Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase C and Calcineurin Synergize to Activate IκB Kinase and NF-κB in T Lymphocytes*

The nuclear factor of κB (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that is key in the regulation of the immune response and inflammation. T cell receptor (TCR) cross-linking is in part required for activation of NF-κB, which is dependent on the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. By using Jurkat and primary human T lymphocytes, we demonstrate that the simultaneous activation of two second messengers of the TCR-initiated signal transduction, protein kinase C (PKC) and calcineurin, results in the synergistic activation of the IκBα kinase (IKK) complex but not of another putative IκBα kinase, p90 rsk . We also demonstrate that the IKK complex, but not p90 rsk , is responsible for thein vivo phosphorylation of IκBα mediated by the co-activation of PKC and calcineurin. Each second messenger is necessary, as inhibition of either one reverses the activation of the IKK complex and IκBα phosphorylation in vivo. Overexpression of dominant negative forms of IKKα and -β demonstrates that only IKKβ is the target for PKC and calcineurin. These results indicate that within the TCR/CD3 signal transduction pathway both PKC and calcineurin are required for the effective activation of the IKK complex and NF-κB in T lymphocytes.
Rebalancing Exports through Expansions in Intra-ASEAN Trade? Insights from Gravity Panel Estimates

This paper examines the impact of common economic factors on intra-ASEAN bilateral exports through estimations of panel data using a gravity model. In particular, the paper compares the determinants of two-way bilateral exports within the pioneer ASEAN member economies from that of the pioneer-newer ASEAN economies, to provide insights on the specific channels and trading relationships relevant for boosting intra-regional exports. The gravity estimates imply the importance of the overall size effects and similarities in size between the pioneer-newer ASEAN partnerships for export expansions, and also for trade in agriculture and manufactures. These channels however do not bolster exports amongst the pioneer ASEAN economies. The empirical findings therefore add weight to the observation that strategic partnerships are necessary within the region to bolster intra-regional exports through the level and relative size effects. We therefore posit that any rebalancing strategy to increase intraregional exports should move beyond the focus on the pioneer ASEAN members per se, to foment greater trade cooperation between the pioneer and newer ASEAN economies.
Identification and analysis of spatio-temporal dynamical systems using wavelets

In this article, the identification and analysis of spatio-temporal dynamical systems is presented. An approximated B-spline wavelet representation of spatio-temporal dynamical systems is identified using an orthogonal least-squares algorithm from measured data. Control variables are incorporated to represent controlled external inputs and/or some system parameters for the purpose of analysis. The identified system models can be used to evaluate how the external inputs or system parameters affect the evolution of the spatio-temporal dynamics and pattern formation. Two examples are used to illustrate the proposed approach.
Characterization of Epitheloid Cells from Human Omentum: Comparison with Endothelial Cells from Umbilical Veins

Summary Capillary cells represent 95% of the vascular bed, and cells from large and micro-vessels do not express identical functions. In order to study the hormonal regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) secretion by human capillary cells we used epithelial cells from omental tissue (HOTMEC). As their endothelial origin is subject to controversy, we attempted to determine their characteristics by comparing them to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Morphological and biological criteria were studied. By phase contrast microscopy HOTMEC elicited a cobblestone pattern similar to HUVEC. Weibel-Palade bodies were not found in the cytoplasm with electron microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy studies indicated that HOTMEC took up acetylated-LDL more intensely than HUVEC, and showed no staining for von Willebrand factor. The phenotype of HOTMEC was studied by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (mo Ab) directed against epitopes either specific for endothelial cells or for mesothelial cells. We showed that in our preparations only 10% of cells reacted with mo Ab specific for endothelial cells. About 60% of the HOTMEC were labelled with an antibody directed against mesothelial cells. HOTMEC expressed fibrinolytic factors. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) levels in HOTMEC conditioned medium were 50 fold higher than those of HUVEC, and the PAI-1 secretions were identical in both cell types. Insulin which is known to increase PAI-1 synthesis by hepatocytes did not enhance the PAI-1 level either in HOTMEC or in HUVEC conditioned media. Our results suggested that morphological and functional methods did not allow discrimination between the cell types present in the omentum tissue. They also showed that the population obtained from the omental tissue by collagenase digestion is heterogeneous, with few cells expressing endothelial markers.
Early luteal phase treatment with mifepristone (RU 486) for fertility regulation.

