Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent Regulation of Integrin-Mediated Signaling and Cell Cycle Entry in Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Integrin-mediated adhesion of epithelial cells to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins induces prolonged tyrosine phosphorylation and partial activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in an integrin-dependent and EGFR ligand-independent manner. Integrin-mediated activation of EGFR in epithelial cells is required for multiple signal transduction events previously shown to be induced by cell adhesion to matrix proteins, including tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, Cbl, and phospholipase Cγ, and activation of the Ras/Erk and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase/Akt signaling pathways. In contrast, activation of focal adhesion kinase, Src, and protein kinase C, adhesion to matrix proteins, cell spreading, migration, and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements are induced independently of EGFR kinase activity. The ability of integrins to induce the activation of EGFR and its subsequent regulation of Erk and Akt activation permitted adhesion-dependent induction of cyclin D1 and p21, Rb phosphorylation, and activation of cdk4 in epithelial cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors. Adhesion of epithelial cells to the ECM failed to efficiently induce degradation of p27, to induce cdk2 activity, or to induce Myc and cyclin A synthesis; subsequently, cells did not progress into S phase. Treatment of ECM-adherent cells with EGF, or overexpression of EGFR or Myc, resulted in restoration of late-G1 cell cycle events and progression into S phase. These results indicate that partial activation of EGFR by integrin receptors plays an important role in mediating events triggered by epithelial cell attachment to ECM; EGFR is necessary for activation of multiple integrin-induced signaling enzymes and sufficient for early events in G1 cell cycle progression. Furthermore, these findings suggest that EGFR or Myc overexpression may provoke ligand-independent proliferation in matrix-attached cells in vivo and could contribute to carcinoma development.
A baseline time series data mining model for forecasts in port logistics and economics

This paper addresses the question of how to develop forecasting models resulting from business processes that can be embodied in an intelligent decision support system. Moreover the design is suitable for evolving logistics and economic situations in which ports plan or foresee to have an improved economic role. The key objective of this work is to offer a model-based approach to Time Series Data Mining (TSDM) based on the assumptions that the time series may be produced by an underlying model, and that its flexibility is suitable to perform multivariate time-series analysis encompassing the notion of model selection and statistical learning known as the core of forecasting systems. Results indicate that for the period 2001 to 2005, the commodity throughput of coffee (tons) handled in the port of Buenaventura gains importance in the prediction of the Colombian national exports of coffee, thus indicating that the port operation was able to affect the economy in this regard. The previous period was strongly affected by outliers, creating a random walk process difficult to fit but feasible to produce due to unstable conditions evidenced in the economy.
Divergent landscape effects on population connectivity in two co‐occurring amphibian species

The physical and environmental attributes of landscapes often shape patterns of population connectivity by influencing dispersal and gene flow. Landscape effects on movement are typically evaluated for single species. However, inferences from multiple species are required for multi‐species management strategies increasingly being applied in conservation. In this study, I compared the spatial genetic patterns of two amphibian species across the northeastern United States and estimated the influence of specific landscape features on the observed genetic structure. The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and wood frog (Rana sylvatica) share many ecological attributes related to habitat use, phenology and site fidelity. However, I hypothesized that important differences in their movement patterns and life history would create distinct genetic patterns for each species. Using 14 microsatellite loci, I tested for differences in the level of genetic differentiation between the two species across 22 breeding ponds. The effects of eight landscape features were also estimated by evaluating 32 landscape resistance models. Spotted salamanders exhibited significantly higher genetic differentiation than wood frogs. Different landscape features were also identified as potential drivers of the genetic patterns in each species, with little overlap in model support between species. Collectively, these results provide strong evidence that these two amphibian species interact with the landscape in measurably different ways. The distinct genetic patterns observed are consistent with key differences in movement ability and life history between A. maculatum and R. sylvatica. These results highlight the importance of considering more than one species when assessing the impacts of the landscape matrix on population connectivity, even for ecologically similar species within the same habitats.
Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfocarbo indianensis SCBM, a New Genus of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria, Isolated from Water Extracted from an Active Coalbed Methane Gas Well

ABSTRACT We used Illumina MiSeq technology to sequence the whole genome of Desulfocarbo indianensis SCBM, a new genus of sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from a coal bed in Indiana, USA. This draft genome represents the first sequenced genome of the genus Desulfocarbo and the second known genome of the order Desulfarculales.
Shikimate kinase from spinach chloroplasts : purification, characterization, and regulatory function in aromatic amino Acid biosynthesis.

