Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Growth Factor-mediated Transient Phosphorylation and Membrane Localization of Myosin II-B Are Required for Efficient Chemotaxis*

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of prostate metastatic tumor cells results in transient phosphorylation and cellular localization of non-muscle myosin heavy chain II-B (NMHC II-B) with kinetics similar to those seen in chemotaxis. We demonstrate that expression of 18- and 72-kDa fragments derived from the NMHC II-B C terminus that contain EGF-dependent NMHC II-B phosphorylation sites serve as dominant-negative mutations for EGF-dependent NMHC II-B phosphorylation and localization. Both fragments inhibited the EGF-dependent phosphorylation by competing with NMHC II-B on the myosin heavy chain kinase. However, only expression of the 72-kDa fragment resulted in cells with abnormalities in cell shape, focal adhesions, and chemotaxis. We found that the 72-kDa (but not 18-kDa) fragment is capable of self-assembly. To our knowledge, these results provide the first strong evidence that EGF-dependent NMHC II-B phosphorylation is required for the cellular localization of NMHC II-B and that NMHC II-B is required for normal cell attachment and for chemotactic response.
Human-swarm interaction through distributed cooperative gesture recognition

The video presents the first results of a Swiss-funded project focusing on symbiotic peer-to-peer interaction and cooperation between humans and robot swarms. As a first step, we considered human-swarm interaction, and selected the use of hand gestures to let a human communicate with a swarm of relatively simple mobile robots. In our scenario, a hand gesture encodes a command, that the swarm will execute. The robots that we used are the foot-bots, developed in the Swarmanoid project [1].
An energy efficient cell selection scheme for Open Access femtocell networks

The exponential increase in high rate traffic driven by a new generation of wireless devices is expected to overload cellular network capacity in the near future. Femtocells have recently been proposed as an efficient and cost-effective approach to enhance cellular network capacity and coverage. However, dense and unplanned deployment of additional Base Stations and their uncoordinated operation may increase the system power consumption. Thus, efficient schemes are essential for managing femtocells activity and improving the system performance. In this paper, we investigate the effect of femtocell deployment on the cellular network energy efficiency. The goal is twofold: first, we aim to analyse how classic femtocell access schemes affect the system energy consumption; second, we propose a novel cell selection scheme for Open Access femtocells that allows the effective deployment of femtocells in the cellular network reducing power consumption and limiting the effect of interference.
The Design of LVDS Bus with High EMC Compliance

The article deals with results which were obtained during the design of LVDS (low voltage differential signaling) bus. This bus is very resistant to interference from the environment and to spurious emission of electromagnetic fields. According to requirements we prepared designs of LVDS by means of numerical methods. The design was realized and its parameters verified experimentally. The basic parameter of bus impedance Z = 100 Omega, frequency f1 = 100 MHz of the first harmonic of rectangle signal.
Aneuploid sperm formation in rainbow trout exposed to the environmental estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol

Environmental contaminants that mimic native estrogens (i.e., environmental estrogens) are known to significantly impact a wide range of vertebrate species and have been implicated as a source for increasing human male reproductive deficiencies and diseases. Despite the widespread occurrence of environmental estrogens and recognized detrimental effects on male vertebrate reproduction, no specific mechanism has been determined indicating how reduced fertility and/or fecundity is achieved. Previous studies show that male rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, exposed to the environmental estrogen 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) before gamete formation and fertilization produce progeny with significantly reduced embryonic survival. To determine whether this observed decrease results from sperm chromosome alterations during spermatogenesis, male rainbow trout were exposed to 10 ng of EE2/l for 50 days. After exposure, semen was collected and sperm aneuploidy levels analyzed with two chromosome markers by fluorescent in situ hybridization. In vitro fertilizations were also conducted by using control and exposed sperm crossed to eggs from an unexposed female for offspring analysis. Evaluations for nucleolar organizer region number and karyotype were performed on developing embryos to determine whether sperm aneuploidy translated into embryonic aneuploidy. Results conclusively show increased aneuploid sperm formation due to EE2 exposure. Additionally, embryonic cells from propagated progeny of individuals possessing elevated sperm aneuploidy display high levels of embryonic aneuploidy. This study concludes that EE2 exposure in sexually developing male rainbow trout increases levels of aneuploid sperm, providing a mechanism for decreased embryonic survival and ultimately diminished reproductive success in EE2 exposed males.
Comparative Analysis of Haemophilus influenzae hifA(Pilin) Genes

ABSTRACT Adherence of Haemophilus influenzae to epithelial cells plays a central role in colonization and is the first step in infection with this organism. Pili, which are large polymorphic surface proteins, have been shown to mediate the binding of H. influenzae to cells of the human respiratory tract. Earlier experiments have demonstrated that the major epitopes of H. influenzae pili are highly conformational and immunologically heterogenous; their subunit pilins are, however, immunologically homogenous. To define the extent of structural variation in pilins, which polymerize to form pili, the pilin genes (hifA) of 26 type a to f and 16 nontypeable strains of H. influenzae were amplified by PCR and subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with AluI and RsaI. Six different RFLP patterns were identified. Four further RFLP patterns were identified from published hifA sequences from five nontypeableH. influenzae strains. Two patterns contained only nontypeable isolates; one of these contained H. influenzaebiotype aegyptius strains F3031 and F3037. Another pattern contained predominantly H. influenzae type f strains. All other patterns were displayed by a variety of capsular and noncapsular types. Sequence analysis of selected hifA genes confirmed the 10 RFLP patterns and showed strong identity among representatives displaying the same RFLP patterns. In addition, the immunologic reactivity of pili with antipilus antisera correlated with the groupings of strains based on hifA RFLP patterns. Those strains that show greater reactivity with antiserum directed againstH. influenzae type b strain M43 pili tend to fall into one RFLP pattern (pattern 3); while those strains that show equal or greater reactivity with antiserum directed against H. influenzae type b strain Eagan pili tend to fall in a different RFLP pattern (pattern 1). Sequence analysis of representative HifA pilins from typeable and nontypeable H. influenzaeidentified several highly conserved regions that play a role in bacterial pilus assembly and other regions with considerable amino acid heterogeneity. These regions of HifA amino acid sequence heterogeneity may explain the immunologic diversity seen in intact pili.
Behavioral Spillovers from Targeted Incentives: Losses from Excluded Individuals Can Counter Gains from Those Selected

An increasing number of policies condition transfers upon the taking of socially desired actions − such as donating blood, departing conflict or mitigating climate change. Many such incentives are targeted, i.e., they exclude individuals based on potential recipients' characteristics or actions. We hypothesize that: pro-sociality can be reduced by exclusion despite no price or income changes; and, further, the rationale for excluding people can itself influence whether any such undesirable side effects of pro-social incentives arise. To test for such 'behavioral spillovers', we use a laboratory experiment to study a subsidy to pro-social donations in which subjects are fully informed about why they are selected, or not, for the subsidy. We introduce three selection rules and track changes in donations. Selecting for the subsidy those who initially acted less pro-social (i.e., gave little to start) increased donations, while rewarding greater pro-sociality did not. Yet the selection rule which targeted those with lower prior pro-sociality also intentionally excluded the people who donated more initially and that selection rule reduced the donations by the excluded. This shows a tradeoff between losses from excluded and gains from selected individuals.
Leaf-shaped dual band antenna textile performance for on-body application

A leaf-shaped dual band dipole textile antenna is proposed for on-body application. The antenna is designed to operate at Ultra High Frequency (UHF) range frequency at 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. Denim substrate was used as the material due to its robustness, flexibility and lightweight. The antenna design is simulated, optimized and analyzed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software and Voxel. Copper tape and ShieldIT fabric were used as conductive elements. Simulated result shows that the proposed antenna design meets the requirements of dual band antenna for on-body application. The proposed antenna is compact in size and flexible materials. Results in terms of return loss, bandwidth, radiation pattern, as well as gain are presented to validate the performance of the antenna.
Virus Protein Synthesis in Animal Cell-Free Systems: Nature of the Products Synthesized in Response to Ribonucleic Acid of Encephalomyocarditis Virus