Mifepristone (RU 486) is an antiprogestin which interacts with progesterone at the receptor level. Administration of mifepristone immediately after ovulation does not upset the menstrual cycle. However, the maturation and function of the endometrium is inhibited and uterine contractility is changed. To test if these effects are sufficient to prevent implantation, 21 women agreed to use one single treatment with 200 mg mifepristone on day luteinizing hormone (LH) + 2 monthly as their only contraceptive method. The women were treated for 1-12 months. The time of the LH peak was determined in the urine by the women themselves using a rapid LH test (Ovu-quick, Organon). The overall number of cycles studied was 169. In 12 cycles the women were unable to detect the LH peak. In these cycles no treatment was given and the women advised to use barrier methods during the time to menstruation. The remaining 157 cycles with a detectable LH peak were all ovulatory based on plasma progesterone measurement. One pregnancy occurred. On the basis of the time of the LH peak, it was retrospectively calculated that in 124 cycles at least one act of intercourse occurred during the period 3 days before to 1 day after ovulation. The probability of pregnancy in this period of the menstrual cycle is thus 0.008. The women did not complain of any treatment-related side-effects apart from slight bleeding for 2-3 days starting a few days after the day of treatment in 35% of the cycles. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Toxicity studies of African Palmyrah palm (Borassus Aethiopum) shoots

The study examined the effect of feeding albino rats with 25, 50, and 75% Palmyrah Palm (Borassus aethiopum) shoots with respect to their body weight, liver and kidney function indices. Standard methods of biochemical analyses were employed using albino rats as the experimental animals. No mortality was observed in the LD50 test throughout the period of 48 h. Rats fed with 25 and 50% B. aethiopum shoots showed a gradual increase in the body weight throughout the period of treatment, but those fed with 75% of the shoots experienced a significant (p>0.05) decrease in body weight at the 3rd and 4th week of treatment compared to the control group. The results also showed changes in the serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and bilirubin but were not significantly different (p>0.05) compared to the control group. The serum enzymes activities that is aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p>0.05) elevated compared to the control group which suggested toxicity induced by some of the phytocompounds present in the feed. Serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolytes (Na+, K+) of rats fed with 75% B. aethiopum shoots showed significant (p>0.05) changes compared to the control group. The results showed that B. aethiopum shoots have a relatively low or no toxicity. Key words: Borassus aethiopum, shoots, albino rats, liver function, kidney function.
A Specific ECG Triad Associated with Congestive Heart Failure

No specific ECG sign of congestive heart failure has been described. This report deiineales a new triad consisting of 1) High precordial QRS voltage (SV1 or SV2 + RV5 or RV6 ≥ 3.5 mV); 2) Relatively low limb lead voltage (total QRS amplitude ≤ 0.8 m V in the limb leads); 3) Poor precordial R wave progression (R/S ratio < 3 in V4). In a retrospective study of 27 patients with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, this triad was noted on at least one occasion in 19 cases (70%). This pattern was not noted at all in a control group of 100 adults without heart disease or in a separate control group of 30 preoperative patients with left venlricular hypertrophy due to aortic valve disease and normal left ventricular function. Three of these patients subsequently developed this pattern as a false positive sign immediately following aortic valve replacement. In a prospective survey of ECGs from 2000 consecutive patients, this triad appeared in 32 cases (1.6% prevalence). Definite evidence of current or previous left ventricular failure, usually severe, was noted in 29 of these cases (91% predictive valuel as evidenced by pulmonary venous hypertension or pulmonary edema on chest x‐ray, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%, or echocardiographic left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension ≥ 6.0 cm. The pathophysiology of this highly specific ECG triad probably relates to a number of mechanical and vectorial factors associated with congestive heart failure of a variety of etiologies. Left ventricular enlargement causes increased precordial voltage. In addition, the horizontal plane vector shifts posteriorly, orthogonal to the frontal plane, causing poor R wave progression and low limb lead voltage. Finally, increased extracellular fluid may preferentially attenuate QRS voltage in the more distal (limb) leads. (PAGE, Vol. 5, July‐August, 1982)
Disease in the Society: Infectious Cadavers Result in Collapse of Ant Sub-Colonies

