Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Progressive interdigital cell death: regulation by the antagonistic interaction between fibroblast growth factor 8 and retinoic acid

The complete cohort of molecules involved in interdigital cell death (ICD) and their interactions are yet to be defined. Bmp proteins, retinoic acid (RA) and Fgf8 have been previously identified as relevant factors in the control of ICD. Here we determined that downregulation of Fgf8 expression in the ectoderm overlying the interdigital areas is the event that triggers ICD, whereas RA is the persistent cell death-inducing molecule that acts on the distal mesenchyme by a mechanism involving the induction of Bax expression. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk) pathway prevents the survival effect of Fgf8 on interdigital cells and the accompanying Erk1/2 phosphorylation and induction of Mkp3 expression. Fgf8 regulates the levels of RA by both decreasing the expression of Raldh2 and increasing the expression of Cyp26b1, whereas RA reduces Fgfr1 expression and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. In the mouse limb, inhibition of Bmp signaling in the mesenchyme does not affect ICD. However, noggin in the distal ectoderm induces Fgf8 expression and reduces interdigit regression. In the chick limb, exogenous noggin reduces ICD, but, when applied to the distal mesenchyme, this reduction is associated with an increase in Fgf8 expression. In agreement with the critical decline in Fgf8 expression for the activation of ICD, distal interdigital cells acquire a proximal position as interdigit regression occurs. We identified proliferating distal mesenchymal cells as those that give rise to the interdigital cells fated to die. Thus, ICD is determined by the antagonistic regulation of cell death by Fgf8 and RA and occurs through a progressive, rather than massive, cell death mechanism.
Some Cognitive Developmental Characteristics of Social Diversity Education.

This paper, on a 1988-89 study of 219 undergraduates, addresses issues of cognitive development, learning style, and attitudes toward social diversity and social justice. A parallel study was conducted in spring/fall 1989 with subsequent changes noted. The table of contents presents the following sections: (1) "Background and Educational Context"; (2) r(.c.nceptual Framework: Social Cognitive Development"; and ;A) "MAhodology and Discussion of Findings: Stage One of Research. " Prear.d post-test results were analyzed for four assessment instruments: (1) Baxter-Magolda's Measure of Epistemological Reflection (MER); (2) Rest's Defining Issues Test (DIT); (3) Hudson and Ricketts' Index of Homophobia (IMT); and (4) Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI). Numerous tables, figures, and illustrative diagrams support the narrative. An extensive bibliography is included. (EH) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***4r*** ** 'c**** **) "SOME COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL DIVERSITY EDUCATION" By Maurianne Adams and Yu-hui A. Zhou SUMMARY This cognitive developmental, learning style and attitudinal study of 2,19 college students enrolled in a general education "diversity core" undergraduate course on social diversity and social justice was undertaken in 1988-89, with a parallel study during Spring-Fall 1989, at a large Northeastern public research university. It presents pre-and post-test results from four assessment instruments: BaxterMagolda's Measure of Epistemological Reflection (MER), a Perry measure for cognitive development; Rest's Defining Issues Test (DIT), a moral judgment measure adapted from Kohlberg; Hudson and Ricketts' Index of Homophobia (IMT) and Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI). The college student sample includes two sub-groups: students who enroll in open sections and resident assistants who take the course as part of their inservice training. The paper describes each instrument and reports demographic profiles together with Time 1 and Time 2 descriptive statistics for each of the four assessment instruments. Descriptive statistics for the epistemological developmental measure also include two component domains of the MER measure Domain 4 "Role of Peers" and Domain 6 "Nature of Knowledge"-which are hypothesized to be of particular relevance to the Social Diversity course. The findings show the expected positive direction of change on developmental and attitudinal instruments and unexpected change in the Learning Style Inventory. BEST COPY AVAILABLE U S DEPARTMENT OE EDUCATION Once 04 Edecabonal Rsearch and improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER IERICI Ns document hIS been rePr(Xluced as erred from the person or organization onginating 0 Minor changes sane been made to improve reproduction quality Pores ol vie* Or opmions staled in this dOCu. sent do not necessarily represent official OE RI position or poliCy 'PERMISSION (0 REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Identification of Altered Plasma Proteins by Proteomic Study in Valvular Heart Diseases and the Potential Clinical Significance

