Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vivo priming of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in relation to in vitro up‐regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules by short synthetic peptides

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) recognize target antigens as short peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules (MHC‐I). Externally added peptides can sensitize target cells by binding directly to MHC‐I without any need for internal processing. Those which are similar in length to endogenously processed peptides are more potent in this respect than slightly longer peptides. Peptide MHC‐I interactions can also be reflected as upregulation of MHC‐I in vitro on certain cells. We have compared the capacity of Db, Kb‐ and Ld‐binding peptides, which are slightly different in length, to up‐regulate MHC‐I in vitro with their immunogenicity in vivo, in relation to generation of CTL responses. A clear correlation between these two different functions was found. We have also modified a 9‐mer Db‐binding peptide by adding cystein to the amino terminus and lysine to the amino‐ or carboxy terminus and studied the effects on MHC‐I up‐regulation and in vivo immunogenicity. Cystein and lysine contain reactive groups which are likely to influence the binding of modified peptides into the antigen‐binding groove of Db. These small modifications of the optimal 9‐mer peptide strongly influenced their functions but still there was a correlation between MHC‐I up‐regulation and CTL responses. Up‐regulation of MHC‐I in vitro may reflect a capacity of peptides to accumulate on the surface of particular antigen‐presenting cells in vivo.
Sensor/actuator failure detection in the Vista F-16 by multiple model adaptive estimation

Multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) is applied to the Variable-In-flight Stability Test Aircraft (VISTA) F-16 flight control system at a low dynamic pressure flight condition (0.4 M at 20000 ft). Single actuator and sensor failures are addressed first, followed by dual actuator and sensor failures. The system is evaluated for complete or "hard" failures, partial or, "soft" failures, and combinations of hard and soft actuator and sensor failures. Residual monitoring is discussed for single and dual failure scenarios. Performance is enhanced by the application of a modified Bayesian form of MMAE, scalar residual monitoring to reduce ambiguities, automatic dithering where advantageous, and purposeful commands. <<ETX>>
Inactivation of anoctamin‐6/Tmem16f, a regulator of phosphatidylserine scrambling in osteoblasts, leads to decreased mineral deposition in skeletal tissues

During vertebrate skeletal development, osteoblasts produce a mineralized bone matrix by deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in the extracellular matrix. Anoctamin6/Tmem16F (Ano6) belongs to a conserved family of transmembrane proteins with chloride channel properties. In addition, Ano6 has been linked to phosphatidylserine (PS) scrambling in the plasma membrane. During skeletogenesis, Ano6 mRNA is expressed in differentiating and mature osteoblasts. Deletion of Ano6 in mice results in reduced skeleton size and skeletal deformities. Molecular analysis revealed that chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation are not disturbed. However, mutant mice display increased regions of nonmineralized, Ibsp‐expressing osteoblasts in the periosteum during embryonic development and increased areas of uncalcified osteoid postnatally. In primary Ano6−/− osteoblasts, mineralization is delayed, indicating a cell autonomous function of Ano6. Furthermore, we demonstrate that calcium‐dependent PS scrambling is impaired in osteoblasts. Our study is the first to our knowledge to reveal the requirement of Ano6 in PS scrambling in osteoblasts, supporting a function of PS exposure in the deposition of hydroxyapatite. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in the elderly. A retrospective clinicopathologic study of 50 patients

