Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein-protein interactions between lens vimentin and αB-crystallin using FRET acceptor photobleaching

Purpose The R120G mutation of αB-crystallin is known to cause desmin-related myopathy, but the mechanisms underlying the formation of cataract are not clearly established. We hypothesize that alteration of protein–protein interaction between R120G αB-crystallin and lens intermediate filament proteins is one of the mechanisms of congenital cataract. Methods Protein–protein interactions were determined by confocal fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy using green fluorescence protein (GFP) as the donor and red fluorescence protein (RFP) as the acceptor. The lens vimentin gene was fused into a GFP vector and the αB-crystallin (WT or R120G mutant) gene was fused into the RFP vector. The donor-acceptor plasmid pairs of intermediate filament (IF)-GFP and αB-RFP were co-transfected into HeLa cells. After incubation, confocal fluorescence images of the transfected cells were taken. FRET was estimated by the acceptor photobleaching method. Protein–protein interaction was evaluated by FRET efficiency. Results The confocal fluorescence images showed that the cells expressing vimentin and R120G αB-crystallin contained large amounts of protein aggregates while few vimentin fibers were observed. FRET efficiency analyses indicated that vimentin had a significantly greater protein–protein interaction with R120G αB-crystallin than with WT αB-crystallin. Conclusions Our results show that the R120G αB-crystallin mutant promoted vimentin aggregation through increased protein–protein interaction. This process may contribute to the formation of congenital cataract.
A biomechanical comparison of headless tapered variable pitch compression and ao cortical bone screws for fixation of a simulated midbody transverse fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone in horses.

OBJECTIVE To compare mechanical properties and failure characteristics of 2 methods of fixation for repair of a transverse, midbody fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone (PSB): 4.5-mm AO cortical bone screw (AO) placed in lag fashion and 4/5-mm Acutrak (AT) self-compressing screw. STUDY DESIGN An in vitro biomechanical evaluation of intact forelimb preparations and forelimb preparations with a simulated midbody PSB fracture stabilized by a bone screw. SAMPLE POPULATION Sixteen paired and 8 unilateral cadaveric equine forelimbs. METHODS A midbody transverse osteotomy was created in the medial PSB of bilateral forelimbs of 8 equine cadavers. The osteotomized PSB in 1 forelimb from each cadaver was repaired with an AO screw. The osteotomized PSB in each contralateral limb was repaired with an AT screw. Eight unilateral intact control limbs were also studied. Mechanical properties were determined from axial compression, single cycle to failure, load-deformation curves. Failure characteristics were determined by evaluation of video images and radiographs. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found between repair groups. Both AO and AT groups had significantly lower mechanical properties than intact limbs except for stiffness. CONCLUSION AO and AT constructs were mechanically comparable when used to stabilize a simulated midbody fracture of the medial PSB. Both constructs were mechanically inferior to intact limbs. Clinical Relevance- The AT screw should be considered for clinical use because of the potential for less soft tissue impingement and superior biocompatibility compared with the stainless-steel AO screw. However, postoperative external coaptation is necessary to augment initial fracture stability for either fixation method, and to maintain a standing metacarpophalangeal joint dorsiflexion angle between 150 degrees and 155 degrees.
A study of wicking properties of cotton-acrylic yarns and knitted fabrics

This paper investigated wicking properties of cotton-acrylic rotor yarns and knitted fabrics. The effect of yarn wicking on wicking of fabric in both wale and course directions was also discussed. One way ANOVA results of the experimental study suggested that wicking abilities of yarns and fabrics increased with the increase in acrylic content in the blends and with the use of coarse yarns. Besides, yarn wicking had a significant effect on fabric wicking.
RAF Inhibitor Therapy Promotes Melanocytic Antigen Expression and Enhanced Anti-Tumor Immunity in Melanoma

