs. We showed that Ahr was expressed more abundantly by peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs) in the gut and that its expression was independent of microbiota. Ahr was important for Treg gut homing and function. Ahr inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by Tregs but was dispensable for Treg stability. Furthermore, Ahr-expressing Tregs had enhanced in vivo suppressive activity compared with Tregs lacking Ahr expression in a T cell transfer model of colitis. Our data suggest that Ahr signaling in Tregs may be important for gut immune homeostasis.

Fyn promotes Th17 differentiation by regulating the kinetics of RORγt and Foxp3 expression.

Th17 cells constitute a proinflammatory CD4(+) T cell subset that is important for microbial clearance, but also are implicated as propagators of various autoimmune pathologies. Evidence suggests that Th17 cells share common progenitors with immunosuppressive CD4(+) inducible regulatory T cells (T(REG)) and that the developmental pathways of these two subsets are reciprocally regulated. In this study, we show evidence that the Src family tyrosine kinase Fyn helps regulate this Th17/T(REG) balance. When placed under Th17-skewing conditions, CD4(+) T cells from fyn(-/-) mice had decreased levels of IL-17, but increased expression of the T(REG) transcription factor Foxp3. The defect in IL-17 expression occurred independently of the ectopic Foxp3 expression and correlated with a delay in retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt upregulation and an inability to maintain normal STAT3 activation. Fyn-deficient Th17 cells also exhibited delayed upregulation of Il23r, Il21, Rora, and Irf4, as well as aberrant expression of Socs3, suggesting that Fyn may function upstream of a variety of molecular pathways that contribute to Th17 polarization. The fyn(-/-) mice had fewer IL-17(+)CD4(+) T cells in the large intestinal lamina propria compared with littermate controls. Furthermore, after transfer of either wild-type or fyn(-/-) naive CD4(+) T cells into Rag1(-/-) hosts, recipients receiving fyn(-/-) cells had fewer IL-17-producing T cells, indicating that Fyn may also regulate Th17 differentiation in vivo. These results identify Fyn as a possible novel regulator of the developmental balance between the Th17 cell and T(REG) subsets.

The adaptor molecule signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP) regulates IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in V alpha 14 transgenic NKT cells via effects on GATA-3 and T-bet expression.

NKT cells comprise a rare regulatory T cell population of limited TCR diversity, with most cells using a Valpha14 Jalpha18 TCR. These cells exhibit a critical dependence on the signaling adapter molecule, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP), for their ontogeny, an aspect not seen in conventional alphabeta T cells. Prior studies demonstrate that SAP enhances TCR-induced activation of NF-kappaB in CD4(+) T cells. Because NF-kappaB is required for NKT cell development, SAP might promote the ontogeny of this lineage by signaling to NF-kappaB. In this study, we demonstrate that forced expression of the NF-kappaB target gene, Bcl-x(L), or inhibitory NF-kappaB kinase beta, a catalytic subunit of the IkappaB kinase complex essential for NF-kappaB activation, fails to restore NKT cell development in sap(-/-) mice, suggesting that SAP mediates NKT cell development independently of NF-kappaB. To examine the role of SAP in NKT cell function, we generated NKT cells in sap(-/-) mice by expressing a transgene encoding the Valpha14 Jalpha18 component of the invariant TCR. These cells bound alpha-galactosylceramide-loaded CD1d tetramers, but exhibited a very immature CD24(+)NK1.1(-) phenotype. Although sap(-/-) tetramer-reactive cells proliferated in response to TCR activation, they did not produce appreciable levels of IL-4 or IFN-gamma. The reduction in cytokine production correlated with the near absence of GATA-3 and T-bet, key transcription factors regulating cytokine expression and maturation of NKT cells. Ectopic expression of GATA-3 partially restored IL-4 production by the NKT cells. Collectively, these data suggest that by promoting GATA-3 and T-bet expression, SAP exerts control over NKT cell development and mature NKT cell cytokine production.

The capsid and tegument of the alphaherpesviruses are linked by an interaction between the UL25 and VP1/2 proteins.

How alphaherpesvirus capsids acquire tegument proteins remains a key question in viral assembly. Using pseudorabies virus (PRV), we have previously shown that the 62 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the VP1/2 large tegument protein are essential for viral propagation and when transiently expressed as a fusion to green fluorescent protein relocalize to nuclear capsid assemblons following viral infection. Here, we show that localization of the VP1/2 capsid-binding domain (VP1/2cbd) into assemblons is conserved in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and that this recruitment is specifically on capsids. Using a mutant virus screen, we find that the protein product of the UL25 gene is essential for VP1/2cbd association with capsids. An interaction between UL25 and VP1/2 was corroborated by coimmunoprecipitation from cells transiently expressing either HSV-1 or PRV proteins. Taken together, these findings suggest that the essential function of the VP1/2 carboxy terminus is to anchor the VP1/2 tegument protein to capsids. Furthermore, UL25 encodes a multifunctional capsid protein involved in not only encapsidation, as previously described, but also tegumentation.

Changes in sucking performance from nonnutritive sucking to nutritive sucking during breast- and bottle-feeding.