The genetic basis and proteomics of valvular heart disease (VHD) are important for diagnosis and treatment but little is known about biomarkers in rheumatic (RVD) and degenerative (DVD) VHD. Differential plasma protein analysis identified 18 differentially expressed protein sports and 14 corresponding proteins or polypeptides by two‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry in 120 subjects. Two up‐regulated (complement C4A and carbonic anhydrase 1) and three down‐regulated proteins (serotransferrin, alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin, and vitronectin) were validated by ELISA in enlarging samples. The plasma levels (n=40 in each group) of complement C4A in RVD (715.8±35.6 vs. 594.7±28.2 ng/ml, P=0.009) and carbonic anhydrase 1 (237.70±15.7 vs. 184.7±10.8 U/L, P=0.007) in DVD patients were significantly higher and that of serotransferrin (2.36±0.20 vs. 2.93±0.16 mg/ml, P=0.025) and alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin (370.0±13.7 vs. 413.0±11.6 μg/ml, P=0.019) in RVD patients were significantly lower than those in controls. The plasma vitronectin in both RVD (P=0.006) and DVD (P=0.01) groups was significantly lower than those in normal controls. These revealed potentially useful biomarkers and possible genetic deficiency in valvular diseases. Supported by NSF 81170148, 2010CB529500, 2009DFB30560, 09ZCZDSF04200, 10JCYBJC26400, 2012‐BH110004, 2011BHKZ001 & 2011BHKY002, and CUHK4789/09, China.
RELIABLE EXTERIOR ORIENTATION BY A ROBUST ANISOTROPIC ORTHOGONAL PROCRUSTES ALGORITHM

The paper presents a robust version of a recent anisotropic orthogonal Procrustes algorithm that has been proposed to solve the socalled camera exterior orientation problem in computer vision and photogrammetry. In order to identify outliers, that are common in visual data, we propose an algorithm based on Least Median of Squares to detect a minimal outliers-free sample, and a Forward Search procedure, used to augment the inliers set one sample at a time. Experiments with synthetic data demonstrate that, when the percentage of outliers is greater than 30% or the data size is small, the proposed method is more accurate in detecting outliers than the customary detection based on median absolute deviation.
Dynamic Transition of Bandwidth and Power Saving Mechanism to Support Multimedia Streaming Using H . 264 / SVC over the Wireless Networks

Nowadays Internet and bandwidth is an extremely valuable and scarce resource in remote networks. Consequently, efficient bandwidth management is necessary to support service stability, good Quality of service and ensure steady quality of experience for users of handheld multimedia streaming services. certainly, the support of uniform streaming rate during the entire course of a streaming videos, where the user is in mobility is one of the demanding issue and may not have high resolution or video quality due to the limited 3G/3.5G/4G bandwidth to the Internet as well as changing of bandwidth . Popular iOS and Android based handheld devices, accessing more Internet video services typically involves about 10%–80% redundant traffic and low battery life. This work proposes the Service transition protocol and Session transition protocol using H.264/SCV over the wireless network. This paper enables dynamic voltage and frequency Scaling Power control mechanism for better battery life. Simulation results shows that the proposed approach outperforms existing bandwidth management schemes in better supporting mobile multimedia services with better life time of battery. Index Terms – Efficient bandwidth management, Streaming videos, ioS and Android, Wireless Network, redundant traffic.
Cooperative Coded Video Multicast for IPTV Services under EPON-WiMAX Integration

This article introduces a novel framework of cooperative coded video multicast (CCVM) for provisioning IPTV services in metropolitan area access networks based on the emerging integration of Ethernet passive optical networks and WiMAX. The framework of CCVM is formed through the central coordination and synchronization at the optical line terminal and advanced coding techniques across different system layers. A cross-layer design of video multicasting on a single ONU-BS is first introduced for dealing with the multi-user channel diversity and short-term channel fluctuations, where the scalable video coding with multiple description coding (MDC) at the source and physical layer superposition coding techniques at the channel are jointly considered. This approach is further extended into the scenario that involves multiple ONU-BSs for cooperative communications to tackle intercell interference. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed framework is demonstrated via a case study on the employment of CCVM strategy under the collaboration of multiple distributed ONU-BSs.
Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 Gamma Is Involved in Hepatitis C Virus Replication and Assembly

ABSTRACT Similar to other positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates its genome in a remodeled intracellular membranous structure known as the membranous web (MW). To date, the process of MW formation remains unclear. It is generally acknowledged that HCV nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) can induce MW formation through interaction with the cytosolic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Many host proteins, such as phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα (PI4KIIIα), have been identified as critical factors required for this process. We now report a new factor, the cytosolic phospholipase A2 gamma (PLA2G4C), which contributes to MW formation, HCV replication, and assembly. The PLA2G4C gene was identified as a host gene with upregulated expression upon HCV infection. Knockdown of PLA2G4C in HCV-infected cells or HCV replicon-containing cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly suppressed HCV replication and assembly. In addition, the chemical inhibitor methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), which specifically inhibits PLA2, reduced HCV replication and assembly. Electron microscopy demonstrated that MW structure formation was defective after PLA2G4C knockdown in HCV replicon-containing cells. Further analysis by immunostaining and immunoprecipitation assays indicated that PLA2G4C colocalized with the HCV proteins NS4B and NS5A in cells infected with JFH-1 and interacted with NS4B. In addition, PLA2G4C was able to transport the HCV nonstructural proteins from replication sites to lipid droplets, the site for HCV assembly. These data suggest that PLA2G4C plays an important role in the HCV life cycle and might represent a potential target for anti-HCV therapy.
Spatial Generalization and Aggregation of Massive Movement Data

