Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro assessment of chemokine receptor‐ligand interactions mediating mouse eosinophil migration

Eosinophil migration from circulation is controlled, in part, by chemokines through a family of G‐protein‐coupled chemokine receptors (CCR). Studies of human eosinophils have demonstrated that signaling through CCR3 receptors is a prominent pathway leading to chemotaxis, although several other receptor‐ligand interactions also appear to mediate eosinophil recruitment. The availability of genetically unique strains of mice permits a reductionist approach to assess the signaling pathways in experimental models of human disease. However, despite similarities in these pathways between mice and humans, significant species differences exist, complicating the translation of results from animal models to humans. Purified mouse eosinophils were used in this study to investigate the chemokine receptor expression and the activities of 18 chemokines. Mouse eosinophils isolated from IL‐5 transgenic mice expressed transcripts encoding the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, CCR8, CXCR2, and CXCR4, but not CCR4. Mouse eosinophils also migrated in response to human and mouse eotaxin‐1 and ‐2, but not human eotaxin‐3. In addition, the induced migration of mouse eosinophils by TARC, MIP‐1β, and KC suggests that unidentified receptor‐ligand interactions contribute to eosinophil recruitment. It is interesting that the potent chemoattractant of human eosinophils, RANTES, was unable to mediate mouse eosinophil migration. Furthermore, despite the ability of MIP‐1α to bind receptors on purified mouse eosinophils, it was only able to induce significant eosinophil migration in a mixed splenocyte population and was unable to induce migration of highly purified eosinophils. Collectively, these observations reveal physiologically relevant distinctions in mechanisms mediating human and mouse eosinophil migration that potentially reflect evolutionary disparities between these species.
Affect Sensing on Smartphone - Possibilities of Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging Population

Due to increasing sensing capacity, smartphones offer unprecedented opportunity to monitor human health. Affect sensing is one such essential monitoring that can be achieved on smartphones. Information about affect can be useful for many modern applications. In particular, it can be potentially used for understanding cognitive decline in aging population. In this paper we present an overview of the existing literature that offer affect sensing on smartphone platform. Most importantly, we present the challenges that need to be addressed to make affect sensing on smartphone a reality.
A systems approach to island tourism destination management

Tourism destination management is an increasingly competitive and complex business involving the coordination of economic, social and geographic elements within a designated tourist area. Traditional research in tourism destination management has tended to use a reductionist approach in order to monitor certain flow variables (visitor numbers, expenditure) or to measure discrete relationships between variables (tourist expenditure and employment, visitor numbers and social impacts). The limitations of this approach in research are now becoming apparent, as tourism development impinges on many elements within a destination, and a new approach to research in tourism destination management is needed. This paper will provide an overview of systems approaches to tourism destination planning and management and describe a systems research approach to island tourism destination management. A systems approach to tourism management in small island tourist destinations (less than one million population) using soft systems methodology (SSM) is discussed. It is envisaged that SSM would best be applied to management of island tourism destinations because it can accommodate social and environmental processes, as well as the economic factors that have been the foci of previous research. Furthermore, it is argued that the tourism system is an open system in that it responds to changes in social, natural and economic factors and is evolving toward an increasing state of complexity. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening the ability of natural feed ingredients to interfere with the adherence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 to the porcine intestinal mucus

The inhibition of the attachment of bacteria to the intestine by receptor analogues could be a novel approach to prevent enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-induced diarrhoea in piglets. The objective of the present study was to screen the ability of different feed ingredients (FI) to bind to ETEC K88 (adhesion test, AT) and to block its attachment to the porcine intestinal mucus (blocking test, BT) using in vitro microtitration-based models. In the AT, wheat bran (WB), casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) and exopolysaccharides exhibited the highest adhesion to ETEC K88 (P< 0·001). In the BT, WB, CGMP and locust bean (LB) reduced the number of ETEC K88 attached to the intestinal mucus (P< 0·001). For WB and LB, fractionation based on their carbohydrate components was subsequently carried out, and each fraction was evaluated individually. None of the WB fractions reduced the adhesion of ETEC K88 to the mucus as did the original extract, suggesting that a protein or glycoprotein could be involved in the recognition process. With regard to the LB fractions, the water-extractable material reduced the adhesion of ETEC K88 (P< 0·001) to the mucus similar to the original extract (P< 0·001), indicating, in this case, that galactomannans or phenolic compounds could be responsible for the recognition process. In conclusion, among the FI screened, the soluble extracts obtained from WB, LB and CGMP exhibited the highest anti-adhesive properties against ETEC K88 in the BT. These results suggest that they may be good candidates to be included in diets of weaned piglets for the prevention of ETEC K88-induced diarrhoea.
Partially Absorbed Comptonization Spectrum from the Nearly Edge-on Source X1822–371

