Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The TLR3 signaling complex forms by cooperative receptor dimerization

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate immune responses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecules, but the molecular basis for recognition is poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear how receptor-ligand interactions lead to the initiation of downstream signaling. Here, we describe the mechanism by which TLR3 recognizes its ligand, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and forms an active signaling complex. We show that dsRNA binds saturably, specifically, and reversibly to a defined ligand-binding site (or sites) on the TLR3 ectodomain (TLR3ecd). Binding affinities increase with both buffer acidity and ligand size. Purified TLR3ecd protein is exclusively monomeric in solution, but through a highly cooperative process, it forms dimers when bound to dsRNA, and multiple TLR3ecd dimers bind to long dsRNA strands. The smallest dsRNA oligonucleotides that form stable complexes with TLR3ecd (40–50 bp) each bind one TLR3ecd dimer, and these are also the smallest oligonucleotides that efficiently activate TLR3 in cells. We conclude that TLR3 assembles on dsRNA as stable dimers and that the minimal signaling unit is one TLR3 dimer.
Perception Strategies in Hierarchical Vision Systems

Flat appearance-based systems, which combine clever image representations with standard classifiers, might be the most effective way to recognize objects using current technologies. In the future, however, it seems probable that hierarchical representations might have better performance. In such systems, the image representation consists of a sequence of sets of features, where each subsequent set is computed based on the previous sets. The main contributions of this paper are to: (1) pose the question "what is the best way to employ discriminative methods for hierarchical image representations? "; (2) enumerate some of the alternative hierarchies while drawing connections to recent work by brain researchers; (3) study experimentally the different alternatives. As we will show, the strategy used can make a substantial difference.
Accurate prediction of smartphones' skin temperature by considering exothermic components

Smartphones' surface temperature, also called skin temperature, can rapidly heat up in certain cases, and this causes a variety of safety problems. Therefore, the thermal management of smartphones should consider the skin temperature, and its accurate prediction is important. However, due to the complicated relationship among the many exothermic components in the device, predicting skin temperature is extremely difficult. In this paper, we develop a thermal prediction model that accurately predicts the skin temperature of a mobile device. In an experiment with smartphones, we show that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 98%, with a ±0.4 °C margin of error. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first to reveal the complex relationship between the various components inside of a smartphone and its skin temperature.
The Structure of cbb3 Cytochrome Oxidase Provides Insights into Proton Pumping

C-Family Oxidase Structure The heme-copper oxidases (HCOs) play a key role in aerobic respiration by coupling oxygen reduction to transmembrane proton pumping to generate electrochemical ion gradients across biological membranes that provide energy for many cellular processes. Based on subunit composition, electron donor, and heme type, the HCOs are divided into three families, of which families A and B have been structurally characterized. Buschmann et al. (p. 327, published online 24 June) now report the crystal structure of the C-family cbb3 oxidase from Pseudomonas stutzeri. The structure suggests a different redox-driven pumping mechanism from A and B HCOs, and gives insight into why C HCOs are catalytically active at low oxygen concentrations. The third class of heme-copper oxidases reveals new structural solutions to achieve redox-driven proton translocation. The heme-copper oxidases (HCOs) accomplish the key event of aerobic respiration; they couple O2 reduction and transmembrane proton pumping. To gain new insights into the still enigmatic process, we structurally characterized a C-family HCO—essential for the pathogenicity of many bacteria—that differs from the two other HCO families, A and B, that have been structurally analyzed. The x-ray structure of the C-family cbb3 oxidase from Pseudomonas stutzeri at 3.2 angstrom resolution shows an electron supply system different from families A and B. Like family-B HCOs, C HCOs have only one pathway, which conducts protons via an alternative tyrosine-histidine cross-link. Structural differences around hemes b and b3 suggest a different redox-driven proton-pumping mechanism and provide clues to explain the higher activity of family-C HCOs at low oxygen concentrations.
Automatic and Intentional Brain Responses during Evaluation of Face Approachability: Correlations with Trait Anxiety

