Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: FcR-Like 5 on Innate B Cells Is Targeted by a Poxvirus MHC Class I-Like Immunoevasin

Under selective pressure from host immunity, viruses have retained genes encoding immunoevasins, molecules interfering with host viral recognition and clearance. Due to their binding specificities, immunoevasins can be exploited as affinity labels to identify host-encoded molecules of previously unsuspected importance in defense against the relevant class of virus. We previously described an orthopoxvirus MHC class I-like protein (OMCP) that binds with high affinity to the activating receptor NKG2D on NK and T cell subsets, implicating NKG2D in antiorthopoxvirus immunity. In this study, we report that OMCP also binds in an NKG2D-independent manner to B cells and monocytes/macrophages. We identify murine FcR-like 5 (FCRL5), an orphan immunoregulatory protein highly expressed by innate B lymphocytes, as a specific receptor for OMCP. The three N-terminal Ig domains of FCRL5 are required for OMCP binding. The targeting of FCRL5 by an orthopoxvirus immunoevasin strongly implicates it in contributing to host defense against zoonotic orthopoxviruses.
A validated UV-HPLC method for determination of chlorogenic acid in Lepidogrammitis drymoglossoides (Baker) Ching, Polypodiaceae

Background: Lepidogrammitis drymoglossoides (Baker) Ching (L. drymoglossoides), a member of the Polypodiaceae family, was used in the treatment of numerous diseases. However, none of the potential ingredients and the quality control methods concerning this plant medicine was pronounced. Objective: To identify chlorogenic acid (CGA) from L. drymoglossoides and develop a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay of CGA. Materials and Methods: UV, TLC, and HPLC were utilized to identify the phytochemicals of L. drymoglossoides and determine the CGA content, respectively. The HPLC conditions were as following: a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) (250 × 4.6 mm i.d.; 5 μm particle size; 100 Å pore size) column; the mobile phase of the mixture of acetonitrile and 0.5% aqueous phosphoric acid (11.5:88.5 v/v); the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and determination wavelength of 327 nm. Results: The proposed HPLC method has been developed and validated. The calibration curve was y = 28328x + 16610 (R2 = 0.9997). The intra-day and inter-day precision and intermediate precision were validated with the RSD less than 5%. The mean recovery rate of the method ranged from 95% to 104%, with the RSD less than 5%. The LOD and LQD values were 0.049 and 0.132 mg/L, respectively. The content of CGA in L. drymoglossoides approximately reached 0.24% (v/v) by the proposed extraction and determination methods. Conclusion: The assay method was simple, convenient, and accurate to the quantification of CGA and can be used for the quality control of the herb.
Sry interactive proteins: implication for the mechanisms of sex determination

ABC E-mail karger@karger.ch Fax + 41 61 306 12 34 http://www.karger. com © 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel This article is also accessible online at: http://BioMedNet.com/karger The mammalian sex determination is a complex cascade of developmental events that is dictated by a primary switch gene, termed testis determining factor (TDF) for humans or testis determining Y (Tdy) for other mammals, on the Y chromosome of a developing embryo (Byskov, 1986; Eicher and Washburn, 1986; McLaren, 1991; Goodfellow and Lovell-Badge, 1993; McElreavey et al., 1995). The identification of the sex determining region Y (SRY/Sry) as the TDF/Tdy gene represents the most significant landmark study in this field (Sinclair et al., 1990). The SRY gene was initially isolated by sequencing 35-kb of DNA from the sex determining region of the human Y chromosome. Its homolog, Sry, on the mouse Y chromosome can mediate a male development in XX mice harboring a functional transgene (Koopman et al., 1991), thereby confirming its master switching function in testis determination. The Sry gene is evolutionarily conserved and is located on the Y chromosome of all eutherian mammals (Gubbay et al., 1992; Foster et al., 1992; Su and Lau, 1993; Whitfield et al., 1993; Tucker and Lundrigan, 1993; Coward et al., 1994; Hacker et al., 1995; Greenfield and Koopman, 1996). The SRY/Sry genes consist of only a single exon and encode proteins harboring a DNA-binding domain, termed high mobility group (HMG) box. The HMG box binds to the target sequence, A/TAACAAT/A, and bends the DNA about 80o in vitro (Ferrari et al., 1992; Giese et al., 1992; Harley et al., 1992; 1994). Mutations within the HMG box of the SRY gene from XY sex reversed patients affect either its DNA binding and/or bending properties (Harley et al., 1992; Hawkins et al., 1992; Affara et al., 1993; Pontiggia et al., 1994). Currently, little is known about the mechanism(s) in which Sry mediates testis determination. Recent successes in identifying interactive proteins to human SRY and mouse Sry have provided some insights into the mechanisms involved in this important developmental event.
'I Like Adventure But I Don't Like Writing': A Case Study of a Digital Native Fifth Grader in an ESL Classroom

Evident in classrooms today, it is not uncommon to have young learners skillful as technology users and game players who enjoy the hardship of taking part in challenging games and competitions, paradoxically, unwilling to deal with the challenges of the writing game. Perhaps it is logical to assume that the most convenient means to engage this group of learners in the writing process is to present them with instructional practices that they deem interesting and stimulating. To put this into practice, this study reports on the work with a digital native in an effort to develop a more positive attitude towards writing and with the ultimate aim of improving his writing performance. The foci of this study is three-fold: it explores the qualities that this learner has and brings to light the challenges he faces in the writing process as well as it looks into potential strategies and methods that might motivate him to become a better writer. Further implications and recommendations are suggested for teachers to engage such kind of learners in the world of writing.
Polarizability tensor retrieval for magnetic and plasmonic antenna design

A key quantity in the design of plasmonic antennas and metasurfaces, as well as metamaterials, is the electrodynamic polarizability of a single scattering building block. In particular, in the current merging of plasmonics and metamaterials, subwavelength scatterers are judged by their ability to present a large, generally anisotropic electric and magnetic polarizability, as well as a bi-anisotropic magnetoelectric polarizability. This bi-anisotropic response, whereby a magnetic dipole is induced through electric driving, and vice versa, is strongly linked to the optical activity and chiral response of plasmonic metamolecules. We present two distinct methods to retrieve the polarizibility tensor from electrodynamic simulations. As a basis for both, we use the surface integral equation (SIE) method to solve for the scattering response of arbitrary objects exactly. In the first retrieval method, we project scattered fields onto vector spherical harmonics with the aid of an exact discrete spherical harmonic Fourier transform on the unit sphere. In the second, we take the effective current distributions generated by SIE as a basis to calculate dipole moments. We verify that the first approach holds for scatterers of any size, while the second is only approximately correct for small scatterers. We present benchmark calculations, revisiting the zero-forward scattering paradox of Kerker et al (1983 J. Opt. Soc. Am. 73 765–7) and Alu and Engheta (2010 J. Nanophoton. 4 041590), relevant in dielectric scattering cancelation and sensor cloaking designs. Finally, we report the polarizability tensor of split rings, and show that split rings will strongly influence the emission of dipolar single emitters. In the context of plasmon-enhanced emission, split rings can imbue their large magnetic dipole moment on the emission of simple electric dipole emitters. We present a split ring antenna array design that is capable of converting the emission of a single linear dipole emitter in forward and backward beams of directional emission of opposite handedness. This design can, for instance, find application in the spin angular momentum encoding of quantum information.
Export Performance of SMEs: An Empirical Analysis of the Mediating Role of Corporate Image

The objective of this research is to analyze empirically the role played by corporate image and core competitive of manufacturing SMEs on export performance. The results show the positive effect of competitive core on export performance, as well as the mediator effect of corporate image on internal management development to outward. The research model also incorporates the relational capital to analyze its effect on export performance, highlighting the importance of this aspect to grow and compete in the international area of manufacturing SMEs. Therefore, managers should focus on design and managing proper their corporate image, also in order to compete and grow in the international area.
Angiogenic gene‐modified myoblasts promote vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects

Vascularization is thought to be a principle obstacle in the reconstruction of skeletal muscle defects. Long‐term survival of reconstructed skeletal muscle is dependent on good vascularization. In this study, we upregulated angiogenic gene expression in myoblasts in an attempt to promote vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects. Skeletal myoblasts were isolated and expanded from newborn male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. The cells were transfected with human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF‐165) or human stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1), using Lipofectamine™ 2000 transfection reagent, prior to seeding onto calf collagen scaffolds. Gene and protein overexpression was verified by ELISA, RT–PCR and western blot analysis. Cell‐seeded scaffolds were transplanted into back muscle defects in female SD rats. At weeks 2, 4 and 8 after transplantation, Y chromosome detection was used to observe the survival of growth factor‐producing cells within the scaffolds in vivo. Capillary density was investigated using microvessel density detection, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical staining. We found that vascularization was enhanced by transfected myoblasts compared with non‐transfected myoblasts. In addition, VEGF‐165 and SDF‐1 had a synergistic effect on vascularization during repair of skeletal muscle defects in vivo. In conclusion, we have combined myoblast‐seeded collagen sponge with gene therapy, resulting in a promising approach for the construction of well‐vascularized skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial fault feature extraction via sparse representation over learned dictionary

