Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of TANGO and leukocyte integrin CD11c/CD18 regulate the migration of human monocytes

The TANGO gene was originally identified as a new member of the MIA gene family. It codes for a protein of yet unknown function. TANGO revealed a very broad expression pattern in contrast to the highly restricted expression pattern determined for the other family members. The only cells lacking TANGO expression are cells of the hematopoietic system. One of the major differences between mature hematopoietic cells and other tissue cells is the lack of adhesion until these cells leave the bloodstream. In this study, we observed that TANGO expression was induced after adhesion of human monocytic cells to substrate. To understand the mechanism of TANGO function during monocyte adhesion we isolated interacting proteins and found an interaction between TANGO and the leukocyte‐specific integrin CD11c. In functional assays, we observed reduced attachment of human monocytic cells to fibrinogen, ICAM‐1 and to human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) after stimulation with recombinant TANGO protein. Additionally, the migrating capacity of premonocytic cells through fibrinogen or HMECs was increased after stimulation of these cells with recombinant TANGO. Therefore, we suggest that TANGO reduced the attachment to fibrinogen or other cell adhesion molecules. As TANGO does not compete for CD11c ligand binding directly, we hypothesize TANGO function by modulation of integrin activity. Taken together, the results from this study present TANGO as a novel ligand for CD11c, regulating migratory processes of hematopoietic cells.
Mutagenic dissection of the sequence determinants of protein folding, recognition, and machine function

Understanding the relationship between the amino‐acid sequence of a protein and its ability to fold and to function is one of the major challenges of protein science. Here, cases are reviewed in which mutagenesis, biochemistry, structure determination, protein engineering, and single‐molecule biophysics have illuminated the sequence determinants of folding, binding specificity, and biological function for DNA‐binding proteins and ATP‐fueled machines that forcibly unfold native proteins as a prelude to degradation. In addition to structure‐function relationships, these studies provide information about folding intermediates, mutations that accelerate folding, slow unfolding, and stabilize proteins against denaturation, show how new binding specificities and folds can evolve, and reveal strategies that proteolytic machines use to recognize, unfold, and degrade thousands of distinct substrates.
Dynamic Behavioral portfolio Based on the Market Evolution

Investment portfolio is an important issue of financial research. This paper discusses the dynamic behavioral portfolio in an evolutionary perspective. This paper uses the market evolution level of investor to replace the mental account of return. Considering the impact of heterogeneous investors to the price of asset, this paper builds an adaptive GARCH model to express the return and risk of assets. Considering the nonlinear relationship among assets, this paper choices the Clayton Copula function to put the risk of each asset into the unified security mental account, builds the VaR function to control investment risk and obtains the optimal weight of behavioral portfolio in each investing period. Last this paper gets the dynamic behavioral portfolio based on the market evolution and gives the comparison results between the dynamic behavioral portfolio based on the market evolution and the investment portfolio based on mean variance and the investment portfolio based on minimum variance. The empirical results show that the dynamic behavioral portfolio based on the Market Evolution has a very good investment effects.
Age‐related changes in skin barrier function – Quantitative evaluation of 150 female subjects

The protection against water loss and the prevention of substances and bacteria penetrating into the body rank as the most important functions of the skin. This so‐called ‘skin barrier function’ is the natural frontier between the inner organism and the environment, and is primarily formed by the epidermis. An impairment of the skin barrier function is often found in diseased and damaged skin. An influence of ageing on skin barrier function is widely accepted, but has not been conclusively evaluated yet. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study was to assess the potential influence of ageing on skin barrier function, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, sebum content and pH value. One hundred and fifty healthy women aged 18–80, divided into five age groups with 30 subjects each, were evaluated in this study. TEWL, hydration level, sebum secretion and pH value of hydro‐lipid acid film were measured with worldwide acknowledged biophysical measuring methods at cheek, neck, décolleté, volar forearm and dorsum of hand. Whereas TEWL and stratum corneum hydration showed only very low correlation with subject's age, the sebum production decreased significantly with age, resulting in the lowest skin surface lipids levels measured in subjects older than 70 years. The highest skin surface pH was measured in subjects between 50 and 60 years, whereas the eldest age group had the lowest mean pH. The dorsum of the hand was the location with the highest TEWL and lowest stratum corneum hydration in all age groups. The results show that only some parameters related to skin barrier function are influenced by ageing. Whereas sebum production decreases significantly over lifetime and skin surface pH is significantly increased in menopausal woman, TEWL and stratum corneum hydration show only minor variations with ageing.
Proviral tagging in E mu‐myc transgenic mice lacking the Pim‐1 proto‐oncogene leads to compensatory activation of Pim‐2.

