Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction of fascin and protein kinase Cα: a novel intersection in cell adhesion and motility

Coordination of protrusive and contractile cell–matrix contacts is important for cell adhesion and migration, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. We report an unexpected direct association between fascin, an actin‐bundling component of filopodia, microspikes and lamellipodial ribs, and protein kinase Cα (PKCα), a regulator of focal adhesions. The association is detectable by protein–protein binding in vitro, by coimmunoprecipitation from cell extracts, and in live cells as fluorescence resonance energy transfer detected by fluorescence imaging lifetime microscopy. The interaction is physiologically regulated by the extracellular matrix context of cells, depends on activation of PKCα and is mediated by the C1B domain of PKCα. Strikingly, a fascin mutant, fascin S39D, associates constitutively with PKCα. Through use of a newly developed set of membrane‐permeable peptides that separately inhibit either fascin/PKCα or fascin/actin binding, we have uncovered that specific blockade of the fascin/PKCα interaction increases cell migration on fibronectin in conjunction with increased fascin protrusions and remodeling of focal adhesions. These results identify the fascin–PKCα interaction as an important novel intersection in the regulation and networking of cell–matrix contacts.
Location-Price Competition in Airline Networks

This paper addresses location-then-price competition in airline market as a two-stage game of n players on the graph. Passenger’s demand distribution is described by multinomial logit model. Equilibrium in price game is computed through best response dynamics. We solve location game using backward induction, knowing that airlines will choose prices from equilibrium for the second-stage game. Some numerical results for airline market under consideration are presented.
Birth order rank as a moderator of the relation between behavior problems among children with an autism spectrum disorder and their siblings

Variability within the literature investigating typically-developing siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder suggests that the quality of sibling outcomes may depend on specific factors. For this study, 42 parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder and a typically- developing sibling provided data via online questionnaires. Birth order rank of the child with an autism spectrum disorder significantly moderated the relation between externalizing behaviors in children with an autism spectrum disorder and externalizing behaviors in their typically-developing siblings. Children with an autism spectrum disorder and higher levels of behavior problems had typically-developing siblings with higher levels of behavior problems only when the child with an autism spectrum disorder was older. These results provide a hint of clarification about the complex nature of sibling relations, but a great deal more research is needed to further examine outcomes of typically-developing siblings of children with an autism spectrum disorder.
ANALYTICAL MODELING AND ATLAS SIMULATION OF A HOMOJUNCTION LED FOR MID-INFRARED ( MIR ) APPLICATIONS

In this paper, we present a generic analytical model and ATLAS simulation studies of a homojunction light emitting diode (LED) based on p+-InAs0.91Sb0. 09/ n 0-InAs0.91Sb0. 09/ n +-InAs0.91Sb0. 09 materials system suitable for use as source in the optical absorption spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral region at 300K. The various electro-optical properties of the homojunction LED have been evaluated by analytical techniques and ATLAS device simulation software. The current-voltage characteristics of the structure are computed analytically and using ATLAS device simulation software and found to be in good agreement. The output power of the homojunction LED has been estimated as a function of bias current and compared/ contrasted with the reported experimental results.
Information for dementia patients and their caregivers: What information does a memory clinic pass on, and to whom?

This study assessed the information provided in a memory clinic and the patient and caregiver factors that influenced the provision of information. The study was part of a larger cross-sectional study of the diagnosis of dementia and satisfaction with information given. The participants were 51 elderly patients suspected of having dementia and living at home together with their caregivers. The main outcome measures were the checklist of information communicated to the patients and caregivers, patients' behavioural problems, patients' instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) problems, and caregivers' sense of competence. The results indicate that basic information about the diagnosis was given to 86% of patients and 88% of caregivers. Specific information about patients' behaviour and professional care was more often given when patients had more cognitive, behavioural, or IADL problems and caregivers had a lower sense of competence. Providing the majority of patients with information is feasible. These results contribute to an explanation of previous findings indicating that caregivers of patients with cognitive problems not related to dementia were less satisfied with the information they received. Adequate information should not only include issues considered relevant by clinicians but should also be tailored to the information needs of patients and caregivers.
Reflecting on the Role of Literature in Qualitative Public Administration Research

When undertaking qualitative research, public administration scholars must walk a thin line between being theoretically sensitive and imposing preconceived ideas on their work. This article identifies opportunities and pitfalls in using literature in qualitative public administration research. Although the opportunities are already well known within the discipline, the pitfalls remain underexposed. The authors identify potential pitfalls by using insights from the grounded theory approach. To illustrate how opportunities can be optimally exploited, and pitfalls avoided, they provide examples of high-quality public administration research. Finally, the authors derive recommendations for public administration scholars when using literature in their qualitative research. These recommendations can help improve qualitative methods in the public administration discipline.
Flutter shutter based motion deblurring in complex scenes

