Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of action of anticandidal dipeptides containing inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase

The mechanism of anticandidal action of novel synthetic dipeptides containing N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP) residues was shown to be consistent with the "warhead delivery" concept. FMDP dipeptides were shown to be transported into Candida albicans cells by the di-tripeptide permease and subsequently hydrolyzed by intracellular peptidases, especially aminopeptidase. The anticandidal activity of the particular FMDP dipeptide was influenced by the rate of its transport and, to a lower extent, by the intracellular cleavage rate. A high transport rate accompanied by a high cleavage rate resulted in the high anticandidal activity of L-norvalyl-FMDP. The strong growth-inhibitory effect of this compound was the consequence of inhibition of the enzyme glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase by the released FMDP. The action of L-norvalyl-FMDP on exponentially growing C. albicans cells resulted in a sharp decrease of incorporation of 14C label from [14C]glucose into chitin, mannoprotein, and glucan. This effect, as well as the growth-inhibitory effect, was fully reversed by exogenous N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase was proved to be the only essential target for FMDP dipeptides. Scanning electron microscopy of C. albicans cells treated with L-norvalyl-FMDP revealed highly distorted, wrinkled, and collapsed forms. Cells formed long, bulbous chains, and partial lysis occurred.
Heterozygous Mutation in IκBNS Leads to Reduced Levels of Natural IgM Antibodies and Impaired Responses to T-Independent Type 2 Antigens

Mice deficient in central components of classical NF-κB signaling have low levels of circulating natural IgM antibodies and fail to respond to immunization with T-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigens. A plausible explanation for these defects is the severely reduced numbers of B-1 and marginal zone B (MZB) cells in such mice. By using an ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis screen, we identified a role for the atypical IκB protein IκBNS in humoral immunity. IκBNS-deficient mice lack B-1 cells and have severely reduced numbers of MZB cells, and thus resemble several other strains with defects in classical NF-κB signaling. We analyzed mice heterozygous for the identified IκBNS mutation and demonstrate that these mice have an intermediary phenotype in terms of levels of circulating IgM antibodies and responses to TI-2 antigens. However, in contrast to mice that are homozygous for the IκBNS mutation, the heterozygous mice had normal frequencies of B-1 and MZB cells. These results suggest that there is a requirement for IκBNS expression from two functional alleles for maintaining normal levels of circulating natural IgM antibodies and responses to TI-2 antigens.
Experimental analysis of the modified direction feature for cursive character recognition

This paper describes and analyzes the performance of a structural feature extraction technique for the recognition of segmented/cursive characters that may be used in the context of a segmentation-based, handwritten word recognition system. The modified direction feature (MDF) extraction technique builds upon a previous technique proposed by the authors that extracts direction information from the structure of character contours. This principle is extended so that the direction information is integrated with a technique for detecting transitions between background and foreground pixels in the character image. The MDF technique used in conjunction with neural network classifiers provide recognition rates of up to 90.24%, which are amongst the highest in the literature. This paper also presents a detailed analysis of the characters that were the source of misclassification in the character recognition process. The characters used for experimentation were obtained from the CEDAR benchmark database.
Analysis of the backscattered energy in terrestrial laser scanning data

Terrestrial laser scanning provides a point cloud, but usually also the “intensity” values are available. These values are mainly influenced by the distance from sensor to object and by the object’s reflection properties. We demonstrate that it is possible to retrieve these reflection properties from the observed range and the intensity value. An experiment with targets of known reflectivity behaviour is described. Retrieving object reflectivity is also demonstrated for these targets in another experiment, which was not used to determine the functional relationship between range, reflectivity, and intensity. The Lidar equation describes the received optical power in terms of the emitted power, range, and target properties. Nonetheless, the intensity values do not follow this prescribed behaviour. Therefore, data driven approaches are used, allowing a better prediction of the observed intensity from the range and reflectivity of the targets. For a Riegl LMS-Z420i and an Optech ILRIS 3D these experiments were performed. Both scanners measure range by the travel time of a pulse. In our experiments, the reflectivity can be estimated from the laser scanning data with a standard deviation of 6% or better. This demonstrates the potential for retrieving material properties of natural surfaces, too.
Does Activity Limitation Predict Discharge Destination for Postacute Care Patients?