Movement data (trajectories of moving agents) are hard to visualize: numerous intersections and overlapping between trajectories make the display heavily cluttered and illegible. It is necessary to use appropriate data abstraction methods. We suggest a method for spatial generalization and aggregation of movement data, which transforms trajectories into aggregate flows between areas. It is assumed that no predefined areas are given. We have devised a special method for partitioning the underlying territory into appropriate areas. The method is based on extracting significant points from the trajectories. The resulting abstraction conveys essential characteristics of the movement. The degree of abstraction can be controlled through the parameters of the method. We introduce local and global numeric measures of the quality of the generalization, and suggest an approach to improve the quality in selected parts of the territory where this is deemed necessary. The suggested method can be used in interactive visual exploration of movement data and for creating legible flow maps for presentation purposes.
Normal spontaneous and stimulated GH levels despite decreased IGF-I concentrations in cystic fibrosis patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are GH resistant with increased GH release and decreased concentrations of IGF-I as a result of malabsorption, increased catabolism and impaired glucose tolerance. DESIGN Twenty CF patients were included, ten with normal glucose tolerance (five male, five female, median age 25.5 years (range 20-31)) and ten with diabetes mellitus (five male, five female, median age 25.3 years (range 17-45). Twenty healthy individuals served as controls (ten male, ten female, median age 28.4 years (range 18-36)). METHODS GH status was evaluated by 12h spontaneous GH release during the night time, arginine-stimulated GH release and the basal concentrations of IGF-I and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Twelve hour spontaneous GH profiles were estimated using a constant blood withdrawal technique with sampling every 30min and the Pulsar method was used for the analysis of profiles. RESULTS No significant differences were found in spontaneous and stimulated GH release in CF patients compared with healthy controls, whereas IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were significantly decreased in CF patients compared with healthy controls. The combination of reduced IGF-I and IGFBP-3 with normal GH release points to a relative GH resistance or a disturbance in the pituitary axis in patients with CF. The spontaneous GH release, the stimulated GH release and the basal concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were not significantly different in diabetic CF patients compared with CF patients with normal glucose tolerance and the presence of diabetes mellitus was not consistent with increased GH resistance in CF patients. CONCLUSION CF patients with normal glucose tolerance and diabetic CF patients had normal GH release and decreased concentrations of IGF-I indicating a relative GH resistance.
Characterization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from dogs and cats

The aim of this study was to explore the presence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in a collection of S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from dogs and cats with dermatitis in Japan and to compare their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Clonal relationships were determined by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Biofilm formation assay was performed using safranin staining in microplates. Three virulence genes coding for S. intermedius exfoliative toxin and Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (siet, lukS‐PV and lukF‐PV) were searched for in a collection of strains. Antimicrobial resistance against 15 antibiotics was studied by a disc diffusion method. Twenty‐seven MRSP were isolated. According to PFGE results the isolates were not closely related except for a few strains. MLST showed that the strains belonged to five groups, ST71 and ST26 being the two most prevalent. Three types of SCCmec (II, II–III and V) were identified. All isolates were siet‐positive but PVL‐negative. Most strains (except for two) produced strong biofilm in tryptic soy broth with glucose. Seventy‐eight percent of the isolates were resistant or intermediate to twelve or more antibiotics. Our study demonstrates that the ST71 lineage is widespread in Japan and that ST26 could represent an emerging lineage. Moreover, most of our strains are capable of forming strong biofilm and possess siet gene, two virulence characteristics that probably help the bacteria to persist and spread. Finally, our MRSP strains show a strong resistance profile to antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine.
Root Exudation of Phytochemicals in Arabidopsis Follows Specific Patterns That Are Developmentally Programmed and Correlate with Soil Microbial Functions

Plant roots constantly secrete compounds into the soil to interact with neighboring organisms presumably to gain certain functional advantages at different stages of development. Accordingly, it has been hypothesized that the phytochemical composition present in the root exudates changes over the course of the lifespan of a plant. Here, root exudates of in vitro grown Arabidopsis plants were collected at different developmental stages and analyzed using GC-MS. Principle component analysis revealed that the composition of root exudates varied at each developmental stage. Cumulative secretion levels of sugars and sugar alcohols were higher in early time points and decreased through development. In contrast, the cumulative secretion levels of amino acids and phenolics increased over time. The expression in roots of genes involved in biosynthesis and transportation of compounds represented in the root exudates were consistent with patterns of root exudation. Correlation analyses were performed of the in vitro root exudation patterns with the functional capacity of the rhizosphere microbiome to metabolize these compounds at different developmental stages of Arabidopsis grown in natural soils. Pyrosequencing of rhizosphere mRNA revealed strong correlations (p<0.05) between microbial functional genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and secondary metabolites with the corresponding compounds released by the roots at particular stages of plant development. In summary, our results suggest that the root exudation process of phytochemicals follows a developmental pattern that is genetically programmed.
Prediction of Maize Single Cross Hybrids Using the Total Effects of Associated Markers Approach Assessed by Cross-Validation and Regional Trials

