Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A High-Content Small Molecule Screen Identifies Sensitivity of Glioblastoma Stem Cells to Inhibition of Polo-Like Kinase 1

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer in adults and there are few effective treatments. GBMs contain cells with molecular and cellular characteristics of neural stem cells that drive tumour growth. Here we compare responses of human glioblastoma-derived neural stem (GNS) cells and genetically normal neural stem (NS) cells to a panel of 160 small molecule kinase inhibitors. We used live-cell imaging and high content image analysis tools and identified JNJ-10198409 (J101) as an agent that induces mitotic arrest at prometaphase in GNS cells but not NS cells. Antibody microarrays and kinase profiling suggested that J101 responses are triggered by suppression of the active phosphorylated form of polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) (phospho T210), with resultant spindle defects and arrest at prometaphase. We found that potent and specific Plk1 inhibitors already in clinical development (BI 2536, BI 6727 and GSK 461364) phenocopied J101 and were selective against GNS cells. Using a porcine brain endothelial cell blood-brain barrier model we also observed that these compounds exhibited greater blood-brain barrier permeability in vitro than J101. Our analysis of mouse mutant NS cells (INK4a/ARF−/−, or p53−/−), as well as the acute genetic deletion of p53 from a conditional p53 floxed NS cell line, suggests that the sensitivity of GNS cells to BI 2536 or J101 may be explained by the lack of a p53-mediated compensatory pathway. Together these data indicate that GBM stem cells are acutely susceptible to proliferative disruption by Plk1 inhibitors and that such agents may have immediate therapeutic value.
Meta-cognitive q-Gaussian RBF network for binary classification: Application to mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

In this paper, we present a novel approach for classification of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and normal subjects from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) using a proposed `sequential Projection Based Learning for Meta-cognitive q-Gaussian Radial Basis Function Network (PBL-McqRBFN)' classifier. The McqRBFN has two components, namely, a cognitive component and a meta-cognitive components. The cognitive component is a single hidden layer Radial Basis Function (RBF) network with a q-Gaussian activation function, that allows different RBF's in one network, like the Gaussian, the Inverse Multiquadratic, and the Cauchy functions, by changing a real q-parameter. The meta-cognitive component present in McqRBFN helps in selecting proper samples to learn based on its current knowledge and evolve architecture automatically. The McqRBFN employs a sequential Projection Based Learning (PBL) algorithm to reduce the computational effort used in training. For simulation studies, we have used MRI data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) is used for feature extraction from MRI data and extracted VBM features are fed into the PBL-McqRBFN classifier. The experimental results show that our proposed PBL-McqRBFN classifier can accurately differentiate MCI and normal subjects.
The Power Of Affective Response And Cognitive Structure In Product-Trial Attitude Formation

Consumers' affective responses to and cognitive structures in thinking about a product, and the influence of these processes on the trial experience evaluation, are examined in experiments where product types (hedonic and functional) and involvements (low and high) are simultaneously manipulated. The results show that affective response overrode cognitive structure under all experimental conditions in forming product-trial attitudes (A1), whereas the roles of affective response and cognitive structure were similar in product trial-based product attitude (Ap) formation. The implications of the varied roles of affective responses and cognitive structure in overarching models, and their roles in each experimental condition, are discussed.
Value creation in E‐business

We explore the theoretical foundations of value creation in e‐business by examining how 59 American and European e‐businesses that have recently become publicly traded corporations create value. We observe that in e‐business new value can be created by the ways in which transactions are enabled. Grounded in the rich data obtained from case study analyses and in the received theory in entrepreneurship and strategic management, we develop a model of the sources of value creation. The model suggests that the value creation potential of e‐businesses hinges on four interdependent dimensions, namely: efficiency, complementarities, lock‐in, and novelty. Our findings suggest that no single entrepreneurship or strategic management theory can fully explain the value creation potential of e‐business. Rather, an integration of the received theoretical perspectives on value creation is needed. To enable such an integration, we offer the business model construct as a unit of analysis for future research on value creation in e‐business. A business model depicts the design of transaction content, structure, and governance so as to create value through the exploitation of business opportunities. We propose that a firm's business model is an important locus of innovation and a crucial source of value creation for the firm and its suppliers, partners, and customers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Directional Change Degrades GPS Distance Measurement Validity during Intermittent Intensity Running

