Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Proteasome Inhibitor (lactacystin) and Cysteine Protease Inhibitor (E-64-d) on Processes of Mitosis in Xenopus Embryonic Cells

Abstract At least two different protease pathways have been implicated in the degradation that is required to control the eukaryotic cell cycle; these two pathways center on the activities of ubiquitin/proteasome and cysteine protease. The proteasome inhibitors, lactacystin and AcLLnL and the cysteine pro-tease inhibitor E-64-d were tested for their ability to inhibit the cell cycles of Xenopus embryos. Lactacystin, AcLLnL and E-64-d all caused the complete arrest of the cell cycle. To define the specific cell cycle processes that were affected by the two inhibitors, we performed a cytological analysis. Inhibition of the cell cycle by lactacystin and E-64-d occurred during prophase and metaphase. The number of cells that arrested in prophase was 1.4-times higher in the E-64-d-treated group than in the control group and the number of arrested cells in the lactacystin-treated group was 1.4-times higher than in the E-64-d-treated group. The number of cells that arrested in metaphase was 3-to-4-times higher in the E-64-d and lactacystin groups than in the control group. These results indicate that both cysteine protease(s) and proteasomes are involved in the prophase and metaphase stages of cell division.
1.4 deg.-rms 6-bit vector-sum phase shifter calibrating I-Q generator error by VGA for high SHF wide-band massive MIMO in 5G

1.4 deg. -rms 6-bit vector-sum phase shifter calibrating I-Q generator error by VGA for high SHF wide-band massive MIMO in 5G has been developed. Extraction of phase and amplitude error of I-Q generator and its compensation by VGAs are proposed. A 6-bit phase shifter using a poly-phase shifter as the I-Q generator is fabricated in 65nm CMOS. The phase error of 1.4 deg. -rms is achieved with the calibration.
Salivary secretion in the rat in a hot environment.

Conscious rats were found to secrete saliva from the submaxillary gland when exposed to heat. In rats with sympathetically denervated glands the secretory rate was a little lower and in parasympathetically denervated glands the secretion was almost abolished. The salivary flow appeared to increase with increasing ambient temperature and the secretion started earlier at higher temperatures. The secretion elicited by heat stress was compared to the secretion evoked by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve to the gland. It is concluded that the salivary secretion evoked by heat stress is mainly mediated by the parasympathetic secretory nerves, although the sympathetic fibres also take part.
Determination of Ancestry from Discrete Traits of the Mandible

of a Master's Thesis in Human Biology at the University of Indianapolis filed August 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Nawrocki, Chair Dr. Christopher W. Schmidt, Reader In the field of forensic anthropology, the construction of a biological profile is of utmost importance in the identification of a decedent. The biological profile includes the age, sex, stature, and ancestry of the individual. Of these, ancestry is considered the most difficult to determine. The purpose of this study is to build on previous non-metric studies of the mandible to determine whether it may be used to differentiate between individuals of European and African ancestry. This study looks at skele tal remains from the Hamann-Todd Collection, the Terry Collection, a contemporary forensic collection at the University of Florida, and the Pretoria Bone Collection in South Africa. A total of 921 individuals with documented age, sex, and ancestry were analyzed. Twelve non-metric traits were examined: ramus inversion, location of inversion, gonial eversion, mandibular border form, mandibular tori, robusticity of muscle attachment sites, mylohyoid bridging, accessory mandibular foramen, chin prominence, chin shape, number of mental foramina, and the position of the mental foramen. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to determine if there was a relationship between trait frequency and side. This test was also used to see if there was a significant amount of intra-observer error between the first and second scorings of the Florida sample. Ordinal regression was utilized to determine the effect, if any, that age, sex, ancestry, and the interaction between sex and ancestry have on any given non-metric trait. Six traits differed significantly between the left and right sides. Intra-observer error was relatively low, with two traits showing a significant difference between the first and second observations. Nine out of 12 traits were significantly affected by ancestry. However, due to the effects of sex, age, and the sensitivity of ordinal regression, some of these traits may be less useful than others in determining ancestry in unknown cases. Ramus inversion, gonial inversion, muscle attachment sites, chin shape, number of mental foramina, and position of the mental foramen are the most effective traits to use when determining ancestry. However, caution must be taken because all of them except the number of mental foramen are significantly affected by sex. The number of mental foramina may be the most reliable trait because it is statistically and practically significant and it is not affected by sex, age, or the interaction between sex and ancestry. However, multiple foramina are very rare in all populations studied. European individuals were found to most likely posses little to no ramus inversion, no gonial eversion (straight gonia), gracile muscle attachment sites, a round or square chin, one mental foramen, and a more anteriorly placed mental foramen. Individuals of African descent were more likely to display moderate to extreme ramus inversion, gonial inversion, a round chin, and multiple mental foramina.
End-to-end voice over IP quality of service estimation through router queuing delay monitoring

