Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of DegP in Prevention of Protein Misfolding in the Periplasm upon Overexpression of Penicillin Acylase in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Enhancement of the production of soluble recombinant penicillin acylase in Escherichia coli via coexpression of a periplasmic protease/chaperone, DegP, was demonstrated. Coexpression of DegP resulted in a shift of in vivo penicillin acylase (PAC) synthesis flux from the nonproductive pathway to the productive one when pac was overexpressed. The number of inclusion bodies, which consist primarily of protein aggregates of PAC precursors in the periplasm, was highly reduced, and the specific PAC activity was highly increased. DegP was a heat shock protein induced in response to pac overexpression, suggesting that the protein could possibly suppress the physiological toxicity caused by pac overexpression. Coexpression of DegPS210A, a DegP mutant without protease activity but retaining chaperone activity, could not suppress the physiological toxicity, suggesting that DegP protease activity was primarily responsible for the suppression, possibly by degradation of abnormal proteins when pac was overexpressed. However, a shortage of periplasmic protease activity was not the only reason for the deterioration in culture performance upon pac overexpression because coexpression of a DegP-homologous periplasmic protease, DegQ or DegS, could not suppress the physiological toxicity. The chaperone activity of DegP is proposed to be another possible factor contributing to the suppression.
Impact of Agricultural Innovation on Improved Livelihood and Productivity Outcomes Among Smallholder Farmers in Rural Nigeria

Agricultural research programs that are driven by Agricultural Innovation System concepts usually target to change the way in which low income rural agrarian households in a nation like Nigeria communicate with the market and the decision making strategies pertaining to development of their agri-business and the scarce resources which are at their disposal. As a result there has been a shift in the research paradigm in many African countries like Nigeria; from top down research systems to nonlinear dynamic systems that aim to enhance end users capacity to obtain and utilize knowledge and research outputs. The aim of this paper was therefore to assess the extent to which the use of these innovative agricultural research interventions impact upon the livelihood and productivity outcomes of rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria using a case study from the South west region of Nigeria. Using propensity score matching as a means of establishing a valid counterfactual and single differencing to measure impact, the study establishes that rural incomes and output are significantly impacted upon by agricultural research interventions that are driven by agricultural innovation systems concepts. The study however further finds that although participating households had better livelihood and productivity outcomes and more diversified income portfolios during the implementation of the innovative research intervention as a result of greater linkages to markets and capacity building opportunities; phasing out of the research program reduced the diversity of income portfolios and lead to the erosion of livelihoods. The study therefore concluded that agricultural research interventions that are driven by agricultural innovation system concepts have the potential to positively impact upon the livelihood outcomes of rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria however there is need for greater capacity building of local extension agents and increased budgetary support to ensure understanding and application of agricultural innovation system concepts by local level public agricultural extension agents to sustain positive livelihood and productivity outcomes. In addition agricultural innovation system concepts should be mainstreamed in all public agricultural extension and research programs to ensure sustained rural innovation and robust livelihood and improved productivity outcomes.
Lentiviral gp34/OX40L Gene Transfer into Dendritic Cells Facilitates Alloreactive CD4+ T-Cell Response In Vitro

Gene-modified dendritic cells (DCs) are promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we demonstrated that lentiviral transduction of DCs with the gp34/OX40L gene, one of the costimulatory molecules, facilitates alloreactive CD4+ T-cell response in vitro. We achieved a 20% to 40% efficiency of gp34/OX40L gene transfer into DCs by the lentiviral vector, and lentiviral gp34/OX40L gene transfer did not alter the surface phenotype of either immature or mature DCs, suggesting that expression of gp34/OX40L did not induce the maturation of immature DCs and that gp34/OX40L—transduced DCs could fully differentiate into mature DCs. gp34/OX40L gene transfer facilitated an allogeneic CD4+ T-cell response in vitro by mature DCs but not by immature DCs. Dose escalation of the transgene induced an increasing amount of gp34/OX40L expression, leading to an increasing level of up-regulation of the allogeneic CD4+ T-cell response. The addition of anti-gp34 monoclonal antibody totally abrogated this up-regulation. These results suggest that this facilitation of allogeneic CD4+ T-cell response is specifically dependent on gp34/OX40L expressed on transduced DCs. Taken together, our findings show that gp34/OX40L plays an important role in allogeneic CD4+ T-cell activation by DCs and that lentiviral gp34/OX40L gene transfer into DCs may be a useful strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
On the testability of array structures for FFT computation

