Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engagement of the CrkL Adapter in Interleukin-5 Signaling in Eosinophils*

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) drives the terminal differentiation of myeloid progenitors to the eosinophil lineage; blocks eosinophil apoptosis; and primes eosinophils for enhanced functional activities in allergic, parasitic, and other eosinophil-associated diseases. Here we describe a novel signaling pathway activated by the IL-5 receptor in eosinophils involving the CrkL adapter protein. We determined whether IL-5 induces activation of CrkL and STAT5 in eosinophils using both the human eosinophil-differentiated AML14.3D10 cell line and purified peripheral blood eosinophils from normal donors. Stimulation of AML14.3D10 cells or blood eosinophils with IL-5 induced rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of the CrkL adapter and STAT5 and the association of CrkL and STAT5 in vivo as evidenced by the detection of STAT5 in anti-CrkL immunoprecipitates. The resulting CrkL·STAT5 complexes translocated to the nucleus and bound STAT5 consensus DNA-binding sites present in the promoters of IL-5-regulated genes, as shown in gel mobility and antibody supershift assays. IL-5 also induced marked activity of an 8X-GAS (interferon γ-activated site)-luciferase reporter construct in transient transfections of AML14.3D10 eosinophils, demonstrating that these complexes play a functional role in IL-5 signaling. CrkL was also found to interact, via its N-terminal SH3 domain, with C3G, a guanine exchange factor for the small G-protein Rap1, which was also rapidly activated in an IL-5-dependent manner in these cells, establishing that CrkL mediates downstream activation of at least two signaling cascades in IL-5-stimulated eosinophils. Thus, the CrkL adapter plays an important role in IL-5 signaling in the eosinophil, acting as a nuclear adapter for STAT5 and as an upstream regulator of the C3G-Rap1 signaling pathway.
Effective Schottky Barrier Height Reduction Using Sulfur or Selenium at the NiSi/n-Si (100) Interface for Low Resistance Contacts

We explore a novel integration approach that introduces valence-mending adsorbates such as sulfur (S) or selenium (Se) by ion implantation and prior to nickel silicidation for the effective reduction of contact resistance and Schottky barrier (SB) height at the NiSi/n-Si interface. While a low SB height of ~0.12 eV can be obtained for NiSi formed on S-implanted n-Si, the insertion of a 1000degC anneal prior to silicidation leads to S out-diffusion and loss of SB modulation effects. We demonstrate that Se-implanted Si does not suffer from Se outdiffusion even after a 1000degC anneal, and subsequent Ni silicidation formed an excellent ohmic contact with a low SB height of 0.13 eV. Se segregation at the NiSi/n-Si (100) interface occurred. Implantation of Se and its segregation at the NiSi/n-Si interface is a simple and promising approach for achieving reduced SB height and contact resistance in future high-performance n-channel field-effect transistors.
The Impact of Hedging on Firm Value of Public Non-Bank State-Owned Enterprises

This research aimed to find the impact of hedging on firm value. This research focused on 14 public non-bank state-owned enterprises listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data used were quarterly data from 2011 to 2015, and panel data analysis. The basic model of research used referred to the research of Junior & Laham (2008) as well as the development of models conducted by Allayanis & Weston (2001) to correct endogenous factors. The results showed that only five of the fourteen state-owned corporations that used a hedging instrument. The research findings showed that the firms which did hedging had a higher value than a firm that did not do it. A more detailed investigation found that the adoption of hedging strategies could increase the firm value, and the dislocation of the hedging strategy had a negative effect on the firm value, compared to firms that kept implementing hedging strategy. The magnitude of hedging measured using the Total Notional Value of Derivative to Total Assets (TNVD) also had a positive impact on the firm value. This finding also supported Bank Indonesia Regulation Number 15/8/PBI/2013 which was effective in reducing exchange rate risk for state-owned enterprises which in turn increased the firm value. JEL Classification : G 2 1, G 28 , G3 2, G38 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/jkdp.v22i2. 1967
Evaluation of human pancreatic RNase as effector molecule in a therapeutic antibody platform