Service variability in IP networks creates the need for QoS (quality of service) assessment tools. These tools must provide estimations of the quality of service through different paths in the network. Some existing schemes require a large number of probe packets to be sent to achieve accurate estimates. Others use traffic monitoring with administrative control, the most adopted of which being SNMP (simple network management protocol) and RMON (remote monitoring). We propose a quality of service estimation mechanism for voice over IP (VoIP) that necessitates a small number of probe packets while adding simple queuing delay estimation functionality in core routers. The underlying concept is that variation in delay, jitter and available bandwidth, as seen by a voice application, is due to queuing variations at intermediate hops. Collecting and combining queuing delay estimates from core routers can therefore be used to obtain accurate QoS estimates. Our results indicate better performance than existing QoS estimation tools under similar conditions.
Evaluating DNA degradation rates in faecal pellets of the endangered pygmy rabbit

Noninvasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets can be a valuable method for monitoring rare and cryptic wildlife populations, like the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). To investigate this method's efficiency for pygmy rabbit monitoring, we evaluated the effect of sample age on DNA degradation in faecal pellets under summer field conditions. We placed 275 samples from known individuals in natural field conditions for 1–60 days and assessed DNA quality by amplifying a 294‐base‐pair (bp) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus and five nuclear DNA (nDNA) microsatellite loci (111–221 bp). DNA degradation was influenced by sample age, DNA type, locus length and rabbit sex. Both mtDNA and nDNA exhibited high PCR success rates (94.4%) in samples <1 day old. Success rates for microsatellite loci declined rapidly from 80.0% to 42.7% between days 5 and 7, likely due to increased environmental temperature. Success rates for mtDNA amplification remained higher than nDNA over time, with moderate success (66.7%) at 21 days. Allelic dropout rates were relatively high (17.6% at <1 day) and increased to 100% at 60 days. False allele rates ranged from 0 to 30.0% and increased gradually over time. We recommend collecting samples as fresh as possible for individual identification during summer field conditions. Our study suggests that this method can be useful for future monitoring efforts, including occupancy surveys, individual identification, population estimation, parentage analysis and monitoring of genetic diversity both of a re‐introduced population in central Washington and across their range.
Narrowband selected high-redshift galaxy candidates contaminated by lower redshift [OIII] ultra-strong emitter line galaxies

Context. Lyman-break galaxies (LBG) and narrowband (NB) surveys have been successful at detecting large samples of high-redshift galaxies. Both methods are subject to contamination from low-redshift interlopers. Aims. Our aim is to investigate the nature of low-redshift interlopers in NB Lyman-ff emitters (LAE) searches. Methods. From previous HAWK-I NB imaging at z similar to 7.7, we identify three objects that would have been selected as high-redshift LAEs had our optical data been one magnitude shallower (but still one to two magnitudes fainter than the near infrared data). We follow up these objects in spectroscopy with X-Shooter at the VLT. Results. Despite low quality data due to bad weather conditions, for each of the three objects we identify one, and only one emission line, in the spectra of the objects that we identify as the [OIII]5007 angstrom line. From this result, combined with spectral energy density fitting and tests based on line ratios of several populations of galaxies, we infer that the three objects are ultra-strong line emitters at redshifts similar to 1.1. Conclusions. From this work and the literature we remark that the [OIII] line appears to be a common source of contamination in high-redshift LBG and LAE samples and we suggest that efforts be made to characterize with high accuracy the [OIII] luminosity function out to redshift similar to 3 or higher.
INGN-225: a dendritic cell-based p53 vaccine (Ad.p53-DC) in small cell lung cancer: observed association between immune response and enhanced chemotherapy effect

