Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Is a Negative Regulator of Mitochondria-Mediated Innate Immune Responses

The intracellular RIG-I–like receptors recognize 5′-triphosphate viral genomic RNA and initiate the production of cytokines through mitochondria adaptor VISA. The regulation of this signal pathway is largely unknown. In this study, we report that the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibits RIG-I signal pathway in an methyltransferase-independent manner. Knockdown EZH2 expression enhances VISA-induced activation of IFN-β promoter and NF-κB signaling. Cytosolic distributed EZH2 colocalizes with VISA and binds to its caspase recruitment domain (CARD), thus blocking its association with RIG-I. During the infection of influenza A virus (IAV) strain A/WSN/33 (WSN), EZH2 translocates to RIG-I and continuously interferes the interaction between RIG-I and VISA. Both N and C termini of EZH2 interact with VISA and attenuate its downstream signaling. WSN virus infection–induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-8 is inhibited by EZH2 and its catalytic dead form ΔSET. EZH2 overexpression facilitates the replications of IAV strains WSN and A/Puerto Rico/8/34 influenza virus. Knockdown EZH2 expression activates infection-induced IFN-β transcription and inhibits virus replication. We further provided evidence to show that pharmacological disruption of EZH2 expression by its inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A activates innate immune responses and attenuates the replication of WSN virus in HeLa, MDCK, and mouse primary bone marrow–derived macrophages, but not in IFN-deficient Vero cells. Collectively, these results revealed that EZH2 binds to VISA and interferes with the interaction between VISA and RIG-I. Targeting EZH2 activates mitochondria-mediated antiviral innate immune responses, and thus represses the replication of IAV in cells.
Neuropilin‐1 and neuropilin‐2 expression in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence of colorectal cancer

Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) and neuropilin‐2 (NRP2) are transmembrane glycoproteins which interact with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent tumour cell apoptosis and regulate angiogenesis. However, the precise role of NRP1 and NRP2 in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence (ACS) of colorectal cancer remains unclear, and we aimed to determine this in surgical specimens comprising the ACS.
Belonging in the Academy

This action research study, supported by a quantitative data analysis, presents a counternarrative to the deficit discourse regarding Latino/a First Time in Any College (FTIAC) departure during the first year of college. It argues that an intentional learning community model, that is culturally and linguistically responsive to Latino/a student needs, can produce significant gains in first- to second-year retention rates and better predicts retention than either high school grade point average or standardized test scores.
A CMOS "soft-switched" transconductor and its application in gain control and filters

This paper presents a transconductor suitable for implementation in submicron CMOS technology. The transconductor is nearly insensitive for the second-order effects of the MOS transistors, which become more and more prevalent in today's submicron processes. The transconductor relies on a differential pair with variable degeneration resistance, while the degeneration resistors are "soft-switched" by means of MOS transistors. The transconductance is continuously tunable. A transconductor, using a device in which the degeneration resistors and "soft switches" are merged, is optimized for a maximum tuning range and can be used in variable gain stages like in an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit. Besides, a third-order 5.5 MHz low-pass filter has been realized in a 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS process using the "soft-switched" transconductor. At a 3.3 V supply voltage the filter dissipates 12 mW and the dynamic range equals 62 dB where the total harmonic distortion (THD) is -48 dB for an input voltage of 1 Vpp.
Measure invariance of the Political Skill Inventory (PSI) across five cultures

This research expands the study of political skill, a construct developed in North America, to other cultures. We examine the psychometric properties of the Political Skill Inventory (PSI) and test the measurement equivalence of the scale in a non-American context. Respondents were 1511 employees from China, Germany, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The cross-cultural generalizability of the construct is established through consistent evidence of multi-group invariance in an increasingly stringent series of analyses of mean and covariance structures. Overall, the study provides systematic evidence that political skill can be treated as a stable construct among diverse cultural groups. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that translated PSI measures operationalize the construct similarly. With some exceptions, the item loadings and intercepts are invariant for the US and non-US responses, suggesting partial measurement equivalence. After verifying the accuracy of item translation, we conclude that any differences can be explained by variation in the cultural value of uncertainly avoidance and cultural differences on a low-to-high context continuum. Detected dissimilarities are addressed, and some suggestions regarding the correct use across borders of the instrument by managers and researchers are provided.
Rehabilitating equivalent mutants as static anomaly detectors in software artifacts

In mutation analysis a mutant is said equivalent if it leaves the semantics of the program or the model unchanged. Equivalent mutants are usually seen as an inconvenience; for example, in software testing they cannot be detected by a test and, therefore, they fictitiously reduce the mutation score of a test suite. In this paper, instead, equivalent mutants are seen as an opportunity, since they can be used to find some static anomalies of software artifacts, i.e., anomalies that can be removed without affecting the artifact semantics. The proposal is applicable to different kinds of software artifacts as source code, Boolean expressions, and feature models.
Sound and noisy light: Optical control of phonons in photoswitchable structures

