Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Fyn in the Rearrangement of Tubulin Cytoskeleton Induced through TCR1

The translocation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), its associated signaling complex, and the secretory apparatus is the most characteristic early event that involves the tubulin cytoskeleton of T or NK cells after their interaction with APC or target cells. Our results show that Fyn kinase activity is essential for MTOC reorientation in an Ag-dependent system. Moreover, T cells from Fyn-deficient mice are unable to rearrange their tubulin cytoskeleton in response to anti-CD3-coated beads. Analysis of conjugates of T cells from transgenic OT-I mice with dendritic cells revealed that an antagonist peptide induces translocation of the MTOC, and that this process is impaired in T cells from Fyn−/− OT-I mice. In addition, Fyn deficiency significantly affects the MTOC relocation mediated by agonist peptide stimulation. These results reveal Fyn to be a key regulator of tubulin cytoskeleton reorganization in T cells.
Stéréophotométrie non calibrée en présence d'écarts au modèle lambertien

Nous presentons une methode robuste de resolution du probleme de la stereophotometrie non calibree dans le cadre lambertien, en presence d’ecarts a ce modele tels que les ombres ou les taches speculaires. Nous montrons d’abord comment detecter de tels ecarts afin d’estimer de facon plus precise les parametres caracteristiques des sources lumineuses, qui sont supposees de meme intensite afin de lever l’ambiguite de bas-relief generalisee inherente au probleme. Nous montrons ensuite comment estimer la normale et l’albedo en chaque point en prenant en compte les ecarts au modele, ce qui est facilite par l’estimation precise des eclairages. Nous validons notre methode qualitativement et quantativement par la reconstruction 3D d’objets synthetiques et reels, et nous comparons son efficacite et sa precision aux meilleures methodes actuelles.
Calcium‐sensing receptor expression and signalling in human parathyroid adenomas and primary hyperplasia

Both in vivo and in vitro evidence indicates that primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by a reduced sensitivity to extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o). The existence of alterations in the expression and signalling of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in parathyroid neoplasia is still uncertain. In order to clarify the role of CaSR in the reduced [Ca2+]o sensing of parathyroid neoplasia we investigated PTH secretion and intracellular effectors triggered by CaSR activation as well as the levels of expression of CaSR and CaSR coupled G proteins (Gq/G11) in parathyroid adenomas and primary hyperplasia.
Isolation and some propeties of a proteolytic enzyme from Escherichia coli (protease I).

By the use of electrophoretic and spectrophotometric methods two types of endopeptidases were demonstrated in crude extracts of Escherichia coli: one was active on N-acetyl-dl-phenyl-alanine-2-naphtyl ester and the other on N-benzoyl-l-arginine-p-nitroanilide. The two activities were separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. After gel electrophoresis of crude extracts, three bands of activity toward acetyl-phenylalanine-naphthyl ester were visualized. The enzyme corresponding to the band with the strongest esterolytic activity was also responsible for casein-hydrolytic activity in gel between pH 6 and 8; it was isolated and characterized. Starting with 450 g of wet cells, about 3 mg of a purified enzyme were obtained. This represented a recovery of 16% and almost 1000-fold purification. The isolated enzyme, designated as protease I, was homogeneous by electrophoresis and sucrose-gradient centrifugation. Its molecular weight was estimated by two different methods to be about 43000. The enzyme hydrolysed N-acetyl-dl-phenylalanine-2-naphthyl ester, a chymotrypsin substrate, but was inactive upon several synthetic substrates for enzymes with carboxypeptidase-A and trypsin-like specificity. The esterolytic activity was inhibited by DFP, whereas it was resistant to phenyl methyl-sulfonylfluoride even after prolonged treatment. Metal chelating agents, sulfhydryl reagents and several metal ions were without effect. The proterolytic activity of the purified enzyme was confirmed by its ability to breakdown native E. coli polynucleotide phosphorylase.
Above-threshold multiphoton detachment of H- by two-color laser fields: Angular distributions and partial rates.