Importance of the field: Novel approaches are needed for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), as response after relapse is poor with standard therapies. p53 gene mutations often occur, resulting in tumoral protein overexpression and allowing for their recognition by p53-specific cytotoxic T cells. Areas covered in this review: We describe the characteristics and manufacturing of INGN-225, a p53-modified adenovirus-tranduced dendritic cell vaccine, and review available data, to understand INGN-225's role in SCLC treatment. We discuss our pre-clinical, early Phase I/II, and ongoing randomized Phase II studies. What the reader will gain: INGN-225 was well tolerated (all toxicities ≤grade 2) in the Phase I/II trial (54 patients receiving at least 1 dose). Specific anti-p53 immune response was positive in 18/43 (41.8%) patients, with overall post-INGN-225 response observed in 17/33 (51.5%) and immune response data available in 29 (14 positive, 15 negative). Post-INGN-225 response was observed in 11/14 (78.6%) and 5/15 (33%) patients with positive and negative immune responses, respectively. Take home message: INGN-225 is safe, induces a significant immune response, and appears to sensitize SCLC to subsequent chemotherapy. Improvements in immune response induction and understanding the chemotherapy–immunotherapy synergism will determine INGN-225's future role as an anticancer therapy.
On Efficient Data Integrity and Data Origin Authentication for Wireless Sensor Networks Utilising Block Cipher Design Techniques

Analysis of the generic attacks and countermeasures for block cipher based message authentication code algorithms (MAC) in sensor applications is undertaken; the conclusions are used in the design of two new MAC constructs Quicker Block Chaining MAC1 (QBC-MAC1) and Quicker Block Chaining MAC2 (QBC-MAC2). Using software simulation we show that our new constructs point to improvements in usage of CPU instruction clock cycle and energy requirement when benchmarked against the de facto Cipher Block Chaining MAC (CBC-MAC) based construct used in the TinySec security protocol for wireless sensor networks.
Design optimization of a BLDC motor: a comparative analysis

The paper presents an application of the Matlab optimization algorithms to a slotless brushless DC (BLDC) motor design, with 7 design parameters chosen to be free. The tested algorithms are: classical (gradient-based), direct-search and genetic. As a conclusion, the direct-search algorithm is not suitable for this application, as it is highly dependent on the initial values. The classical or genetic algorithms are suitable to apply, but within loops. The best results are produced by the sequence genetic-classical algorithms.
Value of the Modified Hodge Test for Detection of Emerging Carbapenemases in Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACT The modified Hodge test has an excellent sensitivity for detecting enterobacterial isolates producing Ambler class A (KPC) and class D (OXA-48) carbapenemases. Its sensitivity is low for NDM-1 producers (50%) but is increased to 85.7% by adding ZnSO4 (100 μg/ml) in the culture medium. However, this test has a low specificity and is time-consuming.
Biclustering Analysis of Coregulated Biclusters from Gene Expression Data

