Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UXT is a novel and essential cofactor in the NF-κB transcriptional enhanceosome

As a latent transcription factor, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus upon stimulation and mediates the expression of genes that are important in immunity, inflammation, and development. However, little is known about how it is regulated inside the nucleus. By a two-hybrid approach, we identify a prefoldin-like protein, ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT), that is expressed predominantly and interacts specifically with NF-κB inside the nucleus. RNA interference knockdown of UXT leads to impaired NF-κB activity and dramatically attenuates the expression of NF-κB–dependent genes. This interference also sensitizes cells to apoptosis by tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, UXT forms a dynamic complex with NF-κB and is recruited to the NF-κB enhanceosome upon stimulation. Interestingly, the UXT protein level correlates with constitutive NF-κB activity in human prostate cancer cell lines. The presence of NF-κB within the nucleus of stimulated or constitutively active cells is considerably diminished with decreased endogenous UXT levels. Our results reveal that UXT is an integral component of the NF-κB enhanceosome and is essential for its nuclear function, which uncovers a new mechanism of NF-κB regulation.
Stability theory for difference approximations of mixed initial boundary value problems. I

are given, u1 and u11 are defined according to the partition of A, i.e. u1 = (wU), • • -, um)', ulL = (w<! +1), • • -, uM)', and *S is a given constant rectangular matrix. It is well known that the above problem is correctly posed in L2 (see for example Thomée [4]). The present treatment of the case when A is a constant matrix can be extended, as in [1], to the case when A depends on (x, t) in a sufficiently smooth fashion. In the earlier paper [1], we considered the case when the coefficient matrices of the difference schemes were diagonal. The same class of problems has also been treated in an interesting paper by Osher [2]. The assumption of diagonality would
Health-related physical fitness is associated with selected sociodemographic and behavioral factors in Brazilian school children.

BACKGROUND This study investigated the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and health standards based on physical fitness component scores in a sample of Brazilian schoolchildren. METHODS A sample of 1457 girls and 1392 boys aged 6 to 18 years performed a test battery of 5 items: 1) sit-and-reach, 2) curl-up, 3) trunk-lift, 4) push-up, and 5) progressive endurance run (PACER). The cut-off scores for gender and age suggested by the FitnessGram were adopted. RESULTS The findings showed that the sociodemographic and behavioral factors significantly associated with the ability of schoolchildren of meeting the health standards varied according to the fitness test. In the 5 tests used girls presented lower chance of meeting the health standards. Age and socioeconomic class were negatively associated with the performance in all physical tests. Schoolchildren aged ≤ 9 years or from families of lowest socioeconomic class presented approximately twice the chance of meeting the health standards than those aged ≥ 15 years and from more privileged families, specifically in the push-up (OR = 2.40; 95% CI 2.01-2.82) and PACER (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.84-2.54) tests. CONCLUSIONS Interventions to promote health-related physical fitness should not only consider gender and age of schoolchildren, but also selected sociodemographic and behavioral factors, especially socioeconomic class and leisure activities.
An observational study of the influence of solar zenith angle on properties of the M1 layer of the Mars ionosphere

The variations in peak properties of the M1 layer (the lower photochemical plasma layer) with solar zenith angle (SZA) are important relationships for understanding the physical processes which control this region of the Mars ionosphere. The behavior of the M1 layer has been poorly characterized to date. Here we introduce an automated and repeatable method for determining properties of the M1 and M2 layers simultaneously in 5600 Mars Global Surveyor radio occultation profiles of dayside electron density. The results support previous findings for M1 and M2 subsolar peak densities and the dependence of peak densities on solar zenith angle. The ratio of M1 peak density to M2 peak density remains constant at 0.4 for 70°
Polygonal fault systems on the mid-Norwegian margin: a long-term source for fluid flow

Abstract 2D and 3D seismic data from the mid-Norwegian margin show that polygonal fault systems are widespread within the fine-grained, Micene sediments of the Kai Formation that overlie the Mesozoic/Early Cenozoic rift basins. Outcropping polygonal faults show that de-watering and development of polygonal faults commenced shortly after burial. On the other hand, the polygonal fault system’s stratigraphic setting, upward decreasing fault throw and the association with fluid flow features that are attributed to de-watering of the polygonal fault systems shows that polygonal faulting and fluid expulsion is an ongoing process since Miocene times.
A Two-Step Framework for Constructing Blind Image Quality Indices

