Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the Binding Site on the Extracellular Domain of Guanylyl Cyclase C to Heat-stable Enterotoxin*

Guanylyl cyclase C, one of the family of membrane-bound guanylyl cyclases, consists of an extracellular domain and an intracellular domain, which are connected by a single transmembrane polypeptide. The extracellular domain binds unique small polypeptides with high specificity, which include the endogenous peptide hormones, guanylin and uroguanylin, as well as an exogenous enterotoxigenic peptide, heat-stable enterotoxin, secreted by pathogenic Escherichia coli. Information on this specific binding is propagated into the intracellular domain, followed by the synthesis of cGMP, a second messenger that regulates a variety of intracellular physiological processes. This study reports the design of a photoaffinity labeled analog of heat-stable enterotoxin (biotinyl-(AC5)2-[Gly4,Pap11]STp(4–17)), which incorporates a Pap residue (p-azidophenylalanine) at position 11 and a biotin moiety at the N terminus, and the use of this analog to determine the ligand-binding region of the extracellular domain of guanylyl cyclase C. The endoproteinase Lys-C digestion of the extracellular domain, which was covalently labeled by this ligand, and mass spectrometric analyses of the digest revealed that the ligand specifically binds to the region (residue 387 to residue 393) of guanylyl cyclase C. This region is localized close to the transmembrane portion of guanylyl cyclase C on the external cellular surface. This result was further confirmed by characterization of site-directed mutants of guanylyl cyclase C in which each amino acid residue was substituted by an Ala residue instead of residues normally located in the region. This experiment provides the first direct demonstration of the ligand-binding site of guanylyl cyclase C and will contribute toward an understanding of the receptor recognition of a ligand and the modeling of the interaction of the receptor and its ligand at the molecular level.
Fast Distortion Estimation Based on Structural Similarity for H.264/SVC Encoded Videos

Video quality assessments represent useful tools not only to evaluate the quality of the received video, but also to enable unequal error protection mechanisms. The computational cost of these quality assessments is however a relevant limitation to their use, mainly in the presence of time constraints, such as in live streaming applications. This paper proposes an algorithm capable to estimate, with a very low computational cost, the distortion due to the loss of a frame on videos encoded using the H.264 Scalable Video Coding (SVC) standard, by adopting one of the most reliable video quality assessments: the Structural SIMilarity (SSIM) index. The results show that the proposed solution allows one to obtain a satisfactory approximation of the exact SSIM-based distortion, simultaneously reducing the time required by the estimation process. The approximated SSIM distortion values are finally applied to an 802.11e distributed network with energy constraints, in order to test the effectiveness of the conceived algorithm in a practical scenario.
Cross-talk between iNKT cells and monocytes triggers an atheroprotective immune response in SLE patients with asymptomatic plaque

Altered activation of invariant natural killer T cells protects against atherogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Letting “SLE-P”ing plaques lie Patients with the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are more likely to develop atherosclerosis than healthy individuals. Smith et al. hypothesized that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells contribute to this process because of their connection to both immune responses and lipids. They found that iNKT cells from SLE patients with asymptomatic plaque (SLE-P) produced more of the T helper 2 (TH2) cytokine interleukin-4 than those from SLE patients with no plaques. These SLE-P iNKT cells were associated with changes in lipid composition and monocyte skewing to the M2 phenotype. These data suggest that SLE-P iNKT cells may connect changes in lipids and the immune response, contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease in SLE patients. Accelerated atherosclerosis is a complication of the autoimmune rheumatic disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We questioned the role played by invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in this process because they not only are defective in autoimmunity but also promote atherosclerosis in response to CD1d-mediated lipid antigen presentation. iNKT cells from SLE patients with asymptomatic plaque (SLE-P) had increased proliferation and interleukin-4 production compared with those from SLE patients with no plaque. The anti-inflammatory iNKT cell phenotype was associated with dyslipidemia and was driven by altered monocyte phospholipid expression and CD1d-mediated cross-talk between iNKT cells and monocytes but not B cells. Healthy iNKT cells differentiated in the presence of healthy monocytes and SLE-P serum polarized macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Conversely, patients with clinical cardiovascular disease had unresponsive iNKT cells and increased proinflammatory monocytes. iNKT cell function could link immune responses, lipids, and cardiovascular disease in SLE patients and, together with serum lipid taxonomy, help predict preclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients.
INFLUENCE OF DNA SYNTHESIS ON THE PRODUCTION OF CHROMATID ABERRATIONS BY X RAYS AND MALEIC HYDRAZIDE IN VICIA FABA.