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the ability of different domains of activity limitation to predict discharge destination (home vs. nonhome settings) 1 mo after hospital discharge for postacute rehabilitation patients. DesignA secondary analysis was conducted using a data set of 518 adults with neurologic, lower extremity orthopedic, and complex medical conditions followed after discharge from a hospital into postacute care. Variables collected at baseline include activity limitations (basic mobility, daily activity, and applied cognitive function, measured by the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care), demographics, diagnosis, and cognitive status. The discharge destination was recorded at 1 mo after being discharged from the hospital. ResultsCorrelational analyses revealed that the 1-mo discharge destination was correlated with two domains of activity (basic mobility and daily activity) and cognitive status. However, multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that basic mobility functioning performed the best in discriminating home vs. nonhome living. ConclusionsThis study supported the evidence that basic mobility functioning is a critical determinant of discharge home for postacute rehabilitation patients. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care–basic mobility showed good usability in discriminating home vs. nonhome living. The findings shed light on the importance of basic mobility functioning in the discharge planning process.
Semantic and Geometric Scene Understanding for Task-oriented Grasping of Novel Objects from a Single View

We present a task-oriented grasp model, that learns grasps that are configurationally compatible with a given task. The model consists of a geometric grasp model, and a semantic grasp model. The geometric model relies on a dictionary of grasp prototypes that are learned from experience, while the semantic model is CNN-based and identifies scene regions that are compatible with a specific task. A key element of this work is to use a deep network to integrate contextual task cues, and defer the structured-output problem of gripper pose computation to an explicit (learned) geometric model. Jointly, these two models generate grasps that are mechanically fit, and that grip on the object in a way that enables the intended task.
New factors in the evaluation of scientific literature through citation indexing

More than one million citations from the scientific literature have been processed by the Citation Index Project at the Institute for Scientific Information. The Project, sponsored by NSF and NIH, will be described briefly, and new methods of using citation data for evaluation of publications will be discussed. Summaries of statistical data, compiled by computer methods such as the following, will be given. 1 Frequency of citation of one journal by another. 2 Frequency of current citations to the past literature. 3 Frequency of self-citation by journals and authors. 4 Number of source citations per cited paper. 5 Number of references per source paper. 6 Number of papers published per journal. Information scientists and research workers are encouraged to use this unique reservoir of information for additional statistics applicable to their fields of work as a basis for comparative studies on the efficacy of various indexing techniques.
The fusion of two worlds: Non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles - diagnostic and therapeutic implications (Review)

The role of the extracellular non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs present in tumor-derived extravesicles, has been intensively exploited in human cancer as a promising tool for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Current knowledge on exosomes shows an important role not only as vehicles in the intercellular communication, but the transfer of their content can specifically modulate the surrounding microenvironment, leading to tumor development and progression and affecting therapy response. Based on this, much effort has focused on understanding the mechanisms behind the biology of exosomes and their closely interaction with non-coding RNAs as an efficient tool in tumor diagnostic and therapy. Here we summarize the current knowledge on extracellular and exosomes-enclosed non-coding RNAs, and their importance as potential biomarkers and mediators of intercellular communication in tumor biology.
High torque double-stator switched reluctance machine for electric vehicle propulsion

In this paper a high torque double-stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM) is proposed for electric vehicle propulsion. DSSRM is a novel variable reluctance synchronous machine with two stators and one rotor. The magneto-motive force (mmf) orientation of these coils in DSSRM is such that a short flux path is created. To compare torque per mass of a DSSRM with that of a conventional SRM, finite element models are constructed. An experimental prototype of the proposed machine is developed and the static torque is measured. The results of our investigations indicate that the proposed geometry offers superior performance in terms of higher torque per mass.
A geographic XML-based format for the mobile environment

The rapid emerging of the mobile Internet provides new opportunities for information services. One of the service types is tied to mobile location technology that allows the definition of the geographical location of a mobile user. It enables the development of a new class geographical information services. Location-based applications require careful development of the general architecture as well as a data format for information transfer due to restrictions of mobile devices and wireless data networks. The author examines the use of different format types in mobile information services for the representation of geographical information. Then, he proposes to use an XML-based data model language for geographical information description in such systems. He describes the logical structure for the new format and basic tags. He expects that the format helps in effective development of geographical applications for the mobile environment.
Mean platelet volume: a potential biomarker of the risk and prognosis of heart disease

Platelets are essential for progression of atherosclerotic lesions, plaque destabilization, and thrombosis. They secrete and express many substances that are crucial mediators of coagulation, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a precise measure of platelet size, and is routinely reported during complete blood count analysis. Emerging evidence supports the use of MPV as a biomarker predicting the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, and as a guide for prescription of anticoagulation and rhythm-control therapy. In addition, MPV may predict the clinical outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease and indicate whether additional adjunctive therapy is needed to improve clinical outcomes. This review focuses on the current evidence that MPV may be a biomarker of the risk and prognosis of common heart diseases, particularly atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease treated via PCI.
Harmony and Conflict: Towards an Integrated Model of Conflict Styles