The Pim‐1 proto‐oncogene is one of the most potent collaborators of the myc proto‐oncogenes in inducing lymphomagenesis in mice. Contrary to the profound effects when overexpressed in vivo, Pim‐1‐deficient mice showed only subtle phenotypic alterations, which could indicate the presence of redundantly acting genes. In line with this, a PCR‐based screen has led to the identification of a closely homologous gene, Pim‐2. The X‐linked Pim‐2 gene is 53% identical to Pim‐1 at the amino acid level and shares substrate preference and the usage of non‐AUG initiation codons with Pim‐1. We have used these data to test whether the strong synergistic interaction between Pim‐1 and c‐myc can be utilized to gain access to Pim‐1 compensatory pathways. We reasoned that, upon proviral tagging in compound mutant mice (E mu‐myc/Pim‐1‐/‐ mice), the selective advantage of cells carrying provirally activated genes, that act downstream from or parallel to Pim‐1, would increase. We show here that this is the case. A dramatic increase (from 15 to 80%) was found in the frequency of proviral activation of the Pim‐2 gene. These data show that the described strategy of ‘complementation tagging’ represents a powerful new tool to identify components of pathways involved in processes as complex as multistep tumorigenesis.
Attention dysfunction and parent reporting in children with brain tumors

The IQ declines observed in children treated for brain tumor emerge as “late effects” and are conceptualized as secondary to changes in underlying mental processes, such as attention. Early identification of the underlying changes might help minimize the long‐term adverse outcomes. We evaluated the validity of a time‐efficient, standardized parent‐report measure in identifying attention dysfunction in childhood brain tumor survivors.
Signal undershoots following visual stimulation: A comparison of gradient and spin‐echo BOLD sequences

Gradient‐echo (GRE) and spin‐echo (SE) EPI BOLD sequences were used to quantitate the effect of visual stimulation. Both sequences showed a positive BOLD response during stimulation and a negative BOLD response in the interstimulation intervals. The relaxation rate changes during stimulation were larger for the GRE sequence than for the SE sequence, whereas in the interstimulation intervals they were not significantly different. In both cases, the ratio of the GRE/SE relaxation rate changes were consistent with BOLD effects in larger vessels despite the well‐known lower sensitivity of the SE sequence to the extravascular component of the BOLD effect in larger vessels. The most probable explanation of this result is that a significant fraction of the observed changes originated from the intravascular component of the BOLD effect. The SE sequence depicted smaller areas of activation than the GRE sequence with more than 85% of the pixels being depicted as significant by the SE sequence being also significant in the GRE activation maps. However, for the reverse comparison, an overlap of only 35% was observed, with many of the strongly correlated GRE pixels showing weak correlations in the corresponding SE activation image. Our results, together with the fact that signal undershoots have not been observed by groups using MR sequences that measure absolute flow changes for similar stimulation paradigms, suggest that the undershoot may be due to alterations in the blood volume and/or hematocrit during stimulation that normalize at a slower rate than the changes in blood flow after the cessation of the stimulation, leading to a poststimulation signal undershoot.
Giardia intestinalis in Thailand: Identification of Genotypes

This study was undertaken to determine the genetic diversities of Giardia intestinalis isolated in Thailand. G. intestinalis cysts were collected from stool samples of 61 subjects residing in Bangkok or in rural communities of Thailand with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. All the cyst samples gave positive tpi amplicons (100% sensitivity), either of the 148- or the 81-bp tpi segments. Cyst assemblage identification of the 148- and 81-bp tpi gene segments by polymerase chain reaction showed that 8% of the cysts were assemblage A, 41% assemblage A and B combined, and 51% assemblage B. The prevalence of assemblage A was significantly lower than that of assemblage B and the mixed types. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the 384-bp β-giardin gene segment revealed that 12% and 88% of the assemblage A cysts were AI and AII respectively. RFLP, based on the 432-bp gdh gene segment, showed 45.5% of the assemblage B cysts to be BIII and 54.5% to be BIV. The AI sub-assemblage was less prevalent than the others. All subjects with AI and 50% of the subjects with BIII sub-assemblage cysts were symptomatic; 80% of symptomatic Bangkok residents were adults/elderly while 85% of the rural cases were children.
Physical activity derived from questionnaires and wrist-worn accelerometers: comparability and the role of demographic, lifestyle, and health factors among a population-based sample of older adults