Shikimate kinase was purified to near homogenity from spinach Spinacia oleracea L. chloroplasts and found to consist of a single 31 kilodalton polypeptide. The purified enzyme was unstable, but could be stabilized by a variety of added proteins, including oxidized and reduced thioredoxins. Whereas the isolated enzyme was stimulated by mono- and dithiol reagents, the enzyme in intact chloroplasts was unaffected by added thiols and showed only minor response to dark/light transitions. These results indicate that the previously reported stimulation of shikimate kinase activity by reduced thioredoxins is due to enzyme stabilization rather than to activation. In the current study, the purified enzyme was inhibited by added ADP and showed a strong response to energy charge. When intact chloroplasts were incubated in the dark in presence of shikimate, phosphoenolpyruvate and a source of ATP (dihydroxyacetone phosphate or ATP itself under appropriate conditions), aromatic amino acids were formed: phenylalanine and tyrosine. The data indicate that energy charge plays a role in regulating shikimate kinase, thereby controlling the shikimate pathway. An unidentified enzyme of the latter part of the pathway, leading from shikimate-3-phosphate to phenylalanine, appears to be activated by light.
The vulva skin microclimate: influence of panty liners on temperature, humidity and pH.

Many women use panty liners between menstrual periods. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of such products might influence the vulva skin. Twelve healthy women were studied on four occasions with three different product constructions and on one occasion without products. Temperature, surface wetness and surface pH were measured on vulva skin. Mean skin temperature when the women were wearing a conventional panty liner (with a non-breathable back sheet) was 35.9 degrees C, compared to 34.4 degrees C when wearing no panty liner at all (p < 0.01) and 34.5 degrees C when using a panty liner with a breathable (i.e. vapour permeable) back sheet (p < 0.01). Skin humidity was significantly higher when the conventional panty liner was used compared to no panty liner or to the breathable panty liner (both cases p < 0.01). The mean pH value at the exterior aspect of the labium majus was 5.8 with the conventional panty liner, 5.2 with no panty liner and 5.3 with the breathable panty liner (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The results indicate that the conventional panty liner changes the vulva skin microclimate, but that the breathable panty liner to a substantial degree keeps the microclimate at an undisturbed level. The actual effect of these differences on microbiological flora will be addressed in a subsequent study.
Influence of Macrophage Infiltration of Herniated Disc Tissue on the Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases Leading to Disc Resorption

Study Design. Herniated lumbar disc specimens were cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and cells isolated from extruded disc were cultured to study the production of matrix metalloproteinases. Objective. To investigate the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells infiltrating extruded discs and disc-derived cells in the production of matrix metalloproteinases. Summary of Background Data. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis of herniated disc patients revealed a progressive decrease in the size of herniated discs. Spontaneous regression of herniated disc is associated with infiltrating macrophages, and matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in this phenomenon. However, the correlation between infiltrating macrophages and the production of matrix metalloproteinases has received little research attention. Methods. Each disc specimen was incubated with homologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells attached to the surfaces of herniated discs were counted and the culture media was assayed for MMP-3. The cells isolated from herniated discs were incubated with cytokines and the production of matrix metalloproteinases was measured. Total RNA was extracted from herniated discs and RT-PCR was carried out. Results. Significantly larger numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were attached to the surfaces of extruded discs, and higher amounts of MMP-3 were detected than those of control discs. The culture medium of extruded discs showed higher MMP-1 and MMP-3 production than those from controls. Significant enhancement of MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expression was observed in the disc-derived cells stimulated with cytokines. Conclusion. These results suggest that peripheral blood mononuclear cells infiltrating extruded discs may secrete a variety of biologic materials capable of further recruiting monocytes into herniated discs in an autocrine fashion. Disc cells stimulated with cytokines showed enhanced production of matrix metalloproteinases, which might play an important role in spontaneous regression of disc materials.
Seasonal Flows on Warm Martian Slopes

Rare meter-scale slope features on Mars might be explained by transient flows of liquid salty water. Water probably flowed across ancient Mars, but whether it ever exists as a liquid on the surface today remains debatable. Recurring slope lineae (RSL) are narrow (0.5 to 5 meters), relatively dark markings on steep (25° to 40°) slopes; repeat images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment show them to appear and incrementally grow during warm seasons and fade in cold seasons. They extend downslope from bedrock outcrops, often associated with small channels, and hundreds of them form in some rare locations. RSL appear and lengthen in the late southern spring and summer from 48°S to 32°S latitudes favoring equator-facing slopes, which are times and places with peak surface temperatures from ~250 to 300 kelvin. Liquid brines near the surface might explain this activity, but the exact mechanism and source of water are not understood.
A Protein Encoded by the Latency-Related Gene of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Is Expressed in Trigeminal Ganglionic Neurons of Latently Infected Cattle and Interacts with Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 during Productive Infection