Human antibody-ribonuclease (RNase) fusion proteins, referred to as immunoRNases, have been proposed as an alternative to heterologous immunotoxins, without their immunogenicity and unspecific toxicity issues. In this study, we investigated if human pancreatic RNase will be suitable as effector component in a therapeutic antibody development platform. We generated several fusion proteins consisting of tumor-specific human immunoglobulins (IgGs) and human pancreatic RNase. Transient mammalian cell production was efficient and IgG-RNases were purified to homogeneity. Antigen binding was comparable to the parental antibodies and RNase catalytic activity was retained even in the presence of 50-fold molar excess of human cytosolic RNase inhibitor (RI). Serum stability, cell binding and internalization of IgG-RNases were comparable to the parental IgGs. Despite these promising properties, none of the IgG-RNases revealed significant inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro even when targeting different antigens putatively employing different endocytotic pathways. The introduction of different linkers containing endosomal protease cleavage sites into the IgG-RNase did not enhance cytotoxicity. Similarly, RI evasive human pancreatic RNase variants mediated only small inhibiting effects on tumor cell growth at high concentrations, potentially reflecting inefficient cytosolic translocation. Taken together, human pancreatic RNase and variants did not prove to be generally suitable as effector component for a therapeutic antibody drug development platform.
Drink what you can pay for: Financing infrastructure in a fragmented water system

The article investigates the relationship between environmental violations and water utility infrastructure investment in the Houston metropolitan area through a lens of institutional fragmentation. Special purpose water districts are highly capital-intensive service jurisdictions, which makes them extremely dependent on local fiscal capacity. Fiscal capacity is also important for a water district’s ability to respond to performance failures, particularly regulatory violations. Resource base, however, is unevenly distributed between special purpose water districts in the highly fragmented Houston metro area. Therefore, while capital investments may significantly covary with fiscal capacity, not all water districts are expected to be capable of making needed infrastructure investment when problems arise. There are two major policy-relevant findings that we offer in the article. Institutional fragmentation in relatively more affluent areas does not impede the ability to invest in capital infrastructure related to both service pressures and regulatory violations. However, such ability is limited in relatively less affluent areas, where the fiscal capacity to respond to service delivery problems is limited.
A Fuzzy Clustering Approach Toward Hidden Markov Random Field Models for Enhanced Spatially Constrained Image Segmentation

Hidden Markov random field (HMRF) models have been widely used for image segmentation, as they appear naturally in problems where a spatially constrained clustering scheme, taking into account the mutual influences of neighboring sites, is asked for. Fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering has also been successfully applied in several image segmentation applications. In this paper, we combine the benefits of these two approaches, by proposing a novel treatment of HMRF models, formulated on the basis of a fuzzy clustering principle. We approach the HMRF model treatment problem as an FCM-type clustering problem, effected by introducing the explicit assumptions of the HMRF model into the fuzzy clustering procedure. Our approach utilizes a fuzzy objective function regularized by Kullback--Leibler divergence information, and is facilitated by application of a mean-field-like approximation of the MRF prior. We experimentally demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach over competing methodologies, considering a series of synthetic and real-world image segmentation applications.
High-Temperature Degradation of GaN LEDs Related to Passivation

This paper describes the thermally activated failure mechanisms of GaN light-emitting diode (LED)-test structures related with the presence of a hydrogen-rich SiN passivation layer. It is shown that the properties of the passivation layer can remarkably affect devices' stability during high-temperature stress: Degradation mechanisms identified consist of radiative efficiency loss, emission crowding, and forward-current decrease. The radiative efficiency degradation was found to be thermally activated, with activation energy equal to 1.3 eV. This failure mechanism of LEDs is attributed to the thermally activated indiffusion of hydrogen from the passivation layer to p-type region of the diodes, with subsequent p-doping compensation and/or worsening of the transport properties of the p-side ohmic contact and p-type semiconductor
Neighbourhood social conduits and resident social cohesion

Given the importance of the neighbourhood context for residents’ social cohesion, the current study examines the association between types of social and non-social places on three indicators of social cohesion: neighbour networks, social cohesion and neighbourhood attachment. We spatially integrate data from the census, topographic databases and a 2012 survey of 4132 residents from 148 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia, and employ multilevel models to assess whether the variation in resident reports of social cohesion is attributable to land uses that function as neighbourhood social conduits. We also consider the degree to which neighbourhood fragmentation affects our indicators of social cohesion. Our findings reveal that even after controlling for the socio-demographic context of the neighbourhood and a range of individual and household control variables, residents’ reports of social cohesion are significantly associated with the types of social conduits, the diversity of land use and the degree of neighbourhood fragmentation.
Novel compact dual-band bandpass filters using composite resonators to obtain separately controllable passbands

In this paper, a novel type of dual-band bandpass filter (DBBPF) is proposed by using composite resonators, and its design method is developed based on the lumped-element equivalent circuit of the filter. Both the midband frequencies and the passband widths of the dual bands of the filter can be controlled separately. Four DBBPFs with different specifications are designed, fabricated and tested, and the measured frequency responses agree favorably with theoretical predictions, validating sufficiently the proposed design theory and filter structures.
Optimizing BIST and repair logic for embedded memories