The pathologic and clinical findings of 50 patients aged 65 or older (median, 71.5 years) with non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are reported. These patients formed 27% of all cases of NHL seen in a single institution over a 7‐year period. Forty patients presented with nodal and 10 with extranodal NHL. According to the Ann Arbor system, 20 were clinical and/or pathologic Stages I and II, and 30 were Stages III and IV; of the 10 patients presenting with extranodal NHL, 8 were Stages I and II. Histologically, 84% of the cases were of the intermediate and high‐grade groups according to the Working Formulation; diffuse histiocytic was the most frequent histotype (34%) according to the Rappaport classification. The pattern was diffuse in 94% of the cases. Five patients received no treatment; treatments were conservative (monochemotherapy and/or local radiotherapy) in 19 patients and aggressive (polychemotherapy and/or extended‐field radiotherapy) in 26. Four patients of the latter group died of toxicity; 22 patients died of lymphoma and 13 of other causes; the other 11 (22%) patients are still alive. The overall median survival was 2.2 years. A significantly better survival was observed in patients with Stages I and II (P <0.025) and in those with intermediate grade (P <0.05) when compared with patients having Stages III and IV and high‐grade histology, respectively. Apparently, no significant difference both in response and survival was found between the groups of patients which arbitrarily underwent conservative or aggressive treatments on the basis of their general conditions. Randomized clinical trials should be designed in order to draw more significant conclusions on the correct management of elderly patients with NHL.
Results for Infinite Integrals Involving Higher-Order Powers of the Gaussian Q-Function with Application to Average SEP Analysis of DE-QPSK

Exact results are presented for infinite integrals that consist of higher-order powers of the one dimensional Gaussian Q-function averaged over Rayleigh fading envelopes in multi-branch diversity reception with maximal ratio combining (MRC). Some known results for the average of the 1st and 2nd powers are shown as special cases. The results obtained in this paper are utilized to study the average symbol error probability (SEP) performance of differentially encoded quadri-phase shift-keying (DE-QPSK) in Rayleigh fading channels employing MRC, and new exact expressions are presented for different fading scenarios. The derived mathematical expressions are verified using Monte Carlo simulations.
Ground-based orbit determination for spacecraft formations

Spacecraft formations offer interesting challenges to orbit determination, especially for ground-based tracking. In fact, the limited distances between spacecraft and the possible ambiguity of the observables gathered from the ground have an impact on the solution process. The paper aims to apply the filtering techniques on a refined dynamical model, which can include the main perturbation effects - due to the oblateness of the Earth and, at the lower altitudes, the air drag - on spacecraft trajectories, representing them in series with a remarkably limited number of terms even in eccentric case. The idea is to focus on theoretically expected behavior rather than dealing with an enriched but heavier state including parameters directly related to the perturbing effects. In such a way, it could be possible to obtain a good estimate even with limited spacecraft tracking information. This is an important asset in navigating a formation from the Earth, due to the needed partition of ground station resources among different platforms belonging to the formation, and to the possible ambiguity among the measurements, which further reduce the available data. The specific nature of the dynamic model calls for an estimator with a flexible and “open” architecture, easily allowing for changes and additions in the model itself. Therefore, the estimator selected for testing the approach has been the Unscented Kalman Filter, versatile enough to allow for increasing model accuracy without the need for tedious computation of the Jacobian. This approach is also intended to offer a different way to investigate special perturbed configurations, via the semi-analytical and almost exact representation of the trajectories. In such a perspective, one of the first application, which is shortly outlined in the paper, will be the analysis of spacecraft formations under the J2 effect. In fact, recent studies identified a set of almost periodic relative configurations among the spacecraft. This set (sometimes referred as the special or magical inclination's one) has been recently identified by means of numeric search, and has also received some (partial) explanation. Due to the interest in control effort reduction, it is deemed that a better understanding of this special dynamics, possibly provided by means of a selected modeling approach, can be of some interest
Improved narrowband dipolar recoupling for homonuclear distance measurements in rotating solids.

