Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binding of correolide to K(v)1 family potassium channels. Mapping the domains of high affinity interaction.

Correolide, a novel nortriterpene natural product, potently inhibits the voltage-gated potassium channel, K(v)1.3, and [(3)H]dihydrocorreolide (diTC) binds with high affinity (K(d) approximately 10 nM) to membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells that express K(v)1.3 (Felix, J. P., Bugianesi, R. M., Schmalhofer, W. A., Borris, R., Goetz, M. A., Hensens, O. D., Bao, J.-M., Kayser, F. , Parsons, W. H., Rupprecht, K., Garcia, M. L., Kaczorowski, G. J., and Slaughter, R. S. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 4922-4930). Mutagenesis studies were used to localize the diTC binding site and to design a high affinity receptor in the diTC-insensitive channel, K(v)3.2. Transferring the pore from K(v)1.3 to K(v)3.2 produces a chimera that binds peptidyl inhibitors of K(v)1.3 with high affinity, but not diTC. Transfer of the S(5) region of K(v)1.3 to K(v)3.2 reconstitutes diTC binding at 4-fold lower affinity as compared with K(v)1.3, whereas transfer of the entire S(5)-S(6) domain results in a normal K(v)1.3 phenotype. Substitutions in S(5)-S(6) of K(v)1.3 with nonconserved residues from K(v)3.2 has identified two positions in S(5) and one in S(6) that cause significant alterations in diTC binding. High affinity diTC binding can be conferred to K(v)3.2 after substitution of these three residues with the corresponding amino acids found in K(v)1.3. These results suggest that lack of sensitivity of K(v)3.2 to diTC is a consequence of the presence of Phe(382) and Ile(387) in S(5), and Met(458) in S(6). Inspection of K(v)1.1-1.6 channels indicates that they all possess identical S(5) and S(6) domains. As expected, diTC binds with high affinity (K(d) values 7-21 nM) to each of these homotetrameric channels. However, the kinetics of binding are fastest with K(v)1.3 and K(v)1.4, suggesting that conformations associated with C-type inactivation will facilitate entry and exit of diTC at its binding site. Taken together, these findings identify K(v)1 channel regions necessary for high affinity diTC binding, as well as, reveal a channel conformation that markedly influences the rate of binding of this ligand.
The Cognitive Consequences of Object-Oriented Design

The most valuable tools or methodologies supporting the design of interactive systems are those that simultaneously ease the process of design and improve the usability of the resulting system. We consider the potential of the object-oriented paradigm in providing this dual function. After briefly reviewing what is known about the design process and some important characteristics of object-oriented programming and design, we speculate on the possible cognitive consequences of this paradigm for problem understanding, problem decomposition, and design result. We conclude with research issues raised by our analysis.
Population of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in semi-arid environment of Jordan as influenced by biotic and abiotic factors

This study was conducted to evaluate the population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the semi-rid agro-ecosystem of North Jordan and to evaluate the effect of the biotic and abiotic factors on AMF population. Soil samples were collected from 12 locations where several soil samples were collected from each location. The collected soil samples were analysed for chemical and physical properties and spores were separated from the soil by the floating–adhesion technique and examined by the dissecting microscope. The AMF spores densities vary among locations and crops. The spore density was relatively low, with the highest observed under fruit trees and the lowest under a fallow system. Eight species were identified.Glomus mosseae was the most common species among samples, which was found in 85% of the soil samples collected.G. geosporum was found in 20%, while G. constrictum and G. clarum were found in 10% of the samples collected. G. caledomium was found in 8% of the samples. The lowest occurrence was observed for the G. monosporum and G. clariodum, which were found in only 5% of samples collected. Twenty percent of the samples collected contained Acaulospora spp. The spore density was not clearly affected neither by the host plants nor by the location, which suggest the absence of location or plant specificity for the AMF observed in soils of North Jordan. This may suggest that other factors could have an effect on mycorrhizal distribution. Therefore, biotic factors may be relatively less important than abiotic factors for establishing population patterns. The spore density of AMF had a very weak correlation with the soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), and no significant correlation with the percentages of soil clay and silt particles. The organic matter (OM) and CaCO3 percentages were significantly positively correlated with AMF spore density. On the other hand, the AMF spore density was negatively related to the soil phosphorus. In conclusion, the G. mosseae was the most common AMF species and no host plant or geographic location specificity was observed, suggesting the population of AMF species was affected mainly by abiotic factors and cropping patterns.
Vaccination using peptides spanning the SYT–SSX tumor-specific translocation