Motion blur in images is due to the relative motion between the camera and the moving object. Deblurring is an ill-posed problem due to the loss of spatial high frequencies during the reconstruction. It is well known that in the approach called flutter shutter, the shutter of the camera is opened and closed according to a pseudo-random binary sequence, which preserves high frequency spatial information, thus making the problem well-posed. In this paper, we present the application of motion deblurring in complex scenarios like partial static and dynamic occlusions, deblurring is applied only on the moving object so as not to affect the static background part. We also present the effects of “flutter shutter” code length-blur length mismatch. We have applied the flutter shutter in a virtual fashion where the coded exposure images are obtained by simulation of a high speed camera.
Managing emergent knowledge through deferred action design principles: The case of ecommerce virtual teams

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine empirically the relevance of the theory of deferred action for knowledge management systems (KMS) design in practice.Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a case study approach to examine knowledge work and knowledge management in virtual teamwork in a large UK telecommunications company to understand the occurrence of emergent knowledge and how it is managed by virtual team leaders. The section in the company studied is described as a “knowledge intensive organization” dealing with the company's e‐commerce activities.Findings – The analysis confirms the complex adaptive system hypothesis – a complex system adapts to its environment through self‐organization. The data reveal the behaviour of the virtual team to be self‐organizing and adaptive to its environment. It confirms the knowledge tacitness hypothesis and social embeddedness of knowledge hypothesis as important determinants of knowledge sharing. Specifically, the data reveal the main issues con.
Application Based on PSO of Hopfield Neural Network Algorithm in Dynamic VRPSPD

There are so many uncertainties in VRP problem. DVRP has become a hotspot in this research area all over the world. Then, the technical supports are provided to solve DVRP with the development of Data Warehouse and Data Mining. This paper sets up a Data Mining Model aiming at Dynamic VRPSPD with the demands of both pick-up and delivery services, showing a successful solution to a given case solved by heuristic algorithm.
Mapping the Catalytic Cycle of Schistosoma mansoni Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase by X-ray Crystallography*

Schistosomiasis is the second most widespread human parasitic disease. It is principally treated with one drug, praziquantel, that is administered to 100 million people each year; less sensitive strains of schistosomes are emerging. One of the most appealing drug targets against schistosomiasis is thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR). This natural chimeric enzyme is a peculiar fusion of a glutaredoxin domain with a thioredoxin selenocysteine (U)-containing reductase domain. Selenocysteine is located on a flexible C-terminal arm that is usually disordered in the available structures of the protein and is essential for the full catalytic activity of TGR. In this study, we dissect the catalytic cycle of Schistosoma mansoni TGR by structural and functional analysis of the U597C mutant. The crystallographic data presented herein include the following: the oxidized form (at 1.9 Å resolution); the NADPH- and GSH-bound forms (2.3 and 1.9 Å, respectively); and a different crystal form of the (partially) reduced enzyme (3.1 Å), showing the physiological dimer and the entire C terminus of one subunit. Whenever possible, we determined the rate constants for the interconversion between the different oxidation states of TGR by kinetic methods. By combining the crystallographic analysis with computer modeling, we were able to throw further light on the mechanism of action of S. mansoni TGR. In particular, we hereby propose the putative functionally relevant conformational change of the C terminus after the transfer of reducing equivalents from NADPH to the redox sites of the enzyme.
A Qualitative Approach to Identifying Psychosocial Issues Faced by Bipolar Patients

Many studies have examined factors influencing or associated with the outcome of bipolar disorder. However, little is known about bipolar patients’ subjective experiences of their illness and the issues that are of significance to them. The use of a client-focused approach in identifying these issues is important for planning treatment and clinical medical management to address patients’ specific needs. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted with 18 bipolar patients and transcribed verbatim. The data were then analyzed and interpreted according to the phenomenological approach to qualitative research. The data were interpreted in terms of how patients view themselves, their lives and community, and their future. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.
Using the incremental approach to generate test sets: a case study

