Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A local VE-cadherin and Trio-based signaling complex stabilizes endothelial junctions through Rac1

Endothelial cell–cell junctions maintain a restrictive barrier that is tightly regulated to allow dynamic responses to permeability-inducing angiogenic factors, as well as to inflammatory agents and adherent leukocytes. The ability of these stimuli to transiently remodel adherens junctions depends on Rho-GTPase-controlled cytoskeletal rearrangements. How the activity of Rho-GTPases is spatio-temporally controlled at endothelial adherens junctions by guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) is incompletely understood. Here, we identify a crucial role for the Rho-GEF Trio in stabilizing junctions based around vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin (also known as CDH5). Trio interacts with VE-cadherin and locally activates Rac1 at adherens junctions during the formation of nascent contacts, as assessed using a novel FRET-based Rac1 biosensor and biochemical assays. The Rac-GEF domain of Trio is responsible for the remodeling of junctional actin from radial into cortical actin bundles, a crucial step for junction stabilization. This promotes the formation of linear adherens junctions and increases endothelial monolayer resistance. Collectively, our data show the importance of spatiotemporal regulation of the actin cytoskeleton through Trio and Rac1 at VE-cadherin-based cell–cell junctions in the maintenance of the endothelial barrier.
Innate Immune Response to Rift Valley Fever Virus in Goats

Rift Valley fever (RVF), a re-emerging mosquito-borne disease of ruminants and man, was endemic in Africa but spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, meaning it could spread even further. Little is known about innate and cell-mediated immunity to RVF virus (RVFV) in ruminants, which is knowledge required for adequate vaccine trials. We therefore studied these aspects in experimentally infected goats. We also compared RVFV grown in an insect cell-line and that grown in a mammalian cell-line for differences in the course of infection. Goats developed viremia one day post infection (DPI), which lasted three to four days and some goats had transient fever coinciding with peak viremia. Up to 4% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were positive for RVFV. Monocytes and dendritic cells in PBMCs declined possibly from being directly infected with virus as suggested by in vitro exposure. Infected goats produced serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and other proinflammatory cytokines but not IFN-α. Despite the lack of IFN-α, innate immunity via the IL-12 to IFN-γ circuit possibly contributed to early protection against RVFV since neutralising antibodies were detected after viremia had cleared. The course of infection with insect cell-derived RVFV (IN-RVFV) appeared to be different from mammalian cell-derived RVFV (MAM-RVFV), with the former attaining peak viremia faster, inducing fever and profoundly affecting specific immune cell subpopulations. This indicated possible differences in infections of ruminants acquired from mosquito bites relative to those due to contact with infectious material from other animals. These differences need to be considered when testing RVF vaccines in laboratory settings.
Effects of limited input distance constraints upon the distance geometry algorithm

In this paper we examine the distance geometry (DG) algorithm in the form used to determine the structure of proteins. We focus on three aspects of the algorithm: bound smoothing with the triangle inequality, the random selection of distances within the bounds, and the number of distances needed to specify a structure. Computational experiments are performed using simulated and real data for basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) from nmr and crystallographic measurements. We find that the upper bounds determined by bound smoothing to be a linear function of the true crystal distance. A simple model that describes the results obtained with randomly selected trial distances is proposed. Using this representation of the trial distances, we show that BPTI DG structures are more compact than the true crystal structure. We also show that the DG‐generated structures no longer resemble test structures when the number of these interresidue distance constraints is less than the number of degrees of freedom of the protein backbone. While the actual model will be sensitive the way distances are chosen, our conclusions are likely to apply to other versions of the DG algorithm.
When in Doubt, Shout!

A seminal case study by Festinger found, paradoxically, that evidence that disconfirmed religious beliefs increased individuals’ tendency to proselytize to others. Although this finding is renowned, surprisingly, it has never been subjected to experimental scrutiny and is open to multiple interpretations. We examined a general form of the question first posed by Festinger, namely, how does shaken confidence influence advocacy? Across three experiments, people whose confidence in closely held beliefs was undermined engaged in more advocacy of their beliefs (as measured by both advocacy effort and intention to advocate) than did people whose confidence was not undermined. The effect was attenuated when individuals affirmed their beliefs, and was moderated by both importance of the belief and open-mindedness of a message recipient. These findings not only have implications for the results of Festinger’s seminal study, but also offer new insights into people’s motives for advocating their beliefs.
Predictive indirect matrix converter fed torque ripple minimization with weighting factor optimization

Predictive control is a powerful and promising control algorithm in the control of power converter and electrical machine drive's system. The system performance depends on the selection of weighting factor in the cost function. Therefore, this paper proposed a weighting factor optimization method to reduce the torque ripple of induction motor fed by an indirect matrix converter. Also, predictive torque and flux control with conventional weighting factor is being investigated in this paper and is compared with the proposed optimum weighting factor based predictive control algorithm. The introduced weighting factor optimization method in predictive control algorithm is validated through simulation and shows potential tracking of variables and control with their corresponding references and consequently minimizes the torque ripple compare to the conventional weighting factor based predictive control method.
Modelling Individual Differences in the Form of Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Responses: A Dual Learning Systems Approach with Factored Representations

