Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cytoplasmic domain of rat NKR‐P1 receptor interacts with the N‐terminal domain of p56lck via cysteine residues

NKR‐P1 is a type II transmembrane protein which acts as an activation receptor on natural killer (NK) cells. The cytoplasmic domains of the CD4, CD8 and 4‐1BB receptors contain the sequence Cys‐X‐Cys‐Pro which is directly involved in coupling to another pair of cysteines in the N‐terminal domain of the src family tyrosine kinase p56lck. The cytoplasmic domain of NKR‐P1 in rodents also contains the Cys‐X‐Cys‐Pro sequence, but the capacity of the receptor to bind p56lck is presently unknown. We tested for direct coupling between these proteins using both protein biochemistry and the yeast two‐hybrid technique. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that p56lck can be co‐immunoprecipitated with NKR‐P1 from a rat NK tumor cell line. In addition, the cytoplasmic domain of NKR‐P1 interacted with the N‐terminal domain of p56lck in yeast as assessed by reporter gene activation. Integrity of the cysteine pairs in both proteins was critical in mediating the interaction. The experiments suggest that the association of p56lck with NKR‐P1 is somewhat weaker than the p56lck association with CD8α, but of much lower avidity than between CD4 and p56lck. This could reflect a higher activation threshold for the NKR‐P1 and CD8 receptors, which are involved in cytolytic responses, compared to CD4 which is involved in T cell helper function.
Out‐of‐Sample Return Predictability: A Quantile Combination Approach

Summary This paper develops a novel forecasting method that minimizes the effects of weak predictors and estimation errors on the accuracy of equity premium forecasts. The proposed method is based on an averaging scheme applied to quantiles conditional on predictors selected by LASSO. The resulting forecasts outperform the historical average, and other existing models, by statistically and economically meaningful margins. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eight full‐length abelson related gene (Arg) isoforms are constitutively expressed in caki‐1 cell line and cell distribution of two isoforms has been analyzed after transfection

The human Arg (Abl2) nonreceptor tyrosine kinase has a role in cytoskeletal rearrangements by its C‐terminal F‐actin‐ and microtubule‐binding sequences. We have previously identified Arg transcripts with different 5′‐ and 3′‐ends, named respectively long and short 1A and 1B (1AL, 1AS, 1BL, 1BS) and long and short C‐termini (CTL and CTS), that have different expression patterns in various cell types. The combination of the different ends permits to predict eight putative full‐length Arg transcripts and corresponding proteins. By Reverse Transcription‐Long PCR we show here that all eight full‐length transcripts are endogenously expressed in Caki‐1 cells and the two bands, ≃10 kDa different, shown by 1‐D Western blots of Hek293T and Caki‐1 lysates correspond to the full‐length Arg protein isoforms with different C‐termini. 2‐D Western blot analysis evidenced different high molecular weight and slight acidic specific spots in Hek293T and Caki‐1 lysates. The cellular localization of two Arg isoforms (1BLCTL and 1BLCTS) transfected in Caki‐1 and Hek293T cells was cytoplasmic, and some differences in cytoskeleton interactions have been evidenced. Moreover, in Hek293T cells only the transfected 1BLCTS isoform gives rise to a large intracytoplasmic cylindrical structure containing phalloidin‐positive amorphous actin aggregates. The presence of eight full‐length Arg isoforms with different cellular expression may imply a diverse functional role in normal and neoplastic cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1219–1227, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural Transformation and its Implications for the Chinese Economy

This study applies a two-sector model to examine the conditions under which the excess labour force can be reallocated from the tradable to the nontradable sector during structural transformation. We find that to maintain employment stability, output in the nontradable sector should be 1.9-to-3.5 percentage points higher than in the tradable sector, if labour shares in the two sectors approach the level of major developed economies in the next one and a half decades. Such output differentials mean the productivity increment in the nontradable sector should reach as high as 1.5 percentage points at the start, if job loss in the tradable sector is associated with negative investment shocks, or 1 percentage point if job loss is associated with an improvement in efficiency. In the absence of technological progress in the nontradable sector, the government could increase its consumption of nontradables by as much as 4 percentage points to help maintain employment. While the pure labour reallocation has a small effect on aggregate output, the shrinking working population and an improvement in efficiency in the tradable sector have larger effects on aggregate output. Price falls only slightly and the real exchange rate change is small during structural transformation. Although the structural transformation goal seems achievable, it is important to revive high-end tradable industries through product innovations to reduce employment pressure on the nontradable sector.
A Structuralist Perspective on the Role of Culture in Taiwan Service Quality Evaluation