We present a means of controlling phonons via optical tuning. Taking as a model an array of photoresponsive materials (photoswitches) embedded in a matrix, we numerically analyze the vibrational response of an array of bistable harmonic oscillators with stochastic spring constants. Changing the intensity of light incident on the lattice directly controls the composition of the lattice and therefore the speed of sound. Furthermore, modulation of the phonon band structure at high frequencies results in a strong confinement of phonons. The applications of this regime for phonon waveguides, vibrational energy storage, and phononic transistors is examined.
Nuclear Localization of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase 1 (MKK1) Is Promoted by Serum Stimulation and G2-M Progression

Stimulation of mammalian cells results in subcellular relocalization of Ras pathway enzymes, in which extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases rapidly translocate to nuclei. In this study, we define conditions for nuclear localization of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MKK1) by examining effects of perturbing the nuclear export signal (NES), the regulatory phosphorylation sites Ser218 and Ser222, and a regulatory domain at the N terminus. After disrupting the NES (Δ32–37), nuclear uptake of MKK was enhanced when quiescent cells were activated with serum-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or BXB-Raf-1 cotransfection. Uptake was enhanced by mutation of Ser218and Ser222 to Glu and Asp, respectively, and blocked by mutation of these residues to Ala, although mutation of Lys97 to Met, which renders MKK catalytically inactive, did not interfere with uptake. Therefore, nuclear uptake of MKK requires incorporation of phosphate or negatively charged residues at the activation lip but not enzyme activity. On the other hand, uptake of an active MKK mutant with disrupted NES (Δ32–51) was elevated in quiescent as well as stimulated cells, and pretreatment of cells with the MKK inhibitor 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio]butadiene blocked nuclear uptake. Thus, signaling downstream of MKK is also necessary for translocation. Finally, wild type MKK containing an intact NES translocates to nuclei during mitosis before envelope breakdown. Comparison of mutants with Ser to Glu and Asp or Ala substitutions indicates that Ser phosphorylation is also required for mitotic nuclear uptake of MKK.
Israeli Kindergarten Teachers Cope With Terror and War: Two Implicit Models of Resilience

Abstract The resilience of teachers in the face of terror was examined in a narrative study of two Israeli kindergarten teachers over the course of one school year. During this time, there occurred frequent terror attacks as well as the threat of impending war with Iraq and the concomitant threat of chemical warfare. Each teacher’s unique pattern of coping based on her own personal theory of resilience was examined. One teacher actively processed with her students stressful news items that the children had encountered. This was based on her belief that children would become more resilient if they had experience dealing with stress in a mediated fashion. The second teacher chose to create what she perceived to be a comfort zone for her students by actively avoiding open discussion about stressful events. She chose to focus on enhancing self-esteem, self-efficacy, and optimism, which she believed would produce greater resilience in her students. In developing these personal resilience theories, both teachers were able to move out of a paralyzed position that is typical of crisis and the immediate posttraumatic period, and move into active coping, thereby incorporating their unique theories of resilience into their personal professional knowledge. These practices were examined in light of current resilience theory.
Comparing Model Generated with Expert Generated IV&V Activity Plans

An IV&V activity plan describes what assurance activities to perform, where to do them, when, and to what extent. Meaningful justification for an IV&V budget and evidence that activities performed actually provide high assurance has been difficult to provide from plans created (generally ad hoc) by experts. JAXA now uses the "strategic IV&V planning and cost model" to addresses these issues and complement expert planning activities. This research presents a grounded empirical study that compares plans generated by the strategic model to those created by experts on several past IV&V projects. Through this research, we found that the model generated plan typically is a superset of the experts ' plan. We found that experts tended to follow the most cost-effective route but had a bias in their particular activity selections. Ultimately we found increased confidence in both expert and model based planning and now have new tools for assessing and improving them.
Transfer of conjugated linoleic acids into different tissues of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the transfer of supplemented trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12) and cis-9, trans-11 (c9,t11) conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) into the body of dairy cows during the first 105 days in milk (DIM). Therefore, five out of 25 first lactation German Holstein cows were slaughtered at 1 DIM without previous CLA or fat supplementation. The remaining animals received daily 6.0 g t10,c12 CLA and 5.7 g c9,t11 CLA as feed supplement (Group CLA, 10 cows) or a stearic acid-based control fat supplement (Group CON, 10 cows). From both groups, five cows were slaughtered at 42 and 105 DIM, respectively. During the slaughter process, the empty body mass of the cow was partitioned into nine fractions (retroperitoneal fat, omental fat, mesenteric fat, subcutaneous fat, meat, bone, offal, hide and mammary gland). The fat content and the fatty acid composition of these fractions were determined. The c9,t11 CLA isomer was detected in all fractions across all groups, but the amount of c9,t11 CLA was not changed because of CLA supplementation. Except for the retroperitonealfat depot, no t10,c12 CLA was detected in the fractions of Group CON. After CLA supplementation, the amount of t10,c12 CLA in the retroperitoneal, mesenteric, subcutaneous, offal and mammary gland fractions was increased. The transfer of t10,c12 CLA into the fractions was more pronounced from 42 until 105 DIM. However, the transfer efficiency of consumed t10,c12 CLA into the fat depot fractions and all fractions was <0.1% and <0.2%, respectively. Overall, the transfer of supplemented CLA isomers into the dairy cow's body was only marginal during the first 105 DIM.
Graphite foam for cooling of automotive power electronics