We report the results of a spectral analysis over the range 0.1-200 keV performed on the dipping source X1822-371 observed by BeppoSAX. We find the best fit to the continuum using a partially covered Comptonization model, representing scattering of soft seed photons by electrons at a temperature of ~4.8 keV, without the presence of any soft blackbody emission. The equivalent hydrogen column obtained for the absorbed component is ~4.5 × 1022 cm-2, an order of magnitude larger than the Galactic absorption for this source, and the covering fraction is ~71%. Because the inclination angle of X1822-371 to the line of sight is ~85°, this model gives a reasonable scenario for the source: the Comptonized spectrum could come from an extended accretion disk corona (ADC), probably the only region that can be directly observed as a result of the high inclination. The excess matter producing the partial covering could be close to the equatorial plane of the system, above the outer disk, occulting the emission from the inner disk and the inner part of the ADC. An iron emission line is also present at ~6.5 keV with an equivalent width of ~150 eV. We argue that this strong iron line cannot be explained as reflection of the Comptonized spectrum by the accretion disk. It is probably produced in the ADC. An emission line at ~1.9 keV (with an equivalent width of ~54 eV) and an absorption edge at ~8.7 keV (with an optical depth of ~0.1) are also required to fit this spectrum. These features are probably produced by highly ionized iron (Fe XXIV) present in the outer part of the ADC, where the plasma density is ~1011-1012 cm-3 and ionized plasma is present.
Specific Language Impairment (SLI): The Internet Ralli Campaign to Raise Awareness of SLI

Abstract In this short article, we discuss what is specific language impairment (SLI) and why it is a hidden disability that few people have heard about. We describe the impact on research, policy and practice of SLI being a neglected condition. We end by providing the background and rationale of a new internet campaign, RALLI (www.youtube.com/rallicampaign), aimed at changing this state of affairs and raising awareness of SLI.
Sustainability Assessment of the Natural Gas Industry in China Using Principal Component Analysis

Under pressure toward carbon emission reduction and air protection, China has accelerated energy restructuring by greatly improving the supply and consumption of natural gas in recent years. However, several issues with the sustainable development of the natural gas industry in China still need in-depth discussion. Therefore, based on the fundamental ideas of sustainable development, industrial development theories and features of the natural gas industry, a sustainable development theory is proposed in this thesis. The theory consists of five parts: resource, market, enterprise, technology and policy. The five parts, which unite for mutual connection and promotion, push the gas industry’s development forward together. Furthermore, based on the theoretical structure, the Natural Gas Industry Sustainability Index in China is established and evaluated via the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. Finally, a conclusion is reached: that the sustainability of the natural gas industry in China kept rising from 2008 to 2013, mainly benefiting from increasing supply and demand, the enhancement of enterprise profits, technological innovation, policy support and the optimization and reformation of the gas market.
The roles of the bacteriophage T4 r genes in lysis inhibition and fine-structure genetics: a new perspective.

Seldom has the study of a set of genes contributed more to our understanding of molecular genetics than has the characterization of the rapid-lysis genes of bacteriophage T4. For example, T4 rII mutants were used to define gene structure and mutagen effects at the molecular level and to help unravel the genetic code. The large-plaque morphology of these mutants reflects a block in expressing lysis inhibition (LIN), the ability to delay lysis for several hours in response to sensing external related phages attacking the cell, which is a unique and highly adaptive attribute of the T4 family of phages. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanism of LIN, or how the various r genes affect its expression. Here, we review the extensive old literature about the r genes and the lysis process and try to sort out the major players affecting lysis inhibition. We confirm that superinfection can induce lysis inhibition even while infected cells are lysing, suggesting that the signal response is virtually instantaneous and thus probably the result of post-translational regulation. We identify the rI gene as ORF tk. -2, based on sequence analysis of canonical rI mutants. The rI gene encodes a peptide of 97 amino acids (Mr = 11.1 kD; pI = 4.8) that probably is secreted into the periplasmic space. This gene is widely conserved among T-even phage. We then present a model for LIN, postulating that rI is largely responsible for regulating the gpt holin protein in response to superinfection. The evidence suggests that the rIIA and B genes are not directly involved in lysis inhibition; rather, when they are absent, an alternate pathway for lysis develops which depends on the presence of genes from any of several possible prophages and is not sensitive to lysis inhibition.
Ideology in Everyday Life:- The Meaning of the House

-A house is a meaningful cultural object. People-builders who envision the end result, dwellers who inhabit and use its space, observers who seek to understand its cultural role-endow the house with meaning according to their culture’s world view and ethos. As part of an ordered human world, houses are used to demarcate space, to express feelings, ways of thinking, and social processes, and to provide arenas for culturally defined activity as well as to provide physical shelter. Like other parts of the humanly-built environment, houses are not
An 18‐kd heparin‐binding protein of developing brain that is distinct from fibroblast growth factors.

