Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction and functional cooperation between the serine/threonine kinase bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor with the tyrosine kinase stem cell factor receptor

Transmembrane receptors with intrinsic serine/threonine or tyrosine kinase domains regulate vital functions of cells in multicellular eukaryotes, e.g., differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation. Here, we show that bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR‐II) which has a serine/threonine kinase domain, and stem cell factor receptor (c‐kit) which contains a tyrosine kinase domain form a complex in vitro and in vivo; the interaction is induced upon treatment of cells with BMP2 and SCF. Stem cell factor (SCF) modulated BMP2‐dependent activation of Smad1/5/8 and phosphorylation of Erk kinase. SCF also enhanced BMP2‐dependent differentiation of C2C12 cells. We found that BMPR‐II was phosphorylated at Ser757 upon co‐expression with and activation of c‐kit. BMPR‐II phosphorylation required intact kinase activity of BMPR‐II. Abrogation of the c‐kit/SCF‐dependent phosphorylation of BMPR‐II at the Ser757 interfered with the cooperative effect of BMP2 and SCF. Our data suggest that the complex formation between c‐kit and BMPR‐II leads to phosphorylation of BMPR‐II at Ser757, which modulates BMPR‐II‐dependent signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 206: 457–467, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycosphingolipids Internalized via Caveolar-related Endocytosis Rapidly Merge with the Clathrin Pathway in Early Endosomes and Form Microdomains for Recycling*

We have previously demonstrated that glycosphingolipids are internalized from the plasma membrane of human skin fibroblasts by a clathrin-independent, caveolar-related mechanism and are subsequently transported to the Golgi apparatus by a process that is dependent on microtubules, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Rab7, and Rab9. Here we characterized the early steps of intracellular transport of a fluorescent glycosphingolipid analog, BODIPY-lactosylceramide (LacCer), and compared this to fluorescent transferrin (Tfn), a well established marker for the clathrin pathway. Although these two markers were initially internalized into separate vesicles by distinct mechanisms, they became co-localized in early endosomes within 5 min. These results demonstrate that glycosphingolipid-containing vesicles derived from caveolar-related endocytosis fuse with the classical endosomal system. However, in contrast to Tfn, internalization and trafficking of LacCer was independent of Rab5a, a key regulator of transport to early endosomes. By taking advantage of the monomer/excimer properties of the fluorescent lipid analog, we were also able to visualize LacCer segregation into distinct microdomains of high (red emission) and low (green emission) concentrations in the early endosomes of living cells. Interestingly, the high concentration “red” microdomains co-localized with fluorescent Tfn upon exit from early endosomes and passed through Rab11-positive “recycling endosomes” prior to being transported back to the plasma membrane. These results together with our previous studies suggest that glycosphingolipids internalized by caveolar endocytosis are rapidly delivered to early endosomes where they are fractionated into two major pools, one that is transported via late endosomes to the Golgi apparatus and the other that is returned to the plasma membrane via the recycling compartment.
Inflation, Risk, and Equilibrium Asset Returns

In this note, we examine the theoretical effect of inflation and risk on asset returns. From the fundamental prediction of the capital asset pricing model, we first relate the expected nominal rate of return of the asset to its inflation beta (estimated by the covariance between the asset’s nominal rate of return and the rate of inflation, divided by the variance of the inflation rate). Then, we show that the equilibrium expected rate of return on risky asset can be expressed by a linear combination of its standard beta and inflation beta. This result indicates that inflation rate, in addition to market return, influences asset returns. This result also suggests that inflation risk, in addition to market risk, should be priced in the cross-section of asset returns.
Impact of gray matter reductions on theory of mind abilities in patients with schizophrenia

To identify the brain regions involved in the interpretation of intentional movement by patients with schizophrenia, we investigated the association between cerebral gray matter (GM) volumes and performance on a theory of mind (ToM) task using voxel-based morphometry. Eighteen patients with schizophrenia and thirty healthy controls participated in the study. Participants were given a moving shapes task that employs the interpretation of intentional movement. Verbal descriptions were rated according to intentionality. ToM performance deficits in patients were found to be positively correlated with GM volume reductions in the superior temporal sulcus and medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings confirm that divergent brain regions contribute to mentalizing abilities and that GM volume reductions impact behavioral deficits in patients with schizophrenia.
Capacity-achieving signals of non-coherent rayleigh fading channels with additive gaussian mixture noise