With the increasing complexity of software systems, the set of testing requirements can become very large. If the set of testing requirements can be naturally decomposed into smaller subsets, one may construct a test set separately to satisfy each subset of testing requirements, and then combine the test sets to form the complete test set. Such an approach is referred to as the union approach. On the other hand, the incremental approach attempts to incrementally expand a test set to satisfy the subsets of testing requirements, one at a time. This paper investigates empirically the effect of the incremental approach as compared to the union approach. Our case study indicates that the incremental approach can result in a significantly smaller test set, particularly when supplemented with the greedy heuristics.
The effect of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype on biomarkers of amyloidogenesis, tau pathology and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract The presence of the ɛ4 allele in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) represents the most important genetic risk factor for late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), together with age and mid-life hypercholesterolemia. ApoE4 is the most important lipid transporter between cells in the CNS and it was found that ApoE4 is involved in Amyloid β (Aβ) formation, fibrilisation, accumulation, in the aggregation and hyperphosphorylation of tau and in the metabolism of brain cholesterol and in neurodegeneration. Low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1-42 is a marker of Aβ plaque load in the brain. High CSF t-tau and p-tau concentrations reflect axonal and neuronal damage and injury, which correlates with a neurofibrillary tangle stage and load, also reflecting the intensity of the disease process. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain atrophy is a biomarker of neurodegeneration and is the result of loss of neurons, synapses and dendritic arborization. ApoE genotype interacts with the AD biomarkers: ɛ4 carriers were found to present with lower concentrations of Aβ1-42, higher tau and p-tau, higher tau/Aβ ratio and a higher degree of brain atrophy at any disease stage, changing the test performances and the ability to distinguish between the different cognitive condition. The presence of the ɛ4 allele was also found to increase the power to predict further cognitive decline. Even if the presence of ApoE4 is not a deterministic factor for AD, it seems to shift the progression of the disease towards a younger age and faster progression. It is also likely that the ɛ4 allele increases the intensity of the pathological process in several ways. In the study of cognitive impaired patients and in their follow-up, biomarkers should be interpreted in consideration of the ApoE genotype in order to better predict the progression of the disease.
Akt as a therapeutic target in cancer.

BACKGROUND The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is central in the transmission of growth regulatory signals originating from cell surface receptors. OBJECTIVE This review discusses how mutations occur that result in elevated expression the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway and lead to malignant transformation, and how effective targeting of this pathway may result in suppression of abnormal growth of cancer cells. METHODS We searched the literature for articles which dealt with altered expression of this pathway in various cancers including: hematopoietic, melanoma, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, endometrial and ovarian, breast, prostate and hepatocellular. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS The PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently aberrantly regulated in various cancers and targeting this pathway with small molecule inhibitors and may result in novel, more effective anticancer therapies.
Phenylacetic acid‐producing Rhizoctonia solani represses the biosynthesis of nematicidal compounds in vitro and influences biocontrol of Meloidogyne incognita in tomato by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 and its GM derivatives

Aims: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the influence of Rhizoctonia solani and its pathogenicity factor on the production of nematicidal agent(s) by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 and its GM derivatives in vitro and nematode biocontrol potential by bacterial inoculants in tomato.
Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Medicine Advertising and Seniors’ Knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease

Purpose: This study examined whether seniors’ exposure to direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) medicine contributes to his or her subjective and objective knowledge of AD. Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted with a sample of 626 US seniors who were registered for an online consumer research panel. Results: The study found that (1) exposure to DTCA for AD medicine was positively related to seniors’ subjective knowledge of AD, (2) DTCA exposure had no significant relationship with overall objective knowledge of AD, and (3) DTCA exposure might influence knowledge of specific features of AD. Implications: Although DTCA for AD medicine may induce people to “feel” knowledgeable about AD, it may not result in an equivalent increase in actual knowledge. Therefore, to enhance doctor–patient interactions, both patients and doctors should be aware that although DTCA delivers important and potentially useful health information, it does not necessarily enhance actual knowledge.
The effect of epibionts on the susceptibility of the red seaweed Cryptonemia seminervis to herbivory and fouling