This paper describes certain practical issues on designing and implementing built-in self-test circuits for testing and repairing a group of embedded memories of different types and sizes. Various test architectures presented in this paper provide for different optimizing criteria such as test time, routing feasibility, silicon overhead, and dynamic power compliance. The repair circuits are based on the most popular and widely accepted built-in-self-test strategy, and are power aware, repair friendly, and supports scan based testing of random glue logic in SOC designs. These features are useful primarily in SOC testing because such designs typically contain many memories that are large and repairable. Without an effective repair scheme, the production yield of a SOC containing a large numbers of embedded memory types and instances may severely be compromised.
Bayesian estimation of the sensitivity and specificity of individual fecal culture and Paralisa to detect Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in young farmed deer

A Bayesian latent class model was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of an immunoglobulin G1 serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Paralisa) and individual fecal culture to detect young deer infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Paired fecal and serum samples were collected, between July 2009 and April 2010, from 20 individual yearling (12–24-month-old) deer in each of 20 South Island and 18 North Island herds in New Zealand and subjected to culture and Paralisa, respectively. Two fecal samples and 16 serum samples from 356 North Island deer, and 55 fecal and 37 serum samples from 401 South Island deer, were positive. The estimate of individual fecal culture sensitivity was 77% (95% credible interval [CI] = 61–92%) with specificity of 99% (95% CI = 98–99.7%). The Paralisa sensitivity estimate was 19% (95% CI = 10–30%), with specificity of 94% (95% CI = 93–96%). All estimates were robust to variation of priors and assumptions tested in a sensitivity analysis. The data informs the use of the tests in determining infection status at the individual and herd level.
Effects of pentoxifylline on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the renoprotective effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) in gentamicin (GEN)-induced nephropathy. On this purpose, 26 female Wistar rats (200–250 g) were included and four groups were formed. The first one was the control group (n:5). The rats in other groups (n:7 for each) received 50 mg/kg twice daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) PTX, 100 mg/kg i.p. GEN and both GEN and PTX at the same doses for consecutive 8 days, respectively. Rats were weighed both at the beginning and end of the study. After the last dose, 24-hour urines were collected and the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples and kidney tissues were obtained for biochemical, histological, oxidative stress, and apoptotic parameters. Body weights were similar in all groups at the beginning of the study. Rats in GEN group had significant weight loss, tubular damage, and increased apoptosis, while GEN + PTX group had significantly better outcomes. Scr, urinary protein/creatinine, and TBARS levels were significantly higher and Ccr and SOD levels were significantly lower in GEN and GEN + PTX groups in comparison to control and PTX groups, but the levels were similar between GEN and GEN + PTX groups. In conclusion, concomitant administration of PTX provides renoprotection via suppressing apoptosis in GEN-induced nephropathy.
Evaluation of various classifiers performance on biomedical datasets

Often, an evaluation of a classifier is performed without deeper analysis. In this paper we decided to perform more rigorous evaluation. We present an evaluation of various classifier methods over biomedical data with orientation towards nature inspired methods. We have performed an experimental assessment of various traditional and nature inspired methods (41 distinct classifiers) over the total of 32 different biomedical datasets. We used 10-fold crossvalidation and for each experiment retrieved multiple objective parameters. The mean and best/worst-so-far values of the measures (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, .) have been statistically evaluated using the nonparametric Friedman test and post-hoc analyses. The ant-inspired ACO_DTree algorithm performed significantly better (alpha=0.05) in 29 experimental cases for the mean f-measure parameter and in 14 experimental cases for the best-so-far f-measure parameter. The top results have been obtained for certain subsets of the UCI database and for the dataset combining cardiotocography records and myocardial infarction records.
Systematic environmental, direct, and service sire effects on conception rate in artificially inseminated Holstein cows.

Result of insemination was verified for 329,314 artificial inseminations by 882 service sires to 97,245 Holstein cows in 1,075 herds between May 1970 and December 1983. Estimates of systematic environmental and genetic components of cow and service sire components of conception rate were obtained preliminary to development of a fertility monitoring system. Conception rate was 2.9% higher in stanchion than loose housed herds and 2.3% higher in grade than registered cows. Fall months were superior to winter months, the greatest difference being 6.1% between October and January. Conception rate increased with herd milk production, decreased with both increased cow age, and increased herd size in mature and old cows. Regions and inseminators within regions were highly variable. Conception may be influenced by semen price; however, week day of insemination and duration of semen storage had no effect. Conception rate decreased for semen by bulls 8 yr and older, was lowest for semen harvested in June, but no season of collection effect was detected. No genetic trends for cow and service sire conception rate were found; heritability and repeatability were . 08 and . 06, respectively. Genetic correlations between cow and service sire conception rate and these components with first lactation production and semen output measures were all near zero. Therefore, the relationship between sire fertility and daughter fertility is near zero.
Evaluating Environmental Performance of Industrial Park Development: The Case of Shenyang