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) from encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus stimulates the incorporation of amino acids into protein in cell-free protein-synthetic systems derived from Krebs mouse ascites tumor cells and chick embryo fibroblasts; the mouse system is the more responsive to the viral RNA. The greater part of this difference in activity can be ascribed to the cell sap, but the origin of the ribosomes also has a marked effect. The nature of the polypeptides formed in these cell-free systems was investigated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels and by fingerprint analysis of tryptic digests. The same product in part appears to be synthesized in response to the EMC RNA in both systems. It was not detected if the EMC RNA was partly degraded (≤4S) or replaced by other species of RNA, including that from influenza virus. The results suggest that EMC RNA is partially translated in these systems to yield virus-specific polypeptides.
Bioisosterism: Quantitation of Structure and Property Effects

The powerful concept of bioisosterism is presented as a method for selecting molecular groups for drug design and lead‐compound development. Three group‐structure characteristics are described for this purpose. The E‐State value for an attached atom is used as a measure of electrotopological group impact. The volume of the group is estimated from counts of σ, π, and lone‐pair n electrons, as embodied in the valence and simple connectivity δ values for atoms in the group. Polarity is described in terms of the polarity index Qv. Specific examples are given for commonly used groups. Parameter spaces encoding these three attributes are presented as examples that may be used to guide bioisostere selection in late‐stage drug‐design procedures. The method presented here is of practical value in the decision processes of molecular modification.
Fabrication of long-period optical fiber gratings by use of ion implantation.

We report the fabrication of long-period optical fiber gratings by use of a refractive-index increase induced by ion implantation. Helium ions were implanted in an optical fiber core through a metal mask that had a 170-microm -pitch grating with spacing of 60 microm . We obtained a wavelength-dependent effective transmission loss by use of the grating.
Reduction of high‐frequency network oscillations (ripples) and pathological network discharges in hippocampal slices from connexin 36‐deficient mice

Recent evidence suggests that electrotonic coupling is an important mechanism for neuronal synchronisation in the mammalian cortex and hippocampus. Various types of network oscillations have been shown to depend on, or be sharpened by, gap junctions between inhibitory interneurones or excitatory projection cells. Here we made use of a targeted disruption of the gene coding for Cx36, a recently discovered neuronal gap junction subunit, to analyse its role in hippocampal network behaviour. Mice lacking Cx36 are viable and lack obvious morphological or behavioural abnormalities. Stimulation of afferent and efferent fibre pathways in hippocampal slices revealed a largely normal function of the synaptic circuitry, including tetanically evoked network oscillations. Spontaneous sharp waves and ripple (∼200 Hz) oscillations, however, occurred less frequently in slices from Cx36 ‐/‐ mice, and ripples were slightly slower than in littermate controls. Moreover, epileptiform discharges elicited by 4‐aminopyridine were attenuated in slices from Cx36 ‐/‐ mice. Our findings indicate that Cx36 plays a role in the generation of certain forms of network synchronisation in the hippocampus, namely sharp wave‐ripple complexes and hypersynchronous epileptiform discharges.
Local Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Level Determines Early Clinical Presentation of ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective—Early clinical presentation of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction affects patient management. Although local inflammatory activities are involved in the onset of MI, little is known about their impact on early clinical presentation. This study aimed to investigate whether local inflammatory activities affect early clinical presentation. Approach and Results—This study comprised 94 and 17 patients with MI (STEMI, 69; non-STEMI, 25) and stable angina pectoris, respectively. We simultaneously investigated the culprit lesion morphologies using optical coherence tomography and inflammatory activities assessed by shedding matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and myeloperoxidase into the coronary circulation before and after stenting. Prevalence of plaque rupture, thin-cap fibroatheroma, and lipid arc or macrophage count was higher in patients with STEMI and non-STEMI than in those with stable angina pectoris. Red thrombus was frequently observed in STEMI compared with others. Local MMP-9 levels were significantly higher than systemic levels (systemic, 42.0 [27.9–73.2] ng/mL versus prestent local, 69.1 [32.2–152.3] ng/mL versus poststent local, 68.0 [35.6–133.3] ng/mL; P<0.01). Poststent local MMP-9 level was significantly elevated in patients with STEMI (STEMI, 109.9 [54.5–197.8] ng/mL versus non-STEMI: 52.9 [33.0–79.5] ng/mL; stable angina pectoris, 28.3 [14.2–40.0] ng/mL; P<0.01), whereas no difference was observed in the myeloperoxidase level. Poststent local MMP-9 and the presence of red thrombus are the independent determinants for STEMI in multivariate analysis. Conclusions—Local MMP-9 level could determine the early clinical presentation in patients with MI. Local inflammatory activity for atherosclerosis needs increased attention.
Magnetic Shielding Performance of Thin Metal Sheets Near Power Cables