Background Agreement between questionnaires and accelerometers to measure physical activity (PA) differs between studies and might be related to demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics, including disability and depressive symptoms. Methods We included 1,410 individuals aged 51–94 years from the population-based Rotterdam Study. Participants completed the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire and wore a wrist-worn accelerometer on the nondominant wrist for 1 week thereafter. We compared the Spearman correlation and disagreement (level and direction) for total PA across levels of demographic, lifestyle, and health variables. The level of disagreement was defined as the absolute difference between questionnaire- and accelerometer-derived PA, whereas the direction of disagreement was defined as questionnaire PA minus accelerometer PA. We used linear regression analyses with the level and direction of disagreement as outcome, including all demographic, lifestyle, and health variables in the model. Results We observed a Spearman correlation of 0.30 between questionnaire- and accelerometer-derived PA in the total population. The level of disagreement (ie, absolute difference) was 941.9 (standard deviation [SD] 747.0) minutes/week, and the PA reported by questionnaire was on average 529.4 (SD 1,079.5) minutes/week lower than PA obtained by the accelerometer. The level of disagreement decreased with higher educational levels. Additionally, participants with obesity, higher disability scores, and more depressive symptoms underestimated their self-reported PA more than their healthier counterparts. Conclusion We observed large differences in PA time derived from the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire and the wrist-worn accelerometer. Differences between the methods were related to body-mass index, level of disability, and presence of depressive symptoms. Future studies using questionnaires and/or accelerometers should account for these differences.
Role of Arg-Gingipain A in Virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis

ABSTRACT In order to access the role of the Porphyromonas gingivalis Arg-gingipain proteases in the virulence of this organism, a mutant defective in the rgpA gene was constructed in strain 381. This mutant, MT10, displayed only 40% of the Arg-specific cysteine protease activity of the wild-type strain. In addition, MT10, as well as the recently characterized protease mutant G-102, which is defective in the rgpB gene, displayed reduced self-aggregation, hemagglutination, and the ability to bind to immobilized type I collagen compared to levels of the wild-type parent. However, unlike mutant G-102, the rgpA mutant displayed increased binding to epithelial cells relative to that of the parental organism. Mutant MT10 also did not express detectable levels of the FimA protein as assessed by both Western and Northern blotting or fimbriae visible by electron microscopy of the cells. Furthermore, the ability of MT10 to degrade rat tail collagen fibers when it was cultured at 37°C was markedly attenuated compared to that of strain 381. These results suggest that Arg-gingipain A may play a significant role in the pathogenicity of P. gingivalis by altering the colonization and toxic properties of the organism.
The parting of the seas: norms, material power and state control over the ocean

The paper argues that the norm of sovereignty was extended to sea areas with only minor adaptations. Using an English School approach, it explores the political evolution of control over the seas, demonstrating why and how the norm of sovereignty prevailed over alternative norms and principles regulating control of the seas. The paper then compares the positions of Brazil, China and the United States on the current international regime of the ocean.
Two Systems for Conditional Gene Expression in Myxococcus xanthus Inducible by Isopropyl-β-d-Thiogalactopyranoside or Vanillate

ABSTRACT Conditional expression of a gene is a powerful tool to study its function and is typically achieved by placing the gene under the control of an inducible promoter. There is, however, a dearth of such inducible systems in Myxococcus xanthus, a well-studied prokaryotic model for multicellular development, cell differentiation, motility, and light response and a promising source of secondary metabolites. The few available systems have limitations, and exogenously based ones are unavailable. Here, we describe two new, versatile inducible systems for conditional expression of genes in M. xanthus. One employs isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) as an inducer and is inspired by those successfully applied in some other bacteria. The other requires vanillate as an inducer and is based on the system developed originally for Caulobacter crescentus and recently adapted for mammalian cells. Both systems are robust, with essentially no expression in the absence of an inducer. Depending on the inducer and the amounts added, expression levels can be modulated such that either system can conditionally express genes, including ones that are essential and are required at high levels such as ftsZ. The two systems operate during vegetative growth as well as during M. xanthus development. Moreover, they can be used to simultaneously induce expression of distinct genes within the same cell. The conditional expression systems we describe substantially expand the genetic tool kit available for studying M. xanthus gene function and cellular biology.
Emerging neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke

Introduction: Neuroprotection aims to restrict the ischaemic damage following stroke by preventing salvageable neurons from dying. Despite successes in experimental stroke studies, neuroprotective strategies have failed in clinical trials so far. Nevertheless, promising neuroprotective drugs are currently being investigated in clinical trials. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the existing treatment of acute ischaemic stroke, discusses current research goals and puts special emphasis on emerging neuroprotective drugs. The authors systematically searched the database Clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing Phase II and Phase III clinical trials of neuroprotective drugs for acute ischaemic stroke. Mechanisms of action of these candidate neuroprotectants and the results of preceding preclinical studies and clinical pilot trials are described. Expert opinion: In order to facilitate a successful translation from bench to bedside, future experimental studies should follow rigorous quality standards. Recent concepts to overcome the translation roadblock include the implementation of multicentre preclinical Phase III studies, the use of stroke models in non-human primates and the introduction of a preclinical trial registration.
Celastrol, a Triterpene, Enhances TRAIL-induced Apoptosis through the Down-regulation of Cell Survival Proteins and Up-regulation of Death Receptors*

Whether celastrol, a triterpene from traditional Chinese medicine, can modulate the anticancer effects of TRAIL, the cytokine that is currently in clinical trial, was investigated. As indicated by assays that measure plasma membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine exposure, mitochondrial activity, and activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3, celastrol potentiated the TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, and converted TRAIL-resistant cells to TRAIL-sensitive cells. When examined for its mechanism, we found that the triterpene down-regulated the expression of cell survival proteins including cFLIP, IAP-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, and XIAP and up-regulated Bax expression. In addition, we found that celastrol induced the cell surface expression of both the TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5. This increase in receptors was noted in a wide variety of cancer cells including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer cells, and myeloid and leukemia cells. Gene silencing of the death receptor abolished the effect of celastrol on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Induction of the death receptor by the triterpenoid was found to be p53-independent but required the induction of CAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), inasmuch as gene silencing of CHOP abolished the induction of DR5 expression by celastrol and associated enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We found that celastrol also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and ROS sequestration inhibited celastrol-induced expression of CHOP and DR5, and consequent sensitization to TRAIL. Overall, our results demonstrate that celastrol can potentiate the apoptotic effects of TRAIL through down-regulation of cell survival proteins and up-regulation of death receptors via the ROS-mediated up-regulation of CHOP pathway.
Japan’s resilient, renewable cities: how socioeconomics and local policy drive Japan’s renewable energy transition

ABSTRACT Japan experienced a surge in renewable power plant construction since adopting the Feed-in Tariff policy in 2012. But why did some municipalities choose to adopt more renewables than others? Do technical resources explain the difference, or might socioeconomics, social capital, and local policy also serve as motivations, resources, or obstacles? Using zero-inflated negative binomial and Conway Maxwell Poisson regression, the effects of technical and social variables on renewables siting for all municipalities in Japan are modeled, and compared with survey results from a sample of 56. Municipalities with high unemployment and cheap land are especially likely to host solar, wind, and biomass and have greater energy system redundancy. Those with stronger bonding social ties are more likely to host wind, contrary to predictions, and cities that invested early in reducing greenhouse gas emissions are more likely to deploy solar.
An equity crowdfunding research agenda: evidence from stakeholder participation in the rulemaking process

Equity crowdfunding is a unique form of entrepreneurial finance that combines elements of private and public equity. We articulate its distinctive features, then review and qualitatively analyze a large corpus of 540 public comments submitted by stakeholders in response to new US equity crowdfunding regulations. Through a qualitative content analytic approach, we combine actor (issuer, investor, and intermediary) and perspective (relational, behavioral, and technical) dimensions to develop a taxonomy of 18 categories, from which we derive and present unanswered questions and fruitful research directions in this emerging domain.
Interpersonal violence and mental illness: A literature review

Abstract There is a perception that people with a mental illness are dangerous. However, there are still arguments in the research literature as to whether the evidence supports this perception. The major aim of this paper is to review the findings of these studies in regard to the risk of violent behaviour in people with mental illness. An additional aim is to give an overview of the risk factors for violence in people with a mental illness. This systematic search of the literature resulted in good evidence that diagnoses such as schizophrenia and personality disorder are associated with an increased risk of violent behaviour. Substance abuse was the risk factor most associated with an increase in the risk of violent behaviour in people with a mental illness. However, there are substantial differences in the methods used in studies of the risk in violence in people with mental illness resulting in a large variability in the estimates of risk. One of the major causes of variation may be due to the different definitions of violence that are used. The need remains, therefore, for a meta-analysis of this literature based on clear definitions of violence in order to get a more accurate estimate of the risk of violence in people with a mental illness.
Update on Calcium / Calmodulin-Mediated Signaling Recent Advances in Calcium / Calmodulin-Mediated Signaling with an Emphasis on Plant-Microbe Interactions 1

Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164–6414 (B.W.P., L.D.); College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310036, People’s Republic of China (L.D., H.W.); and Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland 20705 (T.Y.)