This article presents new approaches for testing VLSI array architectures used in the computation of the complexN-point Fast Fourier Transform. Initially, an unrestricted single cell-level fault model is considered. The first proposed approach is based on a process whose complexity is independent (or C- as constant) of the number of cells in the FFT architecture. This is accomplished by showing a topological equivalence between the FFT array and a linear (one-dimensional) array. The process of fault location is also analyzed. The second proposed method is based on a testing process whose complexity is linear with respect to the number of stages (columns) of the FFT array. A component-level fault model is also proposed and analyzed. The implications of this model on the C-testability process are fully described.
The role of the carboxyl terminal α‐helical coiled‐coil domain in osmosensing by transporter ProP of Escherichia coli

Concentrative uptake of osmoprotectants via transporter ProP contributes to the rehydration of Escherichia coli cells that encounter high osmolality media. A member of the major facilitator superfamily, ProP is activated by osmotic upshifts in whole bacteria, in cytoplasmic membrane vesicles and in proteoliposomes prepared with the purified protein. Soluble protein ProQ is also required for full osmotic activation of ProP in vivo. ProP is differentiated from structural and functional homologues by its osmotic activation and its C‐terminal extension, which is predicted to form an α‐helical coiled‐coil. A synthetic polypeptide corresponding to the C‐terminus of ProP (ProP‐p) formed a dimeric α‐helical coiled‐coil. A derivative of transporter ProP lacking 26 C‐terminal amino acids was expressed but inactive. A derivative harbouring amino acid changes K460I, Y467I and H495I (each at the core, coiled‐coil ‘a’ position) required a larger osmotic upshift for activation than did the wild type transporter. The same changes extended, stabilized and altered the oligomeric state of the coiled‐coil formed by ProP‐p. Amino acid change R488I (also at the ‘a’ position) further increased the magnitude of the osmotic upshift required to activate ProP, reduced the activity attained and rendered ProP activation transient. Unexpectedly, replacement R488I destabilized the coiled‐coil formed by ProP‐p. The activity and osmotic activation of ProP were even more strongly attenuated by helix‐destabilizing change I474P. These data demonstrate that the carboxyl terminal domain of ProP can form a homodimeric α‐helical coiled‐coil with unusual properties. They implicate the C‐terminal domain in the osmotic activation of ProP. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research of trust model based on fuzzy theory in mobile ad hoc networks

The performance of ad hoc networks depends on the cooperative and trust nature of the distributed nodes. To enhance security in ad hoc networks, it is important to evaluate the trustworthiness of other nodes without central authorities. An information-theoretic framework is presented, to quantitatively measure trust and build a novel trust model (FAPtrust) with multiple trust decision factors. These decision factors are incorporated to reflect trust relationship's complexity and uncertainty in various angles. The weight of these factors is set up using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process theory based on entropy weight method, which makes the model has a better rationality. Moreover, the fuzzy logic rules prediction mechanism is adopted to update a node's trust for future decision-making. As an application of this model, a novel reactive trust-based multicast routing protocol is proposed. This new trusted protocol provides a flexible and feasible approach in routing decision-making, taking into account both the trust constraint and the malicious node detection in multi-agent systems. Comprehensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the efficiency of trust model and multicast trust enhancement in the improvement of network interaction quality, trust dynamic adaptability, malicious node identification, attack resistance and enhancements of system's security.
Lipoarabinomannan mannose caps do not affect mycobacterial virulence or the induction of protective immunity in experimental animal models of infection and have minimal impact on in vitro inflammatory responses

Mannose‐capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) is considered an important virulence factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, while mannose caps have been reported to be responsible for various immunosuppressive activities of ManLAMobserved in vitro, there is conflicting evidence about their contribution to mycobacterial virulence in vivo. Therefore, we used Mycobacterium bovis BCG and M. tuberculosis mutants that lack the mannose cap of LAM to assess the role of ManLAM in the interaction of mycobacteria with the host cells, to evaluate vaccine‐induced protection and to determine its importance in M. tuberculosis virulence. Deletion of the mannose cap did not affect BCG survival and replication in macrophages, although the capless mutant induced a somewhat higher production of TNF. In dendritic cells, the capless mutant was able to induce the upregulation of co‐stimulatory molecules and the only difference we detected was the secretion of slightly higher amounts of IL‐10 as compared to the wild type strain. In mice, capless BCG survived equally well and induced an immune response similar to the parental strain. Furthermore, the efficacy of vaccination against a M. tuberculosis challenge in low‐dose aerosol infection models in mice and guinea pigs was not affected by the absence of the mannose caps in the BCG. Finally, the lack of the mannose cap in M. tuberculosis did not affect its virulence in mice nor its interaction with macrophages in vitro. Thus, these results do not support a major role for the mannose caps of LAM in determining mycobacterial virulence and immunogenicity in vivo in experimental animal models of infection, possibly because of redundancy of function.
Profitability, state ownership, tax reporting and corporate social responsibility: evidence from Chinese listed firms