ABSTRACT Despite productive viral gene expression in the peripheral nervous system during acute infection, the bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) infection cycle is blocked in sensory ganglionic neurons and consequently latency is established. The only abundant viral transcript expressed during latency is the latency-related (LR) RNA. LR gene products inhibit S-phase entry, and binding of the LR protein (LRP) to cyclin A was hypothesized to block cell cycle progression. This study demonstrates LRP is a nuclear protein which is expressed in neurons of latently infected cattle. Affinity chromatography indicated that LRP interacts with cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2)-cyclin complexes or cdc2-cyclin complexes in transfected human cells or infected bovine cells. After partial purification using three different columns (DEAE-Sepharose, Econo S, and heparin-agarose), LRP was primarily associated with cdk2-cyclin E complexes, an enzyme which is necessary for G1-to-S-phase cell cycle progression. During acute infection of trigeminal ganglia or following dexamethasone-induced reactivation, BHV-1 induces expression of cyclin A in neurons (L. M. Schang, A. Hossain, and C. Jones, J. Virol. 70:3807–3814, 1996). Expression of S-phase regulatory proteins (cyclin A, for example) leads to neuronal apoptosis. Consequently, we hypothesize that interactions between LRP and cell cycle regulatory proteins promote survival of postmitotic neurons during acute infection and/or reactivation.
On the Acquisition of the Discounting Principle: An Experimental Test of a Social-Developmental Model.

KASSIN, SAUL M. , and ELLIS, SHARI A. On the Acquisition of the Discounting Principle: An Experimental Test of a Social-Developmental Model. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1988, 59, 950-960. 2 studies were conducted to test a social-developmental model of discounting. In both, children of 2 age levels (5-7 years and 8-10 years) directly experienced an inverse relation between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Others were randomly assigned to an irrelevant-experience control group. Afterwards, all subjects participated in a social perception task designed to measure their use of the discounting principle. Experiment 1 showed that discounting increased according to the degree of similarity between the task situation and subjects' earlier experience. Discounting was also more evident in subjects' behavior than in their judgments and, in turn, than in their explanations. Experiment 2 demonstrated that, although the older children discounted consistently, the younger children discounted only after a relevant script-generating experience. Taken together, these experiments offer support for a social-developmental model that considers: (a) subjects' ages (their range of knowledge and level of cognitive development), (b) their social learning histories (relevant situation-specific experience), and (c) the kinds of "proof" elicited (behavior, judgments, or explanations).
The Incentive Value of Physical Attractiveness for Young Children

To test the hypothesis that from an early period of social development physical attractiveness has reward properties, young children were individually observed at a task where they illuminated a slide of either a physically attractive or unattractive stimulus child. As predicted, subjects made more stimulus exposures in the attractive versus the unattractive condition. Also, females made more stimulus exposures than males, suggesting that at least certain classes of social stimuli have greater incentive value for females.
Perceptions of Health Care Professionals' Credibility as a Predictor of Patients' Satisfaction with their Medical Care and Physician

The purpose of this study was to examine how patients' perceptions of source credibility related to their satisfaction with the quality of medical care they received and satisfaction with their physician. Patients' perceptions of the competence and caring dimensions of source credibility were analyzed for physicians, nurses, and support staff members. Three hypotheses were proposed and supported. Results indicated that higher perceptions of competence and caring for each member of the medical team were related to more patient satisfaction. This paper discusses the importance of the doctor-patient, nurse-patient, and support staff-patient relationships in light of the findings.
The possible functions of involuntary autobiographical memories

Involuntary autobiographical memories are memories of personal experiences that come to mind spontaneously—that is with no preceding attempt at retrieval. We propose that such memories form a basic mode of remembering that is as frequent, common and functional as voluntary remembering but presumably evolutionarily earlier than the latter. In contrast to voluntary recall, the activation of involuntary memories involves little executive control. It typically depends on a distinct feature-overlap between the remembered and current situation, which favours the activation of specific episodic information. Involuntary remembering may serve the overarching function of providing a sense of continuity across time, thereby automatically updating our personal sense of existence. Furthermore, since involuntary memories yield fast access to memories of specific events with a distinctive content-overlap to the current situation, they may serve important directive functions in novel situations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What's left to learn about right hemisphere damage and pragmatic impairment?