Recovery of the magnetic dipolar interaction between nuclei bearing the same gyromagnetic ratio in rotating solids can be promoted by synchronous rf irradiation. Determination of the dipolar interaction strength can serve as a tool for structural elucidation in polycrystalline powders. Spinning frequency dependent narrow-band (nb) RFDR and SEDRA experiments are utilized as simple techniques for the determination of dipolar interactions between the nuclei in coupled homonuclear spin pairs. The magnetization exchange and coherence dephasing due to a fixed number of rotor-synchronously applied pi-pulses is monitored at spinning frequencies in the vicinity of the rotational resonance (R(2)) conditions. The powder nbRFDR and nbSEDRA decay curves of spin magnetizations and coherences, respectively, as a function of the spinning frequency can be measured and analyzed using simple rate equations providing a quantitative measure of the dipolar coupling. The effects of the phenomenological relaxation parameters in these rate equations are discussed and an improved methodology is suggested for analyzing nbRFDR data for small dipolar couplings. The distance between the labeled nuclei in the 1,3-(13)C(2)-hydroxybutyric acid molecule is rederived using existing nbRFDR results and the new simulation procedure. A nbSEDRA experiment has been performed successfully on a powder sample of singly labeled 1-(13)C-L-leucine measuring the dipolar interaction between the labeled carboxyl carbon and the natural abundant beta-carbon. Both narrowband techniques are employed for the determination of the nuclear distances between the side-chain carbons of leucine and its carbonyl carbon in a tripeptide Leu-Gly-Phe that is singly (13)C-labeled at the leucine carbonyl carbon position.
Generalized closed form approximations for pull-in characteristics of electrostatic nanotweezers under the influences of van der waals and casimir forces

This paper presents generalized closed form expressions for predicting the accurate pull-in characteristics of nanotweezers. The coupled electromechanical problem of electrostatic nanotweezers is formulated with Galerkin's approximation considering the effects of intermolecular forces and fringe field. The resulting integrals and higher order polynomials are solved numerically to determine the closed form expressions for critical pull-in values. The derived results are compared and validated quantitatively with reported literature showing reasonable agreement. It has been further shown that the incorporation of the intermolecular forces and fringe effect leads to significant reduction in pull-in voltage. As the derived expressions do not involve any complex mathematical operation unlike in reported literature, it can be easily used by designers for quick yet accurate estimation of critical pull-in parameters.
Tris(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N′)zinc(II) bis(4-bromobenzoate) 6.5-hydrate

In the title compound, [Zn(C12H8N2)3](C7H4BrO2)2·6.5H2O, the ZnII atom is coordinated by six N atoms from three 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry. The chelating phen ligands exhibit nearly perfect coplanarity (r.m.s. deviations of 0.048, 0.039 and 0.061 Å). The mean interplanar distances of 3.51 (2) and 3.54 (4) Å between adjacent phen ligands indicate π–π stacking interactions, which connect the complex cations into chains along [101]. The 4-bromobenzoate anions and the uncoordinated water molecules, parts of which are not fully occupied, are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Two carboxylate O atoms and one Br atom in the 4-bromobenzoate anions are each disordered over two sites with occupancy factors of 0.60 and 0.40.
Allele Frequencies of 10 Autosomal STR Loci from Chakma and Tripura Tribal Populations in Bangladesh

Allele frequencies of ten autosomal STR loci, D3S1358, vWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01, and FGA were investigated in Chakma and Tripura tribal populations of Bangladesh. In both the populations, all loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium except for FGA locus in Chakma and D21S11 in Tripura. All the loci were highly polymorphic in Chakma population with an observed heterozygosity (Ho) of >0.7 and moderately polymorphic in Tripura population (Ho > 0.6). However, both the population showed least polymorphism at TH01 locus (Ho < 0.6). A comparison between Chakma and Tripura population data revealed statistically significant differences in allele frequency distribution for most of the loci. A similar comparison with the mainstream Bengali population using previously published data from this lab also showed significant difference in allele frequency with these two tribal populations.
Structure Predictions and Interaction Studies Indicate Homology of Separase N-Terminal Regulatory Domains and Drosophila THR