In the initial fault of rolling bearing, the useful weak impulses reflecting fault feature in measured vibration signal are usually corrupted by strong background noise. Sparse representation over learned dictionary is taken to extract the initial fault feature. Firstly, K-SVD learning algorithm is employed to obtain an adaptive dictionary matching the impulses. Then Batch Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (Batch-OMP) is utilized in sparse-coding stage, and kurtosis is introduced to determine the iteration stop condition in sparse approximation. The simulate data and real bearing data tests validate the proposed method.
[Test-retest reliability of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire in nurses].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the test-retest reliability of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire in nurses and to provide supplementary data for evaluating the reliability of the questionnaire in different occupational populations. METHODS Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was translated into Chinese according to the Guidelines for the process of cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. We carried out a study to examine the reliability of Chinese-version Nordic Questionnaire among Chinese nurses. This study was conducted in 120 nurses recruited from our hospital, who underwent questionnaire survey twice within one week. The test-retest reliability of questionnaire was analyzed. RESULTS The Chinese-version Nordic Questionnaire showed a high test-retest reliability, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.72∼1.00. CONCLUSION The Chinese-version Nordic Questionnaire has a high test-retest reliability in nurses, so it can be used for the screening and epidemiological investigation of musculoskeletal disorders in this population.
Picornavirus Genome Replication

All picornaviruses have a protein, VPg, covalently linked to the 5′-ends of their genomes. Uridylylated VPg (VPg-pUpU) is thought to serve as the protein primer for RNA synthesis. VPg-pUpU can be produced in vitro by the viral polymerase, 3Dpol, in a reaction in which a single adenylate residue of a stem-loop structure, termed oriI, templates processive incorporation of UMP into VPg by using a “slide-back” mechanism. This reaction is greatly stimulated by viral precursor protein 3CD or its processed derivative, 3C; both contain RNA-binding and protease activities. We show that the 3C domain encodes specificity for oriI, and the 3D domain enhances the overall affinity for oriI. Thus, 3C(D) stimulation exhibits an RNA length dependence. By using a minimal system to evaluate the mechanism of VPg uridylylation, we show that the active complex contains polymerase, oriI, and 3C(D) at stoichiometry of 1:1:2. Dimerization of 3C(D) is supported by physical and structural data. Polymerase recruitment to and retention in this complex require a protein-protein interaction between the polymerase and 3C(D). Physical and functional data for this interaction are provided for three picornaviruses. VPg association with this complex is weak, suggesting that formation of a complex containing all necessary components of the reaction is rate-limiting for the reaction. We suggest that assembly of this complex in vivo would be facilitated by use of precursor proteins instead of processed proteins. These data provide a glimpse into the organization of the ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes this key step in picornavirus genome replication.
Visualization concept for the operational planning process considering probabilistic forecasts

Acceptance of innovative tools for operational planning and control of electrical transmission systems depends significantly on the presentation and traceability of their results. Since transmission system planners and operators are currently familiar with deterministic forecasts only, the implementation of an innovative tool considering probabilistic forecasts to support the operational planning process of transmission system operation requires a sound and appropriate concept for the visualization of its results. Such a probabilistic operational planning process could e.g. be used for risk-based assessments of potential future system states, Therefore, an analysis of the processing of complex data and information by the human mind has been carried out. Subsequently, a concept for the displaying of relevant output considering the theoretical background as well as the characteristics of the information is presented.
An overview of modern cache memory and performance analysis of replacement policies

Memory hierarchy in current generation computers is formed by keeping registers inside, cache on or outside the processor and virtual memory on Hard disk. The principle of locality of reference is used to make memory hierarchy work efficiently. In recent years various advances have been made to improve the cache memory performance on the basis of hit rate, latency, speed, replacement policies and energy consumption. Cache replacement policy is one of the important design parameter which affects the overall processor performance and also become more important with recent technological moves towards highly associative cache. This paper yields a survey of current generation processors on the basis of various factors effecting cache memory performance and throughput. The main focus of this paper is the study and performance analysis of the cache replacement policies on the basis of simulation on several benchmarks.
Pancreatic Injuries in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose: To study the mechanism, management and outcome of patients who had sustained pancreatic trauma. Methodology: Patients who were treated for pancreatic trauma in Al-Ain hospital between October 2002 and August 2007 were retrospectively studied. Results: All eleven patients were males having a median age of 30 years (range 24–52 years). Nine had blunt trauma while two had suffered penetrating injury. Three presented with shock. Associated injuries were present in nine patients (head, chest, and extremities) while seven had other intra-abdominal injuries. Only one patient had isolated pancreatic injury. Early serum amylase was elevated in six patients. CT abdomen was diagnostic for pancreatic injury in seven patients. Two cases were missed by early CT scan (sensitivity of 78%) while the remaining two patients were taken immediately to the operating theater. All patients underwent laparotomy. Five patients were treated by drainage alone, four had distal pancreatectomy, abdominal packing was performed in one patient and in another gastrocystostomy was carried out. Pancreatic fistula occurred in three patients. Median hospital stay was 25 days (range 12–152 days). Two patients (18%) died. Conclusions: Blunt trauma is the main cause of pancreatic injury in our country. Early CT scan may miss pancreatic injury in almost a quarter of the patients. Thin sliced CT scan, with special views in a dedicated abdominal pancreatic study, is recommended. A high index of clinical suspicion, depending on the mechanism of injury, is important for diagnosis of pancreatic injury. Mortality is mainly attributable to other associated injuries so simple procedures should initially be adopted for pancreatic injury, especially in haemodynamically unstable patients.
The Serine/Threonine Kinase Akt Promotes Fcγ Receptor-mediated Phagocytosis in Murine Macrophages through the Activation of p70S6 Kinase*