Despite the growing number of experimental studies on mechanisms of social immunity in ant societies, little is known about how social behavior relates to disease progression within the nests of ants. In fact, when empirically studying disease in ant societies, it is common to remove dead ants from experiments to confirm infection by the studied parasite. This unfortunately does not allow disease to progress within the nest as it may be assumed would happen under natural conditions. Therefore, the approach taken so far has resulted in a limited knowledge of diseases dynamics within the nest environment. Here we introduced a single infectious cadaver killed by the fungus Beauveria bassiana into small nests of the ant Camponotus castaneus. We then observed the natural progression of the disease by not removing the corpses of the ants that died following the first entry of the disease. Because some behaviors such as social isolation of sick individuals or the removal of cadavers by nestmates are considered social immune functions and thus adaptations at the colony level that reduce disease spread, we also experimentally confined some sub-colonies to one or two chamber nests to prevent the expression of such behaviors. Based on 51 small nests and survival studies in 1,003 ants we found that a single introduced infectious cadaver was able to transmit within the nest, and social immunity did not prevent the collapse of the small sub-colonies here tested. This was true whether ants did or did not have the option to remove the infectious cadaver. Therefore, we found no evidence that the typically studied social immunity behaviors can reduce disease spread in the conditions here tested.
Diversity of denizens of the atherosclerotic plaque: not all monocytes are created equal.

The atherosclerotic plaque typically harbors cells of several lineages whose conversations, mediated by extracellular or cell surface–associated messengers, influence decisively the biology and clinical consequences of the lesion. Early vascular biology studies defined the resting state of the endothelium, characterized by the elaboration of antithrombotic and vasodilatory mediators. The activated endothelium recruits inflammatory leukocytes, favors clot accumulation, participates in angiogenesis, and can influence the behavior of subjacent smooth muscle cells in ways that favor atherogenesis and vasoconstriction (Figure). More recently, we have come to appreciate that the endothelial cell not only can exhibit a spectrum of functions, but that some may arise postnatally from bone marrow–derived precursors.1 Thus, the heterogeneity of endothelial cells depends not only on the mutability of their function but also on their origin. The diversity of endothelium depends not only on lineage but also location, with increasingly well-understood differences between arterial, microvascular, and venous endothelial cells. Figure. Heterogeneity of major cell types in atherosclerotic plaques. Vascular biologists have long recognized heterogeneity of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, now understood to result from local mediator milieu, biomechanical stimuli, and different embryological origins. Indeed, recent data suggest that both of these intrinsic vascular cell types can arise in postnatal life from bone marrow–derived precursors. Immunological dogma recognizes several T-cell populations, exemplified here by the Th1 and Th2 subsets, which on the balance exert opposing influences on atherogenesis. New data now establish the relevance to atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia of monocyte heterogeneity. Monocytes that bear high levels of the markers Ly6c/Gr-1 and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand exhibit more proinflammatory functions than their …
Piezoelectric field around threading dislocation in GaN determined on the basis of high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy image