Our aim was to obtain a better understanding of the differences between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding, particularly with regard to how sucking performance changes from nonnutritive sucking (NNS) to nutritive sucking (NS). Twenty-two normal term infants were studied while breast-feeding at 4 and 5 d postpartum. Five of the 22 infants were exclusively breast-fed, but we tested the other 17 infants while breast-feeding and while bottle-feeding. Before the milk ejection reflex (MER) occurs, little milk is available. As such, infants perform NNS before MER. For bottle-feeding, a one-way valve was affixed between the teat and the bottle so that the infants needed to perform NNS until milk flowed into the teat chamber. At the breast, the sucking pressure (-93.1 +/- 28.3 mm Hg) was higher during NNS compared with NS (-77.3 +/- 27.0 mm Hg). With a bottle, the sucking pressure was lower during NNS (-27.5 +/- 11.2 mm Hg) compared with NS (-87.5 +/- 28.5 mm Hg). Sucking frequency was higher and sucking duration was shorter during NNS compared with that during NS both at the breast and with a bottle. There were significant differences in the changes of sucking pressure and duration from NNS to NS between breast- and bottle-feeding. The change in sucking pressure and duration from NNS to NS differed between breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Even with a modified bottle and teats, bottle-feeding differs from breast-feeding.

Neonatal feeding performance as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months.

This study aimed to determine whether neonatal feeding performance can predict the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants at 18 months of age. We measured the expression and sucking pressures of 65 infants (32 males and 33 females, mean gestational age 37.8 weeks [SD 0.5]; range 35.1 to 42.7 weeks and mean birthweight 2722g [SD 92]) with feeding problems and assessed their neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of age. Their diagnoses varied from mild asphyxia and transient tachypnea to Chiari malformation. A neurological examination was performed at 40 to 42 weeks postmenstrual age by means of an Amiel-Tison examination. Feeding performance at 1 and 2 weeks after initiation of oral feeding was divided into four classes: class 1, no suction and weak expression; class 2, arrhythmic alternation of expression/suction and weak pressures; class 3, rhythmic alternation, but weak pressures; and class 4, rhythmic alternation with normal pressures. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II and was divided into four categories: severe disability, moderate delay, minor delay, and normal. We examined the brain ultrasound on the day of feeding assessment, and compared the prognostic value of ultrasound and feeding performance. There was a significant correlation between feeding assessment and neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months (p < 0.001). Improvements of feeding pattern at the second evaluation resulted in better neurodevelopmental outcome. The sensitivity and specificity of feeding assessment were higher than those of ultrasound assessment. Neonatal feeding performance is, therefore, of prognostic value in detecting future developmental problems.

Antenatal olfactory learning influences infant feeding.

The aim is to know whether antenatal olfactory learning have a greater effect than postnatal olfactory learning on infant feeding even in the absence of triggering signals. We evaluated the sucking behavior of infants completely separated from their mothers for 10-14 days since birth. The 12 infants admitted to Chiba Children's Hospital were studied at 10-14 days of age. Oral feeding was initiated at 4-7 days of age. The sucking and expression pressures, frequency, and sucking efficiency were measured during bottle-feeding with exposure to odors of mother's milk, formula, and water. The mother's milk odor elicited more frequent sucking with higher expression pressure than did formula or water. In conclusion, the odor preferences acquired independently from postnatal experience may have a greater effect than postnatal olfactory learning on sucking activity.

The maturation and coordination of sucking, swallowing, and respiration in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to establish normative maturational data for feeding behavior of preterm infants from 32 to 36 weeks of postconception and to evaluate how the relation between swallowing and respiration changes with maturation. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four infants (28 to 31 weeks of gestation at birth) without complications or defects were studied weekly between 32 and 36 weeks after conception. During bottle feeding with milk flowing only when infants were sucking, sucking efficiency, pressure, frequency, and duration were measured and the respiratory phase in which swallowing occurs was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis. RESULTS: The sucking efficiency significantly increased between 34 and 36 weeks after conception and exceeded 7 mL/min at 35 weeks. There were significant increases in sucking pressure and frequency as well as in duration between 33 and 36 weeks. Although swallowing occurred mostly during pauses in respiration at 32 and 33 weeks, after 35 weeks swallowing usually occurred at the end of inspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding behavior in premature infants matured significantly between 33 and 36 weeks after conception, and swallowing infrequently interrupted respiration during feeding after 35 weeks after conception.

Effects of different fluids on the relationship between swallowing and breathing during nutritive sucking in neonates.

This study in 10 term infants investigated the effects of different fluids on the coordination between swallowing and breathing during bottle feedings. Sucking pressure, swallowing, breathing and O(2) saturation were examined in each infant during bottle feedings with breast milk, formula and distilled water. When receiving breast milk, the infants showed a significantly higher breathing rate than with the other liquids. Swallows followed by inspiration were demonstrated less often with breast milk compared with formula or distilled water. In conclusion, expressed breast milk is suitable for neonates because better coordination between swallowing and breathing could be obtained and subclinical aspiration could be prevented.