Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of the adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the air/water interface: targeting the sulfate headgroup using vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy.

The surface sensitive technique vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy (VSFS), has been used to study the adsorption behaviour of SDS to the liquid/vapour interface of aqueous solutions, specifically targeting the sulfate headgroup stretches. In the spectral region extending from 980 to 1850 cm(-1), only the vibrations due to the SO(3) group were detectable. The fitted amplitudes for the symmetric SO(3) stretch observed at 1070 cm(-1) for the polarization combinations ssp and ppp, were seen to follow the adsorption isotherm calculated from surface tension measurements. The orientation of the sulfate headgroup in the concentration range spanning from 1.0 mM to above the critical micellar concentration (c.m.c.) was observed to remain constant within experimental error, with the pseudo-C(3) axis close to the surface normal. Furthermore, the effect of increasing amounts of sodium chloride at SDS concentrations above c.m. c. was also studied, showing an increase of approximately 12% in the fitted amplitude for the symmetric SO(3) stretch when increasing the ionic strength from 0 to 300 mM NaCl. Interestingly, the orientation of the SDS headgroup was also observed to remain constant within this concentration range and identical to the case without NaCl.
Heterotypic interactions in the preservation of morphology and functionality of porcine hepatocytes by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Temporary replacement of specific liver functions with extracorporeal bioartificial liver has been hampered by rapid de‐differentiation of porcine hepatocytes in vitro. Co‐cultivation of hepatocytes with non‐parenchymal cells may be beneficial for optimizing cell functions via mimicry of physiological microenvironment consisting of endogenous matrix proteins. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. A randomly distributed co‐culture system composed of porcine hepatocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was generated, and the morphological and functional changes of varying degrees of heterotypic interactions were characterized. Furthermore, contributions of extracellular matrix within this co‐culture were evaluated. A rapid attachment and self‐organization of three‐dimensional hepatocyte spheroids were encouraged. Studies on hepatocyte viability showed a metabolically active, viable cell population in all co‐culture configurations with occurrence of few dead cells. The maximal induction of albumin production, urea synthesis, and cytochrome P4503A1 activities was achieved at seeding ratio of 2:1. Immunocytochemical detection of various extracellular matrix confirmed that a high level of matrix proteins synthesis within distinct cells was involved in hepatocyte homeostasis. These results demonstrate for the first time that cell–matrix has synergic effects on the preservation of hepatic morphology and functionality in the co‐culture of porcine hepatocytes with mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, which could represent a promising tool for tissue engineering, cell biology, and bioartificial liver devices. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 100–108, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Title Selective labeling of proteins on living cell membranes usingfluorescent nanodiamond probes

The impeccable photostability of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) is an ideal property for use in fluorescence imaging of proteins in living cells. However, such an application requires highly specific labeling of the target proteins with FNDs. Furthermore, the surface of unmodified FNDs tends to adsorb biomolecules nonspecifically, which hinders the reliable targeting of proteins with FNDs. Here, we combined hyperbranched polyglycerol modification of FNDs with the β-lactamase-tag system to develop a strategy for selective imaging of the protein of interest in cells. The combination of these techniques enabled site-specific labeling of Interleukin-18 receptor alpha chain, a membrane receptor, with FNDs, which eventually enabled tracking of the diffusion trajectory of FND-labeled proteins on the membrane surface.
A case study for a multitemporal segmentation approach in optical remote sensing images.

Continuous observations from remote sensors provide high temporal and spatial resolution imagery, and better remote sensing image segmentation techniques are mandatory for efficient analysis. Among them, one of the most applied segmentation techniques is the region growing algorithm. Within this context, this paper describes a study case for a multitemporal segmentation that adapts the traditional region growing technique. Our method aims to detect homogeneous regions in space and time observing a sequence of optical remote sensing images. Tests were conducted by considering the Dynamic Time Warping distance as the homogeneity criterion to grow regions. A case study on high temporal resolution for sequences of Landsat-8 vegetation indices products provided satisfactory outputs.
M‐PMV Capsid Transport Is Mediated by Env/Gag Interactions at the Pericentriolar Recycling Endosome