A new method of determining the piezoelectric field around dislocations from high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images is presented. In order to determine the electrical potential distribution near a dislocation core, we used the distortion field, obtained using the geometrical phase method and the non‐linear finite element method. The electrical field distribution was determined taking into account the inhomogeneous strain distribution, finite geometry of the sample and the full couplings between elastic and electrical fields. The results of the calculation for a transmission electron microscopy thin sample are presented.
Optimizing the Production and Injection Wells Flow Rates in Geothermal Field Using Artificial Intelligence

Optimizing the Production and Injection Wells Flow Rates in Geothermal Field Using Artificial Intelligence Muhammet Salih Ariturk In a geothermal field, power plants are designed for long-term electricity generation. Therefore, it is crucial to predict the future production and injection flow rates of the wells to determine the capacity of a power plant. In the designing of such power plants, calculations and estimations are based on the current future production, and injection flow rates and pressures in the geothermal field. Prediction of future production and injection flow rates also assist in building surface facilities with cost-efficient power plants. The most common problem in a power plant in geothermal fields is the inability to accurately estimate future expected production and planned injection flow rates. Due to this, power plants in the geothermal fields may not perform efficiently. The electricity generation cannot be continuous due to intermittent cycles of low and high energy generation from an inefficient geothermal power plant. When it comes to power generation from geothermal reservoirs, the knowledge of the porous medium and heterogeneity quantification is vital but challenging. There are many reasons for inaccurate future forecasts, e.g., non-isothermal fluid flow, interference of condensable and noncondensable gases, high temperature and pressure zones, and imprecise reservoir borders, which add to the complexity of the problem. Mostly available and reliable measured data in the field are flow rates for producers and injectors, well-head pressure, wellhead temperature, valve position, off-set wells’ production, and injection data. In this thesis, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology, which is a relatively a new technology with high potentials for providing predictive solutions for the geothermal energy sector, is used to predict future production/ injection prediction using the reliable field data. AI might provide trustworthy resolutions for geothermal reservoirs modeling for forecasting since the model is based on the field measurements instead of making assumptions. AI is an alternative approach to conventional methods to eliminate dealing with uncertainties in the geothermal reservoirs.
Predictive models of employee voluntary turnover in a North American professional sales force using data-mining analysis

Predictive Models of Employee Voluntary Turnover in a North American Professional Sales Force Using Data-Mining Analysis. (August 2007) Marjorie Laura Kane-Sellers, B.A., Texas Tech University; M.A., Texas Tech University; M.B.A., Southern Methodist University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Toby Marshall Egan With the supply of talented employees for the predicted available jobs around the world declining, employee retention and voluntary turnover have jumped to the forefront of HRD practitioners’, as well as senior managers’, strategic initiative. By 2008, demographers predict that 76 million baby boomers will be eligible for retirement. The generations that followed these individuals, born between 1946 and 1962, are not numerically adequate to fill the vacancies that these retirements will create. A growing concern exists that the expected annual growth in the number of eligible employees will be outpaced by economic growth predictions. While employee retention and employee voluntary turnover have received considerable scholarly attention, few research studies have examined the phenomenon in a professional sales arena. No investigation to date has tracked employee voluntary turnover and retention over a 14-year longitudinal wave as was the focus of this study. This population study examined employee retention of a Fortune 500 North American industrial automation manufacturer’s professional sales force over a 14-year
ICAM‐1 enhances MHC‐peptide activation of CD8+ T cells without an organized immunological synapse

In addition to the TCR‐ligand interaction, other receptor‐ligand pairs, such as LFA‐1 and ICAM‐1, play a major role in the activation of T cells. Recent studies of T cell activation suggest a coordinated movement of LFA‐1 and ICAM‐1 in forming a defined zone in the immunological synapse. It is unclear from these studies whether the organized molecular geometry of the immunological synapse is necessary for ICAM‐1 enhancement of T cell activation. In this report, we demonstrate that ICAM‐1 can enhance the activation of CD8+ T cells by MHC‐peptide in the absence of an organized immunologic synapse. Therefore, although the molecular organization of the immunologic synapse may amplify stimuli, it is not an absolute requirement for either CD8+ T cell activation or the ICAM‐1 enhancement of TCR activation.
Ural Blocking as a Driver of Early‐Winter Stratospheric Warmings