Hybrid and fuel cell vehicles utilize the Si-based IGBT (Integrated Gate Bipolar Transistor) controller which must dissipate about 100 W/cm/sup 2/ heat and maintain a temperature below 125 /spl deg/C. The application of porous, high thermal conductivity carbon foam, a new class of advanced lightweight material, to the thermal management of this electronic system and the use of micro- and nano-scale thermal measurement methods for analyzing thermal transport in electronics are presented. Development of advanced carbon foam with different pore structure by variation of the foaming pressure is discussed. The use of carbon foam to remove the heat generated in power electronics has been studied in three approaches: 1) forced air convection, 2) water cooled heat exchanger, and 3) evaporative cooling.
From Blobs to Boundary Edges: Evidence for Time- and Spatial-Scale-Dependent Scene Recognition

In very fast recognition tasks, scenes are identified as fast as isolated objects How can this efficiency be achieved, considering the large number of component objects and interfering factors, such as cast shadows and occlusions? Scene categories tend to have distinct and typical spatial organizations of their major components If human perceptual structures were tuned to extract this information early in processing, a coarse-to-fine process could account for efficient scene recognition A coarse description of the input scene (oriented “blobs” in a particular spatial organization) would initiate recognition before the identity of the objects is processed We report two experiments that contrast the respective roles of coarse and fine information in fast identification of natural scenes The first experiment investigated whether coarse and fine information were used at different stages of processing The second experiment tested whether coarse-to-fine processing accounts for fast scene categorization The data suggest that recognition occurs at both coarse and fine spatial scales By attending first to the coarse scale, the visual system can get a quick and rough estimate of the input to activate scene schemas in memory, attending to fine information allows refinement, or refutation, of the raw estimate
Problem drinking among patients attending primary healthcare units in Kampala, Uganda.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown that a large a number of primary health care patients have alcohol related problems and very few are detected and treated. Few studies have been done in developing countries on this topic. This study sought to determine the prevalence and detection of alcohol related problems in a Primary Health Care setting (PHC). in Kampala Uganda. METHOD 768 consecutive PHC patients in two PHC centers in Kampala, Uganda, were screened in a two stage procedure. After being asked if they drink alcohol they were interviewed by means of the CAGE questionnaire and a quantity/frequency questionnaire. Those who scored positive on the CAGE were further diagnosed for alcohol dependence using the DSM- IV diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Of all patients, 17.4% scored above cut-off on the CAGE, 28.5% had a high risk drinking pattern and 9.5% had alcohol dependence. Among drinkers, drinking beyond safe limit was more common among men. Males and those aged between 35 to 44 years, were more likely to be CAGE positive and to be diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Only 27 out of 366 drinkers were asked about alcohol by the PHC professional. Males and high risk drinkers were more likely to be asked. CONCLUSION Prevalence of alcohol problems was high and detection rate of alcohol related problems was low in this Ugandan setting. Training of PHC professionals in diagnosing and treating alcohol related problems is required.
Divided Loyalties? Understanding Variation in Latinos' Attitudes Toward Immigration

Objective: In this article, we develop and test a model of competing theoretical explanations of Latinos’ attitudes toward immigration; specifically examining their policy preferences on legal immigration, illegal immigration, and a proposed policy for dealing with illegal immigrants. We also consider whether Latino attitudes toward legal and illegal immigration are related and comprise a single coherent structure. Method: Using data from a 2004 national survey of Latinos, we perform logit, ordered logit, and factor analysis to examine the determinants of Latinos’ attitudes toward immigration. Results: We highlight three important findings. First, our results demonstrate “within group” differences in immigration attitudes among Latinos, based on both national origin and generational status; we find that Mexicans are more pro-immigration than Latinos from other countries, and, foreign-born Latinos have much more positive attitudes about immigration than second-generation and third-generation Latinos. Second, we find that Latino support for various aspects of immigration is primarily a function of ethnic and linguistic identity and attachment to the American culture, with self interest, contextual variables, and political and demographic attributes playing a smaller, more specialized role. Finally, we demonstrate that Latino attitudes toward legal and illegal immigration are highly related. Conclusion: There is a coherent structure underlying Latinos’ attitudes toward legal immigration, illegal immigration, and a policy option for dealing with illegal immigrants. Our tests of competing theoretical approaches reveal the importance of national origin and ethnic attachment and acculturation in explaining differences among Latinos on their attitudes toward immigration.
Involvement of TGFβ-Induced Phosphorylation of the PTEN C-Terminus on TGFβ-Induced Acquisition of Malignant Phenotypes in Lung Cancer Cells