This paper investigates the detailed characterization of the capacity-achieving input signals for a non-coherent Rayleigh fading channel with Gaussian mixture noise where neither the transmitter nor the receiver has the knowledge of fading coefficients. The considered model is suited for wireless networks having multi-tier heterogeneous architectures in which the channel conditions change rapidly. By first establishing an integrable upper bound on the absolute function of the integrand in the output entropy equation, we demonstrate that there exists a unique input distribution that achieves the channel capacity. By formulating the Kuhn-Tucker condition (KTC), we then examine in detail the number of mass points in the optimal input distribution. Specifically, by establishing a diverging lower bound on the KTC, we show that it is not possible for the optimal input distribution to have an infinite number of mass points. As a result, the capacity-achieving input distribution is discrete having a finite number of mass points. Finally, we develop a simple numerical method to evaluate the optimal input and compute the capacity.
A novel role for matrix metalloproteinase-8 in sepsis*

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 messenger RNA expression was previously found to be increased in whole blood of children with septic shock. The impact of this finding on the severity and inflammatory response to sepsis is unknown. Here, we investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-8 and disease severity in children with septic shock. We further corroborate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-8 in sepsis in a murine model. Design: Retrospective observational clinical study and randomized controlled laboratory experiments. Setting: Pediatric intensive care units and an animal research facility at an academic children's hospital. Patients and Subjects: Patients age ⩽10 yrs admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of septic shock. For laboratory studies, we utilized male mice deficient for matrix metalloproteinase-8 and male wild-type C57BL/6J mice. Interventions: Blood from children with septic shock was analyzed for matrix metalloproteinase-8 messenger RNA expression and matrix metalloproteinase-8 activity, and correlated with disease severity based on mortality and degree of organ failure. A murine model of sepsis was used to explore the effect of genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-8 on the inflammatory response to sepsis. Finally, activation of nuclear factor-&kgr;B was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Measurements and Main Results: Increased matrix metalloproteinase-8 mRNA expression and activity in septic shock correlates with decreased survival and increased organ failure in pediatric patients. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-8 leads to improved survival and a blunted inflammatory profile in a murine model of sepsis. We also identify matrix metalloproteinase-8 as a direct in vitro activator of the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor-&kgr;B. Conclusions: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 is a novel modulator of inflammation during sepsis and a potential therapeutic target.
Whether Shari’ah compliance efficiency is a matter for the financial performance: The case of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited

Shari’ah is the foundation of Islamic banks. Although all the Islamic banks required complying with the Shari’ah requirements fully, the level of compliance differs among the Islamic banks. At the same time, Islamic banks have been performing well, but all do not demonstrate similar financial performance. This paper aims to explore whether Shari’ah compliance efficiency makes any difference in financial performance of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL). ,This study used IBBL as a case. For exploring the issue of study, this paper applied an e-mail interview approach and interviewed 24 interviewees including financial analysts, IBBL clients and executives of regulatory bodies, the IBBL and other Islamic- and interest-based traditional banks. Interview opinions are then analyzed and interpreted for a deeper understanding of the topic. ,The study observed that some other factors influence the financial performance of IBBL, but Shari’ah compliance is the dominant instinct of acquiring the leading position. Superior Shari’ah compliance creates internal strengths and external opportunities that facilitate IBBL in achieving higher financial performance. Most interviewees argued that Shari’ah is the only disposition that makes IBBL unique. Moreover, the bank that considerably follows Shari’ah gets better financial outcomes. ,The study used a qualitative method using interview responses only for evaluating the relationship between Shari’ah compliance and financial performance. Further study may be conducted based on a quantitative approach. ,This paper expects to uphold the significance of Shari’ah in improving the financial performance of IBBL and simultaneously motivating the parties associated with the Islamic banks in enhancing the level of Shari’ah compliance. Moreover, this study provides new insights into the importance Islamic banks and their performance in relation to the choice of customers. ,This study explores the significance of Shari’ah compliance in creating avenues for greater financial performance and develops a model showing the ways how Shari’ah compliance leads Islamic banks to achieve higher financial positions.
Accidental Subdural Spinal Cord Stimulator Lead Placement and Stimulation

Objectives: Neuromodulation with spinal cord stimulation has become an increasingly employed intervention for treatment of a variety of neuropathic pain states. As prevalence increases, so does the incidence of complications. Currently, there is sparse literature describing spinal cord stimulation lead placement and stimulation characteristics in the subdural space. In this case report we describe subdural lead placement and the associated stimulation parameters, and provide evidence‐based support to initiate a dialog to further reduce procedural morbidity and mortality.
TIPE2, a Novel Regulator of Immunity, Protects against Experimental Stroke*