Using H/sup 3/-thymidine as a marker for DNA synthesis, and autoradiographic techniques, the average durations of the various parameters of the mitotic cycle in Vicia roots were determined as follows: presynthesis phase (G/sub 1/) 4.9 hr, DNA synthesis phase (S) 7.5 hr, postsynthesis phase (G/sub 2/) 4.9 hr, and mitosis (M) 2 hr. The duration of these phases and their sensitivity to the production of chromosome aberrations following x ray or maleic hydrazide (MH) treatment was then studied in experiments using combined treatments with these agents and with H/sup 3/-thymidine. Cells exposed to 100 rads of x rays whilst in G/sub 2/ were delayed in development and contained chromatid-type aberrations. The aberration yield was highest in cells exposed whilst in mid-G/ sub 2/, cells in late S and early and late G/sub 2/ being less sensitive. In contrast with the x ray results, with MH it was found that G/sub 2/ cells were not delayed in their development to the first mitosis and did not contain any aberrations. However, these cells contained chromatid-type aberrations when observed at the second posttreatment mitosis. Cells exposed to MH whilst in the S phase were considerably retarded in development and carried chromatid-type aberrations atmore » the first and later posttreatment mitoses. The yield of aberrations in these cells was found to be directly correlated with the amount and rate of DNA synthesis occurring during exposure. No chromosome-type aberrations were induced by MH; cells in G/sub 1/ were sensitive but contained only chromatid-type changes. It was concluded that the aberrations induced by MH are consequences of errors in chromosome duplication occurring only during the DNA synthesis phase, and possible mechanisms of action are discussed. Comparisons were made between the relative frequencies of the various chromatid aberration types after x rays and MH and it was concluded that the reduced frequency of translocation following chemical treatment was a consequence of the dependence of aberration formation on duplication. The absence of chromosome- type breaks and delayed production of aberrations with MH in Vicia parallels some of the effects of other chemical agents which produce structural changes and mutations in Drosophila. These parallels are discussed, particularly with reference to the production of mosaic individuals. (auth)« less
Cryptic differences in colour among Müllerian mimics: how can the visual capacities of predators and prey shape the evolution of wing colours?

Antagonistic interactions between predators and prey often lead to co‐evolution. In the case of toxic prey, aposematic colours act as warning signals for predators and play a protective role. Evolutionary convergence in colour patterns among toxic prey evolves due to positive density‐dependent selection and the benefits of mutual resemblance in spreading the mortality cost of educating predators over a larger prey assemblage. Comimetic species evolve highly similar colour patterns, but such convergence may interfere with intraspecific signalling and recognition in the prey community, especially for species involved in polymorphic mimicry. Using spectrophotometry measures, we investigated the variation in wing coloration among comimetic butterflies from distantly related lineages. We focused on seven morphs of the polymorphic species Heliconius numata and the seven corresponding comimetic species from the genus Melinaea. Significant differences in the yellow, orange and black patches of the wing were detected between genera. Perceptions of these cryptic differences by bird and butterfly observers were then estimated using models of animal vision based on physiological data. Our results showed that the most strikingly perceived differences were obtained for the contrast of yellow against a black background. The capacity to discriminate between comimetic genera based on this colour contrast was also evaluated to be higher for butterflies than for birds, suggesting that this variation in colour, likely undetectable to birds, might be used by butterflies for distinguishing mating partners without losing the benefits of mimicry. The evolution of wing colour in mimetic butterflies might thus be shaped by the opposite selective pressures exerted by predation and species recognition.
Compression Stocking Length Effects on Arterial Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Following Head-Up Tilt in Healthy Volunteers

BackgroundChange in posture from supine to standing induces a footward fluid shift. This shift might decrease arterial pressure (AP) and induce orthostatic hypotension. To prevent decrease in AP, compression stockings are recommended, but the effects of various lengths have not been compared. ObjectiveThe aim was to compare AP and heart rate (HR) by compression stocking length during head-up tilt (HUT). MethodsThe effects of elastic compression stockings of three lengths on AP and HR were examined at the onset of HUT. The stockings were knee-high, compressing the foot and calf; thigh-high, compressing the toe to the thigh; and waist-high, compressing the toe to the waist. ResultsAP did not significantly change at the onset of HUT without stockings or with any length of stockings compared with the AP in the supine position. HR was significantly higher at the onset of HUT without stockings and with the knee-high and thigh-high stockings than that during supine position. No significant difference in HR was observed among the three conditions. However, the HR increase was significantly depressed with the waist-high stockings. DiscussionThese results suggest that the use of waist-high stockings that afford abdominal compression is needed to affect cardiovascular dynamics at the onset of HUT and may prevent orthostatic hypotension.
Nearly ideal binary communication in squeezed channels