In this paper, the Biclustering analysis of coregul ated biclusters from gene expression data is carried out. Gene expression is the process, which produces functional product from the gene information. Data mining is used to find relevant a nd useful information from databases. Clustering groups the genes according to the given conditions. Biclustering algorithms belong to a distinct class of clustering algorithms that perform simultaneous clu stering of both rows and columns of the gene expression matrix. In this paper a new algorithm, E nhanced Bimax algorithm is proposed. The normalization technique is included which is used t o display a coregulated biclusters from gene expression data and grouping the genes in the parti cular order (1). In this work, Synthetic Gene Expression dataset is used to display the coregulat ed genes, developed by Prelic et.al., It contains constant values and coherent values over the conditions and non-overlapping and overlapping clusters. The data matrix contains 10 overlapping cluster and each clu ster extends over 5 genes and 15 conditions.
Infection of Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells by Haemophilus influenzae: Macropinocytosis as a Mechanism of Airway Epithelial Cell Entry

ABSTRACT Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is an exclusive human pathogen which infects the respiratory epithelium. We have initiated studies to explore the interaction of the nontypeableH. influenzae strain 2019 with primary human airway epithelial cells by electron and confocal microscopy. Primary human airway cell cultures were established as monolayers on glass collagen-coated coverslips or on semipermeable membranes at an air-fluid interface. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that bacteria adhered to nonciliated cells in the population. The surface of infected cells showed evidence of cytoskeletal rearrangements manifested by microvilli and lamellipodia extending toward and engaging bacteria. Confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated that infection induced actin polymerization with an increase in cortical actin as well as evidence of actin strands around the bacteria. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed lamellipodia and microvilli surrounding organisms, as well as organisms adherent to the cell surface. These studies also demonstrated the presence of bacteria within vacuoles inside of airway cells. Confocal microscopic studies with Texas red-labeled dextran (molecular weight, 70,000) indicated that H. influenzae cells were entering cells by the process of macropinocytosis. These studies indicate that nontypeable H. influenzae can initiate cytoskeletal rearrangement within human airway epithelium, resulting in internalization of the bacteria within nonciliated human airway epithelial cells by the process of macropinocytosis.
The promoter for the late gene encoding Vp5 of herpes simplex virus type 1 is recognized by cell extracts derived from uninfected cells

The ability of whole-cell extracts from uninfected HeLa cells to recognize the promoter for the herpes simplex virus type 1 late gene encoding the major capsid protein Vp5 was investigated by using both in vitro transcriptional and S1 nuclease protection analysis. This gene promoter was recognized by the cell extracts and produced abundant amounts of transcript in the absence of any other virus-encoded factors. This transcript was shown to arise, in vitro, from specific initiation at or very near the physiological mRNA start site. Thus, it appears that cell extracts from uninfected HeLa cells can efficiently recognize both early- and late-gene promoters.
Quantifying Real-World Upper-Limb Activity in Nondisabled Adults and Adults With Chronic Stroke

Background. Motor capability is commonly assessed inside the clinic, but motor performance in real-world settings (ie, outside of the clinic) is seldom assessed because measurement tools are lacking. Objective. To quantify real-world bilateral upper-limb (UL) activity in nondisabled adults and adults with stroke using a recently developed accelerometry-based methodology. Methods. Nondisabled adults (n = 74) and adults with chronic stroke (n = 48) wore accelerometers on both wrists for 25 to 26 hours. Motor capability was assessed using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Accelerometry-derived variables were calculated to quantify intensity of bilateral UL activity (ie, bilateral magnitude) and the contribution of both ULs to activity (magnitude ratio) for each second of activity. Density plots were used to examine each second of bilateral UL activity throughout the day. Results. Nondisabled adults demonstrated equivalent use of dominant and nondominant ULs, indicated by symmetrical density plots and a median magnitude ratio of −0.1 (interquartile range [IQR] = 0.3), where a value of 0 indicates equal activity between ULs. Bilateral UL activity intensity was lower (P < .001) and more lateralized in adults with stroke, as indicated by asymmetrical density plots and a lower median magnitude ratio (−2.2; IQR = 6.2, P < .001). Density plots were similar between many stroke participants who had different ARAT scores, indicating that real-world bilateral UL activity was similar despite different motor capabilities. Conclusions. Quantification and visualization of real-world bilateral UL activity can be accomplished using this novel accelerometry-based methodology and complements results obtained from clinical tests of function when assessing recovery of UL activity following neurological injury.
Cooperativity and Flexibility of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Transmembrane Segments Participate in Membrane Localization of a Charged Residue*