Fcγ receptor (FcγR) clustering by immune complexes activates multiple signaling pathways leading to phagocytosis. We and others have previously reported that Akt is phosphorylated in response to FcγR clustering. However, the functional consequence of Akt activation by FcγR is not known. Using Raw 264.7 macrophage cells transfected to overexpress either constitutively active myristoylated (Myr)-Akt or a dominant-negative CAAX-Akt and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) from wild-type and transgenic mice expressing macrophage-specific Myr-Akt, we analyzed the function of Akt in phagocytosis. We report that overexpression of Myr-Akt resulted in significant increase in phagocytic efficiency, whereas CAAX-Akt down-regulated phagocytosis in Raw 264.7 cells. Likewise BMMs expressing Myr-Akt displayed enhanced phagocytic ability. Analyzing the downstream effectors of Akt, we demonstrate that p70S6 kinase is constitutively phosphorylated in Myr-Akt-expressing BMMs. p70S6 kinase is reported to influence actin cytoskeleton and cell migration, suggesting that Akt may influence phagocytosis through the activation of p70S6 kinase. Consistent with this, overexpression of either wild-type or constitutively active but not a kinase-inactive p70S6 kinase in Raw 264.7 cells significantly enhanced phagocytosis. Likewise suppression of p70S6 kinase with rapamycin down-regulated phagocytic efficiency conferred by the expression of constitutively active Akt. These findings demonstrate a novel role for Akt in phagocytosis through the activation of p70S6 kinase.
A New Control Strategy of Direct Torque Fuzzy Control of a PWM Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drive

This paper presents an original direct torque fuzzy control (DTFC) of a voltage source PWM inverter fed induction motor drive. First a direct torque fuzzy control (DNFC) of a voltage source PWM inverter fed induction motor drive is presented and its performances are compared to those of a classical DTC control. Then a variable gain PI speed controller is introduced to improve these performances. The DTFC control scheme uses the stator flux amplitude and the electromagnetic torque errors through two fuzzy controllers to generate the amplitude and the angle of the reference voltage which is used by a space vector modulator to generate the inverter switching states. Simulation of the DTFC induction motor drive using VGPl for speed control shows promising results. The motor reaches the reference speed rapidly and without overshoot, load disturbances are rapidly rejected, torque and current ripples are greatly attenuated and variation of the stator resistance is fairly well dealt with
The Crime of Genocide and International Law

Genocide is not a new phenomenon. Even classical writings recount instances of mass killings, and the colonial era witnessed numerous cases of genocidal violence both in North and Latin America as well as in Africa. The Holocaust was neither the first nor the last genocide. Nonetheless, it was the extermination of the European Jews that gave rise to international law defining and prohibiting the crime of genocide. In 1944, the Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin created the very term ‘genocide’, joining the Greek word ‘genos’ (race, nation or tribe) and the Latin suffix ‘cide’ (from ‘caedere’, to kill). Lemkin had managed to escape the Holocaust via Sweden before reaching the United States where he published Axis Rule in Occupied Europe, a detailed account of the occupation regime imposed by Nazi Germany.
‘Making every contact count’: Evaluation of the impact of an intervention to train health and social care practitioners in skills to support health behaviour change

A total of 148 health and social care practitioners were trained in skills to support behaviour change: creating opportunities to discuss health behaviours, using open discovery questions, listening, reflecting and goal-setting. At three time points post-training, use of the skills was evaluated and compared with use of skills by untrained practitioners. Trained practitioners demonstrated significantly greater use of these client-centred skills to support behaviour change compared to their untrained peers up to 1 year post-training. Because it uses existing services to deliver support for behaviour change, this training intervention has the potential to improve public health at relatively low cost.
Projections of California Teacher Retirements: A County and Regional Perspective. REL 2017-181.

This projection of California teacher retirements over the next 10 years found that: • One-quarter of teachers who were teaching in 2013/14 are projected to retire over 2014/15–2023/24. • Projected retirement rates varied greatly by county—from 19 percent to 61 percent—suggesting that counties across the state will confront very different staffing situations in the coming years because of projected retirements. • The range of projected retirement rates statewide in math, science, English language arts, history, special education, and elementary school is 23–26 percent.