Melanoma remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, however tremendous advances have been made in its treatment over the past several years. The discovery of genomic alterations that contribute to oncogenicity has ushered in a new era of molecularly-targeted therapy. Importantly, over half of melanomas harbor a mutation in the BRAF gene that leads to constitutive signaling down the MAPK pathway and multiple subsequent deleterious effects. Pharmacologic agents targeting this mutation have been developed and several are now FDA-approved, having yielded high response rates to therapy although these are tempered by a short duration of response. Multiple molecular mechanisms of resistance have been identified; however until recently few studies had delved into the immune effects of BRAF inhibitors. The effect of BRAF inhibition on anti-tumor immunity will be discussed herein, as will potential implications of these findings in the treatment of melanoma.
Peritubular Capillary Basement Membrane Multilayering in Renal Allograft Biopsies of Patients With De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies

Background Severe peritubular capillary basement membrane multilayering (PTCBML) is part of the Banff definition of chronic antibody-mediated rejection. We retrospectively investigated whether assessment of the mean number of layers of basement membrane (BM) around peritubular capillaries (PTC) can be used in a cohort of patients with de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) as an early marker to predict long-term antibody-mediated injury. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study with 151 electron microscopy samples from 54 patients with dnDSA, assessed at around 1 year after transplantation, for a mean number of BM layers around PTC and in serial biopsies. Graft survival and time to transplant glomerulopathy (TG) development were estimated in survival analyses. Results We found that a mean PTCBML count greater than 2.5 layers assessed in a sample of 25 PTCs around 1 year after transplantation is indicative of the development of TG in patients with dnDSA (P = 0.001). In addition, in patients with serial biopsies available for electron microscopy analysis, we could distinguish 2 groups: patients with a mean PTCBML count of 2.5 or less on all biopsies, and patients who developed greater than 2.5 layers at any time after transplantation. The latter group reflected dnDSA patients at risk for TG development (P < 0.001). In patients with dnDSA, PTCBML score added significantly to the sensitivity and specificity of prediction of TG compared with microcirculation injury score alone. Conclusions Our results highlight the potential value of assessing the mean number of BM in PTC for early prediction of progression to chronic antibody-mediated injury.
Personality Correlates of the Four-Factor Model of Cultural Intelligence

We examine relationships between Big Five personality and the four-factor model of cultural intelligence (CQ)—metacognitive CQ, cognitive CQ, motivational CQ, and behavioral CQ. Hierarchical regression analyses conducted on data from 338 business undergraduates—after controlling for age, gender, and years of experience in interacting with people from other cultures—show significant links between (a) conscientiousness and metacognitive CQ; (b) agreeableness and emotional stability with behavioral CQ; (c) extra version with cognitive, motivational, and behavioral CQ; and (d) openness with all four factors of CQ. The intriguing finding of this study is that openness was the only Big Five that was significantly related to all four aspects of CQ. This differs from prior research on openness that found few significant relationships. Our results show that openness to experience is a crucial personality characteristic that is related to a person’s capability to function effectively in diverse cultural settings (CQ).
A validated model for daily variations in the flux, origin, and distribution of settling particles within lakes

We performed intensive sediment trap studies at different water depths and locations in nine Swedish lakes to determine the flux, distribution, and origin of settling particulate matter in the pelagic zone. From these data, we developed a dynamic model that includes important mechanisms controlling fluxes of autochthonous, allochthonous, and resuspended particles in lakes during both stratification and turnover. The data suggest that during the period of turnover, sediment resuspension is a function of direct wind/wave activities. During these periods, resuspended particles are quite evenly distributed in the water column. During stratification, however, particles in deeper lakes are enriched in the hypolimnion. We suggest that these particles are resuspended due mainly to internal water motions. The model describes how much and at which water depths material is resuspended, and how this material is distributed in the water column. This includes the process of sediment focusing. The model allows determination of sediment accumulation at different water depths and of the boundary between erosion, transportation, and accumulation of sediment. Furthermore, the model shows the time dependence of the flux and distribution of settling particles in relation to changes in wind speed. The model is driven by wind, stratification, and lake morphometric data that can be determined with good accuracy. Some coefficients describing particle dynamics are also needed, e.g. particle settling velocity, vertical water mixing velocity, and sediment resuspension rate. The most uncertain coefficients were subjected to sensitivity analyses. The model can explain differences over time in the flux, origin, and distribution of settling particles in different lakes. Because it has earlier been recognized that the flux and distribution of settling particles can be of great importance for the dispersal, burial, biouptake, and ecological effects of nutrients and contaminants, the model may provide valuable information for lake management.
Giant molecular filaments in the Milky Way II: The fourth Galactic quadrant

