Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The clash of expectancies: Does the P300 amplitude reflect both passive and active expectations?

We investigated the clash of different types of expectations by studying event-related potentials and behavioural correlates of passive and active expectations. In the three tasks we used, target stimuli could either confirm or disconfirm both expectations, or confirm one while disconfirming the other. Depending on the task, expected events were related to either increased or decreased P300 amplitude. This was contingent on whether the expected item was probable given the context, or whether it was a target match. This suggests that the effect of expectancy on the P300 amplitude can be direct or indirect. In the case of a direct effect, the evidence suggests that most likely only unconscious, automatic estimation of stimulus probability is reflected in the size of P300 amplitude. However, active, conscious expectancies can influence the P300 activity via indirect routes, by influencing stimulus significance, by leading to the closure of perceptual epoch, or by changing the level of difficulty of processing. Such indirect effect of expectancy can have an opposite direction to the effect of automatically formed expectancies—that is, expected stimuli could be related to larger P300 amplitudes.
Identification of a Novel Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II–restricted Tumor Antigen Resulting from a Chromosomal Rearrangement Recognized by CD4+ T Cells

CD4+ T cells play an important role in antitumor immune responses and autoimmune and infectious diseases. Although many major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I–restricted tumor antigens have been identified in the last few years, little is known about MHC class II– restricted human tumor antigens recognized by CD4+ T cells. Here, we describe the identification of a novel melanoma antigen recognized by an human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR1–restricted CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)1363 using a genetic cloning approach. DNA sequencing analysis indicated that this was a fusion gene generated by a low density lipid receptor (LDLR) gene in the 5′ end fused to a GDP-l-fucose:β-d-galactoside 2-α-l-fucosyltransferase (FUT) in an antisense orientation in the 3′ end. The fusion gene encoded the first five ligand binding repeats of LDLR in the NH2 terminus followed by a new polypeptide translated in frame with LDLR from the FUT gene in an antisense direction. Southern blot analysis showed that chromosomal DNA rearrangements occurred in the 1363mel cell line. Northern blot analysis detected two fusion RNA transcripts present only in the autologous 1363mel, but not in other cell lines or normal tissues tested. Two minimal peptides were identified from the COOH terminus of the fusion protein. This represents the first demonstration that a fusion protein resulting from a chromosomal rearrangement in tumor cells serves as an immune target recognized by CD4+ T cells.
High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in peripheral T-cell lymphoma: the GEL-TAMO experience.

BACKGROUND T-cell immunophenotype constitutes an unfavorable prognostic factor in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell rescue (HDC/ASCT) is the best salvage therapy for patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas. However, results with this therapy in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) are not well defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 1990 to December 1999, 115 patients with PTCL underwent HDC/ASCT inside the Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante Autólogo de Médula Osea (GEL-TAMO) registry. At diagnosis the median age was 41 years and 60% of patients presented with two or three risk factors from the adjusted International Prognostic Index (a-IPI). Thirty-two per cent of patients were transplanted in first complete response (CR), 62% in chemosensitive disease and 5% in refractory disease. RESULTS Eighty-six per cent of the patients attained a CR and 5% a partial response (PR). With a median follow-up of 37 months (range 1-133), overall survival (OS), time-to-treatment failure (TTF) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years was 56%, 51% and 60%, respectively; for the 37 patients transplanted in first CR, OS and DFS at 5 years were 80% and 79%, respectively. Lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), a-IPI and disease status pre-transplant were associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS More than half of patients with chemosensitive disease who were transplanted are expected to be alive at 5 years. We confirm the utility of the pre-transplant IPI system in predicting outcome. Salvage treatment results with HDC/ASCT in PTCL are similar to those found in corresponding aggressive B-cell lymphomas.
Intuitive Exploration of Volumetric Data Using Dynamic Galleries

In this work we present a volume exploration method designed to be used by novice users and visitors to science centers and museums. The volumetric digitalization of artifacts in museums is of rapidly increasing interest as enhanced user experience through interactive data visualization can be achieved. This is, however, a challenging task since the vast majority of visitors are not familiar with the concepts commonly used in data exploration, such as mapping of visual properties from values in the data domain using transfer functions. Interacting in the data domain is an effective way to filter away undesired information but it is difficult to predict where the values lie in the spatial domain. In this work we make extensive use of dynamic previews instantly generated as the user explores the data domain. The previews allow the user to predict what effect changes in the data domain will have on the rendered image without being aware that visual parameters are set in the data domain. Each preview represents a subrange of the data domain where overview and details are given on demand through zooming and panning. The method has been designed with touch interfaces as the target platform for interaction. We provide a qualitative evaluation performed with visitors to a science center to show the utility of the approach.
Mutation Testing of Functional Programming Languages