Disagreements are typically viewed from a harmony perspective in East Asia, whereas they are viewed from a conflict perspective in the West. Harmony models developed with reference to the Chinese cultural context suggests that conflict avoidance represents vigilant, effortful attempts to maintain an interpersonal relationship, which contrasts sharply with dual concern model, which asserts that conflict avoidance represents low concern for self and others’ outcomes. To address this type of inconsistency, harmony motives are integrated with outcome concerns, giving rising to a three dimensional conflict model with eight conflict styles. This integrative model is argued to be more comprehensive and universal than either harmony or conflict models. Empirical evidence in support of this integrative model is reviewed, together with directions for future research.
Technical Advance: New in vitro method for assaying the migration of primary B cells using an endothelial monolayer as substrate

Migration of B cells supports their development and recruitment into functional niches. Therefore, defining factors that control B cell migration will lead to a better understanding of adaptive immunity. In vitro cell migration assays with B cells have been limited by poor adhesion of cells to glass coated with adhesion molecules. We have developed a technique using monolayers of endothelial cells as the substrate for B cell migration and used this technique to establish a robust in vitro assay for B cell migration. We use TNF‐α to up‐regulate surface expression of the adhesion molecule VCAM‐1 on endothelial cells. The ligand VLA‐4 is expressed on B cells, allowing them to interact with the endothelial monolayer and migrate on its surface. We tested our new method by examining the role of L‐plastin (LPL), an F‐actin‐bundling protein, in B cell migration. LPL‐deficient (LPL−/−) B cells displayed decreased speed and increased arrest coefficient compared with wild‐type (WT) B cells, following chemokine stimulation. However, the confinement ratios for WT and LPL−/− B cells were similar. Thus, we demonstrate how the use of endothelial monolayers as a substrate will support future interrogation of molecular pathways essential to B cell migration.
Metadata Repositories for Virtual Engineering

Efficient and effective support of the product design process in general and Virtual Engineering (VE), in a particular case, requires the possibility of the automatic generation of problem-oriented models. Especially, it is necessary to extract simplified geometry, mechanical and electrical models from CAD data. The derived models are enriched with additional product data information and used as input of simulations. In the recent years many tools and algorithms emerged that allow automatic transformations between engineering domains. As transformations are complex operations, it is necessary to combine different approaches to a process of transformation steps that may be executed automatically or semi-automatically. Finally, outcomes of the combined processes are simulation results that describe the behavior of the investigated products.
Simulation of Cl− Secretion in Epithelial Tissues: New Methodology Estimating Activity of Electro-Neutral Cl− Transporter

Transcellular Cl− secretion is, in general, mediated by two steps; (1) the entry step of Cl− into the cytosolic space from the basolateral space across the basolateral membrane by Cl− transporters, such as Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1, an isoform of NKCC), and (2) the releasing step of Cl− from the cytosolic space into the luminal (air) space across the apical membrane via Cl− channels, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel. Transcellular Cl− secretion has been characterized by using various experimental techniques. For example, measurements of short-circuit currents in the Ussing chamber and patch clamp techniques provide us information on transepithelial ion movements via transcellular pathway, transepithelial conductance, activity (open probability) of single channel, and whole cell currents. Although many investigators have tried to clarify roles of Cl− channels and transporters located at the apical and basolateral membranes in transcellular Cl− secretion, it is still unclear how Cl− channels/transporters contribute to transcellular Cl− secretion and are regulated by various stimuli such as Ca2+ and cAMP. In the present study, we simulate transcellular Cl− secretion using mathematical models combined with electrophysiological measurements, providing information on contribution of Cl− channels/transporters to transcellular Cl− secretion, activity of electro-neutral ion transporters and how Cl− channels/transporters are regulated.
Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase Subunit MoCpa2 Affects Development and Pathogenicity by Modulating Arginine Biosynthesis in Magnaporthe oryzae