Use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for quantifying athletic performance is common in many team sports. The effect of running velocity on measurement validity is well established, but the influence of rapid directional change is not well understood in team sport applications. This effect was systematically evaluated using multidirectional and curvilinear adaptations of a validated soccer simulation protocol that maintained identical velocity profiles. Team sport athletes completed 90 min trials of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle-running Test movement pattern on curvilinear, and multidirectional shuttle running tracks while wearing a 5 Hz (with interpolated 15 Hz output) GPS device. Reference total distance (13 200 m) was systematically over- and underestimated during curvilinear (2.61±0.80%) and shuttle (−3.17±2.46%) trials, respectively. Within-epoch measurement uncertainty dispersion was widest during the shuttle trial, particularly during the jog and run phases. Relative measurement reliability was excellent during both trials (Curvilinear r = 1.00, slope = 1.03, ICC = 1.00; Shuttle r = 0.99, slope = 0.97, ICC = 0.99). Absolute measurement reliability was superior during the curvilinear trial (Curvilinear SEM = 0 m, CV = 2.16%, LOA ± 223 m; Shuttle SEM = 119 m, CV = 2.44%, LOA ± 453 m). Rapid directional change degrades the accuracy and absolute reliability of GPS distance measurement, and caution is recommended when using GPS to quantify rapid multidirectional movement patterns.
The Impacts of Leadership Styles on Work Performances and Organizational Innovations in the Financial Distress Industry

Enterprises around the world have been facing serious threats from both external environment and internal structure in recent years. Rises in raw material prices and labor costs, plus changes in industrial structure result in financial difficulties that greatly affect enterprises’ profitability. The case of Taiwan’s plush toy industry is studied in this research to probe into the issue of leadership style and see if a leader’s personal style makes a difference in the influence on business operation. It is also worth discussing in depth if organizational innovation and employees’ job performance would be affected. Questionnaires for this research were distributed mainly by e-mail, postal mail, or via other parties for collection of the data required, and the data were analyzed empirically with SPSS18.0. The research results show that both transformational leadership and transactional leadership have positive influence on organizational innovation and job performance. In particular, transformational leadership has a significantly greater influence on organizational performance than transactional leadership. Moreover, organizational innovation also has a positive influence on job performance. In the end, discussions were made based on these results in the hope to provide references for the academic and industrial professionals.
Psychometric evaluation of therapist competency rating scales

Literature Review A systematic review of the psychometric properties and quality of scales measuring therapist competency in delivering psychotherapy to adults was conducted. Thirteen studies met the a priori criteria and were included in the final analysis. The results showed seven therapist competency rating scales had good reliability and validity. All studies tested the interrater reliability of scales, but limited evidence was provided for validity. The psychometric methodology between studies was inconsistent. Most scales were applicable to high-intensity CBT practice, or for specific treatment with drug-dependent patients. Further research is needed to develop psychometrically valid and reliable therapist competency rating scales for a range of theoretical therapeutic approaches and mental health conditions. Research Report The research report provided a psychometric evaluation of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Competency rating Scale for Assessment (PWPCS-A) and Treatment (PWPCS-T). The scales measure practitioner competency in delivering low-intensity CBT treatments for patients with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Data was utilised from PWPCS-A and PWPCS-T ratings from 176 expert, qualified, and novice psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs). Further analysis of reliability, and validity was determined from data collected from 114 PWP trainees’ Observed Structured Clinical Examinations. The PWPCS-A showed excellent reliability and validity, and the PWPCS-T demonstrated acceptable results. The research provides support for the use of the PWP competency scales for PWP training. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed.
The Influence of Content and Trust on Consumers' Intention to Accept Mobile Advertisements