Cytoplasmic transport of Gag molecules to the site of budding is an important but poorly understand process in retroviral assembly. Our previous studies of Mason‐Pfizer monkey virus showed that, for this retrovirus, Gag is assembled into capsids at a pericentriolar region and that Env is necessary for efficient transport out of the site. An Env requirement for cytoplasmic transport implicates vesicular trafficking in this process even though the capsids remain cytoplasmic and do not bud into intracellular compartments in the cells studied to date. We show here that the secretory pathway of the cell is not directly involved in Gag transport since the latter was not inhibited by BFA, nor did Gag colocalize with markers of the ER, Golgi, or TGN. Instead, colocalization was observed between Gag and endocytosed transferrin and with Rab11, suggesting that pericentriolar recycling endosomes play a critical role in this process. Mutants of Rab11 that inhibit efflux of transferrin from the recycling endosome also inhibited Gag transport. Our studies show that Env colocalizes with Gag at the pericentriolar assembly site, and provide evidence that Env must travel through this compartment in order to initiate export of the capsids from the site of assembly. Thus, for the first time, endocytic trafficking of a retroviral Env glycoprotein is linked to the efficient cytoplasmic transport of Gag.
Association of manganese superoxide dismutase gene polymorphism ( Ala-9 Val ) and breast cancer in males and females Associação do polimorfismo do gene da superóxido dismutase dependente de manganês ( Ala-9 Val )

1. Doutoranda do Programa de Pós-graduação em Patologia da Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas de Porto Alegre (FFFCMPA); professora assistente do Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas da FFFCMPA. 2. Professora do Departamento de Morfologia; Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). 3. Acadêmicos de Medicina da FFFCMPA. 4. Professor do Programa de Pós-graduação em Patologia da FFFCMPA. 5. Professora associada do Departamento de Patologia da FFFCMPA; coordenadora do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia da FFFCMPA. Trabalho desenvolvido no Programa de Pós-graduação em Patologia da FFFCMPA. J Bras Patol Med Lab • v. 43 • n. 3 • p. 219-225 • junho 2007
How Does Green Technology Innovation Affect Carbon Emissions? A Spatial Econometric Analysis of China’s Provincial Panel Data

Due to an increasing number of issues such as climate change, sustainable development has become an important theme worldwide. Sustainable development is inseparable from technological innovation. Only by making technological breakthroughs can we ensure the overall integration of economic development and environmental protection. Here, based on China’s inter-provincial panel data from 2006 to 2019, we examine the relationship between green technological innovation and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 30 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Tibet) and sub-regions (eastern, central, and western China) in China using a space panel econometric model based on the STIRPAT equation. Additionally, we use geographic information analysis methods to analyze the spatial pattern and evolution characteristics of CO2 emissions. Our major finding is that, from the perspective of the whole country, green technology innovation has a negative correlation with carbon emissions, but the effect is not obvious. In addition, from the regional sample, green technology innovation in the eastern and central regions can effectively reduce carbon emissions, while in the western region, green technology innovation can promote carbon emissions in the province. At the same time, the research results show a strong spatial spillover effect of inter-provincial carbon dioxide emissions, and the progress of green technology in neighboring provinces has a negative impact on carbon emissions in their own provinces. Therefore, cross-province policies and actions for reducing carbon emissions are necessary. Additionally, our results show that carbon-emission driving factors, such as economic development, industrial structure, energy consumption structure, and population, have a significant positive effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Based on the above research results, we put forward corresponding policy recommendations.
Collaborative Cancer Epidemiology in the 21st Century: The Model of Cancer Consortia

During the last two decades, epidemiology has undergone a rapid evolution toward collaborative research. The proliferation of multi-institutional, interdisciplinary consortia has acquired particular prominence in cancer research. Herein, we describe the characteristics of a network of 49 established cancer epidemiology consortia (CEC) currently supported by the Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This collection represents the largest disease-based research network for collaborative cancer research established in population sciences. We describe the funding trends, geographic distribution, and areas of research focus. The CEC have been partially supported by 201 grants and yielded 3,876 publications between 1995 and 2011. We describe this output in terms of interdisciplinary collaboration and translational evolution. We discuss challenges and future opportunities in the establishment and conduct of large-scale team science within the framework of CEC, review future prospects for this approach to large-scale, interdisciplinary cancer research, and describe a model for the evolution of an integrated Network of Cancer Consortia optimally suited to address and support 21st-century epidemiology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(12); 2148–60. ©2013 AACR.
An anatomical study of the proximal aspect of the medial femoral condyle to define the proximal-distal condylar length

Objective: Despite its possible role in knee arthroplasty, the proximal-distal condylar length (PDCL) of the femur has never been reported in the literature. We conducted an anatomic study of the proximal aspect of the medial femoral condyle to propose a method for measuring the PDCL. Materials and Methods: Inspection of dried bone specimens was carried out to assure the most proximal condylar margin (MPCM) as the eligible starting point to measure the PDCL. Simulation surgery was performed on seven pairs of cadaveric knees to verify the clinical application of measuring the PDCL after locating the MPCM. Interobserver reliability of this procedure was also analyzed. Results: Observation of the bone specimens showed that the MPCM is a concavity formed by the junction of the distal end of the supracondylar ridge and the proximal margin of the medial condyle. This anatomically distinctive structure made the MPCM an unambiguous landmark. The cadaveric simulation surgical dissection demonstrated that the MPCM is easily accessed in a surgical setting, making the measurement of the PDCL plausible. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78, indicating good interobserver reliability for this technique. Conclusion: This study has suggested that the PDCL can be measured based on the MPCM in a surgical setting. PDCL measurement might be useful in joint line position management, selection of femoral component sizes, and other applications related to the proximal-distal dimension of the knee. Further investigation is required.
Cloud Computing Auditing Roadmap and Process