Background: TIPE2, a newly identified protein, is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. Results: Genetic ablation of the Tipe2 gene significantly increased the cerebral volume of infarction and neurological dysfunction in experimental stroke. Conclusion: TIPE2 is involved in the pathogenesis of stroke. Significance: TIPE2 plays an essential role in a signal transduction pathway that links the inflammatory immune response to specific conditions after cerebral ischemia. The inflammatory responses accompanying stroke are recognized to contribute to secondary ischemic injury. TIPE2 is a very recently identified negative regulator of inflammation that maintains immune homeostasis. However, it is unknown whether TIPE2 is expressed in the brain and contributes to the regulation of cerebral diseases. In this study, we explored the potential roles of TIPE2 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. TIPE2−/− mice were used to assess whether TIPE2 provides neuroprotection following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and in vitro primary cerebral cell cultures were used to investigate the expression and regulation of TIPE2. Our results show that genetic ablation of the Tipe2 gene significantly increased the cerebral volume of infarction and neurological dysfunction in mice subjected to MCAO. Flow cytometric analysis revealed more infiltrating macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in the ischemic hemisphere of TIPE2−/− mice. The responses to inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly increased in TIPE2−/− mouse brain after MCAO. We further observed that TIPE2 was highly induced in WT mice after cerebral ischemia and was expressed mainly in microglia/macrophages, but not in neurons and astrocytes. Finally, we found that regulation of TIPE2 expression was associated with NADPH oxidase activity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that TIPE2 is involved in the pathogenesis of stroke and suggest that TIPE2 plays an essential role in a signal transduction pathway that links the inflammatory immune response to specific conditions after cerebral ischemia. Targeting TIPE2 may be a new therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment.
Cross-Pathway Regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Activation of the Proline Utilization Pathway by Gal4p In Vivo

ABSTRACT The Put3p and Gal4p transcriptional activators are members of a distinct class of fungal regulators called the Cys6Zn(II)2 binuclear cluster family. This family includes over 50 different Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins that share a similar domain organization. Gal4p activates the genes of the galactose utilization pathway permitting the use of galactose as the sole source of carbon and energy. Put3p controls the expression of the proline utilization pathway that allows yeast cells to grow on proline as the sole nitrogen source. We report that Gal4p can activate thePUT structural genes in a strain lacking Put3p. We also show that the activation of PUT2 by Gal4p depends on the presence of the inducer galactose and the Put3p binding site and that activation increases with increased dosage of Gal4p. Put3p cannot activate the GAL genes in the absence of Gal4p. Our in vivo results confirm previously published in vitro data showing that Gal4p is more promiscuous than Put3p in its DNA binding ability. The results also suggest that under appropriate circumstances, Gal4p may be able to function in place of a related family member to activate expression.
Effect of a soy protein diet on protein and energy metabolism and organ development in protein-restricted growing pigs

Two feeding experiments were carried out with castrated male pigs weighing between 10 and 30 kg to study acute and persisting dietary effects on growth and on protein and energy metabolism in growing pigs. Pigs were fed semi-synthetic isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets at 50% protein requirement with either soy protein isolate (SPI) or casein (CAS) as sole protein source. Intake of protein and ME amounted to 9% w/w and 1800 kJ · kg BW − 0.62 · d − 1 in Exp. 1, respectively, and 9% w/w and 1430 kJ · kg BW − 0.62 · d − 1 in Exp. 2. The CAS diet was supplemented by Lys, Met, Thr and Trp. In Exp. 1 (acute effects), 18 pigs received the CAS diet for 24 days (period 1); 9 pigs were then switched to a SPI diet whereas 9 pigs continued on the CAS diet for another 31 days (period 2). In Exp. 2, a third period of 31 days was added in which the SPI group was switched back to CAS diet. The control group was fed on the CAS diet throughout Exp. 2 (86 days). Altogether the majority of parameters were not affected neither comparing SPI with CAS in Exp. 1 nor inspecting possible persistence of effects in Exp. 2. In detail, in Exp. 1 SPI compared to CAS feeding resulted in a lower efficiency of protein utilisation and lower protein retention. Attendant upon the lower protein retention an increased energy retention as fat was only observed in tendency. SPI feeding caused a decreased body weight, thyroid weight and increased hepatic carbohydrate content that persisted after the diet was changed back to CAS (Exp. 2).
Clinical Potential of Intravenous Neural Stem Cell Delivery for Treatment of Neuroinflammatory Disease in Mice?

