Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anchorage‐dependent binding of integrin I‐domain to adhesion ligands

The dynamic interactions between leukocyte integrin receptors and ligands in the vascular endothelium, extracellular matrix, or invading pathogens result in leukocyte adhesion, extravasation, and phagocytosis. This work examined the mechanical strength of the connection between iC3b, a complement component that stimulates phagocytosis, and the ligand‐binding domain, the I‐domain, of integrin αMβ2. Single‐molecule force measurements of αM I‐domain–iC3b complexes were conducted by atomic force microscope. Strikingly, depending on loading rates, immobilization of the I‐domain via its C‐terminus resulted in a 1.3‐fold to 1.5‐fold increase in unbinding force compared with I‐domains immobilized via the N‐terminus. The force spectra (unbinding force versus loading rate) of the I‐domain–iC3b complexes revealed that the enhanced mechanical strength is due to a 2.4‐fold increase in the lifetime of the I‐domain–iC3b bond. Given the structural and functional similarity of all integrin I‐domains, our result supports the existing allosteric regulatory model by which the ligand binding strength of integrin can be increased rapidly when a force is allowed to stretch the C‐terminus of the I‐domain. This type of mechanism may account for the rapid ligand affinity adjustment during leukocyte migration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo evaluation of 111In-labeled T-lymphocyte homing in experimental colitis.

UNLABELLED Blockade of lymphocyte recruitment to the intestinal mucosa is considered a useful therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anti-alpha4 antibodies have clinical benefit in patients with active Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate a scintigraphic technique to assess lymphocyte homing to the colon in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced experimental colitis (TNBS colitis) in vivo. METHODS TNBS-sensitized and nonsensitized murine total lymphocytes or CD4+ lymphocytes were radiolabeled with 111In-oxinate. Cells were injected into control mice (n = 5) or mice with TNBS colitis (n = 5). Specific abdominal radioactive uptake was determined by SPECT using a dedicated pinhole system 48 h after cell transfer. Radioactive colon uptake was correlated with histology and colon weight as parameters of inflammation. RESULTS The radioactive colon uptake was most evident in mice with TNBS colitis that received sensitized lymphocytes (uptake ratio [mean +/- SEM], 0.51 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.04; P = 0.004). The sensitized 111In-labeled lymphocytes exacerbated colitis compared with nonsensitized lymphocytes. The colon uptake correlated well with both colon weight and histologic score (R2 = 0.836 and 0.933, respectively). The use of purified 111In labeled CD4+ lymphocytes resulted in a similar scintigraphic pattern. Administration of an anti-alpha4 antibody decreased radioactivity colon uptake of the (111)In-labeled cells compared with the control antibody in mice with TNBS colitis (uptake ratio, 0.72 +/- 0.14 to 0.33 +/- 0.03; P = 0.012). CONCLUSION Animal pinhole SPECT can be applied for temporal and spatial analysis of the lymphocyte homing process in experimental colitis. This technique makes possible the in vivo evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of new drugs that interfere with lymphocyte migration. Moreover, colon uptake of radioactivity can be used as a parameter of disease activity in experimental colitis.
Impact of Correlation on the Capacity of Multiple Access and Broadcast Channels with MIMO-MRC

This paper investigates the capacity of multiple- access and broadcast channels with MIMO-MRC systems in spatially correlated environments. We present new capacity approximations which are shown to be accurate. The approximations are based on new simple expansions which we derive for the maximum eigenvalue distribution of correlated Wishart matrices. We then proceed to analyze the affects of correlation and show it is beneficial for capacity. Our results are confirmed through comparison with Monte Carlo simulations.
Multiple regulation by calcium of murine homologues of transient receptor potential proteins TRPC6 and TRPC7 expressed in HEK293 cells

We investigated, by using the patch clamp technique, Ca2+‐mediated regulation of heterologously expressed TRPC6 and TRPC7 proteins in HEK293 cells, two closely related homologues of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family and molecular candidates for native receptor‐operated Ca2+ entry channels. With nystatin‐perforated recording, the magnitude and time courses of activation and inactivation of carbachol (CCh; 100 μm)‐activated TRPC6 currents (ITRPC6) were enhanced and accelerated, respectively, by extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2o+) whether it was continuously present or applied after receptor stimulation. In contrast, Ca2o+ solely inhibited TRPC7 currents (ITRPC7). Vigorous buffering of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2i+) under conventional whole‐cell clamp abolished the slow potentiating (i.e. accelerated activation) and inactivating effects of Ca2o+, disclosing fast potentiation (EC50: ∼0.4 mm) and inhibition (IC50: ∼4 mm) of ITRPC6 and fast inhibition (IC50: ∼0.4 mm) of ITRPC7. This inhibition of ITRPC6 and ITRPC7 seems to be associated with voltage‐dependent reductions of unitary conductance and open probability at the single channel level, whereas the potentiation of ITRPC6 showed little voltage dependence and was mimicked by Sr2+ but not Ba2+. The activation process of ITRPC6 or its acceleration by Ca2o+ probably involves phosphorylation by calmodulin (CaM)‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII), as pretreatment with calmidazolium (3 μm), coexpression of Ca2+ ‐insesentive mutant CaM, and intracellular perfusion of the non‐hydrolysable ATP analogue AMP‐PNP and a CaMKII‐specific inhibitory peptide all effectively prevented channel activation. However, this was not observed for TRPC7. Instead, single CCh‐activated TRPC7 channel activity was concentration‐dependently suppressed by nanomolar Ca2i+ via CaM and conversely enhanced by IP3. In addition, the inactivation time course of ITRPC6 was significantly retarded by pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC). These results collectively suggest that TRPC6 and 7 channels are multiply regulated by Ca2+ from both sides of the membrane through differential Ca2+−CaM‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms.
Modifying the estimated ground height to mitigate error effects on bipedal robot walking

Classic biped walking controllers assume a perfectly flat, rigid surface on which the robot walks. While walking over unknown terrain, robots need to sense and estimate the ground location. Errors in this estimation result in an unexpected early or late ground contact of the swing foot. In this paper, we analyze how these errors affect walking stability. Based on simulation results, we propose a strategy that mitigates this effect. We show that if the ground height has an associated uncertainty, an overestimation of its value results in a more stable walk. This overestimation depends on both sensor data and the robot's dynamics. By using a reduced robot model, our strategy could be implemented into the real-time control to make the robot more robust against perception errors and irregular surfaces.
Options on low-cost abatement and investment in the energy sector: new perspectives on REDD

ABSTRACT Deforestation is one of the major sources of carbon emissions, but the Kyoto Protocol presently excludes avoiding these emissions to fulfill stabilization targets. Since the need for policy incentives for the reduction of emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) was officially recognized in 2007, the focus of this debate has shifted to issues of implementation. Concerns about the effects that the availability of low-cost REDD credits might have on energy investments, and the development of clean technology constitute the main motivation of this paper. We analyze the production side of the problem with the help of a real options model with an option to invest in less carbon-intensive energy technology and an option to purchase credits on REDD, which will (or will not) be exercised in the future. Unresolved questions can thus still be addressed later, while producers and investors hold REDD options to maintain flexibility for later decisions.
Hybrid eavesdropping approach against energy-ratio-based detection

There is a growing need for government agencies to prevent crimes and terror attacks by legitimately monitoring suspicious communication links. In this paper, two concepts named eavesdropping rate and eavesdropping outage probability are defined to evaluate the eavesdropping performance of legitimate monitor. Against the energy-ratio-based detection exploited by suspicious users, a hybrid eavesdropping approach is proposed. The hybrid eavesdropping approach includes the passive eavesdropping and the active eavesdropping, and switches between them depending on the requirements of eavesdropping performance. Furthermore, two active eavesdropping schemes are given. One is to maximize the eavesdropping rate under pilot spoofing attack power constraint, the other is to minimize the pilot spoofing attack power of monitor by satisfying the eavesdropping rate requirements. The simulation results show that the proposed hybrid eavesdropping approach greatly outperforms conventional passive eavesdropping and pure pilot spoofing attack with constant power, since it increases eavesdropping rate and reduces eavesdropping outage probability significantly.
Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features in patients with major arterial vascular disease assigned to surgical revascularization.

BACKGROUND Preoperative cardiac assessment may essentially contribute to estimate the operative risk in vascular surgery.This study was undertaken to depict the clinical conditions and cardiac status in patients before elective major vascular surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS 143 patients with asymptomatic critical aortic abdominal aneurysm, 119 with high-grade carotid stenosis, and 138 with advanced symptomatic ischemia due to peripheral artery disease were assigned to surgical revascularization. Preoperatively, all subjects completed detailed medical history, physical and laboratory examinations, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS In patients with peripheral artery disease we identified more smokers (p < 0.05), diabetes (p < 0.01), hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.05), previous myocardial infarction (p < 0.01); the asymptomatic aortic abdominal aneurysm group had a higher body mass index (p < 0.05), diastolic hypertension (p < 0.05), and most had left ventricular anterior hemiblocks (p < 0.001). Patients with critical carotid stenosis were older (p < 0.01), with greater systolic hypertension (p < 0.01), and with a less compromised left ventricular systolic function. CONCLUSIONS Patients with peripheral artery disease were mostly affected by severe metabolic diseases and by worst cardiac conditions; patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms were of robust physique, and often had left ventricular anterior hemiblocks. Patients with critical carotid stenosis were older and had less cardiomyopathies.
Asymmetric information, price discovery and macroeconomic announcements in FX market: do top trading banks know more?