This study explores the early‐winter atmospheric response to Ural blocking anomalies in November, using a nudging technique to constrain the temperature and dynamics in a high‐top atmospheric model. Persistent Ural blocking anomalies in November are associated with a warm Arctic/cold Siberia pattern and increased upward planetary waves entering the stratosphere, leading to a warming of the polar vortex. This stratospheric response then propagates in the troposphere, leading to increased occurrence of the negative North Atlantic Oscillation in December and January. In contrast, simulations with perturbed Barents‐Kara sea ice and Siberian snow in November do not reproduce a significant atmospheric response. In simulations including a slab ocean, the Ural blocking induces Barents‐Kara sea ice and Siberia snow anomalies that resemble composite analyses from observations. These results highlight Ural blocking variability in November as a robust driver of early‐winter stratospheric warming while questioning causality between sea ice/snow and Ural blocking anomalies.
Novel expression and characterization of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronate receptor 1 (LYVE-1) by conjunctival cells.

PURPOSE Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor (LYVE-1) is a newly discovered lymphatic-specific marker. To date, there is no report of its expression on conjunctival cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of LYVE-1 in normal conjunctiva, to phenotype LYVE-1+ cells, and to study changes in their expression levels during corneal inflammation. METHODS Flat-mounted conjunctivae or cross sections of eyeballs were harvested from BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks of age) for immunofluorescent confocal microscopic studies. RESULTS The data demonstrate, for the first time, that in addition to its expression on lymphatic vessels, LYVE-1 was expressed on CD45+, CD11b+, and CD31- conjunctival cells, indicating a bone-marrow-derived monocytic lineage. Surprisingly, the number of cells that expressed LYVE-1 decreased during corneal inflammation, in conjunction with ingrowth of lymphatics into the cornea. CONCLUSIONS A new population of monocytic cells has been found to express LYVE-1 in normal conjunctiva. These cells that normally express LYVE-1 may act as a reservoir for lymphangiogenesis and cell recruitment when the immune system is challenged.
Monoalkyl sulfates as alkylating agents in water, alkylsulfatase rate enhancements, and the “energy-rich” nature of sulfate half-esters

Alkyl sulfate monoesters are involved in cell signaling and structure. Alkyl sulfates are also present in many commercial detergents. Here, we show that monomethyl sulfate acts as an efficient alkylating agent in water, reacting spontaneously with oxygen nucleophiles >100-fold more rapidly than do alkylsulfonium ions, the usual methyl donors in living organisms. These reactions of methyl sulfate, which are much more rapid than its hydrolysis, are insensitive to the nature of the attacking nucleophile, with a Brønsted βnuc value of −0.01. Experiments at elevated temperatures indicate a rate constant of 2 × 10−11 s−1 for the uncatalyzed hydrolysis of methyl sulfate at 25°C (t1/2 = 1,100 y), corresponding to a rate enhancement of ≈1011-fold by a human alkylsulfatase. Equilibria of formation of methyl sulfate from methanol and sodium hydrogen sulfate indicate a group transfer potential (ΔG′pH7) of −8.9 kcal/mol for sulfate ester hydrolysis. The magnitude of that value, involving release of the strong acid HSO4−, helps to explain the need for harnessing the free energy of hydrolysis of two ATP molecules in activating sulfate for the biosynthesis of sulfate monoesters. The “energy-rich” nature of monoalkyl sulfate esters, coupled with their marked resistance to hydrolysis, renders them capable of acting as sulfating or alkylating agents under relatively mild conditions. These findings raise the possibility that, under appropriate circumstances, alkyl groups may undergo transfer from alkyl sulfate monoesters to biological target molecules.