Present day no-reference/no-reference image quality assessment (NR IQA) algorithms usually assume that the distortion affecting the image is known. This is a limiting assumption for practical applications, since in a majority of cases the distortions in the image are unknown. We propose a new two-step framework for no-reference image quality assessment based on natural scene statistics (NSS). Once trained, the framework does not require any knowledge of the distorting process and the framework is modular in that it can be extended to any number of distortions. We describe the framework for blind image quality assessment and a version of this framework-the blind image quality index (BIQI) is evaluated on the LIVE image quality assessment database. A software release of BIQI has been made available online: http://live.ece. utexas.edu/research/quality/BIQI_release. zip.
Micro-Raman Spectroscopy of Silver Nanoparticle Induced Stress on Optically-Trapped Stem Cells

We report here results of a single-cell Raman spectroscopy study of stress effects induced by silver nanoparticles in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). A high-sensitivity, high-resolution Raman Tweezers set-up has been used to monitor nanoparticle-induced biochemical changes in optically-trapped single cells. Our micro-Raman spectroscopic study reveals that hMSCs treated with silver nanoparticles undergo oxidative stress at doping levels in excess of 2 µg/ml, with results of a statistical analysis of Raman spectra suggesting that the induced stress becomes more dominant at nanoparticle concentration levels above 3 µg/ml.
A higher prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatics compared with non‐psoriatics: a multicentre study

There is some controversy about the prevalence of onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis compared to non‐psoriatics. We therefore measured the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in psoriatics and non‐psoriatics attending dermatologists'offices. None of the patients had a referring diagnosis of onychomycosis. The prevalence of pedal onychomycosis in psoriatics (n = 561) was 13%. The odds of patients with psoriasis having onychomycosis was 56% greater than non‐ psoriatics of the same age and sex (P= 0·02). In the psoriatics, when the toenails were clinically abnormal, the prevalence of onychomycosis was 27%. The odds of developing onychomycosis increased with age (P < 0·0001) and the odds of men developing onychomycosis was 2·5 times that of women (P= 0·0001). The duration of psoriasis did not significantly affect the odds of developing onychomycosis. The fungal organisms recovered from psoriasis subjects with onychomycosis were similar to those in the normal population with onychomycosis (P = 0·58).
Mixing dynamics at the confluence of two large rivers undergoing weak density variations

Simulations of tracer experiments conducted with a three-dimensional primitive-equation hydrodynamic and transport model are used to understand the processes controlling the rate of mixing between two rivers (Ebro and Segre), with distinct physical and chemical properties, at their confluence, upstream of a meandering reservoir (Ribarroja reservoir). Mixing rates downstream of the confluence are subject to hourly scale oscillations, driven partly by changes in inflow densities and also as a result of turbulent eddies that develop within the shear layer between the confluent rivers and near a dead zone located downstream of the confluence. Even though density contrasts are low—at most O(10−1) kg m−3 difference among sources—and almost negligible from a dynamic point of view—compared with inertial forces—they are important for mixing. Mixing rates between the confluent streams under weakly buoyant conditions can be of up to 40% larger than those occurring under neutrally buoyant conditions. The buoyancy effects on mixing rates are interpreted as the result of changes in the contact area available for mixing (distortion of the mixing layer). For strong density contrasts, though, when the contact area between the streams becomes nearly horizontal, larger density differences between streams will lead to weaker mixing rates, as a result of the stabilizing effect of vertical density gradients.
Opsonic Requirements for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Responses to Cryptococcus neoformans

ABSTRACT The encapsulated pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is poorly recognized by phagocytic cells in the absence of opsonins. Macrophages will bind and internalize complement- or antibody-opsonized C. neoformans; however, less is known about the role of opsonins in dendritic cell (DC)-mediated recognition of the organism. Thus, we studied the opsonic requirements for binding to C. neoformans by cultured human monocyte-derived and murine bone marrow-derived DCs and whether binding leads to antifungal activity and cytokine release. Binding of unopsonized C. neoformans to human and murine DCs was negligible. Opsonization with pooled human serum (PHS) increased binding, while heat treatment of PHS virtually abolished this binding, thus suggesting a role for heat-labile complement components. PHS plus a monoclonal anticapsular antibody, 3C2, had an additive effect on binding for most cryptococcal strains. Human and murine DCs exhibited pronounced anticryptococcal activity in the presence of the antibody at early (2-h) and late (24-h) time points; however, PHS opsonization did not supplement this anticryptococcal activity. Antifungal activity against C. neoformans opsonized in PHS and/or antibody was partially reduced in the presence of inhibitors of the respiratory burst response. Human, but not murine, DCs released modest amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha when stimulated with C. neoformans opsonized in PHS and/or antibody. However, opsonized C. neoformans failed to stimulate detectable release of interleukin 10 (IL-10) or IL-12p70 from either DC population. Thus, human and murine DCs show maximal binding to and antifungal activity against C. neoformans via a process highly dependent on opsonization.
The Multiple Waves of Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Signaling

The cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) is one of the most abundant G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the central nervous system, with key roles during neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Upon ligand activation, CB1Rs may signal in three different spatiotemporal waves. The first wave, which is transient (<10 minutes) and initiated by heterotrimeric G proteins, is followed by a second wave (>5 minutes) that is mediated by β-arrestins. The third and final wave occurs at intracellular compartments and could be elicited by G proteins or β-arrestins. This complexity presents multiple challenges, including the correct classification of receptor ligands, the identification of the signaling pathways regulated by each wave, and the underlying molecular mechanisms and physiologic impacts of these waves. Simultaneously, it provides new opportunities to harness the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoid system and other GPCRs. Over the last several years, we have significantly expanded our understanding of the mechanisms and pathways downstream from the CB1R. The identification of receptor mutations that can bias signaling to specific pathways and the use of siRNA technology have been key tools to identifying which signaling cascades are controlled by G proteins or β-arrestins. Here, we review our current knowledge on CB1R signaling, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms and cascades mediated by β-arrestins downstream from the CB1R.
On the SVMpath Singularity

This paper proposes a novel ridge-adding-based approach for handling singularities that are frequently encountered in the powerful SVMpath algorithm. Unlike the existing method that performs linear programming as an additional step to track the optimality condition path in a multidimensional feasible space, our new approach provides a simpler and computationally more efficient implementation, which needs no extra time-consuming procedures other than introducing a random ridge term to each data point. Contrary to the existing ridge-adding method, which fails to avoid singularities as the ridge terms tend to zero, our novel approach, for any small random ridge terms, guarantees the existence of the inverse matrix by ensuring that only one index is added into or removed from the active set. The performance of the proposed algorithm, in terms of both computational complexity and the ability of singularity avoidance, is manifested by rigorous mathematical analyses as well as experimental results.
Anonymizing Graphs

Motivated by recently discovered privacy attacks on social networks, we study the problem of anonymizing the underlying graph of interactions in a social network. We call a graph (k,l)-anonymous if for every node in the graph there exist at least k other nodes that share at least l of its neighbors. We consider two combinatorial problems arising from this notion of anonymity in graphs. More specifically, given an input graph we ask for the minimum number of edges to be added so that the graph becomes (k,l)-anonymous. We define two variants of this minimization problem and study their properties. We show that for certain values of k and l the problems are polynomial-time solvable, while for others they become NP-hard. Approximation algorithms for the latter cases are also given.
Influence of convective processes on the isotopic composition (δ18O and δD) of precipitation and water vapor in the tropics: 2. Physical interpretation of the amount effect

[1] In the tropics, the proportion of heavier water isotopes in precipitation is anticorrelated with the precipitation amount. The physical processes underlying this so-called amount effect are still poorly understood and quantified. In the present study, stable water isotopes (H218O and HDO) have been introduced in a single column model including the Emanuel convection parameterization. We investigate the physical processes underlying the amount effect and propose a methodology to quantify their relative contributions. We focus on convective processes, since the idealized framework of the single column models does not allow us to consider the effects of large-scale horizontal advections of air masses of different isotopic signatures. We show that two kinds of processes predominantly explain the amount effect: first, the reevaporation of the falling rain and the diffusive exchanges with the surrounding vapor; and second, the recycling of the subcloud layer vapor feeding the convective system by convective fluxes. This highlights the importance of a detailed representation of rain evaporation processes to simulate accurately the isotopic composition of precipitation in the tropics. The variability of the isotopic composition on different timescales (from days to months) is also studied using a unidimensional simulation of the Tropical Ocean–Global Atmosphere–Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA-COARE) campaign. The amount effect is best observable at intraseasonal or longer timescales. The period of time over which convective activity significantly affects the isotopic composition of precipitation is related to the residence time of water within atmospheric reservoirs.
A Comparative Analysis Regarding Pictures Included in Secondary School Geography Textbooks Taught in Turkey

This study brings in a comparative approach regarding pictures involved in secondary school (14–17 ages) textbooks taught in Turkey. In this respect, following the classification of pictures (line drawings and photographs) included in secondary school education geography textbooks, evaluation of the photographs in books in question in terms of quality measures has been made. In addition, after listing the problems experienced regarding the illustration works in secondary school education geography textbooks, suggestions will be made regarding illustration sufficiencies in geography textbooks.
Scaling techniques for gradient projection-type methods in astronomical image deblurring

The aim of this paper is to present a computational study on scaling techniques in gradient projection-type (GP-type) methods for deblurring of astronomical images corrupted by Poisson noise. In this case, the imaging problem is formulated as a non-negatively constrained minimization problem in which the objective function is the sum of a fit-to-data term, the Kullback–Leibler divergence, and a Tikhonov regularization term. The considered GP-type methods are formulated by a common iteration formula, where the scaling matrix and the step-length parameter characterize the different algorithms. Within this formulation, both first-order and Newton-like methods are analysed, with particular attention to those implementation features and behaviours relevant for the image restoration problem. The numerical experiments show that suited scaling strategies can enable the GP methods to quickly approximate accurate reconstructions and then are useful for designing effective image deblurring algorithms.
The Role of Mesoscale Convective Complexes in Southern Africa Summer Rainfall