This paper examines the influence of the socio-cultural environment on service quality evaluation within Taiwan. Bourdieu’s (1986) structuralist perspective of culture is utilised as a framework to explore how culture influences Taiwanese service quality. The results are contrary to Bourdieu’s (1984) theory that rising economic prosperity should encourage consumers to behave more as self-interested individuals. Taiwan case informants are found to have not forsaken their extensive social networks as key influences upon their service consumption. Indeed it is concluded that modern service consumption continues to be an important strategic field wherein the Taiwan populace compete for many types of capital, but in particular social and symbolic capitals.
Preclinical drug trials in the mdx mouse: Assessment of reliable and sensitive outcome measures

The availability of animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has led to extensive preclinical research on potential therapeutics. Few studies have focused on reliability and sensitivity of endpoints for mdx mouse drug trials. Therefore, we sought to compare a wide variety of reported and novel endpoint measures in exercised mdx and normal control mice at 10, 20, and 40 weeks of age. Statistical analysis as well as power calculations for expected effect sizes in mdx preclinical drug trials across different ages showed that body weight, normalized grip strength, horizontal activity, rest time, cardiac function measurements, blood pressure, total central/peripheral nuclei per fiber, and serum creatine kinase are the most effective measurements for detecting drug‐induced changes. These data provide an experimental basis upon which standardization of preclinical drug testing can be developed. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Combinatorial Synthetic Peptide Vaccine Strategy Protects against Hypervirulent CovR/S Mutant Streptococci

Cluster of virulence responder/sensor (CovR/S) mutant group A streptococci (GAS) are serious human pathogens of multiple M protein strains that upregulate expression of virulence factors, including the IL-8 protease Streptococcus pyogenes cell envelope proteinase (SpyCEP), thus blunting neutrophil-mediated killing and enabling ingress of bacteria from a superficial wound to deep tissue. We previously showed that a combination vaccine incorporating J8-DT (conserved peptide vaccine from the M protein) and a recombinant SpyCEP fragment protects against CovR/S mutants. To enhance the vaccine’s safety profile, we identified a minimal epitope (S2) that was the target for anti-SpyCEP Abs that could protect IL-8 from SpyCEP-mediated proteolysis. Abs from healthy humans and from mice experimentally infected with GAS also recognized S2, albeit at low titers. Native SpyCEP may be poorly immunogenic (cryptic or subdominant), and it would be to the organism’s advantage if the host did not induce a strong Ab response against it. However, S2 conjugated to diphtheria toxoid is highly immunogenic and induces Abs that recognize and neutralize SpyCEP. Hence, we describe a two-component peptide vaccine that induces Abs (anti-S2) that protect IL-8 from proteolysis and other Abs (anti-J8) that cause strain-independent killing in the presence of neutrophils. We show that either component alone is ineffectual in preventing skin infection and bacteremia due to CovR/S mutants but that the combination induces complete protection. This protection correlated with a significant influx of neutrophils to the infection site. The data strongly suggest that the lack of natural immunity to hypervirulent GAS strains in humans could be rectified by this combination vaccine.
Predictors of rehospitalization after total weight recovery in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE The current study analyzed the variables related to rehospitalization after total weight recovery in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. METHOD One hundred and one patients first admitted for inpatient treatment, aged 11-19 years, were followed up for 12 months after discharge. RESULTS Twenty-five subjects (24.8%) required readmission after complete weight recovery and 76 (75.2%) did not. Duration of disorder, weight loss, body mass index at first admission, and global body image distortion were similar in the two groups. Patients needing readmission had a lower rate of weight gain (p < .001), a lower mean age (p = . 007), a higher mean score on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT; p = .009), and a higher percentage of hips overestimation (p = .049). In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, these three variables predicted readmission and correctly classified 77.6% of patients. Taken as discrete variables, age younger than 15 years old, EAT score above 55, and a rate of weight gain lower than 150 grams per day were associated with a higher percentage of readmissions. DISCUSSION The variables most clearly related to readmission were young age, abnormal eating attitudes, and a low rate of weight gain.
Finite-Element Neural Network-Based Solving 3-D Differential Equations in MFL