A new model for investigating consumersâ€™ behavioral intention in mobile advertising is developed and related to mobile marketing theory and practice. Hypotheses are tested about the hierarchical structure and the effects of the factors that precede consumersâ€™ acceptance of mobile advertisement. The results suggest that attractive content and trust in advertisers are key predictors of mobile device usersâ€™ behavioral intention towards mobile advertising. The findings lead to a modification and extension of Fishbeinâ€™s behavioral intention model and its application in the research on advertising effectiveness.
Distinct functions for integrins alpha 3 beta 1 in focal adhesions and alpha 6 beta 4/bullous pemphigoid antigen in a new stable anchoring contact (SAC) of keratinocytes: relation to hemidesmosomes

Basal cells of stratified epidermis are anchored to the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of skin via hemidesmosomes. We previously identified integrin alpha 3 beta 1, in focal adhesions (FAs), of cultured human keratinocytes (HFKs) as a mediator of HFK adhesion to secreted BMZ-like extracellular matrix (ECM; Carter, W.G., E.A. Wayner, T.S. Bouchard, and P. Kaur. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 110: 1387-1404). Here, we have examined the relation of integrins alpha 6 beta 4 and alpha 3 beta 1, to bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPA), a component of hemidesmosomes. We conclude that alpha 6 beta 4 in HFKs localizes in a new stable anchoring contact (SAC) that cooperates with alpha 3 beta 1- FAs to mediate adhesion to ECM, based on the following. (a) Comparison of secreted ECM, with exogenous laminin, fibronectin and collagen identified ECM as the preferred ligand for HFK adhesion and spreading and for formation of both alpha 6 beta 4-SACs and alpha 3 beta 1-FAs. (b) Inhibition of HFK adhesion with combined anti-alpha 3 beta 1 (P1B5) and anti-alpha 6 beta 4 (GoH3) antibodies indicated that both receptors were functional in adhesion to ECM while alpha 3 beta 1 played a dominant role in spreading. (c) alpha 6 beta 4 colocalized with BPA in SACs that were proximal to but excluded from FAs. Both alpha 6 beta 4- SACs and alpha 3 beta 1-FAs were in contact with the adhesion surface as indicated by antibody exclusion and interference reflection microscopy. (d) In contrast to alpha 3 beta 1-FAs, alpha 6 beta 4-SACs were present only in nonmotile cells, not associated with stress fibers, and were relatively stable to detergents and urea, suggesting a nonmotile, or anchoring function for SACs and motility functions for alpha 3 beta 1-FAs. (e) alpha 6 beta 4 formed a detergent-insoluble complex with exogenous ECM in an affinity isolation procedure, confirming the ability of an unidentified ECM ligand to interact with alpha 6 beta 4. (f) We suggest that alpha 6 beta 4/BPA-SACs in culture restrict migration of HFKs on ECM while alpha 3 beta 1-FAs form dynamic adhesions in spreading and migrating cells. alpha 6 beta 4/BPA-SACs in culture bear functional and compositional similarities to hemidesmosomes in skin.
Diaphragm assessment in mice overexpressing phospholamban in slow‐twitch type I muscle fibers

Phospholamban (PLN) and sarcolipin (SLN) are small inhibitory proteins that regulate the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) pump. Previous work from our laboratory revealed that in the soleus and gluteus minimus muscles of mice overexpressing PLN (PlnOE), SERCA function was impaired, dynamin 2 (3–5 fold) and SLN (7–9 fold) were upregulated, and features of human centronuclear myopathy (CNM) were observed. Here, we performed structural and functional experiments to evaluate whether the diaphragm muscles of the PlnOE mouse would exhibit CNM pathology and muscle weakness.
The Early Expansion and Evolutionary Dynamics of POU Class Genes