AbstractA combination of numerous factors, including geographic position, regional orography, and local sea surface temperatures, means that subtropical southern Africa experiences considerable spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and is prone to both frequent flooding and drought events. One system that may contribute to rainfall variability in the region is the mesoscale convective complex (MCC). In this study, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) data is used to document the precipitation produced by MCCs over southern Africa for the 1998–2006 period.Most of the rainfall associated with MCCs is found to occur over central Mozambique, extending southward to eastern South Africa. High precipitation totals associated with these systems also occur over the neighboring southwest Indian Ocean, particularly off the northeast coast of South Africa. MCCs are found to contribute up to 20% of the total summer rainfall (November–March) in parts of the east.
Fluorescence photooxidation with eosin: a method for high resolution immunolocalization and in situ hybridization detection for light and electron microscopy

A simple method is described for high-resolution light and electron microscopic immunolocalization of proteins in cells and tissues by immunofluorescence and subsequent photooxidation of diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride into an insoluble osmiophilic polymer. By using eosin as the fluorescent marker, a substantial improvement in sensitivity is achieved in the photooxidation process over other conventional fluorescent compounds. The technique allows for precise correlative immunolocalization studies on the same sample using fluorescence, transmitted light and electron microscopy. Furthermore, because eosin is smaller in size than other conventional markers, this method results in improved penetration of labeling reagents compared to gold or enzyme based procedures. The improved penetration allows for three-dimensional immunolocalization using high voltage electron microscopy. Fluorescence photooxidation can also be used for high resolution light and electron microscopic localization of specific nucleic acid sequences by in situ hybridization utilizing biotinylated probes followed by an eosin-streptavidin conjugate.
The relationship of highly reflective clouds to tropical climate anomalies

Abstract The interannual variability of tropical convection related to the Southern Oscillation (SO) and regional climate anomalies is studied from satellite-derived estimates of highly reflective clouds (HRC) during 1971–87. The novel HRC data bank provides a particularly useful measure of tropical convection for the purposes of climate diagnostics, because of its length and continuity of record. For the first time, maps are presented of the patterns of correlation between the SO, as well as regional rainfall anomalies, and convection over the global tropics. Throughout the year, the SO (high SO phase defined by anomalously high/low pressure at Tahiti/Darwin) exhibits a highly significant negative correlation with HRC in the equatorial Pacific but a much weaker positive correlation with Indonesia. The SO is correlated positively with HRC in the Amazon basin in boreal winter but negatively with HRC over central Africa throughout most of the year. The three equatorial convection centers tend to vary in uni.
Annual cycle, quasi-biennial oscillation, and Southern Oscillation in global precipitation

The spatial and temporal variations in global precipitation associated with the annual cycle (AC), the tropospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and the Southern Oscillation (SO) are studied using 80 years (1901–1980) of global station rainfall data. The spatial scale and migration of the major climatological precipitation regimes are identified from the zeroth and first harmonic of the rainfall data. From the annual mean anomaly it was found that the dominant global precipitation pattern fluctuates irregularly, with 2- to 5-year periods associated with the SO. This pattern is characterized by a center of action in the form of an east-west dipole located over the equatorial central Pacific and the maritime continent of Indonesia. The occurrence of an El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) corresponds to an extreme phase of this dipole anomaly. Viewed in terms of the total rainfall amount (including the AC), the large rainfall anomalies that occurred during ENSOs represent major dislocations of the normal global rainfall pattern, affecting regions of the western Pacific/maritime continent and, to a lesser extent, China, Brazil, Argentina, southeast Africa, and southeast United States. Using the monthly rainfall anomaly, the same pattern again emerges as the dominant mode of variation. However, the temporal variation shows, in addition to the SO time scale, a distinct QBO signal. Using various time series analyses techniques, it was found that the QBO appears to be well correlated with the square of the SO signal. This result is also confirmed by bispectral analyses. The best correlation appears to occur during ENSO, with an apparent phase locking between the QBO and SO. A nonlinear interaction mechanism consistent with these results is illustrated by a conceptual model. The model suggests that the QBO may be an even more fundamental long-term oscillation of the tropical ocean-atmosphere system than the SO. ENSO-like cycles can arise from a basic 2 year oscillation in the tropical ocean-atmosphere system through its lagged effect from one year to the next. In addition, long-term trends and amplitude modulation of the QBO can also arise from this effect. The role of the possible influence of the AC and other factors involved in this QBO–SO interaction is also discussed.