Background: The nature and causes of pragmatic impairments following right hemisphere damage (RHD) continue to pose a challenge to researchers and clinicians. It is widely accepted that impairment in pragmatic and para-linguistic aspects of language can result from unilateral damage to the right hemisphere (RH), but it still uncertain exactly what the RH's special contributions to these areas of language and communication is. Advancing our understanding of the RH's role in pragmatics and communication will require a theoretical framework for pragmatics that is suited to the clinical environment. Aims: I first sketch several theoretical approaches to pragmatics, and suggest that Perkins' (2007) emergentist approach to pragmatics is the best suited to describing and explaining communication difficulties in a clinical setting. I then consider some of the implications of adopting the emergentist approach for research on pragmatic impairment in RHD by describing three relatively unexplored areas of research in the domain of RHD and pragmatics: application of conversation analysis techniques, investigation of the contribution of perceptual impairments to pragmatic impairment, and the comparison of pragmatic impairment across clinical groups. Main Contribution: I propose that the emergentist approach to pragmatics provides a useful framework for investigating issues of pragmatic impairment in RHD and other clinical groups, and show how adopting this approach naturally leads to research in three relatively unexplored areas. Conclusions: I argue that pursuing these lines of investigation will help move forward research in RHD, pragmatic impairment, and the general role of the right hemisphere in pragmatics.
The influence of motivational orientations on academic achievement among working adults in continuing education

Abstract This paper reports on a study of five motivational orientations in continuing education among working adults. The influence of motivational orientations on their academic achievement was identified. The study involved 159 working adults who enrolled into part-time programs in an Open University in Sabah. Boshier’s Education Participation Scale (EPS) and Neill’s The University Students Motivation and Satisfaction Questionnaire 2 (TUSMSQ2) were adapted to form a thirty-item questionnaire, which was used to collect data about their motivational orientations, that is, personal development, career advancement, social pressure, social and communication improvement, and escapism. Analysis based on an Item-Response model reaffirmed the content validity of items in the questionnaire. The findings indicated that these working adults were highly motivated by career advancement in continuing education compared with the other four motivational orientations. However, the motivational orientations in continuing education varied based on their age, prior education level and length of working experience. Moreover, it was found that adults with higher motivation of personal development tended to perform better in their part-time learning. Some recommendations and directions for future studies are discussed.
Antifungal Efficacy of Caspofungin (MK-0991) in Experimental Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Persistently Neutropenic Rabbits: Pharmacokinetics, Drug Disposition, and Relationship to Galactomannan Antigenemia

ABSTRACT The antifungal efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of caspofungin (CAS) were investigated in the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in persistently neutropenic rabbits. Antifungal therapy consisted of 1, 3, or 6 mg of CAS/kg of body weight/day (CAS1, CAS3, and CAS6, respectively) or 1 mg of deoxycholate amphotericin B (AMB)/kg/day intravenously for 12 days starting 24 h after endotracheal inoculation. Prophylaxis (CAS1) was initiated 4 days before endotracheal inoculation. Rabbits treated with CAS had significant improvement in survival and reduction in organism-mediated pulmonary injury (OMPI) measured by pulmonary infarct score and total lung weight (P < 0.01). However, animals treated with CAS demonstrated a paradoxical trend toward increased residual fungal burden (log CFU per gram) and increased serum galactomannan antigen index (GMI) despite improved survival. Rabbits receiving prophylactic CAS1 also showed significant improvement in survival and reduction in OMPI (P < 0.01), but there was no effect on residual fungal burden. In vitro tetrazolium salt hyphal damage assays and histologic studies demonstrated that CAS had concentration- and dose-dependent effects on hyphal structural integrity. In parallel with a decline in GMI, AMB significantly reduced the pulmonary tissue burden of A. fumigatus (P ≤ 0.01). The CAS1, CAS3, and CAS6 dose regimens demonstrated dose-proportional exposure and maintained drug levels in plasma above the MIC for the entire 24-h dosing interval at doses that were ≥3 mg/kg/day. As serial galactomannan antigen levels may be used for therapeutic monitoring, one should be aware that profoundly neutropenic patients receiving echinocandins for aspergillosis might have persistent galactomannan antigenemia despite clinical improvement. CAS improved survival, reduced pulmonary injury, and caused dose-dependent hyphal damage but with no reduction in residual fungal burden or galactomannan antigenemia in persistently neutropenic rabbits with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
The Escalation of Ethnonationalist Radicalization

This article describes an agent-based simulation model of ethnonationalist radicalization between political actors and their constituencies based upon evidence from the former Yugoslavia. The central mechanism is the recursive feedback between political and cultural dynamics, focusing on processes prior to the outbreak of actual violence. The results offer theoretical insights by revealing mechanisms that lead to escalation. These can be found within politics as well as among the population: between conflicting ethnically homogeneous regions, opposing radicalization forces fuel an escalation spiral. These processes are driven by political influences. Challenging the theory that diversity breeds conflict, this suggests that multiethnic regions are more capable of withstanding political pressures. However, they are vulnerable to imported violence, driven by the local population. This finding is tested with a different model of the same events, in which different implemented mechanisms generate results, in line with the diversity-breeds-conflict theory. A comparative discussion demonstrates how simulation is sensitive to theoretical predispositions.