In this study, wrapping conductors with thin magnetic materials is proposed as a magnetic shielding method. The 0.1-mm-thick metal sheets of mu-metal, grain-oriented electrical steel, and nonoriented electrical steel were prepared from commercial alloy sheets through cold rolling and followed high temperature annealing. For magnetic fields generated by three-phase electric currents, mu-metal was the best in shielding performance when magnetic field at the shield point is about 90 ¿ T, yielding an excellent shielding factor lower than 0.1 in the vicinity of the shield. Above 490 ¿ T, however, silicon steels were better than mu-metal. Double-layer shielding with grain-oriented silicon steel (inner) and mu-metal (outer) resulted in an excellent shielding factor up to 490 ¿T. These results are due to change in hierarchy of magnetic permeabilities of the materials with increasing magnetic field strength. For magnetic fields by single-phase electric current, on the other hand, a magnetic shield rather increased magnetic field or had no practical effect on shielding performance. This result is explained by superposition of original field vectors and secondary field vectors created by eddy currents within the materials.
Body mass index and disability in adulthood: a 20-year panel study.

OBJECTIVES This study examined whether body mass index (BMI) or change in BMI raises the risk of disability in adulthood. METHODS The relation between BMI and upper- and lower-body disability was examined among adult subjects from a national longitudinal survey (n = 6833). Tobit regression models were used to examine the effect of BMI on disability 10 and 20 years later. RESULTS Obesity (BMI > or = 30) at baseline or becoming obese during the study was associated with higher levels of upper- and, especially, lower-body disability. In persons who began the study with a BMI of 30 or more and became normal weight, disability was not reduced. Underweight persons (BMI < 18.5) also manifested higher disability in most instances. CONCLUSIONS Disability risk was higher for obese persons, but overweight was not consistently associated with higher disability.
Low leakage current transformerless three-phase photovoltaic inverter

In a transformerless inversion system, the suppression of common mode leakage current is one of the most important issues concerned. Several single phase full bridge PV inverters have been proposed to eliminate the leakage current. However, in the three phase applications of the PV inverters, few attentions have been paid on the improvement of leakage current from a topological point of view. This paper focuses on the reduction of common mode voltage in three phase transformerless inverter. Firstly, the common mode characteristic of the three phase inverter is analyzed. Then, a kind of novel three phase topology is proposed to suppress the common mode voltage. Also, the NPC circuit can be added to the novel topology in order to further reduce the common mode voltage. The novel topology has the advantages of fewer device cost and lower conduction losses compared to the traditional three phase NPC topologies. Finally, the simulation and experimental results illustrated the theoretical findings.
Modulation of calcium signalling by intracellular organelles seen with targeted aequorins