Evaluation of: Kawaguchi S, Tsukahara T, Ida K et al. SYT–SSX breakpoint peptide vaccines in patients with synovial sarcoma: a study from the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group. Cancer Sci. 103(9), 1625–1630 (2012). The identification of genetic translocations as key tumor-initiating events has led to the development of novel antigen-specific vaccines targeting these tumor-specific breakpoint regions. Previous studies have evaluated vaccines targeting the breakpoints in the BCR-ABL translocation in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and EWS-FLI1 in patients with Ewing sarcoma. In the article under evaluation, the authors evaluated a peptide vaccine targeting the breakpoint in the SYT–SSX translocation, the genetic translocation essentially pathognomonic for synovial sarcoma. This is the second small clinical trial reported by this group using HLA-A24-binding peptides as vaccine antigens. In this four-arm trial, using a native or HLA-A24-optimized SYT–SSX peptide with or without adjuvant plus IFN-α, they immunized patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma. Immune responses were evaluated by delayed-type hypersensitivity testing and tetramer analysis. No robust evidence of immune response to the target epitope was detected. Some patients treated with peptide in adjuvant plus IFN-α had stable disease. These results suggest that future similar studies might best evaluate patients with a lower burden of disease, consider alternative immunization approaches to the SYT–SSX target antigen and consider the efficacy of IFN-α alone for the treatment of synovial sarcoma.
Comparison of vacuum‐formed removable rigid dressing with conventional rigid dressing after transtibial amputation

Background and purpose Following transtibial amputation, a rigid dressing of plaster of Paris has been reported to have advantages over a soft dressing regarding wound healing and reduction of edema, but use of the former may be limited by difficulties in application and in gaining access to the wound. An easily applicable and removable vacuum‐formed rigid dressing (ORD) has recently been introduced. We compared the ORD with a conventional rigid plaster of Paris dressing with regard to wound healing, time to fitting of a prosthesis, and function with the prosthesis. Method Patients undergoing transtibial amputation for peripheral vascular disease were randomized at surgery to receive ORD (O) or conventional rigid dressing (C) for 5 to 7 days, followed by compression therapy using silicone liner. The primary outcome measure was time to prosthetic fitting and secondary outcome measures included function with the prosthesis 3 months after amputation, measured with the Locomotor Capability Index (LCI) and the Timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test. All patients received prostheses with a total surface‐bearing socket. Results Of 27 patients randomized to one or other dressing (15 O and 12 C), prosthetic fitting was achieved in 23 patients (mean age 76 (43-91) years; 13 (9 men) in the O group and 10 (5 men) in the C group). Wound healing was similar in both groups. Mean time to prosthetic fitting was 37 (26-54) days in the O group and 34 (21-47) days in the C group (adjusted mean difference 3, 95% CI: -3-9). At 3 months, mean LCI was 28 (6-42) in the O group and 25 (2-41) in the C group (mean difference -0.1, 95% CI: -8.5-8.2). Mean TUG was 41 (10-92) seconds and 29 (10-47) seconds, respectively (mean difference 14, 95% CI:-2-30). Interpretation The vacuum‐formed rigid dressing appears to give results similar to those of the conventional rigid dressing regarding time to prosthetic fitting and patient's function with prosthesis.
Optimize the Server Provisioning and Request Dispatching in Distributed Memory Cache Services

The distributed cache system contains a group of servers caching different contents based on consistent hashing. The dynamic provisioning of servers helps to improve the system efficiency, which leads to a reduction of energy cost. We first measure the cache hit rate, request batching effect and cache warm-up time of the system through experiments, considering that they can affect the system performance and efficiency. Then we formulate a stochastic network optimization problem, which aims at achieving objectives on the queue stability, energy cost and cache hit rate simultaneously, through the dynamic control of server activeness and request dispatching. The problem is transformed into a minimization problem in each time slot, which is further addressed through the proposed efficient online algorithm based on dynamic programming. Moreover, we improve the scheme with several practical considerations in the scheme implementation. Finally, the proposed algorithm and the improvements are evaluated through extensive experiments.
A discriminative model for facial expression recognition using local directional number pattern

Face expression recognition has made considerable growth in last decade due to its versatile applications in various fields such as emotion analysis, biometrics, surveillance and robotics. This paper proposes a quality face descriptor in which the local information of the face surface is concealed by means of Local Directional Number (LDN) pattern and it generates a more discriminative code compared to current methods, with the aid of compass masking it computes the arrangement of each micro pattern by which the local information is take out from the identical facial patterns that have contrasting intensity alteration. Then the face is divided into many sections, from which LDN components are extracted, followed by integration of these components and it is used as a face descriptor. Considerable tests were conducted on it under illumination and different facial expressions to produce truthful face expression recognition with better recognition rate.
The Third Yes: Invitation, Response, and Collaboration in Dramatic Theology