Filamentary structures are common morphological features of the cold, molecular interstellar medium (ISM). Recent studies have discovered massive, hundred-parsec-scale filaments that may be connected to the large-scale, Galactic spiral arm structure. Addressing the nature of these Giant Molecular Filaments (GMFs) requires a census of their occurrence and properties. We perform a systematic search of GMFs in the fourth Galactic quadrant and determine their basic physical properties. We identify GMFs based on their dust extinction signatures in near- and mid-infrared and velocity structure probed by ^{13}CO line emission. We use the ^{13}CO line emission and ATLASGAL dust emission data to estimate the total and dense gas masses of the GMFs. We combine our sample with an earlier sample from literature and study the Galactic environment of the GMFs. We identify nine GMFs in the fourth Galactic quadrant; six are located in the Centaurus spiral arm and three in inter-arm regions. Combining this sample with an earlier study using the same identification criteria in the first Galactic quadrant results in 16 GMFs, nine of which are located within spiral arms. The GMFs have sizes of 80-160 pc and ^{13}CO-derived masses between 5-90 x 10^{4} Msun. Their dense gas mass fractions are between 1.5-37%, being higher in the GMFs connected to spiral arms. We also compare the different GMF-identification methods and find that emission and extinction based techniques overlap only partially, highlighting the need to use both to achieve a complete census.
Learning to Compose Neural Networks for Question Answering

We describe a question answering model that applies to both images and structured knowledge bases. The model uses natural language strings to automatically assemble neural networks from a collection of composable modules. Parameters for these modules are learned jointly with network-assembly parameters via reinforcement learning, with only (world, question, answer) triples as supervision. Our approach, which we term a dynamic neural model network, achieves state-of-the-art results on benchmark datasets in both visual and structured domains.
A20 (TNFAIP3) Deletion in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders/Lymphomas

A negative regulator of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway, A20 (TNFAIP3), is inactivated in several types of lymphomas; particularly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. These findings suggest that the NF-κB activation is related to A20 inactivation. Recently, A20 inactivation has also been observed in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphomas; however, this occurrence has not been well investigated. Moreover, NF-κB is a key molecule in activated B-cell-like (ABC)-type DLBCL; EBV-associated DLBCL is of the ABC type. Therefore, we focused on A20 deletions in EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders/lymphomas. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, A20 deletions were identified in 4 of 13 samples from patients with pyothorax-associated lymphoma (PAL) (31%), 3 of 20 samples from nasal-type NK/T cell lymphomas (NKTLs) (15%), 1 of 8 samples of EBV-positive DLBCL of the elderly (DLBCL-e) (13%), but not in any of the 11 samples from individuals with methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD) (0%). Among the samples with A20 deletions, EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) expression was detected in all 4 of the PAL samples with A20 deletions and in the DLBCL-e sample with an A20 deletion, but not in any of the 3 NKTL samples. This finding indicated that A20 deletions were not directly related to the EBV latency pattern of lymphomas, although such deletions might be related to the diagnostic category. Immunohistologically, the A20 protein was absent in 2 (15%) of the13 PAL samples, 1 (9%) of 11 MTX-LPD samples, and in none of the 20 NKTL (0%) or 8 DLBCL-e samples. In conclusion, A20 deletion and/or dysfunctional expression are frequently associated with PALs, and A20 abnormalities may be related to the pathogenesis of PAL.
Lichen Polysaccharides

Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of a fungal partner, the mycobiont, and one or more photosynthetic partners, the photobiont, which may be either a green alga or a cyanobacterium (Nash III, 1996; Wolseley and Aguirre-Hudson, 1994 and Yoshimura, 2004). The mycobiont in this combination is an ascomycete or a basidiomycete and the photobiont a green alga or a cyanobacterium. Some lichen species can contain more than one green algal species as photobionts (Friedl and Gärtner, 1988; Friedl, 1989; Ihda et al., 1993). At present, about 13,500 fungal species have been recognized to be involved in lichen symbiosis (Hawksworth et al. 1995; Kirk et al., 2001). However, Sipman and Aptroot (2001) stated that this number could be as high as 20,000 after including “orphaned” species; according to Lumbsch et al., (2011), about 10,000 of lichenized fungi have been estimated as undescribed species.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis preceded by granulomatous hypophysitis: Case report with a review of the literature

Background: Primary central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is an idiopathic inflammatory process that selectively affects CNS vasculature without a systemic inflammatory response, and causes luminal obstruction with resultant ischemia of recipient tissue. Its varying clinical symptoms and signs depend on the caliber of vessels involved and distribution and location of the affected structures. Granulomatous hypophysitis (GH) is an autoimmune inflammatory process typically affecting women, and usually presents with hypopituitarism, and at times, diabetes insipidus, and/or visual loss. Both entities are rare CNS diseases, which, to our knowledge, have never been previously reported in the same patient. Case Description: We present a unique case of chronic progressive primary CNS vasculitis causing limbic encephalopathy in a 30-year-old male with only a history of medication-controlled hypertension. He initially presented 4 months prior with nonspecific neurological complaints and was found to have a homogenously enhancing and enlarged pituitary, which was biopsy proven to be GH. Conclusion: This rather unique presentation highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for underlying PCNS vasculitis in a patient who does not fit the typical demographic for isolated GH.
Increased arteriovenous carboxyhemoglobin differences in patients with inflammatory pulmonary diseases.

PURPOSE Exhaled carbon monoxide and arterial blood carboxyhemoglobin concentrations increase in inflammatory pulmonary diseases. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether arteriovenous carboxyhemoglobin (a-vHb-CO) concentration differences are also useful to define the site of inflammation, either in the lung or organs other than the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin in both arterial and peripheral venous blood and exhaled carbon monoxide in patients with acute pulmonary inflammation including bronchial asthma (n = 18) and pneumonia (n = 33), and those in patients with extrapulmonary inflammatory diseases, including acute pyelonephritis (n = 28) and active rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16). RESULTS The values of carboxyhemoglobin in both arterial and peripheral venous blood were significantly higher in patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary inflammation compared with those in control subjects (n = 22). Furthermore, a-vHb-CO differences in patients with inflammatory pulmonary diseases were higher than those in patients with acute pyelonephritis and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and than those in control subjects. The a-vHb-CO differences correlated with the WBC count of peripheral venous blood in patients with pneumonia. In patients with bronchial asthma, the a-vHb-CO differences inversely correlated with FEV(1), although they did not correlate with WBC count of peripheral venous blood. The a-vHb-CO differences in patients with acute pyelonephritis were higher than those in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that a-vHb-CO differences may be a useful means to define the site of inflammation, either in the lung or organs other than the lung, in patients with a fever of unknown origin. The large a-vHb-CO differences may be caused by carbon monoxide production in pulmonary inflammation.
Heat flux based method for determination of thermal parameters of the cylindrical Li-ion battery: Uncertainty analysis