Purpose - – This paper aims to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of listed Chinese firms. In particular, it examines the relationships between CSR and profitability, state ownership and tax reporting behavior. Design/methodology/approach - – The paper is an empirical study using CSR reports published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and financial data collected from the China Stock Market Financial Statement Database (CSMAR). Findings - – The paper finds that state ownership is positively associated with CSR and its three components including the governance, social and environmental scores; firm profitability is positively associated with CSR and its market score; and tax reporting behavior is negatively associated with the environmental score. But the result is weak. Research limitations/implications - – The results in this study should be treated with some caution as the sample size of 85 observations represents only a small fraction of China’s listed firms. A larger sample size is desirable and may affect our results. Social implications - – This paper is of interest to policy-makers, corporate management and academics who wish to explore the relationship between CSR and other firm characteristics. Originality/value - – This paper is the first study which provides a comprehensive examination of CSR and its four components in connection with Chinese firms. In particular, it examines the relationship between CSR and profitability and state ownership.
Endotoxins prevent murine IgE production, T(H)2 immune responses, and development of airway eosinophilia but not airway hyperreactivity.

BACKGROUND Contact with immunomodulatory factors, such as LPS, in early infancy is associated with decreased allergen sensitization. OBJECTIVE We sought to study the effects of systemic or airway exposure with LPS on the development of allergen sensitization, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and increased in vivo airway reactivity (AR) in a mouse model. METHODS BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) plus adjuvant on days 1 and 14 and challenged through the airways with allergen on days 34 to 36. We performed measurement of OVA-specific IgE serum levels, in vitro T(H)2 cytokine production, differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and assessment of in vivo AR to inhaled methacholine by means of barometric whole-body plethysmography. RESULTS Systemic LPS administration before OVA sensitization reduced OVA-specific IgE serum levels (426 +/- 76 vs 880 +/- 104 U/mL, P <.01), T(H)2 cytokine production by splenic mononuclear cells (IL-4: 0.08 +/- 0.01 vs 0.17 +/- 0.01 ng/mL; IL-5: 1.98 +/- 0.52 vs 4.11 +/- 0.54 ng/mL; P <.01), and extent of airway eosinophilia (total cell counts: 93 vs 376 x 10(3)/mL; eosinophils: 23% vs 51%; P <. 01) compared with that in OVA-sensitized mice. Local LPS administration to sensitized mice before airway allergen challenges particularly induced IFN-gamma production by peribronchial lymph node cells in vitro (1718 +/- 315 vs 483 +/- 103 ng/mL, P <.01) associated with reduced airway eosinophilia compared with that seen in OVA-sensitized mice. Development of increased AR was not affected by systemic or local LPS exposure. Inhibitory effects of LPS on allergen sensitization and eosinophilic airway inflammation were inhibited by administration of anti-IL-12 antibodies before LPS exposure. CONCLUSION These data indicate that local and systemic application of LPS modulates systemic and local T(H)1/T(H)2 immune responses in a distinct but similarly IL-12-dependent mode.
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1-directed Methylation of Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus Latency-associated Nuclear Antigen*

Background: Post-translational modifications generate functional heterogeneity of viral regulatory factors. Results: Viral chromatin association by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) is modulated by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1)-directed methylation. Conclusion: Methylation of KSHV LANA antagonizes viral reactivation. Significance: Protein methylation contributes to the functional properties of viral regulatory proteins, including KSHV LANA. The Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) is a multifunctional protein with roles in gene regulation and maintenance of viral latency. Post-translational modification of LANA is important for functional diversification. Here, we report that LANA is subject to arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 in vitro and in vivo. The major arginine methylation site in LANA was mapped to arginine 20. This site was mutated to either phenylalanine (bulky hydrophobic, constitutive methylated mimetic) or lysine (positively charged, non-arginine methylatable) residues. The significance of the methylation in LANA function was examined in both the isolated form and in the context of the viral genome through the generation of recombinant KSHV. In addition, authentic LANA binding sites on the KSHV episome in naturally infected cells were identified using a whole genome KSHV tiling array. Although mutation of the methylation site resulted in no significant difference in KSHV LANA subcellular localization, we found that the methylation mimetic mutation resulted in augmented histone binding in vitro and increased LANA occupancy at identified LANA target promoters in vivo. Moreover, a cell line carrying the methylation mimetic mutant KSHV showed reduced viral gene expression relative to controls both in latency and in the course of reactivation. These results suggest that residue 20 is important for modulation of a subset of LANA functions and properties of this residue, including the hydrophobic character induced by arginine methylation, may contribute to the observed effects.
“Think bigger about science”: Using Twitter for learning in the middle grades