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) derived from the tumor microenvironment induces malignant phenotypes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aberrant cell motility in lung cancers. TGFβ-induced translocation of β-catenin from E-cadherin complexes into the cytoplasm is involved in the transcription of EMT target genes. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10) is known to exert phosphatase activity by binding to E-cadherin complexes via β-catenin, and recent studies suggest that phosphorylation of the PTEN C-terminus tail might cause loss of this PTEN phosphatase activity. However, whether TGFβ can modulate both β-catenin translocation and PTEN phosphatase activity via phosphorylation of the PTEN C-terminus remains elusive. Furthermore, the role of phosphorylation of the PTEN C-terminus in TGFβ-induced malignant phenotypes has not been evaluated. To investigate whether modulation of phosphorylation of the PTEN C-terminus can regulate malignant phenotypes, here we established lung cancer cells expressing PTEN protein with mutation of phosphorylation sites in the PTEN C-terminus (PTEN4A). We found that TGFβ stimulation yielded a two-fold increase in the phosphorylated -PTEN/PTEN ratio. Expression of PTEN4A repressed TGFβ-induced EMT and cell motility even after snail expression. Our data showed that PTEN4A might repress EMT through complete blockade of β-catenin translocation into the cytoplasm, besides the inhibitory effect of PTEN4A on TGFβ-induced activation of smad-independent signaling pathways. In a xenograft model, the tumor growth ratio was repressed in cells expressing PTEN4A. Taken together, these data suggest that phosphorylation sites in the PTEN C-terminus might be a therapeutic target for TGFβ-induced malignant phenotypes in lung cancer cells.
A review and future research directions of secure and trustworthy mobile agent-based e-marketplace systems

Purpose – There is a need to provide secure and safe information security systems through the use of firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, encryption, authentication, and other hardware and software solutions. The purpose of this paper is therefore to propose a framework which includes safe, secure, trusted, and auditable services, as well as forensic mechanisms to provide audit trails for digital evidence of transactions and protection against malicious and illegal activities.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature as the foundation and knowledge base for the proposed framework and system of secure and trustworthy mobile agent (MA)‐based e‐marketplaces. It consists of the current state of the art taxonomy for the classified MA‐based frameworks for e‐marketplace trading, underlying supporting systems, e‐payment systems, and the essential issues related to auditable and digital forensic services.Findings – The current knowledge shows that there is a serious lack of a.
A Cox-2 Promoter-Based Replication-Selective Adenoviral Vector to Target the Cox-2-Expressing Human Bladder Cancer Cells

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of prostaglandins, is overexpressed in a variety of premalignant and malignant conditions, including urinary bladder cancer. In the present study, we examined the feasibility of using Cox-2 promoter-based replication-selective adenovirus for targeting bladder cancer cells that express Cox-2 transcriptional activity. Experimental Design: A series of human cancer cell lines, including three bladder cancer cell lines (KK47, T24, and 5637), were evaluated for their Cox-2 and CAR (the Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor) mRNA expression levels by quantitative real-time PCR. AdE3-cox2–327, a replication-selective adenovirus in which the expression of E1a is controlled by the Cox-2 promoter, was generated, and its tissue-specific activity was tested in vitro and in vivo. Results: Three bladder cancer cell lines express higher levels of Cox-2 mRNA than does the human prostate cancer cell line PC3, the primary cultured human benign prostatic fibroblast, PF cells, and the human colon cancer cell line Colo320. Relatively higher expression of CAR mRNA was detected in the KK47, 5637, respectively, and Colo320 than in the T24, PC-3, and PF cells. In vitro assays revealed significant growth suppression of both Cox-2- and CAR-expressing bladder cancer cells KK47 and 5637 in comparison with the other cells that lack Cox-2 expression and/or CAR expression. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated both specificity and efficacy of AdE3-cox2–327, a selectively replicated adenovirus, toward the Cox-2-expressing bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We also found that CAR expression in the target cancer cells is an important factor for the efficacy of selectively replicated adenovirus-based gene therapy.