Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Microscopy: Protein Dynamics and Membrane Organisation

The mobility of membrane proteins is a critical determinant of their interaction capabilities and protein functions. The heterogeneity of cell membranes imparts different types of motion onto proteins; immobility, random Brownian motion, anomalous sub‐diffusion, ‘hop’ or confined diffusion, or directed flow. Quantifying the motion of proteins therefore enables insights into the lateral organisation of cell membranes, particularly membrane microdomains with high viscosity such as lipid rafts. In this review, we examine the hypotheses and findings of three main techniques for analysing protein dynamics: fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, single particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. These techniques, and the physical models employed in data analysis, have become increasingly sophisticated and provide unprecedented details of the biophysical properties of protein dynamics and membrane domains in cell membranes. Yet despite these advances, there remain significant unknowns in the relationships between cholesterol‐dependent lipid microdomains, protein‐protein interactions, and the effect of the underlying cytoskeleton. New multi‐dimensional microscopy approaches may afford greater temporal and spatial resolution resulting in more accurate quantification of protein and membrane dynamics in live cells.
Iteration of Quadratic Maps on Matrix Algebras

We study the iteration of a quadratic family in the algebra of 2 × 2 real matrices, parameterized by a matrix C. We analyze and classify the existing cycles (periodic orbits) and their dependence on the parameter matrix. We discuss how new dynamical phenomena occur as a consequence of the noncommutativity of the matrix product. In particular, we show that the commutator of the initial condition with parameter matrix C has a decisive role in the overall dynamics.
In the Eye of the Impulsive Beholder

Substantial evidence indicates that impulsivity is a robust correlate of offending. However, its effects appear to be partially contingent upon other criminological factors, such as neighborhood context. The research examining the moderating influence of neighborhoods on the impulsivity—offending relationship has yielded inconsistent findings. The current analysis further investigates the possible interaction by exploring different types of impulsivity-related traits, perceptions of neighborhood informal social control, and their interaction among young women and men. Results indicate that thrill and adventure seeking (among men) and lack of premeditation (among men and women) exert stronger influences on offending among those who live in neighborhoods low in perceived supervision. These findings have implications for criminological theories and intervention efforts.
Identification of functional domains of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator protein (ARNT)

The activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) bind DNA as a heterodimer. Both proteins represent a novel class of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-containing transcription factors in that (i) activation of AHR requires the binding of ligand (e.g., 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD]), (ii) the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) recognized by the AHR/ARNT heterodimer differs from the recognition sequence for nearly all other bHLH proteins, and (iii) both proteins contain a PAS homology region, which in the Drosophila PER and SIM proteins functions as a dimerization domain. A cDNA for mouse ARNT has been cloned, and potential functional domains of ARNT were investigated by deletion analysis. A mutant lacking all regions of ARNT other than the bHLH and PAS regions is unimpaired in TCDD-dependent dimerization and subsequent XRE binding and only modestly reduced in ability to complement an ARNT-deficient mutant cell line, c4, in vivo. Both the first and second alpha helices of the bHLH region are required for dimerization. The basic region is required for XRE binding but not for dimerization. Deletion of either the A or B segments of the PAS region slightly affects TCDD-induced heterodimerization, while deletion of the complete PAS region severely affects (but does not eliminate) dimerization. Thus, ARNT possesses multiple domains required for maximal heterodimerization. Mutants deleted for PAS A, PAS B, and the complete PAS region all retain some degree of XRE binding, yet none can rescue the c4 mutant. Therefore, both the PAS A and PAS B segments, besides contributing to dimerization, apparently fulfill additional, unknown functions required for biological activity of ARNT.
Evaluation of tropical cirrus cloud properties derived from ECMWF model output and ground based measurements over Nauru Island

Cirrus clouds play an important role both radiatively and dynamically in the tropics. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the formation and persistence of tropical cirrus is an important step in accurately predicting cirrus in forecast and climate models. In this study, we compare ground‐based measurements of cloud properties with those predicted by the ECMWF model at a location in the tropical western Pacific. Our comparisons of cloud height and optical depth over an 8 month time period indicate that the model and measurements agree well. The ECMWF model predicts cirrus anvils associated with deep convection during convectively active periods, and also isolated cirrus events that are influenced by large‐scale vertical ascent. We also show through examination of an upper tropospheric cirrus case that the model produces tropospheric waves that appear to influence the morphology and maintenance of the cirrus layer.
The Correct Regularity Condition and Interpretation of Asymmetry in EGARCH