Background: The judgment of the approachability of others based on their facial appearance often precedes social interaction. Whether we ultimately approach or avoid others may depend on such judgments. Method: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine the neural basis for such approachability judgments and the relationship between these judgments and trait anxiety. Participants viewed ambiguous (i.e. neutral) or relatively unambiguous (i.e. angry, happy) faces, assessing either the approachability or the sex of the person depicted. Results: Neutral faces elicited more inconsistent responses within participants only during approachability judgment, suggesting ambiguous property as signals. The contrast pertaining to the interaction between task and face valence demonstrated activation in several areas, such that the left amygdala and medial, middle and inferior frontal gyri were responsive to angry faces when subjects were asked to recognize the sex (implicit task) and to neutral faces when required to discern the approachability (explicit task). Moreover, the blood oxygenation level-dependent change within the left amygdala in response to neutral faces during the judgment of approachability was positively correlated with participant trait anxiety. Conclusions: These findings extend a proposed model of social cognition by highlighting the functional engagement of the amygdala in approachability judgments, which underlie an individual's sensitivity to ambiguous sources of probable threat.
Development of Three-Fingered End-Effector Using Pneumatic Soft Actuators

In this paper, we propose a three-fingered end-effector driven by pneumatic soft actuators. The proposed end-effector has three thin sticks as the finger, and grips a food with three points to achieve force-closure. Since the sticks have a small diameter, the proposed end-effector will be able to achieve the safely picking from a food basketwithout breaking the foods. In addition, by using the soft actuator, it is possible to control the gripping force softly. We developed a curved extension type soft actuator for the rotation motion of the proposed end-effector. In addition, we propose a disturbance observer that estimates an external force applied to the stick tip from the food to realize the human-like soft touch. To evaluate the performance of the proposed end-effector, we carried out the three type experiments: an angle control test, an external force estimation, and a food gripping test. As a result, the measured angles sufficiently tracked the given target trajectories, and the proposed external force estimation was effective with its accuracy about 0.1 N. Finally, we confirmed that the proposed end-effector succeeded to grip four different type foods stably.
Performance analysis of optical switches

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Inhibition of Binding of Fibronectin to Matrix Assembly Sites by Anti-Integrin Antibodies

Fibroblasts have cell surface sites that mediate assembly of plasma and cellular fibronectin into the extracellular matrix. Cell adhesion to fibronectin can be mediated by the interaction of an integrin (oL5/3~) with the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS)-containing cell adhesion region of fibronectin. We have attempted to elucidate the role of the otsfll fibronectin receptor in assembly of fibronectin in matrices. Rat monoclonal antibody mAb 13, which recognizes the integrin fll subunit, completely blocked binding and matrix assembly of 125I-fibronectin as well as binding of the 125170-kD amino-terminal fragment of fibronectin (70 kD) to fibroblast cell layers. Fab fragments of the anti-/~ antibody were also inhibitory. Antibody mAb 16, which recognizes the integrin ors subunit, partially blocked binding of 125I-fibronectin and 12q-70-kD. When cell layers were coincubated with fluoresceinated fibronectin and either anti-13~ or anti-us, anti-131 was a more effective inhibitor than anti-o~s of binding of labeled fibronectin to the cell layer. Inhibition of ~2q-fibmnectin binding by anti-/31 IgG occurred within 20 min. Inhibition of 125I-fibronectin binding by anti-/3t Fab fragments or IgG could not be overcome with increasing concentrations of fibronectin, suggesting that anti-131 and exogenous fibronectin may not compete for the same binding site. No/31-containing integrin bound to immobilized 70 kD. These data indicate that the/31 subunit plays an important role in binding and assembly of exogenous fibronectin, perhaps by participation in the organization, regeneration, or cycling of the assembly site rather than by a direct interaction with
The clinical translation of novel near-infrared fluorophores for fluorescence guided surgery

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging is a promising intraoperative technique for real-time visualization of vital structures and tumor tissue during surgery. This manuscript describes the applications and limitations of NIR fluorescence imaging, and provides a general overview of two novel fluorescent agents and the process of clinical translation. The process of clinical translation of novel fluorescent agents is an essential part in the evolution of NIR fluorescence guided surgery. Treatments and surgeries are constantly advancing, which can occasionally cause challenges or difficulties for the surgeons. Poor visualization of tumors during surgery is one of the major challenges surgeons often face in oncologic patients, mainly due to the improved neo-adjuvant treatment patients receive. In these cases, NIR fluorescence imaging with the use of tumor-targeted fluorescent agents can play an essential role and help provide better results or outcomes. However, before this technique can be implemented in standard of care, optimal tumor-targeted fluorescent agents need to be developed and novel fluorescent agents need to undergo a successful process of clinical translation.
Type II membrane protein CD69 regulates the formation of resting T-helper memory