Cloud Computing is a new form of IT system and infrastructure outsourcing as an alternative to traditional IT Outsourcing (ITO). Hence, migration to cloud computing is rapidly growing among organizations. Adopting this technology brings numerous positive aspects, although imposing different risks and concerns to organization. An organization which officially deputes its cloud computing services to outside (offshore or inshore) providers and implies that it outsources its functions and process of its IT to external BPO services providers. Therefore, customers of cloud must evaluate and manage the IT infrastructure construction and the organization’s IT control environment of BPO vendors [25]. Since cloud is an internetbased technology, cloud auditing would be very critical and challengeable in such an environment. This paper focuses on practices related to auditing processes, methods, techniques, standards and frameworks in cloud computing environments. Keywords—Cloud computing; cloud auditing; IT outsourcing
Case Report: Fatal Complications of BK Virus-Hemorrhagic Cystitis and Severe Cytokine Release Syndrome Following BK Virus-Specific T-Cells

BK virus (BKV)-hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a well-known and rarely fatal complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Treatment for BKV-HC is limited, but virus-specific T-cells (VST) represent a promising therapeutic option feasible for use posttransplant. We report on the case of a 16-year-old male with dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency who underwent haploidentical HSCT complicated by severe BKV-HC, catastrophic renal hemorrhage, and VST-associated cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Gross hematuria refractory to multiple interventions began with initiation of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT/Cy). Complete left renal arterial embolization (day +43) was ultimately indicated to control intractable renal hemorrhage. Subsequent infusion of anti-BK VSTs was complicated by CRS and progressive multiorgan failure, with postmortem analysis confirming diagnosis of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). This case illustrates opportunities for improvement in the management of severe BKV-HC posttransplant while highlighting rare and potentially life-threatening complications of BKV-HC and VST therapy.
Deamination of 5-Methylcytosines within Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers Is an Important Component of UVB Mutagenesis*

UVB mutagenesis is characterized by an abundance of C → T and 5-methylcytosine → T transitions at dipyrimidine sequences. It is not known how these mutations might arise. One hypothesis is that UV-induced mutations occur only after deamination of the cytosine or 5-methylcytosine within the pyrimidine dimer. It is not clear how methylation of cytosines at the 5-position influences deamination and how this affects mutagenesis. We have now conducted experiments with a CpG-methylated supF shuttle vector that was irradiated with UVB and then incubated at 37 °C to allow time for deamination before passage through a human cell line to establish mutations. This led to a significantly increased frequency of CC → TT mutations and of transition mutations at 5′-PymCG-3′ sequences. A spectrum of deaminated cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the supF gene was determined using the mismatch glycosylase activities of MBD4 protein in combination with ligation-mediated PCR. Methylation at the C-5 position promoted the deamination of cytosines within cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and these two events combined led to a significantly increased frequency of UVB-induced transition mutations at 5′-PymCG-3′ sequences. Under these conditions, the majority of all supFmutations were transition mutations at 5′-PymCG-3′, and they clustered at several mutational hot spots. Exactly these types of mutations are frequently observed in the p53 gene of nonmelanoma skin tumors. This particular mutagenic pathway may become prevalent under conditions of inefficient DNA repair and slow proliferation of cells in the human epidermis.
Asynchrony of Apical Polarization, Luminogenesis, and Functional Differentiation in the Developing Thyroid Gland