Abstract This article examines the use of Twitter as a learning tool in a middle grades science classroom. Relevant research, the direct experience of the teacher leading this unique initiative, and the invaluable perspectives of his middle level students are included to inform interested stakeholders. Following a discussion of open versus closed digital environments, a rationale for why open forms of social media, like Twitter, can be appropriate for middle grades students is explored. The ways in which one author integrates Twitter into his teaching is then described before student outcomes are explained, including the voices and perspectives of students themselves. Finally, the challenges teachers might face in using Twitter with students are discussed and recommendations are offered for those considering integrating social media into their pedagogy.
Unfractionated heparin after TBI reduces in vivo cerebrovascular inflammation, brain edema and accelerates cognitive recovery

BACKGROUND Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may increase the risk of venous thromboembolic complications; however, early prevention with heparinoids is often withheld for its anticoagulant effect. New evidence suggests low molecular weight heparin reduces cerebral edema and improves neurological recovery after stroke and TBI, through blunting of cerebral leukocyte (LEU) recruitment. It remains unknown if unfractionated heparin (UFH) similarly affects brain inflammation and neurological recovery post-TBI. We hypothesized that UFH after TBI reduces cerebral edema by reducing LEU-mediated inflammation and improves neurological recovery. METHODS CD1 male mice underwent either TBI by controlled cortical impact (CCI) or sham craniotomy. UFH (75 U/kg or 225 U/kg) or vehicle (VEH, 0.9% saline) was administered 2, 11, 20, 27, and 34 hours after TBI. At 48 hours, pial intravital microscopy through a craniotomy was used to visualize live brain LEUs interacting with endothelium and microvascular fluorescein isothiocyanate–albumin leakage. Neurologic function (Garcia Neurological Test, GNT) and body weight loss ratios were evaluated 24 and 48 hours after TBI. Cerebral and lung wet-to-dry ratios were evaluated post mortem. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to determine significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS Compared to positive controls (CCI), both UFH doses reduced post-TBI in vivo LEU rolling on endothelium, concurrent cerebrovascular albumin leakage, and ipsilateral cerebral water content after TBI. Additionally, only low dose UFH (75 U/kg) improved GNT at both 24 and 48 hours after TBI. High dose UFH (225 U/kg) significantly increased body weight loss above sham at 48 hours. Differences in lung water content and blood pressure between groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS UFH after TBI reduces LEU recruitment, microvascular permeability, and brain edema to injured brain. Lower UFH doses concurrently improve neurological recovery whereas higher UFH may worsen functional recovery. Further study is needed to determine if this is caused by increased bleeding from injured brain with higher UFH doses.
Monilial cystitis-effective treatment with instilations of amphotericin B.

Urinary-tract moniliasis consequent to broad-spectrum-antibiotic therapy has been occurring with increasing frequency. Two cases of chronic monilial cystitis, confirmed by fungus colony counts, were treated with bladder instillations of amphotericin B with dramatic clinical response. Fifteen milligrams of amphotericin B was instilled into the bladder once daily. Clinical improvement occurred after a few instillations. The diagnosis must be confirmed by serial dilution cultures, as most ordinary positive cultures will be due to contaminant growth. The presence of over 1,000 fungus colonies per milliliter of urine indicates significant clinical infection. This entity is not common but should be considered in all cases of obscure urinary-tract infection that are unresponsive to usual therapy.
AdvNet: Adversarial Contrastive Residual Net for 1 Million Kinship Recognition

Kinship verification in the wild is an interesting and challenging problem. The goal of kinship verification is to determine whether a pair of faces are blood relatives or not. Most previous methods for kinship verification can be divided as hand-crafted features based shallow learning methods and convolutional neural network (CNN) based deep learning methods. Nevertheless, these methods are still posed with the challenging task of recognizing kinship cues from facial images. Part of the reason for this may be that, the family information and the distribution difference of pairwise kin-face data based kinship verification issue are rarely considered. Inspired by maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) and generative adversarial net (GAN), family ID based Adversarial contrastive residual Network (AdvNet) is proposed for large-scale (1 Million) kinship recognition in this paper. The MMD based adversarial loss (AL), pairwise contrastive loss (CL) and family ID based softmax loss (SL) are jointly formulated in the proposed AdvNet for kin-relation enhancement and discovery. Further, the deep nets ensemble is used for deep kin-feature augmentation. Finally, Euclidean distance metric is used for kinship recognition. Extensive experiments on the 1st Large-Scale Kinship Recognition Data Challenge (Families in the wild) show the effectiveness of our proposed AdvNet and ensemble based feature augmentation.