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that affects physiological and biochemical functions. The CPA2 gene in yeast encodes a large subunit of arginine-specific carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) and is involved in arginine biosynthesis. Here, an ortholog of yeast CPA2 was identified in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, and was named MoCPA2. MoCpa2 is an 1180-amino acid protein which contains an ATP grasp domain and two CPSase domains. Targeted deletion of MoCPA2 supported its role in de novo arginine biosynthesis in M. oryzae as mutant phenotypes were complemented by arginine but not ornithine. The ΔMocpa2 mutant exhibited defects in asexual development and pathogenicity but not appressorium formation. Further examination revealed that the invasive hyphae of the ΔMocpa2 mutant were restricted mainly to the primary infected cells. In addition, the ΔMocpa2 mutant was unable to induce a plant defense response and had the ability to scavenge ROS during pathogen-plant interactions. Structure analysis revealed that the ATP grasp domain and each CPS domain were indispensable for the proper localization and full function of MoCpa2. In summary, our results indicate that MoCpa2 plays an important role in arginine biosynthesis, and affects growth, conidiogenesis, and pathogenicity. These results suggest that research into metabolism and processes that mediate amino acid synthesis are valuable for understanding M. oryzae pathogenesis.
The chloroplast DNA locus psbZ-trnfM as a potential barcode marker in Phoenix L. (Arecaceae)

Abstract The genus Phoenix (Arecaceae) comprises 14 species distributed from Cape Verde Islands to SE Asia. It includes the economically important species Phoenix dactylifera. The paucity of differential morphological and anatomical useful characters, and interspecific hybridization, make identification of Phoenix species difficult. In this context, the development of reliable DNA markers for species and hybrid identification would be of great utility. Previous studies identified a 12 bp polymorphic chloroplast minisatellite in the trnG (GCC)-trnfM (CAU) spacer, and showed its potential for species identification in Phoenix. In this work, in order to develop an efficient DNA barcode marker for Phoenix, a longer cpDNA region (700 bp) comprising the mentioned minisatellite, and located between the psbZ and trnfM (CAU) genes, was sequenced. One hundred and thirty-six individuals, representing all Phoenix species except P. andamanensis,were analysed. The minisatellite showed 2-7 repetitions of the 12 bp motif, with 1-3 out of seven haplotypes per species. Phoenix reclinata and P. canariensis had species-specific haplotypes. Additional polymorphisms were found in the flanking regions of the minisatellite, including substitutions, indels and homopolymers. All this information allowed us to identify unambiguously eight out of the 13 species, and overall 80% of the individuals sampled. Phoenix rupicola and P. theophrasti had the same haplotype, and so had P. atlantica, P. dactylifera, and P. sylvestris (the “date palm complex” sensu Pintaud et al. 2013). For these species, additional molecular markers will be required for their unambiguous identification. The psbZ-trnfM (CAU) region therefore could be considered as a good basis for the establishment of a DNA barcoding system in Phoenix, and is potentially useful for the identification of the female parent in Phoenix hybrids.
Ultraconserved Elements Sequencing as a Low-Cost Source of Complete Mitochondrial Genomes and Microsatellite Markers in Non-Model Amniotes

Sequence capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) associated with massively parallel sequencing has become a common source of nuclear data for studies of animal systematics and phylogeography. However, mitochondrial and microsatellite variation are still commonly used in various kinds of molecular studies, and probably will complement genomic data in years to come. Here we show that besides providing abundant genomic data, UCE sequencing is an excellent source of both sequences for microsatellite loci design and complete mitochondrial genomes with high sequencing depth. Identification of dozens of microsatellite loci and assembly of complete mitogenomes is exemplified here using three species of Poospiza warbling finches from southern and southeastern Brazil. This strategy opens exciting opportunities to simultaneously analyze genome-wide nuclear datasets and traditionally used mtDNA and microsatellite markers in non-model amniotes at no additional cost.
Association of macrophage activation with antitumor activity by synthetic and biological agents.

Treatment of normal BALB/c mice i.p. with a number of adjuvants, including pyran copolymer, the copolymer of polyinosinic and polycytidylic acids, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, glucan, and dextran sulfate, rendered macrophages nonspecifically cytostatic for syngeneic tumor cells. Macrophage activation was highly dose dependent. The validity of the inhibition of DNA synthesis assay for measuring macrophage-induced cytostasis of target cells was proven by demonstrating a concurrent decrease in RNA synthesis and a reduction in viable tumor cell number. Moreover, conditioned supernatants from pyran-activated macrophages did not significantly decrease [3H]thymidine incorporation by freshly added leukemia cells. Biological or synthetic agents that activated macrophages were generally effective systemic antitumor agents against the M109 lung carcinoma. Drugs that did not activate macrophages, such as typhoid vaccine, tilorone, levamisole, WY-13876, and thymosin, were ineffective in prolonging the life of tumor-bearing mice. Pyran treatment i.p. was the most effective antitumor adjuvant in two separate tumor models, and suppression of tumor growth appeared to be related not only to an increase in macrophage tumoricidal function, but also to a larger influx of macrophages responding at the tumor site.