We present a general nonperturbative formalism and an efficient and accurate numerical technique for the study of the angular distributions and partial widths for multiphoton above-threshold detachment in two-color fields. The procedure is based on an extension of our recent paper for one-color detachment, and the many-mode Floquet theory. The generalization of this procedure is performed for both cases of commensurable and incommensurable frequencies of the two-color fields. The procedure consists of the following elements: (i) Determination of the resonance wave function and complex quasienergy by means of the non-Hermitian Floquet Hamiltonian formalism. The Floquet Hamiltonian is discretized by the complex-scaling generalized pseudospectral technique recently developed [J. Wang, S. -I Chu, and C. Laughlin, Phys. Rev. A 50, 3208 (1994)]. (ii) Calculation of the angular distribution and partial widths based on an exact differential formula and a procedure for the rotation of the resonance wave function back to the real axis. The method is applied to a nonperturbative study of multiphoton above-threshold detachment of H{sup {minus}} by 10.6-{mu}m radiation and its third harmonic (the commensurable case). The results show strong dependence on the relative phase {delta} between the fundamental frequency field and its harmonic. For the intensities used in calculations (10{supmore » 10} W/cm{sup 2} for the fundamental frequency, 10{sup 8} and 10{sup 9} W/cm{sup 2} for the harmonic), the total rate has its maximum at {delta}=0 and minimum at {delta}={pi}. However, this tendency, though valid for the first several above-threshold peaks in the energy spectrum, is reversed for the higher-energy peaks. The energy spectrum for {delta}={pi} is broader, and the peak heights decrease more slowly compared to the case of {delta}=0. The strong phase dependence is also manifested in the angular distributions of the ejected electrons. « less
Altered Flow Territories after Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To prevent stroke after carotid sacrifice and to augment cerebral perfusion in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, high-flow extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass operations are performed. Although the function and efficacy of the bypass is monitored during surgery, the postoperative flow through the bypass is significantly lower than the flow in the contralateral ICA. Thus far, it is unknown whether decreased bypass flow is caused by a low tissue perfusion or by a relatively small flow territory. METHODS: Seven patients, four with an atherosclerotic ICA occlusion and three with a giant aneurysm of the ICA, were investigated; each underwent a high-flow EC-IC bypass and permanent occlusion of the ICA. Cerebral blood flow was measured with arterial spin labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. Separate flow territory mapping of the EC-IC bypass, contralateral ICA, and posterior circulation was performed with selective arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in cerebral blood flow between the hemisphere ipsilateral to the EC-IC bypass (70.9 ± 11.3 ml/min/100 g tissue), contralateral to the EC-IC bypass (71.9 ± 14.3 ml/min/100 g tissue), and comparable findings in 50 healthy control participants (69.1 ± 17.5 ml/min/100 g tissue). Paired analysis of the individual flow territories demonstrated a 15% volume reduction (P = 0.018) in flow territory of the EC-IC bypass compared with the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we demonstrate the feasibility of selective arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging for clinical follow-up of patients after high-flow EC/IC bypass surgery, providing both information on flow territories and the level of regional cerebral blood flow.
Usefulness and reliability of short-lived radionuclides for cardiac output determination.

cardiac output, only two, the â€œFick methodâ€•and the indicator-dilution technique, use no empiric con stants. During recent years, the latter method has gained popularity because it is a shorter procedure, requires much less equipment, produces less anxiety and apprehension in the subject, and in most cases, affords a better indication of cardiac output (1). A most popular adaptation of the dilution tech nique involves the use of dyes and cuvette densi tometers. However, generator-produced radionuclides such as lismln and 9smTc also offer attractive physi cal properties making them potentially useful mdi cators for estimating cardiac output. The repeated introduction of carrier-free fl3mIn or Na@@mTcO4, for example, does not significantly change the. body physiology or alter subsequent measurements of car diac output. Moreover, this method permits continu ous recording of radioisotope dilution curves and frequent cardiac output determinations with litfie radiation hazard to @ the subject.
Maternal underweight and pregnancy outcome : prospective cohort study

Introduction. Our purpose was to assess the effect of prepregnancy maternal underweight on pregnancy outcome and neonatal birthweight. Material and method. In prospective observational cohort study we analysed pregnant women who were provided with prenatal care in our institution. The obstetric performance and pregnancy outcome of 359 women with underweight, defined as body mass index (BMI) below 19.8, according to the Institute of Medicine criteria were compared with matched control subjects of normal weight (BMI 19.8-26.0). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined by using Mantel-Haenszel technique. A probability value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The mean (± SD) birth weight of the infants of underweight women was 131 ± 17 g significantly less (p = 0.0002) than of infants of control subjects. In the group of underweight women as compared with normal-weight women, there was increased risk of preterm delivery (OR 1.46), small for gestational age (SGA), and low birth weight (< 2500 g) infants (respectively: OR 2.11, p < 0.05, and OR 1.83, p < 0.05). In contrast, in this group of women there was rare incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 0.72), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) (OR 0.80), large for gestational age (LGA) infants (OR 0.51, p < 0.05), and macrosomic infants (> 4500 g) (OR 0.33). Conclusion. Low maternal weight was associated with increased prevalence of preterm delivery and low birthweight. It was noticed that in this group of women there was low incidence of GDM, PIH, and neonates with large birthweight.
Model Predictive Current Control of a Three-Phase T-Type NPC Inverter to Reduce Common Mode Voltage