The present study aimed to predict the performance of maize hybrids and assess whether the total effects of associated markers (TEAM) method can correctly predict hybrids using cross-validation and regional trials. The training was performed in 7 locations of Southern Brazil during the 2010/11 harvest. The regional assays were conducted in 6 different South Brazilian locations during the 2011/12 harvest. In the training trial, 51 lines from different backgrounds were used to create 58 single cross hybrids. Seventy-nine microsatellite markers were used to genotype these 51 lines. In the cross-validation method the predictive accuracy ranged from 0.10 to 0.96, depending on the sample size. Furthermore, the accuracy was 0.30 when the values of hybrids that were not used in the training population (119) were predicted for the regional assays. Regarding selective loss, the TEAM method correctly predicted 50% of the hybrids selected in the regional assays. There was also loss in only 33% of cases; that is, only 33% of the materials predicted to be good in training trial were considered to be bad in regional assays. Our results show that the predictive validation of different crop conditions is possible, and the cross-validation results strikingly represented the field performance.
Face registration and feature localization on depth data

Proper pre-processing of input data is a critical requirement in real time face identification and authentication systems that can improve its performance. Necessary steps involved depends on the nature input data. This paper focuses on pre-processing steps such as face registration and facial feature localization for facial depth data. Face registration algorithm is based on conventional ICP algorithm. Doing ICP with selected facial points can improve its efficiency. So corner points from 3D faces are considered for ICP to obtain registration parameters. Eye corner localization is based on the curvature analysis and nose tip detection is based on the principle that it is having highest depth value among all other facial components. Experiments are done with two different databases, low quality depth data from RGB-D FACE database and better quality FRAV3D.
Integrating intercultural communication and cross-cultural psychology: Theoretical and pedagogical implications

While psychology and communication have borrowed theories and methodologies from each other, much scholarly discussion tends to focus on the flow from psychology to communication. Relatively less attention has been paid to the work in communication that adds to psychology, particularly in examining the processes of developing relationships with culturally different others. It is timely for us to look at how communication theory and methodology have contributed to psychology in understanding differences between groups, as well as in improving intergroup relations. This paper focuses on intercultural communication, particularly acculturation of immigrants and sojourners as a clear intersection between cross-cultural psychology and communication. We aim to identify points of departure and points of integration between the two fields, drawing implications for theory in both fields and suggesting specific pedagogical tools to develop intercultural communication awareness and competence among psychology students.
Analysis of the Relationship Between Facet Joint Angle Orientation and Lumbar Spine Canal Diameter With Respect to the Kinematics of the Lumbar Spinal Unit

Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Objective This study aimed to elucidate the relationship among facet orientation, kinematics of a spinal unit, and change in lumbar spine canal diameter by using kinetic magnetic resonance imaging. Summary of Background Data Some studies have suggested an association between increased sagittally oriented facet angles and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, no study has specifically addressed the association of facet orientation with the kinematics of a spinal unit and change in canal diameter. Methods Kinetic magnetic resonance imagings were performed with patients in flexion, neutral, and extension positions. Study subjects were classified into 6 groups—AA, BB, CC, AB (BA), BC (CB), and AC (CA)—on the basis of bilateral facet angles (A, narrow; B, normal; and C, wide) and disc and facet joint degeneration. A magnetic resonance imaging analyzer was used for anatomic measurements and for calculating changes in canal diameters and disc bulging as well as the lumbar spine kinematics. Results Osseous canal diameters were significantly smaller in the group AA than in the group BB, whereas they were significantly larger in the group CC than in the group BB. Canal diameter at the disc level was significantly smaller in the group AA than in the group BB in all 3 positions, whereas it was significantly larger in the group CC than in the group BB. Translational motion was significantly more in the group AA than in the group BB, whereas it was significantly lesser in the group CC than in the group BB. Conclusions We demonstrated the relationship among facet orientation, osseous canal diameter, kinematics of a spinal unit, and change in lumbar spine canal diameter. Patients with sagittally oriented facets had narrow osseous canals with mobility, whereas those with coronally oriented facets had stable and wider osseous canals. This finding is helpful in understanding the mechanism underlying lumbar spinal canal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis.