Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Heparan Sulfate Binding Sequence of Interferon-γ Increased the On Rate of the Interferon-γ-Interferon-γ Receptor Complex Formation*

Interferon-γ (IFNγ), in common with a number of growth factors, binds both to heparan sulfate or heparin-related molecules and to a specific high affinity receptor (IFNγR). Using surface plasmon resonance technology, kinetic analysis of the IFNγ·IFNγR complex formation was performed with the extracellular part of IFNγR immobilized on a sensor chip. At the sensor chip surface, IFNγ was bound by two IFNγR molecules with an affinity in the nanomolar range (0.68 nm). This binding was characterized by an important on rate, k on = 7.3 × 106 m −1·s−1, and an off rate,k off = 5 × 10−3·s−1. This binding assay was used to investigate a possible role of heparin in the IFNγ·IFNγR complex formation. In contrast to growth factors for which binding to heparin is usually required for high affinity receptor interaction, we found in this study that IFNγ bound to heparin displayed a strongly reduced affinity for its receptor. This is consistent with the fact that a cluster of basic amino acids (KTGKRKR, called the C1 domain) in the carboxyl-terminal sequence of the cytokine was involved both in heparin and receptor recognition. To understand how a single domain of IFNγ could be implicated in two discrete functions (i.e. binding to heparin and to IFNγR), we also analyzed in a detailed manner the role of the IFNγ carboxyl-terminal sequence in receptor binding. Using forms of IFNγ, with carboxyl terminus truncations of defined regions of the heparin binding sequence, we found that the C1 domain functioned by increasing the on rate of the IFNγ·IFNγR binding reaction but was not otherwise required for the stability of the complex. Interactions between the IFNγ carboxyl-terminal domain and IFNγR could increased the association rate of the reaction either by increasing the number of encounters between the two molecules or by favoring productive collisions. The mechanisms by which heparan sulfate regulates IFNγ activity may thus include both control of selective protease cleavage events, which directly affect the cytokine activity, and also an ability to modulate the interaction of IFNγ with the IFNγR via competitive binding to the C1 domain.
Photoinduced magnetization in copper octacyanomolybdate.

This article describes the studies of a photomagnetic cyanide-bridged Cu-Mo bimetallic assembly, Cu(II)(2)[Mo(IV)(CN)(8)]. 8H(2)O (Cu(II), S = (1)/(2); Mo(IV), S = 0) (1), which has an intervalence transfer (IT) band from Mo(IV)-CN-Cu(II) to Mo(V)-CN-Cu(I) around 480 nm. Wide-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray spectroscopic studies provide precise information about the 3D connectivity and the local environment of the transition metal ions. Irradiating with blue light causes solid 1 to exhibit a spontaneous magnetization (Curie temperature = 25 K). The thermal reversibility is carefully studied and shows the long-time stability of the photoinduced state up to 100 K. Photoreversibility is also observed; i.e., the magnetization is induced by irradiation with light below 520 nm, while the magnetization is reduced by irradiation with light above 520 nm. The UV-vis absorption spectrum after irradiation shows a decrease of the IT band and the appearance of the reverse-IT band in the region of 600-900 nm (lambda(max) = 710 nm). This UV-vis absorption spectrum is recovered to the original spectrum by irradiation with 658-, 785-, and 840-nm light. In this photomagnetic effect, the excitation of the IT band causes an electron transfer from Mo(IV) to Cu(II), producing a ferromagnetic mixed-valence isomer of Cu(I)Cu(II)[Mo(V)(CN)(8)]. 8H(2)O (Cu(I), S = 0; Cu(II), S = (1)/(2); Mo(V), S = (1)/(2)) (1'). 1' returns to 1 by irradiation of the reverse-IT band, which obeys the scheme for the potential energy surface in mixed-valence class II compounds.
Analytic Validation of Immunohistochemistry Assays: New Benchmark Data From a Survey of 1085 Laboratories.

CONTEXT - A cooperative agreement between the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was undertaken to measure laboratories' awareness and implementation of an evidence-based laboratory practice guideline (LPG) on immunohistochemical (IHC) validation practices published in 2014. OBJECTIVE - To establish new benchmark data on IHC laboratory practices. DESIGN - A 2015 survey on IHC assay validation practices was sent to laboratories subscribed to specific CAP proficiency testing programs and to additional nonsubscribing laboratories that perform IHC testing. Specific questions were designed to capture laboratory practices not addressed in a 2010 survey. RESULTS - The analysis was based on responses from 1085 laboratories that perform IHC staining. Ninety-six percent (809 of 844) always documented validation of IHC assays. Sixty percent (648 of 1078) had separate procedures for predictive and nonpredictive markers, 42.7% (220 of 515) had procedures for laboratory-developed tests, 50% (349 of 697) had procedures for testing cytologic specimens, and 46.2% (363 of 785) had procedures for testing decalcified specimens. Minimum case numbers were specified by 85.9% (720 of 838) of laboratories for nonpredictive markers and 76% (584 of 768) for predictive markers. Median concordance requirements were 95% for both types. For initial validation, 75.4% (538 of 714) of laboratories adopted the 20-case minimum for nonpredictive markers and 45.9% (266 of 579) adopted the 40-case minimum for predictive markers as outlined in the 2014 LPG. The most common method for validation was correlation with morphology and expected results. Laboratories also reported which assay changes necessitated revalidation and their minimum case requirements. CONCLUSIONS - Benchmark data on current IHC validation practices and procedures may help laboratories understand the issues and influence further refinement of LPG recommendations.
A Topic Aware-based Approach to Maximize Social Influence

The use of social networks has shown great potential for information diffusion and formation of public opinion. One key problem that has attracted researchers interest is Topic-based Influence Maximization, that refers to finding a small set of users on a social network that have the ability to influence a substantial portion of users on a given topic. The proposed solutions, however, are not suitable for large-scale social networks and must incorporate mechanisms for determining social influence among users on each topic of interest. Consequently, for these approaches, it becomes difficult or even unfeasible to deal quickly and efficiently with constant changes in the structure of social networks. This problem is particularly relevant as the topics of interest of users and the social influence they exert on each other for every topic are considered together. In this work, it is proposed a scalable solution, that makes use of data mining over an information propagation log, in order to directly select the initial set of influential users on a particular topic without the need to incorporate a previous step for learning users social influence with regard to that topic. As an additional benefit, the targeted seed set also offers an approximation guarantee of the optimal solution. Finally, it is presented a design of experiments over a data set containing information propagation data from a real social network. As main results, we have found some evidences that the proposed solution maintains a trade-off between scalability and accuracy.
Effects of Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides Plus Mannanoligosaccharides on Immune Function and Ileal and Fecal Microbial Populations in Adult Dogs

The goal of this study was to examine whether supplemental fructooligosaccharides (FOS) plus mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) influenced immune function and ileal and fecal microbial populations of adult dogs. Eight adult dogs surgically fitted with ileal cannulas were used in a crossover design. Dogs were fed 200g of a dry, extruded, kibble diet twice daily. At each feeding, dogs were dosed with either 1g sucrose (placebo) or 2g FOS plus 1g MOS orally via gelatin capsule. Fecal, ileal, and blood samples were collected at the end of each 14-d period to measure microbial populations and immune characteristics. Treatment least squares means were compared using the GLM procedure of SAS. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS increased fecal bifidobacteria and fecal and ileal lactobacilli concentrations. Dogs fed FOS plus MOS also tended to have lower blood neutrophils and greater blood lymphocytes vs placebo. Serum, fecal, and ileal immunoglobulin concentrations were unchanged by treatment. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS beneficially altered indices of gut health by improving ileal and fecal microbial ecology. Supplementation of FOS plus MOS also altered immune function by causing a shift in blood immune cells.
Bronchoarterial ratio on thin section CT: comparison between high altitude and sea level.