This study investigates information asymmetry in the foreign exchange market by testing the hypothesis that top trading banks possess superior information on the macroeconomy because they process greater order flow, which, according to the micro-structure literature, helps them aggregate the dispersed information and feel the general movements of the economy. Examining the information share of the banks in the Reuters EFX system using indicative GBP-dUS data over 5 years, we find that the top 10 banks, out of 100 quoting banks in the market, have a monthly average share of over 70% of total market information, and around 80% during some US macroannouncements. These results suggest the possibility of private information over public news in the foreign exchange market. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Response to Cogley and Sbordone's Comment on 'Closed-Form Estimates of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve with Time-Varying Trend Inflation'

In their 2010 comment (which we refer to as CS10), Cogley and Sbordone argue that: (i) our estimates are not entirely closed form, and hence are arbitrary; (ii) we cannot guarantee that our estimates are valid, while their estimates (Cogley and Sbordone 2008, henceforth CS08) always are; and (iii) the estimates in CS08, in terms of goodness of fit, are just as good as other, much different estimates in our paper. We show in this reply that the exact closed-form estimates are virtually the same as the "quasi" closed-form estimates. Our estimates are consistent with the implicit assumptions underlying the first-stage VAR used to form expectations, while the estimates in CS08 are not. As a result, the estimates in CS08 point towards model misspecification. We also rebut the goodness of fit comparisons in CS10, and provide a more credible exercise that illustrates that our estimates outperform CS08's estimates.
Fiscal Policies and Output in the Long Run: A Panel Cointegration Approach Applied to the OECD

This paper investigates the long-run link between levels of output and fiscal policies from a neoclassical perspective for a sample of 19 OECD countries over the period 1970-98. As a departure from previous studies, we take explicit note of the time-series properties of the output, inputs and fiscal policy series. The use of new techniques in the field of nonstationary panels enables us to make reliable inferences about the existence of stochastic trends and cointegration among the series. We also estimate error correction growth models in order to gauge the growth effects of government size. Overall, we hold the view that fiscal policies play a crucial role in shaping steady-state levels of per capita income as well as economic growth rates along the transitional path. Copyright © 2006 The Author; Journal compilation © Blackwell Publishing Ltd and The University of Manchester 2006.
Partisan privatizations: assessing the ideological bias

Previous empirical literature suggests that privatization choices are driven by ideology. However, available measures of this political bias are weakly grounded as they neglect crucial factors affecting privatizations, such as the liberalization levels and the public finance structure. To fill this gap, we perform an econometric analysis explicitly considering such neglected factors. Our findings conclude that privatization choices in OECD network industries are determined by right-wing ideology.
The Strain Behavior of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament During Bicycling

Stationary bicycling is commonly prescribed after anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction; however, the strains on the ligament or ligament graft during stationary bicycling remain unknown. In this study we measured ligament strain on eight patients who were candidates for arthroscopic meniscectomy under local anesthesia. Six different riding conditions were evaluated: three power levels (75, 125, and 175 W), each of which was performed at two cadences (60 and 90 rpm). The peak ligament strain values ranged from 1.2% for the 175-W, 90-rpm, condition to 2.1% for the 125-W, 60-rpm, condition. No significant differences were found in peak strain values due to changes in power level or cadence. Thus, the strain values were pooled across the six riding conditions tested. The mean peak strain value was 1.7%, a value that is relatively low compared with other rehabilitation activities previously tested. These data suggest that knee rehabilitation programs can be designed to include this selection of power and cadence levels without significantly changing ligament strain values. Thus, stationary bicycling is a rehabilitation exercise that permits the patient to increase muscle activity by increasing the power level or decreasing the cadence without subjecting the ligament or ligament graft to higher strain values.
An Original Application of the Endotine Ribbon Device for Brow Lift

Background: Correction of brow ptosis and lateral temporal laxity is one of the goals of surgical rejuvenation of the aging face. The Endotine Forehead (Coapt Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.) device is an effective bioabsorbable fixation tool for forehead and brow-lift procedures. However, the Endotine Forehead device alone is not able to correct lateral brow ptosis and temporal laxity. In this article, the authors propose an innovative use of another special device, the Endotine Ribbon (Coapt Systems), to provide long-lasting results in lateral brow-lift surgery and temporal lateral laxity correction. Methods: Between February of 2006 and April of 2007, a total of 30 patients, aged between 38 and 70 years (average, 50 years), underwent brow-lift surgery. With this technique, the Endotine Ribbon is cut in halves and each portion of it is anchored to the deep temporal fascia with sutures, and its multiple tines facing outward grasp the superficial temporal fascia. The amount of brow elevation produced was assessed by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative vertical distances between the superior eyebrow hairline and the midpupil and lateral and medial canthal angle. The average follow-up period was 18 months. Results: Using this technique, perfectly symmetric lateral eyebrows and temporal laxity correction were obtained in all patients. A lasting result was observed, and no significant adverse events were encountered. Conclusions: The application of the Endotine Ribbon for brow-lift procedures provides significant and reproducible lateral brow elevation and temporal laxity correction. This fixation method is effective, safe, and easy to use, and leads to high patient satisfaction.
La estructura económica del (sub)desarrollo y el equilibrio general o ¿qué ocurrió con la teoría del desarrollo y con las estructuras económicas?