The POU genes represent a diverse class of animal-specific transcription factors that play important roles in neurogenesis, pluripotency, and cell-type specification. Although previous attempts have been made to reconstruct the evolution of the POU class, these studies have been limited by a small number of representative taxa, and a lack of sequences from basally branching organisms. In this study, we performed comparative analyses on available genomes and sequences recovered through “gene fishing” to better resolve the topology of the POU gene tree. We then used ancestral state reconstruction to map the most likely changes in amino acid evolution for the conserved domains. Our work suggests that four of the six POU families evolved before the last common ancestor of living animals—doubling previous estimates—and were followed by extensive clade-specific gene loss. Amino acid changes are distributed unequally across the gene tree, consistent with a neofunctionalization model of protein evolution. We consider our results in the context of early animal evolution, and the role of POU5 genes in maintaining stem cell pluripotency.
Novel magnetic fibrin hydrogel scaffolds containing thrombin and growth factors conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for tissue engineering

Novel tissue-engineered magnetic fibrin hydrogel scaffolds were prepared by the interaction of thrombin-conjugated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with fibrinogen. In addition, stabilization of basal fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was achieved by the covalent and physical conjugation of the growth factor to the magnetic nanoparticles. Adult nasal olfactory mucosa (NOM) cells were seeded in the transparent fibrin scaffolds in the absence or presence of the free or conjugated bFGF-iron oxide nanoparticles. The conjugated bFGF enhanced significantly the growth and differentiation of the NOM cells in the fibrin scaffolds, compared to the same or even five times higher concentration of the free bFGF. In the presence of the bFGF-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles, the cultured NOM cells proliferated and formed a three-dimensional interconnected network composed mainly of tapered bipolar cells. The magnetic properties of these matrices are due to the integration of the thrombin- and bFGF-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles within the scaffolds. The magnetic properties of these scaffolds may be used in future work for various applications, such as magnetic resonance visualization of the scaffolds after implantation and reloading the scaffolds via magnetic forces with bioactive agents, eg, growth factors bound to the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles.
Functional Characterization of Corynebacterium glutamicum Mycothiol S-Conjugate Amidase

The present study focuses on the genetic and biochemical characterization of mycothiol S-conjugate amidase (Mca) of Corynebacterium glutamicum. Recombinant C. glutamicum Mca was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to apparent homogeneity. The molecular weight of native Mca protein determined by gel filtration chromatography was 35 kDa, indicating that Mca exists as monomers in the purification condition. Mca showed amidase activity with mycothiol S-conjugate of monobromobimane (MSmB) in vivo while mca mutant lost the ability to cleave MSmB. In addition, Mca showed limited deacetylase activity with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) as substrate. Optimum pH for amidase activity was between 7.5 and 8.5, while the highest activity in the presence of Zn2+ confirmed Mca as a zinc metalloprotein. Amino acid residues conserved among Mca family members were located in C. glutamicum Mca and site-directed mutagenesis of these residues indicated that Asp14, Tyr137, His139 and Asp141 were important for activity. The mca deletion mutant showed decreased resistance to antibiotics, alkylating agents, oxidants and heavy metals, and these sensitive phenotypes were recovered in the complementary strain to a great extent. The physiological roles of Mca in resistance to various toxins were further supported by the induced expression of Mca in C. glutamicum under various stress conditions, directly under the control of the stress-responsive extracytoplasmic function-sigma (ECF-σ) factor SigH.
Smoking Rates and Topography Predict Adolescent Smoking Cessation Following Treatment with Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Establishing measurement invariance of tobacco addiction among adolescents remains challenging. In adult smoking cessation trials, poor outcome is predicted by high cigarette consumption and large puff volume at baseline. We examined the predictive value of pretreatment smoking rates and topography variables for abstinence outcomes among 66 adolescents enrolled in a 3-month smoking cessation trial using nicotine replacement and cognitive behavioral therapy. Pretreatment variables included cigarettes per day (CPD), puff volume, puff duration, and several youth-adapted Fagerström-derived questionnaire scores. Outcome measures included prolonged abstinence at end of treatment and point-prevalent abstinence 3 months after the end of the trial. Logistic regression controlling for treatment group showed that increases in baseline CPD (odds ratio, 1.438; 95% confidence interval, 1.051-1.967) and average puff volume (odds ratio, 1.168; 95% confidence interval, 1.030-1.326) predicted continued smoking at the end of treatment. Puff volume (P = 0.013), but not CPD, predicted abstinence at the 3-month follow-up. None of the youth-adapted Fagerström questionnaires predicted outcome on either abstinence measure. If confirmed in a larger sample, our findings suggest that puff topography, and possibly CPD, might predict cessation outcome better than Fagerström scores in adolescent smokers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;(15)1:154–7)
A framework for security and workload gradual adaptation