We analyze the effect of squeezing the channel in binary communication based on Gaussian states. We show that for coding on pure states, squeezing increases the detection probability at fixed size of the strategy, actually saturating the optimal bound already for moderate signal energy. Using Neyman-Pearson lemma for fuzzy hypothesis testing we are able to analyze also the case of mixed states, and to find the optimal amount of squeezing that can be effectively employed. It results that optimally squeezed channels are robust against signal mixing, and largely improve the strategy power by comparison with coherent ones.
Overview of Biochemical Markers Used for Nutrition Support

Altered metabolism has been shown to exist in the settings of surgical stress, cancer, cirrhosis, sepsis, and trauma. Each condition is characterized by varying degrees of alteration in metabolic processes, and within a given patient, these metabolic alterations will change as the patient's status changes. Nutrition support is an integral part of the metabolic management of critically ill patients. Metabolic changes impact nutritional substrate requirements and utilization. As the patient's clinical condition deteriorates, clinical signs and symptoms become less reliable in predicting or assessing the existing physiologic state. Objective measurements are needed to define the metabolic status during these physiologic changes. The purpose of this article is to review selected indices that have been used to identify abnormalities in nutritional substrate metabolism. Although some of these tests are readily available and inexpensive, many have not been used outside of the research setting and, therefore, their clinical utility has yet to be determined. However, their use as research tools for defining metabolism warrants their inclusion in order to assist the clinician in interpreting research studies. The biochemical markers discussed include glucose, lactate, pyruvate, triglycerides, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, urinary nitrogen, acute phase proteins, visceral proteins, 3-methylhistidine, plasma amino acids, oxygen consumption, and resting energy expenditure. Each marker is defined in terms of its biochemical significance, and the literature describing changes that occur in various stress states is cited.
Optimization of p-emitter/n-buffer using laser annealing technique in IGBT design

P-emitter and n-buffer layers have been optimized for 1700V planar gate DMOS IGBTs by applying laser annealing technique which can overcome the challenge of thin wafer processes to activate dopants implanted from the backside after wafer backside ground. The modules assembled using new chips combining optimized p-emitter/n-buffer design and backside laser annealing process showed attractive on-state voltage drop of 2.05V which is 0.35V lower than the ones without laser annealing process, and 0.65V lower than the conventional NPTs'. Therefore, the conduction loss is significantly reduced. The overshoot voltage between the collector and the emitter electrodes is reduced about 150V during IGBTs turning-off which improves the device ruggedness due to the achieved softer switching and lower di/dt for laser processed IGBTs. In tradeoff, its turn-off loss is about 0.1J/pulse higher than that without laser annealing process.
Mutant IDH1 and seizures in patients with glioma

Objective: Because the d-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG) product of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1mut) is released by tumor cells into the microenvironment and is structurally similar to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, we sought to determine whether IDH1mut increases the risk of seizures in patients with glioma, and whether D2HG increases the electrical activity of neurons. Methods: Three WHO grade II-IV glioma cohorts from separate institutions (total N = 712) were retrospectively assessed for the presence of preoperative seizures and tumor location, WHO grade, 1p/19q codeletion, and IDH1mut status. Rat cortical neurons were grown on microelectrode arrays, and their electrical activity was measured before and after treatment with exogenous D2HG, in the presence or absence of the selective NMDA antagonist, AP5. Results: Preoperative seizures were observed in 18%–34% of IDH1 wild-type (IDH1wt) patients and in 59%–74% of IDH1mut patients (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis, including WHO grade, 1p/19q codeletion, and temporal lobe location, showed that IDH1mut was an independent correlate with seizures (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6–3.9, p < 0.001). Exogenous D2HG increased the firing rate of cultured rat cortical neurons 4- to 6-fold, but was completely blocked by AP5. Conclusions: The D2HG product of IDH1mut may increase neuronal activity by mimicking the activity of glutamate on the NMDA receptor, and IDH1mut gliomas are more likely to cause seizures in patients. This has rapid translational implications for the personalized management of tumor-associated epilepsy, as targeted IDH1mut inhibitors may improve antiepileptic therapy in patients with IDH1mut gliomas.
Oncolytic Viruses—Interaction of Virus and Tumor Cells in the Battle to Eliminate Cancer

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are an emerging treatment option for many cancer types and have recently been the focus of extensive research aiming to develop their therapeutic potential. The ultimate aim is to design a virus which can effectively replicate within the host, specifically target and lyse tumor cells and induce robust, long lasting tumor-specific immunity. There are a number of viruses which are either naturally tumor-selective or can be modified to specifically target and eliminate tumor cells. This means they are able to infect only tumor cells and healthy tissue remains unharmed. This specificity is imperative in order to reduce the side effects of oncolytic virotherapy. These viruses can also be modified by various methods including insertion and deletion of specific genes with the aim of improving their efficacy and safety profiles. In this review, we have provided an overview of the various virus species currently being investigated for their oncolytic potential and the positive and negative effects of a multitude of modifications used to increase their infectivity, anti-tumor immunity, and treatment safety, in particular focusing on the interaction of tumor cells and OVs.
The Geographical Connectedness Of Chinese Seaports With Foreland Markets: A New Trend?

This paper analyses the geographical connectedness of Chinese container ports with international foreland markets. Simulated results indicate that the hub-and-spoke network only forms part of the overall picture, where several different layers with diversified strategies can be statistically identified within the Chinese seaport hierarchical system. This paper addresses the question of whether there are alternatives for non-hub seaports within an established hub-and-spoke global shipping network other than just accepting their roles as feeder or spoke seaports. Also, it enhances our understanding on how China is divided by globalisation through trade relations with different regions around the world.
Advances in positron emission tomography for the imaging of rheumatoid arthritis

Imaging techniques, such as US, are well recognized as important tools to aid early diagnosis and assess response to treatment in RA. PET offers a means of imaging the inflammatory processes of RA at a cellular level and thus may be a highly sensitive method of assessing synovitis. In this review we discuss the advantages of PET as an imaging modality for RA and summarize the existing clinical studies of PET in RA. We also highlight potentially important preclinical studies of PET in arthritis and discuss current limitations of PET as well as ongoing developments in PET technology likely to be of benefit for arthritis imaging.
Rules for SubjectsÆ Decisions in Full Information and Hidden Action Problems in Principal-Agent Games

Boundedly rational behavior in principal-agent relations is modeled. For the problem in which the level of activity of the agent is observable and the problem of moral hazard the models are good predictors of the experimental results. In the prob- lem of moral hazard the principals offer on e of the contracts which they proposed for each level of activity if the level was observable and the agents select the corresponding level. The problem of incentive compatibility is strongly influenced by fairness consid- erations.
Two-Dimensional SPAD Imaging Camera for Photon Counting

Many demanding photonic applications require the acquisition of images at very low light-level conditions and at high speed. Advanced imagers available on the market are generally not able to provide both performances in one detector. We present a 2-D imager based on a 32 × 32 array of “smart pixels,” each comprising a single-photon avalanche diode detector, an analog front end, and a digital processing electronics, which provides single-photon sensitivity, high electronic noise immunity, and high readout speed. The imager can be operated at a maximum of about 100 000 frame/s with negligible blind time between frames, provides high Photon-Detection Efficiency in the visible range and dynamic range, and low Dark-Counting Rate, even at room temperature. To easily integrate the imager into different applications, we developed a complete single-photon camera system, which fully operates the array simply through a USB 2.0 link and user-friendly software to configure camera parameters and operating modalities, as well as to perform readout.
China and the WTO : accession, policy reform, and poverty reduction strategies

China's accession to the WTO requires a great many specific policy reforms. However, if the best results are to be obtained, it is important that these reforms be implemented as part of a consistent development program, rather than simply by treating them as a recipe. To do this, policy makers must understand the range and nature of the policy changes required by accession, their implications for the economy, and the availability and effects of supporting policies. "China and the WTO" analyzes the nature of the reforms involved in China's accession to the WTO, assesses their implications for the world economy, and examines the implications for individual households, particularly the poor. Its key objective is to provide the information that will allow policy makers to implement WTO commitments and formulate supporting policies to contribute strongly to economic development and poverty reduction. Individual chapters by leading scholars analyze the nature of the reforms in key areas, such as agriculture, services, intellectual property and safeguards and anti-dumping. These chapters form the building blocks for later chapters, which analyze the implications of reform for the economy. The book also includes a series of studies that assess the implications for households, taking into account the social safety net policies applying in China, and the impacts of complementary policies in areas such as labor market reform and investments in human capital.