The solution of a differential equation contains the forward model and the inverse problem. The finite element method (FEM) and the iterative approach based on FEM are extensively used to solve varied differential equations. Although FEM could obtain an accurate solution, the shortcoming of the approach is the high computational costs. This paper proposes an improved finite-element neural network (FENN) embedding a FEM in a neural network structure for solving the forward model while a conjugate gradient (CG) method is employed as the learning algorithm. Taking the 3-D magnetic field analysis in magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing as an example, the comparison between CG algorithm and the gradient descent (GD) algorithm is presented. The vector plot of magnetic field intensity is obtained, and the vertical components of magnetic flux density are respectively analyzed. The iterative approach based on FENN and parallel radial wavelet basis function neural network is also adopted to solve the inverse problem. This approach iteratively adjusts weights of the inverse network to minimize the error between the measured and predicted values of MFL signals. The forward and inverse results indicate that FENN and the iterative approach are feasible methods with rapidness, accuracy and stability associated with 3-D different equations in MFL testing.
Resilient deployment of virtual network functions

Moving services to the cloud is a trend that has been going on for years now, with a constant increase in sophistication and complexity of such services. Today, even critical infrastructure operators are considering moving their services and data to the cloud; most prominently are telecommunication operators, who are calling for running their service as so-called virtual network services. These services are usually composed from a set of components, each with individual resilience and scalability requirements. Hence, the problem of describing the blueprint of how to build a service from its components, including the components' requirements, and how to derive an actual deployment from such a blueprint needs to be solved. In this paper, we present a first step in this direction. We have developed an information model to describe the resources and components of complex composite services, and a management system that maps such a description into a deployment model. We have based our prototype on OpenStack and have identified some shortcomings of it that need to be overcome to make an automated resilience-aware deployment and operation system reality.
Mitochondrial Function in an In Vitro Model of Skeletal Muscle of Patients With Protracted Critical Illness and Intensive Care Unit–Acquired Weakness

Background: Functional mitochondria in skeletal muscle of patients with protracted critical illness and intensive care unit–acquired weakness are depleted, but remaining mitochondria have increased functional capacities of respiratory complexes II and III. This can be an adaptation to relative abundancy of fatty acid over glucose caused by insulin resistance. We hypothesized that the capacity of muscle mitochondria to oxidize fatty acid is increased in protracted critical illness. Methods: We assessed fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and mitochondrial functional indices in vitro by using extracellular flux analysis in cultured myotubes obtained by isolating and culturing satellite cells from vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples from patients with ICU-acquired weakness (n = 6) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 7). Bioenergetic measurements were performed at baseline and after 6 days of exposure to free fatty acids (FFAs). Results: Mitochondrial density in myotubes from ICU patients was 69% of healthy controls (P = .051). After adjustment to mitochondrial content, there were no differences in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis or the capacity and coupling of the respiratory chain. FAO capacity in ICU patients was 157% of FAO capacity in controls (P = .015). In myotubes of ICU patients, unlike healthy controls, the exposure to FFA significantly (P = .009) increased maximum respiratory chain capacity. Conclusion: In an in vitro model of skeletal muscle of patients with protracted critical illness, we have shown signs of adaptation to increased FAO. Even in the presence of glucose and insulin, elevation of FFAs in the extracellular environment increased maximal capacity of the respiratory chain.
Harnessing Morphological Regularities for Representation Learning for Low Resourced Languages

Morphology is the branch of linguistics that deals with words, their internal structure, how they are formed, and their relationship to other words in the same language. It involves analyzing the structure of words and parts of words, such as stems, root words, prefixes, and suffixes. It also looks at parts of speech, intonation and stress, and the ways context can change a word’s pronunciation and meaning. In most languages, if not all, many words can be related to other words by rules that collectively describe the grammar for that language. For example, English speakers recognize that the words dog and dogs are closely related, differentiated only by the plurality morpheme “-s”, only found bound to nouns. With recent advancements in computational linguistics, we can now learn one-hot vector representation for each word, also called word representations, from monolingual corpus of a language (training corpus). Word representations have been shown to contain syntactic as well as semantic (morphological) regularities. These word representations are being widely used to solve problems of various areas of natural language processing. These include but are not limited to dependency parsing, named entity recognition and parsing. One major requirement for learning good word representations (word embeddings) is large enough corpus to train. Size of training corpus directly affects the corresponding quality of word representations our model learns. Many languages, even though widely spoken, suffer from being computationally resource poor, which results in relatively poorer trained word embeddings. On top of it, morphologically rich languages suffer from morphologically induced data sparsity, since there are cases, where one morphological form of a word is common but other is rare in the same training corpus. Hence to learn better word representations for low resourced languages and to better exploit morphological regularities present in distributional word representations, we present a language independent, unsupervised method for building word embeddings using morphological expansion of text by exploiting morphological regularities present in distributed word representations. Our model handles the problem of data sparsity and yields improved word embeddings by relying on training word embeddings on artificially generated sentences. We evaluate our method using small sized training sets on eleven test sets for the word similarity task across seven languages. Further, for English, we evaluated the impacts of our approach using a large training set on three standard test sets. Our method improved results across all languages.
The Mutational Specificity of the Dbh Lesion Bypass Polymerase and Its Implications*