Follicular thyroid tissue originates from progenitors derived from a midline endodermal primordium. Current understanding infers that folliculogenesis in the embryonic thyroid designates the latest morphogenetic event taking place after the final anatomical shape and position of the gland is established. However, this concept does not consider the fact that the thyroid isthmus develops chronologically before the lobes and also contains all progenitors required for lobulation. To elucidate whether cells committed to a thyroid fate might be triggered to differentiate asynchronously related to maturation and developmental stage, mouse embryonic thyroid tissues from E12.5-17.5 were subjected to immunofluorescent labeling of biomarkers (progenitors: NKX2-1; differentiation: thyroglobulin/TG); folliculogenesis: E-cadherin/CDH1; luminogenesis: mucin 1/MUC1; apical polarity: pericentrin/PCNT; basement membrane: laminin; growth: Ki67), quantitative RT-PCR analysis (Nkx2.1, Tg, Muc1) and transmission electron microscopy. Tg expression was detectable as early as E12.5 and gradually increased >1000-fold until E17.5. Muc1 and Nkx2.1 transcript levels increased in the same time interval. Prior to lobulation (E12.5-13.5), MUC1 and TG distinguished pre-follicular from progenitor cells in the developing isthmus characterized by intense cell proliferation. Luminogenesis comprised redistribution of MUC1+ vesicles or vacuoles, transiently associated with PCNT, to the apical cytoplasm and the subsequent formation of MUC1+ nascent lumens. Apical polarization of pre-follicular cells and lumen initiation involved submembraneous vesicular traffic, reorganization of adherens junctions and ciliogenesis. MUC1 did not co-localize with TG until a lumen with a MUC1+ apical membrane was established. MUC1 delineated the lumen of all newly formed follicles encountered in the developing lobes at E15.5-17.5. Folliculogenesis started before establishment of a complete follicular basal lamina. These observations indicate that embryonic thyroid differentiation is an asynchronous process consistent with the idea that progenitors attaining a stationary position in the connecting isthmus portion undergo apical polarization and generate follicles already at a primordial stage of thyroid development, i.e. foregoing growth of the lobes. Although the thyroid isthmus eventually comprises minute amounts of the total thyroid volume and contributes little to the overall hormone production, it is of principal interest that local cues related to the residence status of cells – independently of a prevailing high multiplication rate – govern the thyroid differentiation program.
SKIN-OFF: REPRESENTATION AND COMPRESSION SCHEME FOR 3D VIDEO

3D video records dynamic 3D visual events as is. The application areas of 3D video include wide varieties of human activities. To promote these applications in our everyday life, a standardized compression scheme for 3D video is required. In this paper, we propose a practical and effective scheme for representing and compressing 3D video named skin-off , in which both the geometric and visual information are efﬁciently represented by cutting a 3D mesh and mapping it onto a 2D array. Our skin-off scheme shares much with geometry videos, proposed by Hoppe et al. However, while geometry videos employ the 3D surface shape information alone to generate 2D images, the skin-off scheme we are proposing employs both 3D shape and texture information to generate them. This enables us to achieve higher image quality with limited bandwidth. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the skin-off scheme.
Another Way to Circumvent Intel ® Trusted Execution Technology

Earlier this year our team has presented an attack against Intel® TXT that exploited a design problem with SMM mode being over privileged on PC platforms and able to interfere with the SENTER instruction. This time we present a different attack that allows an attacker to trick the SENTER instruction into misconfiguring the VT-d engine, so that it doesnʼt protect the newly loaded MLE. This attack exploits implementation flaws in a so called SINIT module. keywords: Intel TXT, Intel VT-d, SINIT, SENTER, Trusted Boot, Attack, Circumvention
THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF PERCEIVED ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SALES PERSONNEL ’ S EMPOWERMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT : A FIELD RESEARCH IN TURKISH TRAVEL AGENCIES

In this research study, the moderating effects of demographic variables and perceived accountability on the evident relationship between employee empowerment and organizational commitment were examined. 426 sales persons in travel agencies in Turkey were chosen as sample of the survey. The common definitions and widely used measures were used for the analyses among variables. Responses for some demographics and perceived accountability were categorized in order to be able to regress in moderated form to test the hypotheses. Findings proved that perceived accountability and income level of the sales persons were found to be the first order determinants of employee empowerment. However, only the age and marital status factors have a moderating effect on the relationship between employee empowerment and organizational commitment.
On Cardinality Estimation and Query Re-optimization

Cost-based query optimizers remain one of the most important components of database management systems for analytic workloads. Though modern optimizers select plans close to optimal performance in the common case, a small number of queries are an order of magnitude slower than they could be. In this paper we investigate why this is still the case, despite decades of improvements to cost models, plan enumeration, and cardinality estimation. We demonstrate why we believe that a re-optimization mechanism is likely the most cost-effective way to improve end-to-end query performance. We find that even a simple re-optimization scheme can improve the latency of many poorly performing queries. We demonstrate that re-optimization improves the end-to-end latency of the top 20 longest running queries in the Join Order Benchmark by 27%, realizing most of the benefit of perfect cardinality estimation.
Latent‐space Dynamics for Reduced Deformable Simulation

We propose the first reduced model simulation framework for deformable solid dynamics using autoencoder neural networks. We provide a data‐driven approach to generating nonlinear reduced spaces for deformation dynamics. In contrast to previous methods using machine learning which accelerate simulation by approximating the time‐stepping function, we solve the true equations of motion in the latent‐space using a variational formulation of implicit integration. Our approach produces drastically smaller reduced spaces than conventional linear model reduction, improving performance and robustness. Furthermore, our method works well with existing force‐approximation cubature methods.