In the class of univariate conditional volatility models, the three most popular are the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model of Engle (1982) and Bollerslev (1986), the GJR (or threshold GARCH) model of Glosten, Jagannathan and Runkle (1992), and the exponential GARCH (or EGARCH) model of Nelson (1990, 1991). For purposes of deriving the mathematical regularity properties, including invertibility, to determine the likelihood function for estimation, and the statistical conditions to establish asymptotic properties, it is convenient to understand the stochastic properties underlying the three univariate models. The random coefficient autoregressive process was used to obtain GARCH by Tsay (1987), an extension of which was used by McAleer (2004) to obtain GJR. A random coefficient complex nonlinear moving average process was used by McAleer and Hafner (2014) to obtain EGARCH. These models can be used to capture asymmetry, which denotes the different effects on conditional volatility of positive and negative effects of equal magnitude, and possibly also leverage, which is the negative correlation between returns shocks and subsequent shocks to volatility (see Black 1979). McAleer (2014) showed that asymmetry was possible for GJR, but not leverage. McAleer and Hafner showed that leverage was not possible for EGARCH. Surprisingly, the conditions for asymmetry in EGARCH seem to have been ignored in the literature, or have concentrated on the incorrect conditions, with no clear explanation, and hence with associated misleading interpretations. The purpose of the paper is to derive the regularity condition for asymmetry in EGARCH to provide the correct interpretation. It is shown that, in practice, EGARCH always displays asymmetry, though not leverage.
Tuberculosis After Commencing Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection Is Associated With Elevated CXCL9 and CXCL10 Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens

Background:Commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with treated or unrecognized Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease may trigger tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) or ART–associated tuberculosis (ART-TB). We have shown that whole-blood interferon-gamma release assays may aid in the prediction and diagnosis of ART-TB. Here, we investigate interferon-gamma–inducible chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Methods:CXCL9 and CXCL10 responses to region of difference 1 (RD1) antigens and purified protein derivative (PPD) were assayed in plasma from whole-blood cultures collected before and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of ART from 15 TB-IRIS cases, 11 ART-TB cases, and matched controls. Results:Relative to matched controls, ART-TB cases had elevated CXCL10 responses to RD1 antigens pre-ART (P = 0.02) and to PPD and RD1 antigens over 24 weeks of ART (P ⩽ 0.02 and P ⩽ 0.03). In contrast, TB-IRIS cases had higher CXCL10 responses to RD1 antigens before and after 4 weeks of ART only (P = 0.04 for both). CXCL9 responses to PPD and RD1 antigens were similar but less pronounced in ART-TB cases and did not differ between TB-IRIS cases and controls. CXCL10 responses to RD1 antigens performed as well as, or better than, IFN-&ggr; responses in the prediction and diagnosis of ART-TB. Conclusions:Tuberculosis after commencing ART is associated with increased CXCL10 and, to a lesser extent, CXCL9 responses to M. tuberculosis antigens. Assessment of antigen-induced CXCL10 responses to RD1 antigens may assist in the prediction and diagnosis of ART-TB.
Effects of Roselle and Ginger on cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

AIM To evaluate the protective effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in rats and to study the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS Ethanol extracts of H.sabdariffa or Z.officinale (1g/kg x day) were given p.o. to male albino rats for 26 days, which began 21 days before a single cisplatin i.p. injection (10 mg/kg body weight). RESULTS Extracts of H.sabdariffa and Z.officinale reduced the extent of cisplatin-induced sperm abnormality and enhanced sperm motility. Both extracts restored the control level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (lipid peroxidation marker) in the cisplatin-treated testis. The cisplatin injection induced decline in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) were significantly reversed to control levels in groups where cisplatin was preceded by the administration of either H.sabdariffa or Z.officinale. CONCLUSION Both H.sabdariffa and Z.officinale treatment increased the activities of testicular antioxidant enzymes and restored sperm motility of cisplatin-treated rats. The protective effects of tested plants are, therefore, suggested to be mediated by their potent antioxidant activities.
Acetylator Phenotype and Genotype in HIV‐Infected Patients with and without Sulfonamide Hypersensitivity