— Mutation testing has been widely studied in imperative programming languages. The rising popularity of functional languages and the adoption of functional idioms in traditional languages (e.g. lambda expressions) requires a new set of studies for evaluating the effectiveness of mutation testing in a functional context. In this paper, we report our ongoing effort in applying mutation testing in functional programming languages. We describe new mutation operators for functional constructs and explain why functional languages might facilitate understanding of mutation testing results. We also introduce MuCheck, our mutation testing tool for Haskell programs.
Crystal structures of the vitamin D-binding protein and its complex with actin: Structural basis of the actin-scavenger system

Actin is the most abundant protein in eukaryotic cells, but its release from cells into blood vessels can be lethal, being associated with clinical situations including hepatic necrosis and septic shock. A homeostatic mechanism, termed the actin-scavenger system, is responsible for the depolymerization and removal of actin from the circulation. During the first phase of this mechanism, gelsolin severs the actin filaments. In the second phase, the vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) traps the actin monomers, which accelerates their clearance. We have determined the crystal structures of DBP by itself and complexed with actin to 2.1 Å resolution. Similar to its homologue serum albumin, DBP consists of three related domains. Yet, in DBP a strikingly different organization of the domains gives rise to a large actin-binding cavity. After complex formation the three domains of DBP move slightly to “clamp” onto actin subdomain 3 and to a lesser extent subdomain 1. Contacts between actin and DBP throughout their extensive 3,454-Å2 intermolecular interface involve a mixture of hydrophobic, electrostatic, and solvent-mediated interactions. The area of actin covered by DBP within the complex approximately equals the sum of those covered by gelsolin and profilin. Moreover, certain interactions of DBP with actin mirror those observed in the actin-gelsolin complex, which may explain how DBP can compete effectively with gelsolin for actin binding. Formation of the strong actin–DBP complex proceeds with limited conformational changes to both proteins, demonstrating how DBP has evolved to become an effective actin-scavenger protein.
DRwp F : A Fault Tolerant Distributed Routing Calculi

We design a new language DR w F in which we extend the language DR w to handle node failure during communication. We have extended the reduction semantics of DR w . For handling the node failure we describe two tables at router: One is routing table contains name mapping for forward travel of messages and other is a database of all active nodes at any router. Further we discuss the new node creation and failed node activation during communication. We show how the entries of routing tables are updated using backward learning updates. We explain the usefulness and working of our reduction semantics by taking one example.
Ginsenoside Rb1 enhances atherosclerotic plaque stability by skewing macrophages to the M2 phenotype

Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized as progressive arterial plaque, which is easy to rupture under low stability. Macrophage polarization and inflammation response plays an important role in regulating plaque stability. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the main active principles of Panax Ginseng, has been found powerful potential in alleviating inflammatory response. However, whether Rb1 could exert protective effects on AS plaque stability remains unclear. This study investigated the role of Rb1 on macrophage polarization and atherosclerotic plaque stability using primary peritoneal macrophages isolated from C57BL/6 mice and AS model in ApoE−/− mice. In vitro, Rb1 treatment promoted the expression of arginase‐I (Arg‐I) and macrophage mannose receptor (CD206), two classic M2 macrophages markers, while the expression of iNOS (M1 macrophages) was decreased. Rb1 increased interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) secretion in supernatant and promoted STAT6 phosphorylation. IL‐4 and/or IL‐13 neutralizing antibodies and leflunomide, a STAT6 inhibitor attenuated the up‐regulation of M2 markers induced by Rb1. In vivo, the administration of Rb1 promoted atherosclerotic lesion stability, accompanied by increased M2 macrophage phenotype and reduced MMP‐9 staining. These data suggested that Rb1 enhanced atherosclerotic plaque stability through promoting anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization, which is achieved partly by increasing the production of IL‐4 and/or IL‐13 and STAT6 phosphorylation. Our study provides new evidence for possibility of Rb1 in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
A partially active mutant aldolase B from a patient with hereditary fructose intolerance

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a potentially fatal autosomal recessive disease of carbohydrate metabolism. HFI patients are deficient in aldolase B, the isozyme expressed in fructose‐metabolizing tissues. The eight protein coding exons, including splicing signals, of the aldolase B gene from one American HFI patient were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct sequence determination were applied to the amplified fragments. The mutations in the patient's alleles were identified as a nonsense mutation (R59op) in exon 3 and a missense mutation (C134R) in exon 5. These mutations were confirmed by sequence determination of cloned PCR‐amplified exons 3 and 5 from the patient. Allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridizations of amplified exons 3 and 5 showed the Mendelian inheritance of both mutations. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to generate an expression plasmid for the C134R mutation, and the mutant enzyme was expressed in bacteria. Assays of partially purified enzyme preparations showed that this missense mutation results in an apparently unstable enzyme that retains partial activity. This is the first evidence for a partially active aldolase B from an HFI individual with an identified mutation, and supports the hypothesis that adequate gluconeogenesis/glycolysis is maintained in HFI patients by the presence of partially active enzymes. — Brooks, C. C. , Tolan, D. R. A partially active mutant aldolase B from a patient with hereditary fructose intolerance. FASEB J. 8: 107‐113; 1994.
Managing Particle Spread via Hybrid Particle Filter/Kernel Mean Shift Tracking

Particle filtering provides a well-developed and widely adopted approach to visual tracking. For effective tracking in real-world environments the particle set must sample widely enough that it can represent alternative target states in areas of ambiguity. It must not, however, become diffuse, spreading across the image plane rather than clustering around the object(s) of interest. A key issue in the design of particle filter-based trackers is how to manage the spread of the particle set to balance these conflicting requirements. To be computationally efficient, balance must be achieved with as small a particle set as reasonably possible. A number of hybrid particle filter/mean-shift trackers have recently been proposed. We believe that their strength lies in their ability to alternately disperse and cluster particles together, providing both a degree of balance and a reduced particle set. We present a novel hybrid of the annealed particle filter and kernel mean-shift algorithms that emphasises this behaviour. The algorithm has been applied to a wide variety of artificial and real image sequences. The method has performance and efficiency advantages over both pure kernel mean-shift and particle filtering trackers and existing hybrid algorithms
Two receptor classes for epidermal growth factor on pheochromocytoma cells, distinguishable by temperature, lectins, and tumor promoters

Rat pheochromocytoma cells (clone PC12) display cell surface receptors for both nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) and therefore provide a useful model system with which to study the role of these receptors in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. In this paper PC12 cells are demonstrated to possess two classes of EGF receptors, a high‐affinity class with 7,600 sites per cell and an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.05 nM, and a low‐affinity class with 62,000 sites per cell and a Kd of 14.1 nM. These findings are contrary to literature data (Huff et al., 1981; Vale and Shooter, 1983) but can be explained in part by differences in experimental conditions. Binding studies at 37°C compared with room temperature demonstrated similar affinities of both classes, but during prolonged incubation at 37°C, the binding capacities of both classes decreased. Furthermore the high‐affinity class was sensitive to lectins, such as concanavalin A (Con A), and to the tumor‐promoting phorbol ester 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA). Both compounds caused a decrease of the affinity of the high‐affinity class without affecting the low‐affinity class. At high concentrations of Con A or TPA, a decrease of the apparent number of binding sites of the low‐affinity class was also observed. The similarities between the characteristics of EGF binding and NGF binding in PC12 cells are striking and will be discussed.
Predicting Power Output of Upper Body using the OMNI-RES Scale

Abstract The main aim of this study was to determine the optimal training zone for maximum power output. This was to be achieved through estimating mean bar velocity of the concentric phase of a bench press using a prediction equation. The values for the prediction equation would be obtained using OMNI-RES scale values of different loads of the bench press exercise. Sixty males ( voluntarily participated in the study and were tested using an incremental protocol on a Smith machine to determine one repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press exercise. A linear regression analysis produced a strong correlation (r = -0.94) between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mean bar velocity (Velmean). The Pearson correlation analysis between real power output (PotReal) and estimated power (PotEst) showed a strong correlation coefficient of r = 0.77, significant at a level of p = 0.01. Therefore, the OMNI-RES scale can be used to predict Velmean in the bench press exercise to control the intensity of the exercise. The positive relationship between PotReal and PotEst allowed for the identification of a maximum power-training zone.
Modality and identity construction in the narratives of Libyan EFL learners / Hanan Bulgasim Salem Buhassan

Identity construction occurs either in the personal or social levels. Such construction of identity manifests in various ways most particularly through the narratives. Therefore this study seeks to examine the identity construction of Libyan ELF learners through their personal narratives. More specifically, this study focuses on identity construction through the use of mood and modality. Thirty personal narratives from thirty Libyan EFL learners are examined and analyzed. The study uses the qualitative research paradigm in collecting and analyzing the data. Positioning theory is used as the theoretical framework (Bamberg 1997, 2003, 2004, 2010 and 2011). The researcher also adopted the theories introduced by Halliday in Halliday & Hasan (1989) and Halliday & Matthiessen (2004). The findings of the study reveal that academic identity, personal identity, ethnic identity, social identity, national identity are the identities that Libyan EFL learners construct. Furthermore, the imperative, declarative, and interrogative modals are the moods in which identity construction is revealed. It is also evident that modalities enhance the identity constructed by the Libyan EFL learners. It can be generalized that construction of identity through narrative discourses is guided by social ideology and linguistic choices.
Administration of interleukin-12 enhances the therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines in mouse hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that are capable of priming systemic antitumor immune response. Here, we evaluated the combined effectiveness of tumor lysate-pulsed DC immunization and interleukin (IL)-12 administration on the induction of antitumor immunity in a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. Mouse DCs were pulsed with lysate of BNL 1ME A.7R. 1 (BNL), a BALB/c-derived HCC cell line, and then injected into syngeneic mice in combination with systemic administration of IL-12. Lymphocytes from mice treated with BNL lysate-pulsed DCs and IL-12 showed stronger cytolytic activity and produced higher amounts of IFN-gamma than those from mice treated with BNL lysate-pulsed DCs alone. Although immunization with BNL lysate-pulsed DCs alone did not lead to complete regression of established tumors, it significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with vehicle injection. Importantly, the combined therapy of BNL lysate-pulsed DCs and IL-12 resulted in tumor rejection or significant inhibition of tumor growth compared with mice treated with BNL lysate-pulsed DCs alone. In vivo lymphocyte depletion experiments demonstrated that this combination was dependent on both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, but not natural killer cells. These results demonstrated that IL-12 administration enhanced the therapeutic effect of immunization of tumor lysate-pulsed DCs against HCC in mice. This combination of IL-12 and DCs may be useful for suppressing the growth of residual tumor after primary therapy of human HCC.
Rapid alleviation of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with intravenous or subcutaneous administration of adalimumab in combination with methotrexate

Objective: This randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, Phase 1 study assessed the magnitude, onset, and duration of response with intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) adalimumab (Humira®, Abbott Laboratories) combined with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite previous MTX therapy. Methods: Fifty‐four patients were randomized to two injections of i.v. or s.c. adalimumab (1 mg/kg) or placebo while continuing on MTX (mean dose, 15.7 mg/week). Dosing intervals were determined by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria, and were allowed to range from 1 to 3 months. Efficacy was mainly assessed using the EULAR response criteria and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria. Results: Moderate EULAR response was achieved at least once within 29 days after the first injection in 83% and 61% of patients receiving i.v. and s.c. adalimumab respectively, compared with 44% for placebo [probability (p)≤0.05 for i.v. adalimumab versus placebo]. A 20% improvement in disease activity according to the ACR criteria (ACR20 response) was achieved by 72% and 67% of patients receiving i.v. and s.c. adalimumab respectively, compared with 28% for placebo (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05, respectively, versus placebo). By Day 15 after the first and second injections, statistically significant moderate EULAR and ACR20 response rates were achieved with either i.v. or s.c. adalimumab compared with placebo (p ≤ 0.05). The mean times to second injection for i.v. adalimumab, s.c. adalimumab, and placebo were 42.2 days (range: 27–84 days), 38.3 days (range: 26–85 days), and 28.4 days (range: 26–32 days), respectively (minimum time allowed by the protocol between the first and second injections was 4 weeks). Adalimumab in combination with MTX was well tolerated, with no patients being withdrawn because of adverse events. Conclusion: Either i.v. or s.c. adalimumab added to MTX significantly improved the signs and symptoms of RA compared with MTX alone. Subcutaneously administered adalimumab appeared to provide a response that was as great, as rapid, and as enduring as that with i.v. adalimumab.
Keeping Control: The Role of Senescence and Development in Plant Pathogenesis and Defense

Many plant pathogens show interactions with host development. Pathogens may modify plant development according to their nutritional demands. Conversely, plant development influences pathogen growth. Biotrophic pathogens often delay senescence to keep host cells alive, and resistance is achieved by senescence-like processes in the host. Necrotrophic pathogens promote senescence in the host, and preventing early senescence is a resistance strategy of plants. For hemibiotrophic pathogens both patterns may apply. Most signaling pathways are involved in both developmental and defense reactions. Increasing knowledge about the molecular components allows to distinguish signaling branches, cross-talk and regulatory nodes that may influence the outcome of an infection. In this review, recent reports on major molecular players and their role in senescence and in pathogen response are reviewed. Examples of pathosystems with strong developmental implications illustrate the molecular basis of selected control strategies. A study of gene expression in the interaction between the hemibiotrophic vascular pathogen Verticillium longisporum and its cruciferous hosts shows processes that are fine-tuned to counteract early senescence and to achieve resistance. The complexity of the processes involved reflects the complex genetic control of quantitative disease resistance, and understanding the relationship between disease, development and resistance will support resistance breeding.
The Burden of Academic Success: Loyalists, Renegades, and Double Agents

1 Preface 2 Acknowledgements 3 Chapter One: Introduction 4 Chapter Two: Historical and Social Background 5 Chapter Three: Class Stereotypes of Intelligence and the Possibilities of Education 6 Chapter Four: Opposing Cultures 7 Chapter Five: Divided Loyalties 8 Chapter Six: Gates and Gowns 9 Chapter Seven: The Burden of Academic Success 10 Chapter Eight: Conclusion 11 Appendix A: Methodology