The final resolution of sister chromatid cohesion during mitotic and meiotic divisions is mediated by activation of separase which cleaves a cohesin complex subunit. The structural basis of separase regulation is unknown. Separases from different eukaryotes share almost no sequence similarity, especially within the large N-terminal domain that precedes the protease domain except in Drosophila melanogaster. Moreover, sequence similarity among securin proteins, which associate as regulatory subunits with separase, is restricted to the signals that promote the mitotic degradation required for separase activation. Here, we address the surprising divergence of separase and securin sequences. The absence of an extended N-terminal separase domain in dipteran species is shown to be correlated with the expression of an extra regulatory subunit (THR). The interactions of THR with separase and securin in Drosophila melanogaster are analogous to those of the human N-terminal separase domain with its C-terminal domain and securin. Even heterologous interactions between Drosophila and human separase complex components occur in yeast two-hybrid experiments. Tertiary structure predictions reveal alpha-alpha superhelix folds in both THR and the N-terminal domains of non-dipteran separases. The compatibility of these folds with a wide range of primary sequences has likely allowed the rapid divergence of THR/N-terminal separase sequences and securins, which contact this region.
Efficacy of a 10% chlorhexidine coating to prevent caries in at-risk community-dwelling adults

Abstract Objective. The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of a 10% chlorhexidine tooth coating in reducing the incidence of cavitated carious lesions in adults. Materials and methods. The trial was a randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo controlled study with 983 participants, receiving the application of either the active or the placebo coatings to the entire dentition. Four applications were made in the first month and one at the 7th month. The final examination was performed at 13 months. Results. Coronal caries showed a statistical reduction (p = 0.02). Examination of the results by site showed that the highest risk participants experienced the most significant preventive effect (p = 0.003). When two sites (uninsured and public health) are pooled the treatment p-value is 0.0009, interaction term has a p-value of 0.0001. Conclusion. 10% Chlorhexidine was highly effective in high risk participants with more than two cavities at the initial examination. This trial in conjunction with other published trials of this topical medication indicates that chlorhexidine exerts its action by preventing the transition of D1 lesions to cavitated lesions, not on sound to D1 lesions.
Relative Contributions of Measles Virus Hemagglutinin- and Fusion Protein-Specific Serum Antibodies to Virus Neutralization

ABSTRACT The relative contribution of measles virus hemagglutinin (H)- or fusion protein (F)-specific antibodies to virus neutralization (VN) has not been demonstrated. We have depleted these specific antibodies from sera collected from young adults, who had been vaccinated during childhood, by prolonged incubation with viable transfected human melanoma cells expressing H or F. Simultaneous depletion of antibodies of both specificities completely abrogated VN activity. Depletion of F-specific antibodies only had a minimal effect, whereas removal of H-specific antibodies resulted in almost complete reduction of VN activity. These results demonstrate that measles virus neutralizing antibodies are mainly directed to the H protein.
Analysis on Peasants' Willingness-to-accept and its Influencing Factors of Governance Patterns about Rural Idle Residential Land