A method for the determination of the thermal parameters of a cylindrical Li-ion battery by using heat flux measurements is analysed. The method for the determination of the thermal parameters, such as though-plane thermal conductivity and heat capacity, is based on the cylindrical cell battery model, which is explained in detail. The analysis of the applicability of the considered method and its modifications for the thermal parameters determination is based on an uncertainty analysis of the measured parameters. The analysis of the uncertainty showed the possibility to use heat flux measurements for the determination of the cylindrical cell heat capacity with 3.0 % of uncertainty. The uncertainty of the though-plane thermal conductivity determination was significantly higher, which requires an additional improvement of the considered method for the thermal parameters determination of the cylindrical Li-ion cell.
Responses of rod bipolar cells isolated from the rat retina to the glutamate agonist 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB)

Isolated rod bipolar cells were obtained by enzymatic (papain) and mechanical dissociation of the adult rat retina. Virtually all intact bipolar cells in the dissociates expressed protein kinase C (PKC) immunoreactivity, a selective marker for rod bipolar cells in the in vivo retina. Whole-cell recordings were performed using nystatin in the patch pipette to minimize washout of those cytoplasmic components necessary for the maintenance of ionic currents. At holding potentials of -33 mV, a tonic inward current was observed. The glutamate agonist 2- amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (APB) reduced this current by closing ion channels. Under normal conditions, Na+ appeared to be the main charge carrier. Both the internal and the external Ca2+ concentrations were found to exert a powerful influence on the APB-sensitive current. We conclude that the rod bipolar cell in situ is depolarized at light onset.
Intentions, Perceptions and Actions Constrain Functional Intra- and Inter-Individual Variability in the Acquisition of Expertise in Individual Sports

Expertise in sport results from the adaptation of behavoirbehavoir to interacting constraints, individually per-ceived and encountered. With this emphasis on intentionality, perception and action to constrain behavoirbehavoir, the role of movement pattern stability, functional intra-individual and inter-individual performance variability is paramount. Here we illustrate these ideas with reference to two individual performance environments: ice climbing and breaststroke swimming. In ice climbing, compared to beginners, expert climbers exhibited greater levels of variability in upper- and lower-limb coordination patterns, exploring a larger range of limb positions and movement types (ice tool swinging, ice hole hooking). Ice fall properties contain affordances that induced variable motor coordination patterns in expert climbers, whereas learners used a basic and functionally stable motor organization to achieve their main goal of maintaining body equilibrium with respect to gravity. In swimming, while learners organized their limbs to advance in the water, their main intention was to balance, float, breathe, and perceive information. For these reasons they typically adopted one stable (in-phase) mode of arm-leg coordination whatever the swim speed. In contrast, experts harnessed available environmental and organismic constraints (strength, flexibility relative to aquatic resistance and the Archimedes principle) to satisfy a key performance constraint (swim fast). To achieve this aim, they varied the arm-leg coordination mode within a stroke cycle and swim speed. Together these data illustrate how functional performance in sport is predicated on the intertwined rela-tionship between intentions, actions and perceptions of each individual, requiring a blend of stable and variable movement patterns to satisfy changing task constraints.
Effect of the Combination of Calcined Shale and Pozzolanic Materials on Compressive Strength of Concrete

This study investigated the influence of individual constituents of calcined shale or hybrid constituents of calcined shale and fly ash or silica fume on the workability and compressive strength. Calcined shale is heat treated in a kiln and then ground to a finer powder and the calcination temperatures of 800 °C were used. The test results demonstrated that the workability and compressive strength decreased with the inclusion of calcined shale increased and the compressive strength of the specimens containing calcined shale all lower than that of the control specimens. It might be due to the higher water demand and lower CaO value. However, the hybrid batches with calcined shale and fly ash or silica fume enhanced better performance on compressive strength than individual constituents of calcined shale. The combination of 10 % calcined shale and 10 % silica fume in concrete seemed to give superior compressive strength and gave the highest value in the testing series. Finally, the inclusion of calcined shale is help to reduce the emissions of CO2 and revealed an ecological advantage for concrete containing a binder blend of cement and calcined shale.