An 18‐kd heparin‐binding protein (p18) was isolated from perinatal rat brain. Although the protein closely resembles the fibroblast growth factors in its strong binding to heparin and in its apparent molecular mass, it has a distinct structure. This was concluded from the amino‐terminal sequence analysis that identified a unique structure containing a cluster of lysine residues. Antipeptide antibodies were raised in rabbits according to the sequence analysis and affinity purified using a synthetic peptide. The antibodies were shown to bind specifically to p18, which was immunochemically distinct from the basic fibroblast growth factor. The antipeptide antibodies detected p18 in brain but not in liver, kidney, heart or skeletal muscle. The content of the protein was shown to undergo a remarkable developmental change corresponding to the time period of rapid sprouting of axons and dendrites in brain. The content of p18 was rapidly increased at the time of birth until the postnatal age of approximately 1 week, after which it was decreased to values less than 10% in young adults as compared to the content found in perinatal rats. p18 also enhanced neurite outgrowth in brain neurons in vitro. The protein was stained in neurons in cells dispersed from perinatal brain. The properties of p18 suggest that it has a role in the growth and maturation of brain.
Adenoviruses in Immunocompromised Hosts

SUMMARY The number of patients with acquired immunodeficiency has grown steadily as a result of both a larger number of patients receiving solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants and their longer survival times. The use of newer, more potent immunosuppressive regimens has increased the frequency of severe adenovirus infections. Human adenoviruses are a large group of viruses, represented by at least 52 serotypes with various genotypes divided into genomic clusters, and these may cause a broad variety of clinical manifestations. The development of molecular methods has increased the sensitivity and rapidity of adenovirus infection diagnosis. The implementation of PCR assays has significantly contributed to the identification of patients with disseminated adenovirus disease. More recently, the development of real-time PCR assays has permitted virus quantification and patient follow-up. There is no treatment for adenovirus with demonstrated efficacy, although cidofovir is widely used. Sensitive diagnostic tests for adenovirus can contribute to the early diagnosis and successful treatment of life-threatening adenovirus infections, especially in complex immunocompromised patients. The development of improved adenovirus therapy still remains a challenge. Adenovirus genetic diversity should be considered for diagnosis, typing, and therapeutic interventions.
Quadrature Hybrid Miniaturization on Single-Layer Substrate

This paper presents an exact design technique to obtain formulas for compact quadrature hybrid coupler. We minimize the physical size based on even-and odd mode analysis. The proposed structure is relatively simple as the coupler can be fabricated on a single-layer printed circuit board. After finishing the design, full prototype of proposed coupler is fabricated and tested to validate the design. The obtained results reveal that we can reduce the coupler size up to 60% from the conventional one while maintaining its characteristics such as return loss, insertion loss and phase difference between through and coupled ports. Key-Words: even-odd mode; quadrature hybrid coupler; miniaturization; 3G and LTE
Robot as a Service in Information Science & Electronic Engineering Education

This paper reports the newly designed programming course developed and taught at Zhejiang University for a freshman class majoring in information science and electronic engineering, and disseminated to many other universities, to address the enrollment crisis as reported by ACM Curriculum Committee Review Task Force. The course teaches the basic information science and electronic engineering concepts and gives the students practical programming experience through robotics programming. The initial curriculum and the ongoing improvement of the course are presented. The course started with its experiment environment using ASU Visual IoT/Robotics Programming Environment (VIPLE). The environment supports a variety of platforms, including open architecture-based robots, such as Intel robots, PCDuino robots, vendor-specific robots, such as Lego EV3, as well as simulated robots, such as Web simulated robots in HTML5 and Unity-based 3D robots.
The Gap between Educational Aspirations and Attainment for First-Generation College Students and the Role of Parental Involvement