Governing rural idle residential land should respect peasants' willingness.Based on theoretical analysis and the data of 551 questionnaires from 9 provinces in China,this paper discussed peasants' willingness-to-accept and its influencing factors of governance patterns about rural idle residential land with Multinomial Logistic Model.The result showed,peasants' willingness-to-accept of governance patterns about rural idle residential land was based on the expectation to future benefit and cost relied on their own condition and external environment.The probability of peasants' willingness-to-accept of land resumption paid and land transfer is higher than the probability of land resumption not paid and removing or merging rural scatter settlements.In particular,the elder and peasants who worked in non-agricultural industry had stronger willingness to accept land resumption with no paid.Peasants who owned more rural residential land accounted in number,would like to accept governance patterns such as removing or merging rural scatter settlements and land resumption paid.And peasants who received junior high school or more higher education,or had a good understanding to the policy of "one household,one house and area control",possibily prefered accepting land resumption not paid and removing or merging rural scatter settlements.In the meanwhile,willingness-to-accept of governance patterns was different in region and location.The eastern peasants prefered accepting land transfer than western peasants in China.And in middle China,peasants would like to accept removing or merging rural scatter settlements and land resumption paid.Accordingly,peasants who lived in suburban area,had stronger willingness to accept land transfer and removing or merging rural scatter settlements.Therefore,it is necessary to make governance policies of rural idle residential land to satisfy peasants' demand and suit to local conditions such as peasants' economy,education,occupation and location.
How Effective are Mindfulness‐Based Interventions for Reducing Stress Among Healthcare Professionals? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Workplace stress is high among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and is associated with reduced psychological health, quality of care and patient satisfaction. This systematic review and meta-analysis reviews evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for reducing stress in HCPs. A systematic literature search was conducted. Papers were screened for suitability using inclusion criteria and nine papers were subjected to review and quality assessment. Seven papers, for which full statistical findings could be obtained, were also subjected to meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis suggest that MBIs have the potential to significantly improve stress among HCPs; however, there was evidence of a file drawer problem. The quality of the studies was high in relation to the clarity of aims, data collection and analysis, but weaker in terms of sample size and the use of theoretical frameworks. MBIs have the potential to reduce stress among HCPs; however, more high-quality research is needed before this finding can be confirmed. Future studies would benefit from long-term follow-up measures to determine any continuing effects of mindfulness training on stress outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Younger children with MS have a distinct CSF inflammatory profile at disease onset

Background: The clinical and MRI presentation differs between earlier- and later-onset pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS), whereas the effect of age on the CSF inflammatory profile is unknown and may contribute to delayed diagnosis. Objectives: To compare the CSF cellular and immunoglobulin G (IgG) profiles between earlier- and later-onset pediatric MS. Methods: We queried the databases of 6 pediatric MS centers for earlier-onset (onset <11 years) and later-onset (≥11 and <18 years) patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome who underwent CSF analysis within the first 3 months of presentation (observational study). We compared CSF white blood cell (WBC) differential count, IgG index, and IgG oligoclonal bands between age groups. Results: We identified 40 earlier-onset (mean age at onset = 7.2 ± 2.7 years, 60% females) and 67 later-onset pediatric MS patients (15.1 ± 1.7 years, 63% females). Although WBC count tended to be higher in earlier-onset patients (median = 9/mm3 [0–343] vs 6 [0–140], p = 0.15), they had a lower proportion of lymphocytes (70% [0–100] vs 93% [0–100] of WBCs, p = 0.0085; difference = +3% per 1-year increase of age, p = 0.0011) and higher proportion of neutrophils than later-onset patients (0.5% [0–75] vs 0% [0–50] of WBCs, p = 0.16; difference = −1% per 1-year increase of age, p = 0.033). In earlier-onset disease, fewer patients had an elevated IgG index than in the later-onset group (35% vs 68% of patients, p = 0.031). Conclusion: Age modifies the CSF profile at pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) onset, which may mislead the diagnosis. Our findings suggest an activation of the innate rather than the adaptive immune system in the earlier stages of MS or an immature immune response.
Using second generation wavelets for ECG characteristics points detection

Recently, there is a growing need to apply wavelet techniques within embedded applications, like biomedical wearable sensors. This paper presents our method of using second generation wavelets via lifting scheme in electrocardiogram (ECG) denoising, detrending and characteristic points detection using just one decomposition phase. We also present application of enhanced level-based detail coefficients thresholding method to reduce overlapping energy between QRS-complex signal and P/T waves signal which further simplifies detection rules. A total of 11 characteristics points are detected from the ECG waves that describes the various ECG waves and segments and achieved 99.50% positive predictivity performance for QRS complex detection.
Argonaute 2 regulates the pancreatic { beta }-cell secretome

This research was originally published in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. Tattikota, S.G. and Sury, M.D. and Rathjen, T. and Wessels, H.H. and Pandey, A.K. and You, X. and Becker, C. and Chen, W. and Selbach, M. and Poy, M.N. Argonaute2 regulates the pancreatic {beta}-cell secretome. Mol Cell Proteomics. 2013; 12: 1214-1225. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.