PURPOSE Our goal was to measure normal bronchial to accompanying pulmonary arterial diameter ratios and normal bronchial wall thickness on thin section CT at high altitude and at sea level. METHOD Seventeen normal, healthy, nonsmoking subjects living at 1,600 m altitude and 16 living at sea level underwent thin section CT (1.5 to 2.0 mm collimation). All images were photographed at window levels of -450 and -700 HU and window width of 1,500-1,600 HU. Internal diameters of the segmental and subsegmental bronchi were measured and compared with the diameter of the adjacent pulmonary artery. Bronchial wall thickness of each bronchus was measured. Only bronchi and arteries seen in cross section and within 1 mm from each other were included in the analysis. RESULTS Four hundred sixty-seven bronchi (215 at high altitude, 252 at sea level) were assessed. At window level of -450 HU, the bronchoarterial ratio was 0.76 +/- 0.14 (mean +/- SD) at altitude and 0.62 +/- 0.13 at sea level (p < 0.001). Bronchial wall thickness measured 0.92 +/- 0.09 mm (mean +/- SD) at altitude and 1.12 +/- 0.19 mm at sea level (p < 0.001). At window level of -700 HU, there was an artifactual decrease in the bronchoarterial diameter ratios and an increase in bronchial wall thickness. CONCLUSION Bronchoarterial ratio increases and bronchial wall thickness decreases with altitude. These findings are presumably related to hypoxic bronchodilatation and vasoconstriction.
Relief of Autoinhibition Enhances Vta1 Activation of Vps4 via the Vps4 Stimulatory Element*

Background: Vta1 promotes Vps4 ATPase activity and facilitates ESCRT-III stimulation of Vps4. Results: The Vta1 VSE (Vps4 stimulatory element) mediates ESCRT-III-enhanced activation of Vps4 and contributes to Vta1 function in vivo. Conclusion: ESCRT-III binding Vta1 relieves autoinhibition of the VSE to promote activation of Vps4. Significance: These studies identify a novel mechanism whereby ESCRT-III and Vta1 regulate Vps4 activity. The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) impact multiple cellular processes including multivesicular body sorting, abscission, and viral budding. The AAA-ATPase Vps4 is required for ESCRT function, and its full activity is dependent upon the co-factor Vta1. The Vta1 carboxyl-terminal Vta1 SBP1 Lip5 (VSL) domain stimulates Vps4 function by facilitating oligomerization of Vps4 into its active state. Here we report the identification of the Vps4 stimulatory element (VSE) within Vta1 that is required for additional stimulation of Vps4 activity in vitro and in vivo. VSE activity is autoinhibited in a manner dependent upon the unstructured linker region joining the amino-terminal microtubule interacting and trafficking domains and the carboxyl-terminal VSL domain. The VSE is also required for Vta1-mediated Vps4 stimulation by ESCRT-III subunits Vps60 and Did2. These results suggest that ESCRT-III binding to the Vta1 microtubule interacting and trafficking domains relieves linker region autoinhibition of the VSE to produce maximal activation of Vps4 during ESCRT function.
Localization of Chaperones DnaK and GroEL in Bacterial Inclusion Bodies

ABSTRACT By immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy, chaperones DnaK and GroEL have been identified at the solvent-exposed surface of bacterial inclusion bodies and entrapped within these aggregates, respectively. Functional implications of this distinct localization are discussed in the context of Escherichia coli protein quality control.
Distributed finite-time trajectory tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robots with uncertainties and external disturbances

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the distributed finite-time trajectory tracking control for a group of nonholonomic mobile robots with time-varying unknown parameters and external disturbances. At first, the tracking error system is derived for each mobile robot with the aid of a global invertible transformation, which consists of two subsystems, one is a first-order subsystem and another is a second-order subsystem. Then, the two subsystems are studied respectively, and finite-time disturbance observers are proposed for each robot to estimate the external disturbances. Meanwhile, distributed finite-time tracking controllers are developed for each mobile robot such that all states of each robot can reach the desired value in finite time, where the desired reference value is assumed to be the trajectory of a virtual leader whose information is available to only a subset of the followers, and the followers are assumed to have only local interaction. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is finally illustrated by numerical simulations.
Gestational Age‐Dependent Extravillous Cytotrophoblast Osteopontin Immunolocalization Differentiates Between Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies

PROBLEM: Normal placentation requires modulation of proliferative cytotrophoblast to an invasive phenotype. Preeclampsia is characterized by failed cytotrophoblast invasion and arterial remodeling. Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein implicated in cell adhesion, spreading, and invasion.
DIVER: A Diversity-Based Search-and-Routing Approach for Named-Data Networking

The Information-Centric Networking paradigm introduces a largely distributed in-network caching infrastructure. End-to-end routing and forwarding algorithms are no longer the most effective way to retrieve contents when volatile replicas are highly spread at network routers. Requests sent only towards servers that permanently store contents do not account for the possibility to retrieve volatile replicas stored at neighbours caches. Mechanisms that explore the network in order to search nearby replicas stored in cache can improve users experience and reduce network load. This paper proposes the Diversity-based Search-and- Routing (DIVER) mechanism to jointly work with traditional end-to-end routing algorithms. DIVER probes the network to find volatile content replicas and routers answer those probes by compressing its cached contents availability information in a space efficient data structure. To maximize content retrieval, DIVER keeps as much orthogonal as possible the contents membership in its interfaces. Simulation results show that DIVER reduces up to 87% the network load and 29% the distance to find volatile replicas when compared to a literature proposal.
Exploring possible predictors and moderators of an executive function training for children with an autism spectrum disorder

Previously, a total of 121 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) performed an adaptive working memory (WM)-training, an adaptive flexibility-training, or a non-adaptive control (mock)-training. Despite overall improvement, there were minor differences between the adaptive and mock-training conditions. Moreover, dropout was relatively high (26%). In the current study we explored potential predicting and moderating factors to clarify these findings. The effects of intelligence, autism traits, WM, flexibility, reward sensitivity and Theory of Mind on dropout, improvement during training, and improvement in everyday executive functioning (EF), ASD-like behavior, and Quality of Life (QoL) were studied. None of the predictors influenced dropout or training improvement. However, 1) more pre-training autism traits related to less improvement in EF and QoL, and 2) higher reward sensitivity was related to more improvement in QoL and ASD-like behavior. These findings suggest that these EF-training procedures may be beneficial for children with fewer autism traits and higher reward sensitivity. However, the exploratory nature of the analyses warrant further research before applying the findings clinically.
Acute cortisol responses of calves to four methods of dehorning by amputation.

OBJECTIVE To measure the plasma cortisol response in calves dehorned by four different methods (scoop, guillotine shears, saw, embryotomy wire) for 9 h after dehorning. DESIGN A physiological study with controls. PROCEDURE Horn amputation was carried out on calves restrained manually in a race. RESULTS The four methods of dehorning provoked similarly increased cortisol responses which lasted for 6 h. During the first hour after dehorning the plasma cortisol concentrations were similar to those following ACTH injection. The overall cortisol response to control handling was about 30% of the responses to dehorning. CONCLUSIONS The similarity of the cortisol responses produced by the four methods of dehorning suggests that the distress experienced by calves following dehorning by amputation is similar regardless of method used.
Genetic Diversity in a Bacillus anthracis Historical Collection (1954 to 1988)

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis, the etiologic agent of anthrax, has been widely described as a genetically monomorphic species. We used both multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and pagA gene sequencing to determine the genetic diversity of a historical collection of B. anthracis isolates collected from the 1950s to the 1980s from various geographic locations and sources. We sequenced the pagA gene of 124 diverse B. anthracis isolates and found all previously identified B. anthracis pagA types except type 4. Sixty-three of the 124 B. anthracis strains were identified as pagA type 6, while 44 were pagA type 5, 12 were pagA type 1, and individual isolates were identified for types 2 and 3, respectively. Two new pagA genotypes were discovered in three environmental isolates within the historical collection. Two isolates had the same new genotype, and an additional isolate produced a second new genotype. MLVA detected 22 previously described genotypes in the historical collection. In addition, 33 new MLVA genotypes were found. For 11 isolates, an MLVA genotype could not be assigned because one or more alleles did not amplify. While only two additional B. anthracis pagA types were identified, in two instances, the use of pagA sequencing discriminated isolates with the same MLVA genotype. MLVA revealed that 39 of the 124 isolates were previously undocumented genotypes and that 1 isolate was found to be in the C cluster when it was subtyped by MLVA.
A Guanylyl Cyclase from Paramecium with 22 Transmembrane Spans