Epibiosis or fouling on living organisms can have direct and indirect detrimental effects, in particular on photosynthetic organisms such as seaweeds. It thus seems reasonable to hypothesize that macroalgae have been selected for the presence or induction of antifouling (AF) defences. The red seaweed Cryptonemia seminervis is usually found in nature with an elevated cover of epibionts. To assess the effect of epibiosis on the susceptibility of this seaweed to herbivory and fouling, the abundance of fouling was evaluated and compared to herbivore consumption (by amphipods and sea urchins) of fouled (bryozoan and sponge) and non-fouled C. seminervis. Attachment of the mussel Perna perna to surfaces treated with extracts from seaweeds with and without epibionts was also assessed. Epibiosis corresponded to ca. 51% of the blade surface of C. seminervis, sometimes covering as much as 90% and up to 51% of the thallus weight, encompassing mainly the bryozoan Membranipora membranacea and an unidentified sponge. Algae colonized by M. membranacea were preferred compared to algae devoid of epibionts, a ‘shared doom’ effect, either by the amphipod Elasmopus brasiliensis or by the urchin Lytechinus variegatus (p < 0.01). Sponge epibiosis also increased consumption by both herbivores (p < 0.001), suggesting that epibionts may act as lures to herbivores, attracting consumers that otherwise would not feed significantly on the seaweed. Foods containing extracts from fouled C. seminervis were preferred by urchins over the alga devoid of epibionts. However, extracts from fouled alga inhibited mussel attachment when compared to epibiont-free alga. Differences might be a direct detrimental effect of the presence of epibionts. On the other hand, epibiosis may induce the production of AF defences in C. seminervis.
Phenotypic heterogeneity: differential stress resistance among individual cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Phenotypic heterogeneity describes non-genetic variation that exists between individual cells within isogenic populations. Such heterogeneity is readily evident in the differential sensitivity to stress of genetically identical cells and can be fundamental to the fitness and persistence of an organism. Consequently, phenotypic heterogeneity is currently receiving increased attention from the scientific community. Here, we present the first review of this important subject, with an account that focuses on the factors that contribute to cell-to-cell diversity in the model eukaryotic micro-organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Some of the key parameters that drive non-genetic heterogeneity include cell cycle progression, cell ageing, mitochondrial activity, epigenetic regulation and potentially also stochastic variation. The relative significance of these and other parameters in generating heterogeneity is discussed. We refer in particular to differential stress sensitivity in S. cerevisiae, although other relevant phenomena such as phenotypic switching in Candida spp. are also addressed.
Ja n 20 04 An exact model of conformal quintessence

Luis P. Chimento, Alejandro S. Jakubi, and Diego Pavón Departamento de F́ısica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina Departamento de F́ısica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain Abstract A non–minimally coupled quintessence model is investigated and the conditions for a stationary solution to the coincidence problem are obtained. For a conformally coupled scalar field and dissipative matter, a general solution possessing late acceleration is found. It fits rather well the high redshift supernovae data and gives a good prediction of the age of the Universe. Likewise, the cold dark matter component dominates the cosmological perturbations at late times albeit they decrease with expansion.
A Subject with No Object: Strategies for Nominalistic Interpretation of Mathematics

Numbers and other mathematical objects are exceptional in having no locations in space or time or relations of cause and effect. This makes it difficult to account for the possibility of the knowledge of such objects, leading many philosophers to embrace nominalism, the doctrine that there are no such objects, and to embark on ambitious projects for interpreting mathematics so as to preserve the subject while eliminating its objects. A Subject With No Object cuts through a host of technicalities that have obscured previous discussions of these projects, and presents clear, concise accounts, with minimal prerequisites, of a dozen strategies for nominalistic interpretation of mathematics, thus equipping the reader to evaluate each and to compare different ones. The authors also offer critical discussion, rare in the literature, of the aims and claims of nominalistic interpretation, suggesting that it is significant in a very different way from that usually assumed.
The European aerosol budget in 2006

This paper presents the aerosol budget over Europe in 2006 calculated with the global transport model TM5 coupled to the size-resolved aerosol module M7. Comparison with ground observations indicates that the model reproduces the observed concentrations quite well with an expected slight underestimation of PM10 due to missing emissions (e.g. resuspension). We model that a little less than half of the anthropogenic aerosols emitted in Europe are exported and the rest is removed by deposition. The anthropogenic aerosols are removed mostly by rain (95%) and only 5% is removed by dry deposition. For the larger natural aerosols, especially sea salt, a larger fraction is removed by dry processes (sea salt: 70%, mineral dust: 35%). We model transport of aerosols in the jet stream in the higher atmosphere and an import of Sahara dust from the south at high altitudes. Comparison with optical measurements shows that the model reproduces the Angstrom parameter very well, which indicates a correct simulation of the aerosol size distribution. However, we underestimate the aerosol optical depth. Because the surface concentrations are close to the observations, the shortage of aerosol in the model is probably at higher altitudes. We show that the discrepancies are mainly caused by an overestimation of wet-removal rates. To match the observations, the wet-removal rates have to be scaled down by a factor of about 5. In that case the modelled ground-level concentrations of sulphate and sea salt increase by 50% (which deteriorates the match), while other components stay roughly the same. Finally, it is shown that in particular events, improved fire emission estimates may significantly improve the ability of the model to simulate the aerosol optical depth. We stress that discrepancies in aerosol models can be adequately analysed if all models would provide (regional) aerosol budgets, as presented in the current study. © 2011 Author(s).