In this thesis, I position theology and theatre as conversation partners in order to argue that a dynamic, dramatic theology provides a viable and vibrant methodology capable of revealing what Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar identified as the “fire and light” at the heart of theology. This methodology stands firmly on the foundation of revelation through faith, tradition, and reason, but moves beyond this to dramatic encounter and the possibility of participation in the glory of God. At the intersection of theology and theatre I find three Yeses: divine invitation, human response, and divine/human collaboration or synergos. Using Balthasar’s Theo-Drama as a starting point, I engage with both theological and theatrical texts and practices in order to illustrate that the paradigm of gift as well as the aspects of “entering in,” movement, and embodied, live action are found in both disciplines. Four different approaches are utilised to illustrate the third Yes of divine/human collaboration: covenant, the plerosis of incarnation, theatrical and musical improvisation, and the concept of human interconnectivity in twentieth-century philosophy. Two important texts, the biblical book of Job and Luigi Pirandello’s play, Six Characters in Search of an Author, serve as proving grounds for the presence of the third Yes in both theology and theatre. By allowing the dialectic of divine initiative and human responsibility to play out within the context of drama, I seek to make room for a third way, one which is not biased toward either a theology from above or a theology from below, but one which reflects the ongoing dramatic encounter between divine and human actors.
Survival of Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 in the Faecal Microbiota after Administration in Lyophilised Form or in Fermented Product – A Randomised Study in Healthy Adults

The survival of Bifidobacterium animalis strain DN-173 010 was assessed after its ingestion in a fermented product or in a lyophilised form. Twelve healthy subjects were included in a randomised, open study with 2 parallel groups. The composition and activities of the faecal microbiota were monitored before (10-day baseline step), during (1-week product administration step) and after (10-day follow-up step) the ingestion of 1 of the 2 products. A colony immunoblotting method, fluorescent in situ hybridisation with group-specific DNA probes, and temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis using group-specific primers were carried out to compare survival of B. animalis strain DN-173 010 after ingestion of the 2 products, together with analyses of enzyme activities and faecal metabolites. At the end of the supplementation step, the mean number of B. animalis DN-173 010 quantified by immunodetection in the faeces of 5 of 6 subjects in each treatment group was ≧108 colony-forming units/g faeces. These numbers corresponded to an average survival of 22% for the lyophilised form and 20% for the fermented product. At the same step, the PCR temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis profiles showed a double band corresponding to the B. animalis DN-173 010 pattern for 11 subjects. No major modification was observed during the trial in either the dominant members of the faecal microbiota assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridisation or their activities. In conclusion, we show that the lyophilised form of B. animalis DN-173 010 survives transit and could represent a more convenient form to administer for long-term clinical trials.
Molecular Specificity of 5-Androstenediol as a Systemic Radioprotectant in Mice

We compared in vivo radioprotective efficacy of 5-androstenediol (5-AED) to that of ten other steroids: 17α-androstenediol, dehydroepiandrosterone, 5-androstenetriol (AET), 4-androstenedione (AND), testosterone, estradiol, fluasterone, 16α-bromoepiandrosterone, 16α-fluoro-androst-5-en-17α-ol (α-fluorohydrin, AFH), and 16α-fluoro-androst-5-en-17β-ol (β-fluorohydrin). Steroids were administered 24 or 48 hr before, or 1 hr after, whole-body γ-irradiation. Two days after irradiation at 3 Gy, blood elements were counted. In addition, after irradiation at 9–12.5 Gy, survival was recorded for 30 days. The results showed radioprotective efficacy was specific for 5-AED. One other steroid, AFH, demonstrated appreciable survival effects but was less efficacious than 5-AED. AND and AET produced slight enhancement of survival in some experiments. This is the first demonstration that the prophylactic window for survival enhancement by 1 subcutaneous (sc) injection of 5-AED is as long as 48 hr in mice. Moreover, the results indicate that 1 sc injection of 5-AED 1 hr after irradiation is much less effective than 1 injection 24–48 hr before irradiation. Comparing the molecular features of steroids with radioprotective efficacy leads to the following conclusions: 1) these effects are due to interaction with specific receptors, since sc injection of extremely similar molecules with the same physicochemical properties as 5-AED were not radioprotective; 2) the17-hydroxyl group is essential; 3) this group must be in the β configuration in the absence of nearby side groups; 4) a halogen atom at 16 changes the 17-hydroxyl specificity to α; 5) the 3β-hydroxyl group is not essential; 6) addition of a 7β-hydroxyl group is deleterious; and 7) the effects are not due to activation of sex steroid receptors.
GLIAL bFGF AND S100 IMMUNOREACTIVITIES INCREASE IN ASCENDING DOPAMINE PATHWAYS FOLLOWING STRIATAL 6-OHDA-INDUCED PARTIAL LESION OF THE NIGROSTRIATAL SYSTEM: A STEROLOGICAL ANALYSIS