Paramecium has a 280-kDa guanylyl cyclase. The N terminus resembles a P-type ATPase, and the C terminus is a guanylyl cyclase with the membrane topology of canonical mammalian adenylyl cyclases, yet with the cytosolic loops, C1 and C2, inverted compared with the mammalian order. We expressed in Escherichia coli the cytoplasmic domains of the protozoan guanylyl cyclase, independently and linked by a peptide, as soluble proteins. The His6-tagged proteins were enriched by affinity chromatography and analyzed by immunoblotting. Guanylyl cyclase activity was reconstituted upon mixing of the recombinant C1a- and C2-positioned domains and in a linked C1a-C2 construct. Adenylyl cyclase activity was minimal. The nucleotide substrate specificity was switched from GTP to ATP upon mutation of the substrate defining amino acids Glu1681 and Ser1748 in the C1-positioned domain to the adenylyl cyclase specific amino acids Lys and Asp. Using the C2 domains of mammalian adenylyl cyclases type II or IX and the C2-positioned domain from the Paramecium guanylyl cyclase we reconstituted a soluble, all C2 adenylyl cyclase. All enzymes containing protozoan domains were not affected by Gαs/GTP or forskolin, and P site inhibitors were only slightly effective.
Learning Styles Inventory: A Diagnostic Questionnaire for Construction

Learning styles theory is widely acknowledged amongst educational theorists. However, there is little research evidence on the adoption and adaptation of learning styles in an e-Learning environment, specifically in respect of personalised learning environments. In this context, evidence identifies that the more thoroughly instructors understand the differences in learning styles, the better chance they have of meeting the diverse learning needs of learners. In this respect, providing learners with learning environments that suit their learning style can have positive impact on learning effectiveness. Many learning styles inventories/instruments have attempted to augmentlearners’ learning styles with learning methods, albeit without taking on board the criticism levied at inventories and similar instruments in terms of reliability and validity(including the rubrics behind the models of learning styles). This paper identifies the process of amalgamating three existing models of learning styles (Kolb; Honey and Mumford; and Felder and Solomon), into a ‘DiagnosticQuestionnaire’ learning style inventory for reflection and discussion.
Functional Modularity Enables the Realization of Smooth and Effective Behavior Integration

In this paper we show how evolving robots can develop behaviors displaying a modular organization characterized by semi-discrete and semi-dissociable sub-behavioral units playing different functions. In our experiments, the development of differentiated behaviors is not realized through the sub-division of the control system into modules and/or through the utilization of differentiated training processes. Instead, it simply originates as a consequence of the adaptive advantage provided by the possibility to display and use functionally specialized behaviors. These are selected by evolution not only with respect to their capability to perform a given sub-function but also with respect to the capability to support smooth and effective transition with other behaviors. This is achieved by having different co- adapted behaviors and by evaluating the variation affecting the behaviors on the basis of the impact they have on the overall performance of the robots. Moreover this process enables the development of the ability to carry on preparatory actions that are necessary for the effective execution of the following behaviors. We refer to this type of modularity as functional modularity, since unlike structural modularity, it is not based on behavioral modules that are separated by clear boundaries and/or that are programmed or trained independently.
Patient reported outcomes: The ICIQ and the state of the art

Following the first International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) in 1998, a multidisciplinary committee was established to develop a universally applicable, brief urinary incontinence patient‐reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire: the ICIQ‐UI Short Form. The project was expanded to recommend and develop high quality, validated questionnaires for all lower pelvic dysfunction related to incontinence. The ICI Modular Questionnaire project (ICIQ) was then established to include a wider spectrum of urinary, bowel and vaginal symptoms and their impact on health related quality of life (HRQL). Three aims underpin the ICIQ project: To recommend high quality, validated PRO questionnaires. To promote wider use of questionnaires to standardize assessment of lower pelvic dysfunction and its impact on HRQL. To facilitate communication in different patient settings and patient groups.