Providing a balanced trade-off among performances, security, and energy consumption is a key challenge in embedded systems. Traditional security solutions assume a well-known and static operating environment, thus leading to a static system configuration that cannot be tailed to the system conditions. Wireless sensor networks are a good example of typical embedded systems. In this work we propose a framework that reduces energy consumption in nodes of wireless sensor networks. The framework allows the system to self-modify its security and workload settings. Adaptations are performed by moving to adjacent configuration and, thus, this mechanism is named gradual adaptation. In this paper we discuss the policies that can be used to control the adaptations and we present the results obtained when implementing a case study on Sun SPOT nodes. The results show that the use of the framework increases the energy efficiency of the network nodes. Furthermore, they show the effects of the different policies on the behavior of nodes.
Chromosome numbers in antlions (Myrmeleontidae) and owlflies (Ascalaphidae) (Insecta, Neuroptera)

Abstract A short review of main cytogenetic features of insects belonging to the sister neuropteran families Myrmeleontidae (antlions) and Ascalaphidae (owlflies) is presented, with a particular focus on their chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems. Diploid male chromosome numbers are listed for 37 species, 21 genera from 9 subfamilies of the antlions as well as for seven species and five genera of the owlfly subfamily Ascalaphinae. The list includes data on five species whose karyotypes were studied in the present work. It is shown here that antlions and owlflies share a simple sex chromosome system XY/XX; a similar range of chromosome numbers, 2n = 14-26 and 2n = 18-22 respectively; and a peculiar distant pairing of sex chromosomes in male meiosis. Usually the karyotype is particularly stable within a genus but there are some exceptions in both families (in the genera Palpares and Libelloides respectively). The Myrmeleontidae and Ascalaphidae differ in their modal chromosome numbers. Most antlions exhibit 2n = 14 and 16, and Palparinae are the only subfamily characterized by higher numbers, 2n = 22, 24, and 26. The higher numbers, 2n = 20 and 22, are also found in owlflies. Since the Palparinae represent a basal phylogenetic lineage of the Myrmeleontidae, it is hypothesized that higher chromosome numbers are ancestral for antlions and were inherited from the common ancestor of Myrmeleontidae + Ascalaphidae. They were preserved in the Palparinae (Myrmeleontidae), but changed via chromosomal fusions toward lower numbers in other subfamilies.
Power and Energy Impact by Loop Transformations

In this paper, we study the contribution of compiler optimizations to energy reduction. In particular, we are interested in the impact of loop optimizations in terms of performance and power tradeoffs. Both low-level loop optimizations at code generation (back-end) phase, such as loop unrolling and software pipelining, and high-level loop optimizations at program analysis and transformation phase ( frontend), such as loop permutation and tiling, are studied.
Exploring Associations Between Interpersonal Violence and Prison Size in Spanish Prisons

The majority of research based on prisons in the United States has found a positive association between prison size and inmate victimization. This study estimates rates and identifies inmate and institutional characteristics associated with victimization in the Spanish prisons, with special attention on the prison size. Data were collected from a sample of male inmates aged 18 years or older (n = 2,484) located in eight prisons in the southeast of Spain. Holding inmate characteristics constant, rates of victimization were significantly and substantively higher in larger prisons. Understanding the prison size–victimization association requires further qualitative investigation to identify whether size creates more spaces for victimization (structural opportunities) and/or lapses in supervision due to depersonalization or impersonalization (social distancing).