S100, a calcium-binding protein, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) are found predominantly in astrocytes in the central nervous system. Those molecules show trophic properties to neurons and are upregulated after brain lesions. The present study investigated the changes in the S100b and bFGF immunoreactivities after a partial lesion of the rat midbrain ascending dopamine pathways induced by intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Stereological method revealed increases in the estimated total number and density of bFGF immunoreactive astroglial profiles in the ipsilateral pars compacta of the substantia nigra (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Increases in the counts of astroglial S100b immunoreactive profiles were found in the striatum, SNc, and VTA mainly ipsilateral but also in the contralateral nuclei. These results open up the possibility that interactions between astroglial S100b and bFGF may be relevant to paracrine events related to repair and maintenance of remaining dopamine neurons following striatal 6-OHDA induced partial lesion of ascending midbrain dopamine pathway.
Communications of the Association for Information Systems

: With the increasing use of crowdsourced data in behavioral research fields, it is important to examine their appropriateness and desirability for IS research. Extending recent work in the IS literature, this tutorial discusses the risks and rewards of using data gathered on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. We examine the characteristics of MTurk workers and the resulting method biases that may be exacerbated in MTurk data. Based on this analysis, we present a 2x2 matrix to illustrate the categories of IS research questions that are and are not amenable to MTurk data. We suggest that MTurk data is more appropriate for generalizing studies that examine diverse cognition than for contextualizing studies or those involving shared cognition. Finally, we offer a set of practical recommendations for researchers who wish to collect data on MTurk.
Role of diffusion tensor imaging in resection of thalamic juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma.

OBJECT The choice of surgical approach during resection of a thalamic juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is dictated by the location of the displaced normal thalamus and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC). Diffusion tensor (DT) imaging and white matter tractography can identify the location of the PLIC in relation to the tumor and may be useful in planning the operative trajectory. METHODS Diffusion tensor imaging was used to localize the PLIC on preoperative MR imaging in 6 children undergoing resection of thalamic JPAs. After review of the standard T2-weighted MR imaging sequences, the anticipated position of the PLIC was determined. This result was compared with the location of the PLIC determined by a blinded radiologist with the use of DT imaging. The utility of DT imaging in determining the surgical approach to a thalamic JPA, degree of resection, and neurological outcomes were all evaluated. RESULTS Diffusion tensor imaging confirmed the expected location of the PLIC as approximated on conventional T2-weighted images in all 6 cases. In 1 patient in particular, unexpected medial deviation of the PLIC was identified, and this proved useful in tailoring the approach to a more lateral trajectory. Gross-total resection of all cystic and solid tumor components was confirmed on postoperative imaging in all cases. All patients experienced mild to moderate worsening of neurological status immediately following resection, but 4 of 6 patients were back to their preoperative baseline at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Diffusion tensor imaging and white matter tractography successfully identified the white matter fibers emanating from the precentral gyrus within the PLIC in children with thalamic JPAs prior to surgery. Diffusion tensor imaging served as a valuable tool for stereotactic planning of operative approaches to thalamic JPAs. Localizing the position of the PLIC helped minimize potential neurological morbidity and facilitated gross-total resection.
Nasal variation in relation to high‐altitude adaptations among Tibetans and Andeans

High‐altitude (>2500 m) populations face several pressures, including hypoxia and cold‐dry air, resulting in greater respiratory demand to obtain more oxygen and condition inspired air. While cardiovascular and pulmonary adaptations to high‐altitude hypoxia have been extensively studied, adaptations of upper‐respiratory structures, e.g., nasal cavity, remain untested. This study investigates whether nasal morphology presents adaptations to hypoxic (larger noses) and/or cold‐dry (tall/narrow noses) conditions among high‐altitude samples.
Submodule short-circuit fault diagnosis based on wavelet transform and support vector machines for modular multilevel converter with series and parallel connectivity

The modular multilevel converter with series and parallel connectivity was shown to provide advantages in several industrial applications. Its reliability largely depends on the absence of failures in the power semiconductors. We propose and analyze a fault-diagnosis technique to identify shorted switches based on features generated through wavelet transform of the converter output and subsequent classification in support vector machines. The multi-class support vector machine is trained with multiple recordings of the output of each fault condition as well as the converter under normal operation. Simulation results reveal that the proposed method has high classification latency and high robustness. Except for the monitoring of the output, which is required for the converter control in any case, this method does not require additional module sensors.
Effect of respiratory rate, respiratory depth, and open versus closed mouth breathing on sublingual temperature.

The effect of open mouth breathing, tachypnea, and hyperpnea, either alone or in combination, on sublingual and tympanic membrane temperature in healthy adults was investigated. Seventy-eight subjects maintained randomly assigned breathing patterns for 15 minutes. Temperatures were monitored immediately prior to and for 5 minutes following the breathing protocol. The only statistically significant finding (p less than .01) was a lower sublingual temperature with open mouth breathing. No significant changes in tympanic membrane temperature were seen.