Memory T-helper (Th) lymphocytes are crucial for the maintenance of acquired immunity to eliminate infectious pathogens. We have previously demonstrated that most memory Th lymphocytes reside and rest on stromal niches of the bone marrow (BM). Little is known, however, regarding the molecular basis for the generation and maintenance of BM memory Th lymphocytes. Here we show that CD69-deficient effector CD4 T lymphocytes fail to relocate into and persist in the BM and therefore to differentiate into memory cells. Consequently, CD69-deficient CD4 T cells fail to facilitate the production of high-affinity antibodies and the generation of BM long-lived plasma cells in the late phase of immune responses. Thus, CD69 is critical for the generation and maintenance of professional memory Th lymphocytes, which can efficiently help humoral immunity in the late phase. The deficit of immunological memory in CD69-deficient mice also highlights the essential role of BM for the establishment of Th memory.
B-chrom: a database on B-chromosomes of plants, animals and fungi.

8 p., graficos, 1 tabla -- Contiene material suplementario -- Version publicada online -- La base de datos B-chrom, a la que hace referencia el articulo, se puede consultar en: http://www.bchrom. csic.es/ -- Permiso de la editorial a los autores del articulo: "You may post an electronic version of the published Article on your own personal website, on your employer’s website/repository and on free public servers in your subject area. Electronic versions of the published Article must include a link to Wiley InterScience together with the following text: ‘The definitive version is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1469-8137’"
Prenatal Anatomical Imaging in Fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The role of prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is reviewed. Topics include morphologic imaging and vascular assessment of the developing lung, the value of imaging parameters as prognostic predictors in CDH and the role of imaging following percutaneous fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion.
Fracture Resistance of a Bulk-Fill and a Conventional Composite and the Combination of Both for Coronal Restoration of Severely Damaged Primary Anterior Teeth

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of a bulk-fill and a conventional composite and a combination of both for coronal restoration of severely damaged primary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 45 primary anterior teeth were randomly divided into three groups. After root canal preparation, the canals were filled with Metapex paste such that after the application of 1 mm of light-cure liner, 3 mm of the coronal third of the canal remained empty for composite post fabrication. Filtek Z250 conventional composite was used in group 1, Sonic-Fill bulk-fill composite was used in group 2 and Sonic-Fill with one layer of Filtek Z250 as the veneering were used in group 3. Adper Single Bond 2 was used in all groups. The teeth were thermocycled, and fracture resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. The mode of fracture was categorized as repairable or irreparable. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean fracture resistance was 307.00±74.72, 323.31±84.28 and 333.30±63.96 N in groups 1 to 3, respectively (P=0.55). The mean fracture strength was 14.53±2.98, 15.08±2.82 and 15.26±3.02 MPa in groups 1 to 3, respectively (P=0.77). The frequency of repairable mode of failure was 80% for the conventional, 73.6% for the bulk-fill and 80% for the bulk-fill plus conventional group, with no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: Bulk-fill composites can be used for coronal reconstruction of severely damaged primary anterior teeth similar to conventional composites to decrease the treatment time in pediatric patients.
Spironolactone improves endothelial and cardiac autonomic function in non heart failure hemodialysis patients

Objectives: Hemodialysis patients have a cardiovascular mortality rate of 20–40 times that of the general population. Aldosterone inhibition by spironolactone has exerted beneficial, prognostically significant cardiovascular effects in patients with heart failure maintained on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Our aim was to investigate spironolactone's effect in non heart failure hemodialysis patients. Methods: Fourteen stable chronic hemodialysis patients (nine men), 59.5 ± 3.1 years of age were evaluated in a sequential, fixed-dose, placebo-controlled study. Heart failure was diagnosed on the basis of signs and symptoms of heart failure or left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%. Following an initial 4-month period of placebo administration after each dialysis, patients received spironolactone (25 mg thrice weekly after dialysis) for the next 4 months. Data were recorded at baseline, at the end of placebo administration, and at the end of spironolactone treatment and included endothelial function by forearm reactive hyperemia during venous occlusion plethysmography, cardiac autonomic status by heart rate variability in the time and frequency domain, blood pressure response, and echocardiographic and laboratory data. Results: Placebo induced no changes in the aforementioned parameters. Following spironolactone, salutary effects were observed in the extent and duration of reactive hyperemia (P < 0.05 for both), as well as in heart rate variability (P < 0.05) and blood pressure control (P < 0.05). No changes occurred in echocardiographically derived left ventricular dimensions or mass. Conclusion: Low-dose spironolactone therapy in clinically stable non heart failure hemodialysis patients is associated with favorable effects on cardiovascular parameters known to adversely affect survival, such as endothelial dysfunction and heart rate variability. Spironolactone treatment might benefit long-term cardiovascular outcome of such patients.
Hijacking of Host Calreticulin Is Required for the White Spot Syndrome Virus Replication Cycle