This paper presents a reduced control set model predictive control (RCSMPC) method for three-phase T-type neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter. The whole control set (WCS) consists of all the 27 switching states of T-type NPC inverter. The reduced control set (RCS) with 19 switching states is formed from WCS by excluding the switching states with common mode voltage (CMV) value higher than one-sixth of input DC voltage (Vdc∕6). With RCS, single-objective model predictive current control method can restrict the CMV peak value to (Vdc∕6). To further reduce the CMV below this threshold, a cost function with the weighted sum of two control targets is formulated in the RCSMPC method. The two control targets of RCSMPC method are CMV mitigation and load current control. The weight for CMV is called bias factor. The RCSMPC method is computationally efficient, as the number of switching states is less than that of WCSMPC. To further reduce the computational burden, CMV values corresponding to all the switching states are calculated offline and stored in memory. Robustness of both the methods is investigated with parameter deviations at different bias factors and reference currents. The proposed method is validated using simulation and experimental results and compared with the existing methods.
Different protein kinase C isoenzymes mediate inhibition of cardiac rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current by different G‐protein coupled receptors

Elevated angiotensin II (Ang II) and sympathetic activity contributes to a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias in heart disease. The rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) carried by the hERG channels plays a critical role in cardiac repolarization, and decreased IKr is involved in increased cardiac arrhythmogenicity. Stimulation of α1A‐adrenoreceptors or angiotensin II AT1 receptors is known to inhibit IKr via PKC. Here, we have identified the PKC isoenzymes mediating the inhibition of IKr by activation of these two different GPCRs.
Comments on ‘A cautionary note concerning the use of stabilized weights in marginal structural models’ by D. Talbot, J. Atherton, A. M. Rossi, S. L. Bacon, and G. Lefebvre

In their recent paper, Talbot et al. [1] argue that the use of the stabilized weights in marginal structural models (MSMs) possibly yields biased inferences while the use of the standard unstabilized weights does not. They conclude that analysts should avoid using the common stabilized weights when the analyses target the estimation of the current or most recent treatment effect. In this letter, I would like to clarify why this phenomenon was observed in their simulation study and question about the authors’ conclusion. I here assume that the models for the treatment probabilities P ( Ak = ak|Āk−1 = āk−1, L̄k = l̄k )
Predictors of behavior and performance in extreme environments: the Antarctic space analogue program.

BACKGROUND To determine which, if any, characteristics should be incorporated into a select-in approach to screening personnel for long-duration spaceflight, we examined the influence of crewmember social/ demographic characteristics, personality traits, interpersonal needs, and characteristics of station physical environments on performance measures in 657 American men who spent an austral winter in Antarctica between 1963 and 1974. METHODS During screening, subjects completed a Personal History Questionnaire which obtained information on social and demographic characteristics, the Deep Freeze Opinion Survey which assessed 5 different personality traits, and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B) Scale which measured 6 dimensions of interpersonal needs. Station environment included measures of crew size and severity of physical environment. Performance was assessed on the basis of combined peer-supervisor evaluations of overall performance, peer nominations of fellow crew-members who made ideal winter-over candidates, and self-reported depressive symptoms. RESULTS Social/demographic characteristics, personality traits, interpersonal needs, and characteristics of station environments collectively accounted for 9-17% of the variance in performance measures. The following characteristics were significant independent predictors of more than one performance measure: military service, low levels of neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness, and a low desire for affection from others. CONCLUSIONS These results represent an important first step in the development of select-in criteria for personnel on long-duration missions in space and other extreme environments. These criteria must take into consideration the characteristics of the environment and the limitations they place on meeting needs for interpersonal relations and task performance, as well as the characteristics of the individuals and groups who live and work in these environments.
A Study of Impact of Instant Messaging on Job Performance through Employee Empowerment

This electronic document is a "live" template and already defines the components of your paper [title, text, heads, etc.] in its style sheet. The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate. In particular, Instant Messaging (IM) as a social media platform can meet the demands of omnipresent communication, and hence constantly using IM has become routine activities of most people. Through constantly receiving organizational ingredients with IM, employees may feel equipped with more job related knowledge, closely connected with the organization and authorized in decision making. There have been few studies that directly discussed the use of IM at work in view of employee empowerment, therefore, this study is aimed to provide some insight into this issue to show how the employee could feel empowered. This study is to explore the impact of employees' usage of IM as a communication tool on employee behavior from the perspective of "employee empowerment" with the following purposes: (1) the IM usage with the relationship of "job satisfaction", "job performance" and "organizational commitment" (2) the impact of the IM usage on employee empowerment (3) with the relationship of "IM usage" and "Empowerment", "Job Satisfaction", "Job Performance" as well as "Organizational Commitment. "
BGP/MPLS IP Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