The primary purpose of this study was to examine if parental involvement had a significant influence on the educational aspirations of first-generation students as compared to the educational aspirations of non-first-generation students. Additionally, the study investigated if the educational aspirations of first-generation students differed from their actual educational attainments. Lastly, the study explored the differences in educational attainment for first-generation students by gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 1,879 students generated by the National Educational Longitudinal Study 1988-2000 was used as the basis for analysis.
Corporate Peak Performance Project

Sixteen partners at a financial services firm participated in an on-site neurofeedback training program. The training was provided in a group format at the work site, with three participants training simultaneously. Sixteen partners commenced training, and 15 completed the training. The EEG training protocol rewarded increases in the SMR range in order to enhance focus, and decreases in the theta and high beta (hibeta) ranges, to reduce impulsiveness and anxious thinking. A posttraining questionnaire showed significant positive results for a majority of the participating executives on several variables, including improved focus, reduced impulsiveness, reduced anxious thinking, improved sleep, and improved productivity.
Multi-resource Allocation Scheduling in Dynamic Environments

Motivated by service capacity-management problems in health care contexts, we consider a multi-resource allocation problem with two classes of jobs (elective and emergency) in a dynamic and non-stationary environment. Emergency jobs need to be served immediately, while elective jobs can wait. Distributional information about demand and resource availability is continually updated, and we allow jobs to renege. We prove that our formulation is convex, and the optimal amount of capacity reserved for emergency jobs in each period decreases with the number of elective jobs waiting for service. However, the optimal policy is difficult to compute exactly. We develop the idea of a limit policy starting at a particular time, and use this policy to obtain upper and lower bounds on the decisions of an optimal policy in each period, and also to develop several computationally-efficient policies. We show in computational experiments that our best policy performs within 1.8% of an optimal policy on average.
Relation of Altruism to Age, Social Class, and Ethnic Identity

The relationship of age, social class, and ethnic identity to altruism was explored. 800 addressed but unstamped letters were dropped (‘lost“) at 4 locations, junior high, senior high, college, and adult sites, evenly distributed between 2 cities, one populated mainly by upper middle-class residents, and one populated mainly by middle and lower middle-class residents. One-half the letters were addressed to someone with a Spanish surname, and one-half to a Caucasian surname. Significant differences in the age and social class variables were found, but not in the ethnic identity variable. Older and upper middle-class Ss displayed more altruism as measured by their greater return rate of the lost letters.
Protein modification by thermal processing

This paper is a review concerning the way in which heat treatment can modify the allergenicity of food proteins. Any food protein may be allergenic if it can be absorbed intact, or as substantial fragments, through the gut mucosa and then evoke an immune (allergic) response. The intrinsic properties of the protein, the overall composition of the food, and the past processing history (especially thermal processing) all have an effect on the allergic potential. When a protein is denatured by heat, most of the original tertiary structure is lost, so that many of the sites recognized by antibodies on the native molecule are destroyed. There are many examples of allergenicity being reduced, but not eliminated, by heating. But heat‐denatured proteins can also present new antigenic sites, uncovered by the unfolding process or created by new chemical reactions with other molecules present in the food (e.g., β‐lactoglobulin associating with a‐lactalbumin in milk). We have found that heat‐denatured β‐lactoglobulin has at least one new epitope, not found in the native state. Therefore, thermal processing can be part of a procedure for making hypoallergenic food, but will rarely be sufficient on its own. Increased understanding will help in evaluating novel proteins and processes.
Characteristics of Zanshin of Kendo Practitioners: Examination of the Relationship between Eye Blinking and CNV Resolution Time

1Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 599-8531, Japan E-mail: hamaguti@las.osakafu-u.ac. jp 2Laboratory for Exercise and Sports Physiology, School of Health and Sports Science, Chukyo University, 101 Tokodachi, Kaizu-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi, 470-0393, Japan [Received March 7, 2014; Accepted July 23, 2014; Published online August 5, 2014]
Antimicrobial Peptides As Biologic and Immunotherapeutic Agents against Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a pervasive and evolutionarily ancient component of innate host defense which is present in virtually all classes of life. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that parallel or de novo mechanisms by which AMPs curb infectious pathologies are also effective at restraining cancer cell proliferation and dissemination, and have consequently stimulated significant interest in their deployment as novel biologic and immunotherapeutic agents against human malignancies. In this review, we explicate the biochemical underpinnings of their tumor-selectivity, and discuss results of recent clinical trials (outside of oncologic indications) which substantiate their safety and tolerability profiles. Next, we present evidence for their preclinical antitumor activity, systematically organized by the major and minor classes of natural AMPs. Finally, we discuss the barriers to their clinical implementation and envision directions for further development.