Adverse reactions to sulfonamides occur at a higher frequency in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than noninfected patients. Some studies have suggested that patients with the slow acetylator phenotype are predisposed to these reactions, whereas other studies suggest that the slow acetylator genotype is not a predisposing factor. To rationalize these seemingly contradictory observations, the authors determined the N‐acetyltransferase 2(NAT2) genotype and phenotype in patients with and without a history of hypersensitivity reactions to sulfonamides. HIV‐infected patients with a history of a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole were enrolled, along with a group of AIDS patients with no history of hypersensitivity (delayed or immediate). NAT2 phenotype was determined in both groups using dapsone, while the genotype was determined using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Ten of 14 patients (71%) with a history of hypersensitivity exhibited the slow acetylator phenotype, while 8 of 14 patients (57%) without such a history exhibited this same phenotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4–9.0; p = 0.69, Fisher's Exact Test). While 9 of 14 patients (64%) with a history of hypersensitivity exhibited a slow acetylator genotype, only 4 of 14 patients (29%) without such a history exhibited this genotype (ns). There were more instances of discordance between deduced and actual phenotype in the nonhypersensitive patients (n = 4) than in the hypersensitive patients (n = 1). The reported higher frequency of the slow acetylator phenotype among patients with a history of hypersensitivity to sulfonamides does not appear to be explained by metabolic changes that would cause discordance between acetylator genotype and phenotype.
Does pressing a button make it easier to pass an exam? Evaluating the effectiveness of interactive technologies in higher education

The aim of this paper was to evaluate how audience response system ( ARS) technology may increase improvements in academic performance in higher education, using the first year of the Administration and Business Management degree course at the University of Seville ( Spain) as a case study. The experiment assesses whether the use of ARSs increases the likelihood that students will pass the final examinations in the subject of Principles of Economics. An econometric model is applied to a sample of 119 students in an intervention group, with a control group of 322. The statistically significant results show that at the very least, ARSs improve performance in the theoretical examination, albeit with certain limitations. It is concluded that ARSs should be used frequently to optimize outcomes, not just as a sporadic event during the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Volatile Anesthetics Activate the Human Tandem Pore Domain Baseline K+ Channel KCNK5

Background Previous studies have identified a volatile anesthetic–induced increase in baseline potassium permeability and concomitant neuronal inhibition. The emerging family of tandem pore domain potassium channels seems to function as baseline potassium channels in vivo. Therefore, we studied the effects of clinically used volatile anesthetics on a recently described member of this family. Methods A cDNA clone containing the coding sequence of KCNK5 was isolated from a human brain library. Expression of KCNK5 in the central nervous system was determined by Northern blot analysis and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Functional expression of the channel was achieved by injection of cRNA into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Results Expression of KCNK5 was detected in cerebral cortex, medulla, and spinal cord. When heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, KCNK5 currents exhibited delayed activation, outward rectification, proton sensitivity, and modulation by protein kinase C. Clinical concentrations of volatile general anesthetics potentiated KCNK5 currents by 8–30%. Conclusion Human KCNK5 is a tandem pore domain potassium channel exhibiting delayed activation and sensitivity to volatile anesthetics and may therefore have a role in suppressing cellular excitability during general anesthesia.
Thoracic impact testing of pediatric cadaveric subjects.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe the injury mechanism of children's thorax in frontal impact and provide an injury threshold. METHODS Nine unembalmed cadavers were divided into two groups. A young cohort aged 2 to 4 years (four cadavers) was impacted by a 2.5-kg mass impactor, whereas the older cohort, aged 5-12 years (five cadavers), was impacted by a 3.5-kg mass impactor. RESULTS The mean values of peak sternal viscous criterion and accelerations for the older group and younger group were 1.35 +/- 0.62 m/s, 81.5 +/- 29.2 g and 2.05 +/- 0.5 m/s, 65 +/- 20.1 g, respectively. The maximum forces in the older group (1138 +/- 271.7 N) were significantly higher than those in younger group (776.3 +/- 39 N). In seven specimens, injuries after the impact were found. CONCLUSIONS The full set of cadaveric injuries did not correlate with peak chest deformation, sternal viscous criterion, or peak fourth thoracic vertebra acceleration. However, cadaver thoracic injury showed a strong dependence on dissipated energy to peak deformation.
Collective motion in a system of motile elements.

Clusters of biological organisms often show diverse collective motions. Considering the phys properties of active elements with mutual interactions, we propose a mathematical model of collec motion. Several kinds of cluster motion seen in nature, including collective rotation, chaos, wandering, occur in computer simulations of our deterministic model. By introducing a set dimensionless parameters, we categorize the collective motions and obtain their phase diagram. analyze the collective motions with a disorder parameter and Lyapunov spectra to characterize transitions. [S0031-9007(96)00218-9]
High Performance MRAM with Spin-Transfer-Torque and Voltage-Controlled Magnetic Anisotropy Effects