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that multifunctional calreticulin (CRT), which resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is involved in ER-associated protein processing, responds to infection with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) by increasing mRNA and protein expression and by forming a complex with gC1qR and thereby delaying apoptosis. Here, we show that CRT can directly interact with WSSV structural proteins, including VP15 and VP28, during an early stage of virus infection. The binding of VP28 with CRT does not promote WSSV entry, and CRT-VP15 interaction was detected in the viral genome in virally infected host cells and thus may have an effect on WSSV replication. Moreover, CRT was detected in the viral envelope of purified WSSV virions. CRT was also found to be of high importance for proper oligomerization of the viral structural proteins VP26 and VP28, and when CRT glycosylation was blocked with tunicamycin, a significant decrease in both viral replication and assembly was detected. Together, these findings suggest that CRT confers several advantages to WSSV, from the initial steps of WSSV infection to the assembly of virions. Therefore, CRT is required as a “vital factor” and is hijacked by WSSV for its replication cycle. IMPORTANCE White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus and the cause of a serious disease in a wide range of crustaceans that often leads to high mortality rates. We have previously shown that the protein calreticulin (CRT), which resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cell, is important in the host response to the virus. In this report, we show that the virus uses this host protein to enter the cell and to make the host produce new viral structural proteins. Through its interaction with two viral proteins, the virus “hijacks” host calreticulin and uses it for its own needs. These findings provide new insight into the interaction between a large DNA virus and the host protein CRT and may help in understanding the viral infection process in general.
Burden of care and its impact on health-related quality of life of caregivers of individuals with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the impact and burden of care on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of caregivers of individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). METHOD cross-sectional observational study carried out by reviewing medical records and applying questionnaires. The scale Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess HRQOL and the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBScale) for care burden. Results were analyzed quantitatively. Most patients with SCIs were male, aged 35.4 years old on average, with a predominance of thoracic injuries followed by cervical injuries. Most caregivers were female aged 44.8 years old on average. RESULTS tetraplegia and secondary complications stand out among the clinical characteristics that contributed to greater care burden and worse HRQOL. Association between care burden with HRQOL revealed that the greater the burden the worse the HRQOL. CONCLUSION Preventing care burden through strategies that prepare patients for hospital discharge, integrating the support network, and enabling access to health care services are interventions that could minimize the effects arising from care burden and contribute to improving HRQOL.
Survey on spectrum sensing techniques in cognitive radio networks

Recent advancements in wireless communication technologies have lead to challenges in effective utilization of Radio frequency (RF) spectrum. These challenges can be overcome by using cognitive radio (CR) technology, which implements spectrum access in opportunistic manner. In this article we study the classification of various spectrum sensing techniques used in field of CR technology with a comparative study of their performances under different conditions.
Temporal Coordination during Bimanual Reach-to-Grasp Movements: The Role of Vision

The performance of bimanual movements involving separate objects presents an obvious challenge to the visuo-motor system: Visual feedback can only be obtained from one target at a time. To overcome this challenge overt shifts in visual attention may occur so that visual feedback from both movements may be used directly (Bingham, Hughes, & Mon-Williams, 2008; Riek, Tresilian, Mon-Williams, Coppard, & Carson, 2003). Alternatively, visual feedback from both movements may be obtained in the absence of eye movements, presumably by covert shifts in attention (Diedrichsen, Nambisan, Kennerley, & Ivry, 2004). Given that the quality of information falls with increasing distance from the fixated point, can we obtain the level of information required to accurately guide each hand for precision grasping of separate objects without moving our eyes to fixate each target separately? The purpose of the current study was to examine how the temporal coordination between the upper limbs is affected by the quality of visual information available during the performance of a bimanual task. A total of 11 participants performed congruent and incongruent movements towards near and/or far objects. Movements were performed in natural, fixate-centre, fixate-left, and fixate-right vision conditions. Analyses revealed that the transport phase of incongruent movements was similar across vision conditions for the temporal aspects of both the transport and grasp, whereas the spatial aspects of grasp formation were influenced by the quality of visual feedback. We suggest that bimanual coordination of the temporal aspects of reach-to-grasp movements are not influenced solely by overt shifts in visual attention but instead are influenced by a combination of factors in a task-constrained way.