The cytosolic Ca2+ signals that trigger cell responses occur either as localized domains of high Ca2+ concentration or as propagating Ca2+ waves. Cytoplasmic organelles, taking up or releasing Ca2+ to the cytosol, shape the cytosolic signals. On the other hand, Ca2+ concentration inside organelles is also important in physiology and pathophysiology. Comprehensive study of these matters requires to measure [Ca2+] inside organelles and at the relevant cytosolic domains. Aequorins, the best‐known chemiluminescent Ca2+ probes, are excellent for this end as they do not require stressing illumination, have a large dynamic range and a sharp Ca2+‐dependence, can be targeted to the appropriate location and engineered to have the proper Ca2+ affinity. Using this methodology, we have evidenced the existence in chromaffin cells of functional units composed by three closely interrelated elements: (1) plasma membrane Ca2+ channels, (2) subplasmalemmal endoplasmic reticulum and (3) mitochondria. These Ca2+‐signalling triads optimize Ca2+ microdomains for secretion and prevent propagation of the Ca2+ wave towards the cell core. Oscillatory cytosolic Ca2+ signals originate also oscillations of mitochondrial Ca2+ in several cell types. The nuclear envelope slows down the propagation of the Ca2+ wave to the nucleus and filters high frequencies. On the other hand, inositol‐trisphosphate may produce direct release of Ca2+ to the nucleoplasm in GH3 pituitary cells, thus providing mechanisms for selective nuclear signalling. Aequorins emitting at different wavelengths, prepared by fusion either with green or red fluorescent protein, permit simultaneous and independent monitorization of the Ca2+ signals in different subcellular domains within the same cell.
Cell-based therapies in pulmonary hypertension: who, what, and when?

pulmonary hypertension (PH), diagnosed when mean pulmonary arterial pressure exceeds the upper limits of normal (i.e., >25 mmHg) at rest (2), occurs in a variety of clinical situations and is associated with a broad spectrum of histological patterns and abnormalities. PH is currently classified into five distinct World Health Organization (WHO) groups, based on common clinical parameters, potential etiological mechanisms, and responses to treatment (22). Although any form of PH can contribute to increased patient morbidity and mortality, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO group 1) is a particularly severe and progressive form associated with right heart failure and premature death (1). At present, therapeutic approaches to stabilize or reverse this debilitating condition involve treatment with one or a combination of up to three specific classes of agents, including prostacyclin analogs, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, and/or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Retrospective (meta)analyses of these therapeutic strategies have demonstrated a reduction in mortality with their use (7, 12); however, many experts believe that current PAH treatment is inadequate given the persistently high mortality rate and functional hemodynamic impairment in many patients. These observations have led to continued intensive investigation into pathogenetic mechanisms and many proposals for additional alternative new therapies (20, 24). Among the potential new therapies, increasing interest in the role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as a cell-based therapy has emerged. However, issues remain regarding what group of PH patients are most likely to benefit from treatment, at what point in the disease is treatment most likely to be successful, and what types of cells should be utilized for therapy.
Gender Imbalance in Educational Attainment and Labour Market Dynamics: Evidence from Malaysia

The structure of the labour force in Malaysia has seen a major shift since the 1970s. Expanding economic opportunities have also increased demand for highly educated and skilled workers. The changing face of the Malaysian labour force has been brought about primarily by increased access to educational opportunities. Greater access to education has produced not only a surge in student enrolment but also dramatic improvements in higher education. Women have been major beneficiaries of these changes. This paper shows that gains in tertiary attainment have led to greater depth of human capital through bringing more people, especially females, into the workforce and prolonging their stay there. The positive effects are tempered by several concerns. The female advantage in terms of tertiary enrolment does not translate directly into their participation in the labour market. Female graduates are also more likely than male graduates to be in lower paying jobs or unemployed. Young persons without tertiary education face the prospect of unemployment and being crowded out of the job market by degree holders, many being female. Lagging educational attainment among males who dominate the workforce may also hinder a successful transition to a knowledge economy.