The Internet of Things (IoTs) relies on efficient node memories to process data among sensors, cloud and RF front-end. Both mainstream and emerging memories have been developed to achieve this energy efficiency target. Spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction (STT-MTJ)-based nonvolatile memory (NVM) has demonstrated great performance in terms of zero standby power, switching power efficiency, infinite endurance and high density. However, it still has a big performance gap; e.g., high dynamic write energy, large latency, yield and reliability. Recently, voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) has been introduced to achieve improved energy-delay efficiency and robust non-volatile writing control with an electric field or a switching voltage. VCMA-MTJ-based MRAM could be a promising candidate in IoT node memory for high-performance, ultra-low power consumption targets.
Primary Structure, Tissue Distribution, and Chromosomal Localization of a Novel Isoform of Lysyl Hydroxylase (Lysyl Hydroxylase 3)*

We report characterization of a novel isoform of lysyl hydroxylase (lysyl hydroxylase 3, LH3). The cDNA clones encode a polypeptide of 738 amino acids, including a signal peptide. The amino acid sequence has a high overall identity with LH1 and LH2, the isoforms characterized earlier. Conserved regions are present in the carboxyl-terminal portion of the isoforms and also in the central part of the molecules. Histidine and asparagine residues, which are conserved in the other isoforms and are known to be required for enzymatic activity, are also conserved in the novel isoform. The gene for LH3 (PLOD3) has been assigned to human chromosome 7q36 and rat chromosome 12. Gene expression of LH3 is highly regulated in adult human tissues. A strong hybridization signal, corresponding to an mRNA 2.75 kilobases in size, is obtained in heart, placenta and pancreas on multiple tissue RNA blots. Expression of the cDNAin vitro results in the synthesis of a protein that hydroxylates lysyl residues in collagenous sequences in a non-triple helical conformation.
Clinical Evaluation of Hair Removal Using an 810 nm Diode Laser With a Novel Scanning Device.

INTRODUCTION Diode lasers are often considered as the gold standard preference for hair removal due to the deep penetration and ef- fective targeting of the hair follicle. A wide variety of diode lasers are available, which can differ in terms of their parameters (such as fluence, pulse duration, repetition rate, scanner, and cooling). OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and ef cacy of hair removal with an 810 nm novel scanning diode laser, up to six months after last treatment. METHODS A scanning 810 nm diode laser was used for axillary hair removal of 14 female patients who received 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. Follow-up on hair count was conducted 3 and 6 months after last treatment and compared to baseline hair count. RESULTS No unexpected or signi cant adverse events were recorded. An average hair count reduction of 72.8% after 3 months and 67.6% 6 months after the last treatment is demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The examined 810 nm diode laser was proven to be safe and effective for hair removal. Results were sustained for 6 months after last treatment. Longer follow-up data are followed for further substantiation of the clinical effect. Scanning technology can provide for potentially faster and safer treatments. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1330-1333.
The Potential Role of Phagocytic Capacity in the Osteolytic Process Induced by Polyethylene Wear Particles

Osteolysis induced by ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear particles is the major cause of long-term failure of artificial joints. We examined the effects of wear particles on bioactivity by analysing the biophysical aspects of particle phagocytosis. We estimated the maximum number of internalized particles (the phagocytic capacity) for particles of various sizes and shapes. We demonstrated that elongated particles had a smaller phagocytic capacity than spherical particles of the same volume. A review of the literature showed that the ratio of particle concentration (number of particles/number of cells) to phagocytic capacity is critical for particle-induced biological responses. When this ratio was < 1, the biological response was approximately proportional to the ratio itself. When this ratio was > 1, limited changes in the biological response were observed. The saturation level of the phagocytic capacity for a particle population appears to reflect the degree of polyethylene particle-induced biological response.
Gene expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors is modulated by the common variability of the mitochondrial DNA in cybrid cell lines

Some lines of evidence indicate that common polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) act as susceptibility factors in complex traits, such as age‐related common diseases. There is also evidence that the cell capability to compensate ravages caused by intrinsic or extrinsic stress factors could contribute to some of these diseases. The cross‐talk between nuclear and mitochondrial genome may link the above observations if we assume that the transcription of stress‐responder nuclear genes is modulated according to the mtDNA common variability. Cytokines and cytokine receptors are key molecules in stress response. We could, therefore, check the above hypothesis by analyzing expression patterns of cytokine and cytokine receptor genes in response to stress in cell lines sharing the same nuclear genome but different mtDNA. By using a cybrid model (143B.TK− osteosarcoma cells depleted of their own mtDNA and repopulated with foreign mitochondria) we show that the transcription patterns of some of such genes are specifically modulated by the variability of the mitochondrial genome not only under stress conditions (interleukin‐6) but also at basal conditions (interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2). These findings provide a first experimental evidence of a relationship between mtDNA common variability and expression pattern of stress responder nuclear genes in human cells.