While neural stem cells (NSCs) are widely expected to become a therapeutic agent for treatment of severe injuries to the central nervous system (CNS), currently there are only few detailed preclinical studies linking cell fate with experimental outcome. In this study, we aimed to validate whether IV administration of allogeneic NSC can improve experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a well-established animal model for human multiple sclerosis (MS). For this, we cultured adherently growing luciferase-expressing NSCs (NSC-Luc), which displayed a uniform morphology and expression profile of membrane and intracellular markers, and which displayed an in vitro differentiation potential into neurons and astrocytes. Following labeling with green fluorescent micron-sized iron oxide particles (f-MPIO-labeled NSC-Luc) or lentiviral transduction with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter gene (NSC-Luc/eGFP), cell implantation experiments demonstrated the intrinsic survival capacity of adherently cultured NSC in the CNS of syngeneic mice, as analyzed by real-time bioluminescence imaging (BLI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological analysis. Next, EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice followed by IV administration of NSC-Luc/eGFP at day 7 postinduction with or without daily immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine A, CsA). During a follow-up period of 20 days, the observed clinical benefit could be attributed solely to CsA treatment. In addition, histological analysis demonstrated the absence of NSC-Luc/eGFP at sites of neuroinflammation. In order to investigate the absence of therapeutic potential, BLI biodistribution analysis of IV-administered NSC-Luc/eGFP revealed cell retention in lung capillaries as soon as 1-min postinjection, resulting in massive inflammation and apoptosis in lung tissue. In summary, we conclude that IV administration of NSCs currently has limited or no therapeutic potential for neuroinflammatory disease in mice, and presumably also for human MS. However, given the fact that grafted NSCs have an intrinsic survival capacity in the CNS, their therapeutic exploitation should be further investigated, and—in contrast to several other reports—will most likely be highly complex.
Leaving home in Spain: a regional analysis.

"This paper compares regional patterns of leaving home in Spain during the 1970s and 1980s based on analysis of the 1991 Spanish Sociodemographic Survey. The purpose of this analysis is to demonstrate that while nationally Spain is representative of a southern European pattern of leaving home, (i.e. relatively late and closely associated with partnership formation), there is considerable regional variation in timing, incidence and initial destinations on leaving home. These differences are explored using hazard rates of leaving home by destination and birth cohort for 11 Spanish regions. "
A review on quality models to analyse the impact of refactored code on maintainability with reference to software product line

Code cloning is a major problem in object oriented methodology and advanced software methodologies like Software Product Line methodology (SPL). SPL Maintainability is a critical quality factor which is influenced by code cloning detection and correction. There are quality models to study and analyze such impacts. But existing quality models fall short in assessing the impact of code clones on them. Since SPL maintainability is one of the key factors when considering software quality, our study revolves around it. Also, the fact that not much experiments have been performed to assess and measure the impact of refactored code on SPL maintainability, we wish to divulge in that particular area. A review has been done which validates the need to quantify SPL maintainability before and after it has been refactored.
Interstate migration and human capital formation in Brazil

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of interstate migration of individuals with different qualification levels on human capital formation in the migrant’s place of origin. Design/methodology/approach A dynamic panel model with data from the National Household Sample Survey (Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD)), between 2001 and 2013, is used. Findings The results indicate that the migration of high-skilled people boosts school attendance in fifth grade elementary school and first year high school, but it does not affect the levels of those entering first year in higher education. However, the migration of low-skilled workers discourages people from entering higher education, as those living in less developed areas do not need higher education qualifications to get higher incomes. Thus, they migrate to developed areas with the education levels they already have. The brain gain hypothesis is not, therefore, confirmed in the context of higher education attendance. Originality/value This paper’s contribution is its investigation into the effect of interstate migration on human capital formation in Brazil, through testing the brain gain hypothesis in a national context. In addition, it also analyzes the impact of the migration of people of low and intermediate qualification levels on human capital, with a view to verifying if the mobility of people with other levels of qualification could discourage the formation of human capital.
Experiential learning in webcasting for peace through tourism

The purpose of this paper is to report on a project to develop cultural awareness and knowledge of the tourism profession; and to bring the team of students to Amman, Jordan to facilitate the first ever-global wabcast of a conference. Within the international experience itself, the major components of the overall project involved grant writing, technological hands-on training, international student presentations, and the production of a professional videotape. The possibility of gaining such access had been made possible through the Undergraduate Research/ Experiential Learning Grant (UREL Grant) offered by the College of Education at UNI, which provided the ideal avenue for undergraduate and graduate students to seize the this extraordinary opportunity. The significance of the project was multi-faceted. The project required UNI students to learn skills that would be both practical and meaningful in their future professions. This paper will describe the current research available that supports the need and benefits of international experiences and experiential learning to the student.