The Dbh polymerase of Sulfolobus solfataricus is a member of the recently described family of low fidelity DNA polymerases involved in bypass of DNA lesions. To investigate the enzymatic properties of Dbh, we characterized the errors made by this polymerase in vitro. Not only is Dbh much less accurate than the “classical” polymerases, but it showed a remarkable tendency to skip over a template pyrimidine positioned immediately 3′ to a G residue, generating a single-base deletion. Single-turnover kinetic measurements suggest possible mechanisms. First, Dbh shows a bias in favor of dCTP, such that the rate of incorporation of dCTP opposite a template G is about 10-fold faster than for the other three dNTPs opposite their complementary partners. On a DNA substrate corresponding to a frameshift hotspot, the rate of frameshift insertion of dCTP opposite a template G that is one residue 5′ to the expected templating position is approximately equal to the rate of the non-frameshifted C-dGTP insertion. We suspect that the unusual mutational specificity of Dbh (which is shared with other polymerases from the DinB branch of the bypass polymerase family) may be related to the type of DNA lesion(s) that it serves to bypassin vivo.
Molecular characterization of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating during the 2009 outbreak in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus arrived in Vietnam in May 2009 via the United States and rapidly spread throughout the country. This study provides data on the viral diagnosis and molecular epidemiology of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus isolated in Thua Thien Hue Province, central Vietnam. METHODOLOGY Nasopharyngeal swabs and throat swabs from 53 clinically infected patients in the peak of the outbreak were processed for viral diagnosis by culture and RT-PCR. Sequencing of entire HA and NA genes of representative isolates and molecular epidemiological analysis were performed. RESULTS A total of 32 patients were positive for influenza A virus by virus culture and/or RT-PCR; of these 22 were positive both by viral isolation and RT-PCR, 2 only by virus culture and 8 only by RT-PCR. The novel subtype of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was present in 93.4% of the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA gene sequences showed identities higher than 99.50% in both genes. They were also similar to reference isolates in HA sequences (>99% identity) and in NA sequences (>98.50% identity). Amino acid sequences predicted for the HA gene were highly identical to reference strains. The NA amino acid substitutions identified did not include the oseltamivir-resistant H275Y substitution. CONCLUSION viral isolation and RT-PCR together were useful for diagnosis of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. Variations in HA and NA sequences are similar to those identified in worldwide reference isolates and no drug resistance was found.
The parameters calculation and simulation research of two-type double-tuned filter

Due to harmonic problems generated by converter device of the high-voltage current system, the high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) system should adopt the double-tuned filter to inhibit the harmonics. This paper stated two new structures of double-tuned filter on the basis of the traditional double-tuned filter, that is two inductances paralleled structrue and two capacitances paralleled structure of double-tuned filter. In this paper, it calculated the parameters about new double-tuned filter with equivalent method and parametric method and analyzed the transient performance. At the same time, by use of the PSCAD software, the modeling and simulation of a calculated example of the new type of double-tuned filter which has a good filtering effect.
Effects of Mutations in the Cytoplasmic Domain of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein B on Intracellular Transport and Infectivity

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a human pathogen of the alphaherpesvirus family which infects and spreads in the nervous system. Glycoproteins play a key role in the process of assembly and maturation of herpesviruses, which is essential for neuroinvasion and transneuronal spread. Glycoprotein B (gB) is a main component of the HSV-1 envelope and is necessary for the production of infectious particles. The cytoplasmic domain of gB, the longest one among HSV-1 glycoproteins, contains several highly conserved peptide sequences homologous to motifs involved in intracellular sorting. To determine the specific roles of these motifs in processing, subcellular localization, and the capacity of HSV-1 gB to complement a gB-null virus, we generated truncated or point mutated forms of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged gB. GFP-gB with a deletion in the acidic cluster DGDADEDDL (amino acids [aa] 896 to 904) behaved the same as the parental form. Deletion or disruption of the YTQV motif (aa 889 to 892) abolished internalization and reduced complementation by 60%. Disruption of the LL motif (aa 871 to 872) impaired the return of the protein to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) while enhancing its recycling to the plasma membrane. Truncations from residue E 857 abolished transport and processing of the truncated proteins, which had null complementation activity, through the Golgi complex. Altogether, our results favor a model in which HSV-1 gets its final envelope in the TGN, and they suggest that endocytosis, albeit not necessary, might play a role in infectivity.