Formerly the concept of economic development involved transforming the productive structures in order to employ the population in higher productivity activities, so that welfare improved. Development implied that economic systems followed development paths (not always in equilibrium) in order to reach more desirable welfare results: Equilibrium was not the main target. More recently, economic strategies emphasize reaching growth within equilibrium paths, thus, preserving economic structures. The latter vision yields incompatible results with the former. This paper revises some issues concerning structural change versus equilibrium targets as a means to reach development.
Farms and Learning Partnerships in Farming Systems Projects: A Response to the Challenges of Complexity in Agricultural Innovation

Abstract Managing the competing interests of productivity growth, environmental concerns, landscape change and societal expectations presents challenges for agricultural industries. Innovation projects supporting knowledge development to address these challenges often involve partnerships with commercial farms, a methodology which promises much but has inherent challenges as well. This paper will examine the requirements of learning partnerships between farmers, research and extension (as members of innovation projects) to address conditions of complexity. We review designs for the involvement of commercial farms in innovation projects and explore the conditions for effective learning partnerships using two case studies from the Australian dairy industry. Learning partnerships with commercial farms can contribute to addressing the conditions of complexity faced by agricultural industries. Our analysis suggests that the conditions for effective learning partnerships involve the active negotiation of learning roles between farmers, researchers and advisors. This requires a unique form of facilitation to support the learning environment and use of learning tools, assisting project teams to act on complex issues. As learning partners, commercial farms in innovation projects are an effective response to the challenges of complexity in agricultural innovation.
Poly[di-μ-glycinato-copper(II)]: a two-dimensional coordination polymer

The title coordination polymer, [Cu(C2H4NO2)2]n, is two-dimensional and consists of a distorted octahedral copper coordination polyhedron with two bidentate glycine ligands chelating the metal through the O and N atoms in a trans-square-planar configuration. The two axial coordination sites are occupied by carbonyl O atoms of neighbouring glycine molecules. The Cu—O distances for the axial O atoms [2.648 (2) and 2.837 (2) Å] are considerably longer than both the Cu—O [1.9475 (17) and 1.9483 (18) Å] and Cu—N [1.988 (2) and 1.948 (2) Å] distances in the equatorial plane, which indicates a strong Jahn–Teller effect. In the crystal, the two-dimensional networks are arranged parallel to (001) and are linked via N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional arrangement.
Women's Employment and Child Care in Brazil

This study describes and tests a theoretical model of the relationship between womens employment and child care decisions in metropolitan Brazil. Results are considered as supportive of the hypothesis that womens employment and child care are competing uses of womens time. This article provides a description of the Brazilian context and a brief literature review a theoretical framework and hypotheses estimation methods data and variables and empirical modeling. Findings indicate that maternal employment status was an important determinant of the demand for nonparental child care for young children. Child quality issues appeared to be more important factors in the choice of part-time nonparental child care than full-time nonparental care. Increased income was related to the decreased probability of womens employment but increased the probability of nonparental child care. The probability of womens employment and nonparental child care was affected by the presence of potential alternative care givers in the household. Females and particularly female teenaged relatives were more likely to serve as maternal child care substitutes in the home. Working age females were more likely to serve as labor force substitutes than younger or older females. Although the 1988 Brazilian constitution mandates free day care and preschool for all 0-6 year olds programs have not been implemented. The findings suggest a need for nonparental child care and consideration of the trade-offs that families make in substituting female teenagers as parental child care providers which jeopardizes their educational advancement.
Does capacity utilisation help estimating the TFP cycle

In the production function approach, accurate output gap assessment requires a careful evaluation of the TFP cycle. In this paper we propose a bivariate model that links TFP to capacity utilization and we show that this model improves the TFP trend-cycle decomposition upon univariate and Hodrick-Prescott filtering. In particular, we show that estimates of the TFP cycle that load information about capacity utilization are less revised than univariate and HP estimates, both with 2009 and real-time TFPdata vintages. We obtain this evidence for twelve pre-enlargement EU countries.