Polytopic protein topology is established in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by sequence determinants encoded throughout the nascent polypeptide. Here we characterize 12 topogenic determinants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and identify a novel mechanism by which a charged residue is positioned within the plane of the lipid bilayer. During cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator biogenesis, topology of the C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMs 7–12) is directed by alternating signal (TMs 7, 9, and 11) and stop transfer (TMs 8, 10, and 12) sequences. Unlike conventional stop transfer sequences, however, TM8 is unable to independently terminate translocation due to the presence of a single charged residue, Asp924, within the TM segment. Instead, TM8 stop transfer activity is specifically dependent on TM7, which functions both to initiate translocation and to compensate for the charged residue within TM8. Moreover, even in the presence of TM7, the N terminus of TM8 extends significantly into the ER lumen, suggesting a high degree of flexibility in establishing TM8 transmembrane boundaries. These studies demonstrate that signal sequences can markedly influence stop transfer behavior and indicate that ER translocation machinery simultaneously integrates information from multiple topogenic determinants as they are presented in rapid succession during polytopic protein biogenesis.
Design of a new Queue management mechanism to optimize the use of shared resources in real-time interactive multimedia services

Present paper describes the design of a new Queue Management Mechanism that allows the optimization in the use of shared network resources by different flows with high QoS constraints. The new real-time multimedia interactive services require network devices whose behavior complies with high time constraints. Hence, the proposed queue management mechanism is focused on providing a reduced delay and a controlled variation of the delay.
Title A spatial location-allocation GIS framework for managing water sources in a savanna nature reserve Permalink

Associated with the establishment or removal of water sources in savanna ecosystems is the issue of the effects of such management actions on animal movement and habitat selection, longer term implications on population levels, and impacts of such change on habitat degradation and soil erosion. Extant metrics used to describe the spatial distribution of water sources on the landscape often fall short of providing source-specific information, making them hard to apply in small-scale management settings. Using the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) as a case study, we compare a buffer framework, describing distances to water, a nearest neighbour framework, and a spatial location–allocation framework (SLAF) created in a geographic information system (GIS). These three frameworks can be combined into one GIS to demonstrate site-specific information on water source distribution, in addition to system-wide descriptions. The visually accessible quality of a GIS allows qualitative input from managers and property owners to achieve quantifiable management goals. The duality of database and visual representation provides a useful tool to assess the role of individual water sources and can easily be updated to reflect changes in their distribution.
Antitumor activity of fludarabine against human multiple myeloma in vitro and in vivo

Fludarabine, a nucleoside analogue, plays a major role in the treatment of B‐cell lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, and indolent lymphomas. There is a controversy about antitumor activity of fludarabine in multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of fludarabine against human myeloma cells both in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that myeloma cell line RPMI8226 was efficiently inhibited by fludarabine, concomitantly with decreased phosphorylation of Akt, down‐regulation of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) family, including XIAP and survivin, and induction of apoptosis related to activation of caspase cascade. Contrary to dexamethasone, the effect of fludarabine on RPMI8226 cells was independent of interleukin‐6. Fludarabine also induced cytotoxicity in dexamethasone‐sensitive (MM.1S) and ‐resistant (MM.1R) cells at 48 h with IC50 of 13.48 μg/mL and 33.79 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast, U266 cells were resistant to fludarabine. Moreover, RPMI8226 myeloma xenograft model was established using severe combined immunodeficient mice. The tumors treated with fludarabine at 40 mg/kg increased less than 5‐fold in 25 d comparing with approximately 10‐fold in the control tumors, demonstrating the antitumor activity of fludarabine in vivo. These results suggest that fludarabine may be an important therapeutic option for MM patients who are resistant to dexamethasone.