In order to improve the overall sustainability of industrial parks, it is necessary to understand the development characteristics of industrial parks so that appropriate management measures can be raised. Under such a circumstance, this study analyzes the changes in the environmental performance of Shenyang Economic and Technology Development Zone (SETDZ) in terms of emergy‐based indicators and explores underlying driving forces using decomposition analysis methods. The results show that in the industrial recruitment stage (2001–2006), the total emergy increased rapidly and the sustainability level decreased significantly because of the exploitation of local resources with the expansion of industrial scale. After entering the industrial cluster and upgrading stage (2007–2010), the total emergy increased even faster, while the environmental performance did not decrease too much because of the improved resource efficiency and improved technological progress. The implementation of industrial symbiosis (IS) (2011–2013) could have further effectively reduced the total emergy consumption and improved the environmental performance, but current symbiosis efforts were not sufficient and need to be further promoted. Gross regional product and area of the industrial park were the most important driving factors to the total emergy for all the development stages. In terms of emergy sustainability, renewable emergy ratio (R1/U) was one key impact factor. Therefore, how to improve the ratio of renewable resources and enhance IS scopes will be the key strategies for its sustainable development.
Should Smallholder Farming In China Be Discouraged? Panel Evidence from Anhui Province

ABSTRACT:New agricultural management entities have appeared and been encouraged by the government in the People's Republic of China (PRC) in recent years. Mainstream opinion has stressed the need to take action to overcome the perceived inefficient, small-scale, subsistence smallholder economy that rejects the market economy, has no specialized labor and a low level of technology. However, the question as to whether smallholders are inefficient remains to be substantiated. Smallholder farming households play an important role in the agricultural community in PRC. We believe that smallholder farmers are not representative of inefficient agricultural producers. The smallholder business model, not only shows its tenacious vitality and regenerative ability, but it also plays an important role in the economic and political culture of the nation. We adopt the stochastic frontier analysis framework, which accounts for random errors in the production function, together with technical inefficiency effects that are associated with different management capabilities, to analyze the technical efficiency of smallholder farming households and the impact of their household endowments on technical efficiency of crop production in China. The data used in this paper are from the annual statistical surveys of 17 village-level, fixed-observation points in Anhui province from 2011 to 2014, collected by the Ministry of Agriculture. The sample smallholder farming households considered in this paper have typical significance in terms of both location and economic significance. Using these panel data, we avoid the loss of volatility of variables but utilize the dynamic characteristics of technical inefficiency changes. There is evidence that smallholder farming households are performing quite well, contrary to the findings of previous studies. The level of education, technical training, incidence of a cadre in the extended family, and nonfarm incomes have positive and significant impacts on the technical efficiencies of smallholder farming households. However, with the aging of smallholder farming households, increases in loans, increases in total farmland area and greater fragmentation of farmland, the crop production of smallholder farming households tended to be more technically inefficient. From the results of the empirical analysis, we suggest that the government increase investment in agricultural training and rural education, select and train more high-quality village cadres and encourage them to continue to assist in agricultural production of smallholder farming households, establish a unified urban-rural labor market, improve the rural financial credit mechanism so that rural financial institutions will not release loans arbitrarily, and make reasonable arrangements for land development projects.
High folic acid increases cell turnover and lowers differentiation and iron content in human HT29 colon cancer cells

Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, is a cofactor in one-carbon metabolism and is essential for DNA synthesis, amino acid interconversion, methylation and, consequently, normal cell growth. In animals with existing pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions, folic acid supplementation increases the tumour burden. To identify processes that are affected by increased folic acid levels, we compared HT29 human colon cancer cells exposed to a chronic supplemental (100 ng/ml) level of folic acid to cells exposed to a normal (10 ng/ml) level of folic acid, in the presence of vitamin B12 and other micronutrients involved in the folate–methionine cycle. In addition to higher intracellular folate levels, HT29 cells at 100 ng folic acid/ml displayed faster growth and higher metabolic activity. cDNA microarray analysis indicated an effect on cell turnover and Fe metabolism. We fully confirmed these effects at the physiological level. At 100 ng/ml, cell assays showed higher proliferation and apoptosis, while gene expression analysis and a lower E-cadherin protein expression indicated decreased differentiation. These results are in agreement with the promoting effect of folic acid supplementation on established colorectal neoplasms. The lower expression of genes related to Fe metabolism at 100 ng folic acid/ml was confirmed by lower intracellular Fe levels in the cells exposed to folic acid at 100 ng/ml. This suggests an effect of folate on Fe metabolism.