This document describes a method by which a Service Provider may use an IP backbone to provide IP Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for its customers. This method uses a "peer model", in which the customers' edge routers (CE routers) send their routes to the Service Provider's edge routers (PE routers); there is no "overlay" visible to the customer's routing algorithm, and CE routers at different sites do not peer with each other. Data packets are tunneled through the backbone, so that the core routers do not need to know the VPN routes. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Effects of a Low Molecular Weight Heparin, Bemiparin, and Unfractionated Heparin on Hemostatic Properties of Endothelium

Human endothelial cells synthesize and secrete a variety of molecules involved in fibrinolysis and coagulation. The effects of a low molecular weight heparin, Bemiparin, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) were compared on plasminogen activator inhibitor-i (PAI-1), tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA), tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) release, and PAl-i gene expression by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cell cultures were supplemented with Bemiparin or UFH at 1 or 10 U/mL. Culture media samples were obtained before the addition of the drugs and 2, 6, and 24 hours afterward to measure the antigen levels of TF, TFPI, t-PA, and PAI-1. RNA was obtained to study the endothelial expression of PAM by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bemiparin at 1 U/mL resulted in a decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) PAI-I expression, which remained unaltered when UFH had been added. PAM-levels increased after the cultures had been supplemented with either Bemiparin or UFH at both doses. UFH induced an increase in t-PA either at 1 or 10 U/mL. Both doses of UFH, but not Bemiparin, induced an important increase in TF secretion. An increase in the TFPI levels was seen with UFH at 1 U/mL. The decrease in PAM-i gene expression observed with a therapeutic dose of Bemiparin might confer this drug interesting profibrinolytic properties. The fact that Bemiparin, in contrast with UFH, does not induce an increase in TF could give this drug another positive feature.
Molecular Characterization of Ste20p, a Potential Mitogen-activated Protein or Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Kinase (MEK) Kinase Kinase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae(*)

The Ste20p protein kinase was immunopurified from yeast cells and analyzed in an in vitro assay system. Ste20p immune complexes exhibited autophosphorylating activity at serine and threonine residues and specifically phosphorylated a bacterially expressed glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion of Ste11p (a mitogen-activated protein or extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) kinase homologue) at serine and threonine residues. In contrast, GST fusions either of Ste7p (a MEK homologue) or the β-subunit of the mating response G-protein and immunoprecipitated Ste5p were not phosphorylated by the Ste20p immune complexes. Myelin basic protein was identified as an excellent in vitro substrate, whereas histone H1 was only poorly phosphorylated. Evidence was obtained that autophosphorylation might play a regulatory role for the in vitro kinase activity. The in vitro activity was found to be Ca-independent. Both the in vivo and in vitro activities were abolished by mutational changes of either the conserved lysine residue 649 within the ATP binding site or threonine 777 between the catalytic subdomains VII and VIII. Wild-type Ste20p and the catalytically inactive T777A mutant were identified as phosphoproteins in vivo. The phosphorylation occurred at serine and threonine residues independent of pheromone stimulation. Based on the genetically determined significance of Ste20p in pheromone signal transduction and on our in vitro studies, we propose the model that Ste20p represents a yeast MEK kinase kinase whose function is to link G-protein-coupled receptors through G to a mitogen-activated protein kinase module.
In Vivo Interleukin-6 Protects Neutrophils from Apoptosis in Osteomyelitis

ABSTRACT Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are critical for resolution of bacterial infections. In tissues, most of the neutrophils quickly die through apoptosis. Using propidium iodide DNA staining and DNA gel electrophoresis, we found that spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils from patients suffering osteomyelitis (n = 52) was significantly decreased in relation to control neutrophils (n = 20) (40.2% ± 25.2% versus 54.5% ± 23.5%; P < 0.03). Incubation of neutrophils from normal volunteers with sera from patients with osteomyelitis reduced apoptosis from 79.1% ± 14.8% in control sera to 62.2% ± 18.7% in osteomyelitis sera. A significant increase of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1α was found in osteomyelitis (IL-6, 8.8 ± 11.9 pg/ml versus 1.8 ± 1.2 pg/ml in controls [P < 0.004]; IL-1α, 3.8 ± 6.4 pg/ml versus 1.0 ± 2.2 pg/ml in controls [P < 0.02]). No differences in the levels of other cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, were found. There was an inverse correlation between IL-6 levels and neutrophil apoptosis (r = −0.855; P < 0.007), but this was not the case for other cytokines. The antiapoptotic effect of the osteomyelitis sera was reversed with anti-IL-6 antibodies (P < 0.03) and was reproduced with recombinant human IL-6 (P < 0.001). The longer life span of neutrophils in osteomyelitis induced by IL-6 could contribute to the tissue damage that occurs in these chronic bone infections.