Reinforcement Learning has greatly influenced models of conditioning, providing powerful explanations of acquired behaviour and underlying physiological observations. However, in recent autoshaping experiments in rats, variation in the form of Pavlovian conditioned responses (CRs) and associated dopamine activity, have questioned the classical hypothesis that phasic dopamine activity corresponds to a reward prediction error-like signal arising from a classical Model-Free system, necessary for Pavlovian conditioning. Over the course of Pavlovian conditioning using food as the unconditioned stimulus (US), some rats (sign-trackers) come to approach and engage the conditioned stimulus (CS) itself – a lever – more and more avidly, whereas other rats (goal-trackers) learn to approach the location of food delivery upon CS presentation. Importantly, although both sign-trackers and goal-trackers learn the CS-US association equally well, only in sign-trackers does phasic dopamine activity show classical reward prediction error-like bursts. Furthermore, neither the acquisition nor the expression of a goal-tracking CR is dopamine-dependent. Here we present a computational model that can account for such individual variations. We show that a combination of a Model-Based system and a revised Model-Free system can account for the development of distinct CRs in rats. Moreover, we show that revising a classical Model-Free system to individually process stimuli by using factored representations can explain why classical dopaminergic patterns may be observed for some rats and not for others depending on the CR they develop. In addition, the model can account for other behavioural and pharmacological results obtained using the same, or similar, autoshaping procedures. Finally, the model makes it possible to draw a set of experimental predictions that may be verified in a modified experimental protocol. We suggest that further investigation of factored representations in computational neuroscience studies may be useful.
Base mineral inflow in a remnant cool-temperate mire ecosystem

Kiushitou (42°28′ N, 141°9′ E) is a lowland mire located in a residential area of northern Japan. We examined the 2-D distribution of hydrochemical variables and their seasonal changes in relation to plant communities in an attempt to conserve the Sphagnum fen (Sphagnum subfulvum). This mire is gently sloping and the upper area consists of alder and ash forests, while the lower area is covered with fen communities. The grassy fen, Moliniopsis japonica, occurs throughout the lower area, whereas the Sphagnum fen is restricted to the southwest part of the mire. anova and canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the occurrence of Sphagnum fen is negatively correlated with Mg, Ca and electrical conductivity (EC). These variables indicated that water in the upper forest area contained a high concentration of minerals from the neighboring residential area. Seasonal changes in EC values revealed that the watercourse from a spring point in an upper corner to the lowest drainage ditch was divided into two, southwest and northeast, courses. Because the northeast-course spring water joins mineral-rich water flowing from a point at the upper margin, the northeast part of the lower area contains considerable Ca and Mg. In contrast, the mineral-poor spring water flowing into the southwest part of the mire ensures the survival of the Sphagnum fen. Thus, when we stop the supply of mineral-rich water from the upper margin the area of the Sphagnum fen will expand into the northeast part of the mire. Two-dimensional details of the hydrochemical regime clarify the impact of mineral inflow and the expansion mechanisms of these minerals.
Knowledge Management Strategy and Service Firm Performance: A Comparison of Firms Competing on Low-Cost versus High-Quality

This study contributes to the knowledge management literature by comparing the effects of four knowledge strategy configurations on the performance of service firms competing on low-cost versus high-quality. Data was collected from 107 hospitality establishments operating in South Africa. Firms competing on low-cost and high-quality were classified into one of four groups based on their approach to knowledge management and were then compared on two dimensions of service firm performance. Results suggest that information (IT) based approaches to knowledge management are associated with high performance amongst hospitality services firms competing on low-cost whilst human capital based approaches are associated with high performance amongst firms competing on quality. Implications for knowledge management are discussed.
Nanometer optical coherence tomography using broad-bandwidth XUV and soft x-ray radiation — XCT

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a well-established method to retrieve three-dimensional, cross-sectional images of biological samples in a non-invasive way using near-infrared radiation. The axial resolution of OCT is in the order of the coherence length lc ∝ λ02/ΔλFWHM which depends on the central wavelength λ0 and the spectral width (FWHM) ΔλFWHM of a light source. OCT with broadband visible and near-infrared sources typically reaches axial (depth) resolutions in the order of a few micrometers [1]. The new method presented here takes advantage of the fact that the coherence length and therefore the axial resolution of OCT can be significantly reduced if broadband XUV and SXR radiation is used. The broadness of the usable XUV spectrum is limited by absorption edges of the sample materials. For instance, the silicon transmission window (30-99 eV) corresponds to a coherence length and therefore a possible axial resolution of about 12 nm, thus suggesting applications for semiconductor inspection. In the water window at 280-530 eV a coherence length as short as 3 nm can be achieved and highlights possible applications of XCT for life sciences.
Renoprotective effects of combined SGLT2 and ACE inhibitor therapy in diabetic Dahl S rats

This study examined whether control of hyperglycemia with a new SGLT2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, given alone or in combination with lisinopril could prevent the development of renal injury in diabetic Dahl salt‐sensitive (Dahl S) rats treated with streptozotocin (Dahl‐STZ). Blood glucose levels increased from normoglycemic to hyperglycemic levels after treatment of STZ in Dahl S rats. Chronic treatment of Dahl‐STZ rats with luseogliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) increased the fractional excretion of glucose and normalized blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Lisinopril (20 mg/kg/day) reduced blood pressure from 145 ± 9 to 120 ± 5 mmHg in Dahl‐STZ rats, while luseogliflozin had no effect on blood pressure. Combination therapy reduced blood pressure more than that seen in the rats treated with luseogliflozin or lisinopril alone. Dahl‐STZ rats exhibited hyperfiltration, mesangial matrix expansion, severe progressive proteinuria, focal glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Control of hyperglycemia with luseogliflozin reduced the degree of hyperfiltration and renal injury but had no effect on blood pressure or the development of proteinuria. Treatment with lisinopril reduced hyperfiltration, proteinuria and renal injury in Dahl‐STZ rats. Combination therapy afforded greater renoprotection than administration of either drug alone. These results suggest that long‐term control of hyperglycemia with luseogliflozin, especially in combination with lisinopril to lower blood pressure, attenuates the development of renal injury in this rat model of advanced diabetic nephropathy.
Facilitating student satisfaction in learning

Effectiveness in learning, like all other aspects of human behavior, is highly related to the obtaining of satisfaction by the learner or individual. Thus, one of the functions of an effective teacher deals with facilitating satisfaction in the learner. This function is believed to be a basic principle of learning, and this paper is concerned with summarizing the means for implementing such principle in teaching, or in the guidance of learning activity. It has sometimes been said that
Interaction of Biglycan with Type I Collagen (*)

The small proteoglycan decorin is known to interact with type I collagen fibrils, thereby influencing the kinetics of fibril formation and the distance between adjacent collagen fibrils. The structurally related proteoglycan biglycan has been proposed not to bind to fibrillar collagens. However, when osteosarcoma cells were cultured on reconstituted type I collagen fibrils, both decorin and biglycan were retained by the matrix. Immunogold labeling at the electron microscopic level showed that both proteoglycans were distributed along collagen fibrils not only in osteosarcoma cell-populated collagen lattices but also in human skin. Reconstituted type I collagen fibrils were able to bind in vitro native and N-glycan-free biglycan as well as recombinant biglycan core protein. From Scatchard plots dissociation, constants were obtained that were higher for glycanated biglycan (8.7 × 10 mol/liter) than for glycanated decorin (7 × 10 mol/liter and 3 × 10 mol/liter, respectively). A similar number of binding sites for either proteoglycan was calculated. Recombinant biglycan and decorin were characterized by lower dissociation constants compared with the glycanated forms. Glycanated as well as recombinant decorin competed with glycanated biglycan for collagen binding, suggesting that identical or adjacent binding sites on the fibril are used by both proteoglycans. These data suggest that, because of its trivalency, biglycan could have a special organizing function on the assembly of the extracellular matrix.
Circuitous Pathways: Marriage as a Route toward (Il)Legality for Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

This paper addresses the disjuncture between an immigration regime that seeks to prevent unskilled migrant workers from marrying citizens, and the reality that many are actually able to carve a marital pathway toward legality of residence. Beginning from the premise that the state constructs (il)legality through laws and policies, we draw from 38 interviews conducted among Indonesian migrant workers and their citizen spouses in Malaysia to highlight the agency of migrants and local citizens in reconfiguring and reshaping this construction. Locating our discussion within the migration literature that challenges the construction of legality and illegality as rigidly separate and non-overlapping zones, we trace the circuitous marital pathways that our interviewees forge toward (il)legality as they navigate through blurred categories of legal and illegal, wife and worker. State institutionalization of marriage has produced its own ambiguities, and a marriage can be religiously valid even if not officially registered. Societal ambiguities arise from the tensions between what is valid according to religion and custom and what is prohibited according to state policy. These ambiguities allow for the institutionalization of a marital pathway, though complicated and circuitous, from temporary legality and illegality toward (il)legality of residence, though not necessarily toward full membership in the nation.
The complexity of distributed concurrency control

We present a formal framework for distributed databases, and we study the complexity of the concurrency control problem in this framework. Our transactions are partially ordered sets, of actions, as opposed to the straight-line programs of the centralized case. The concurrency control algorithm, or scheduler, is itself a distributed program. Three notions of performance of the scheduler are studied and interrelated: (i) its parallelism, (ii) the computational complexity of the problems it needs to solve, and (iii) the cost of communication between the various parts of the scheduler. We show that the number of messages necessary and sufficient to support a given level of parallelism is equal to the minmax value of a combinatorial game. We show that this game is PSPACE-complete. It follows that, unless NP=PSPACE, a scheduler cannot simultaneously minimize communication and be computationally efficient. This result, we argue, captures the quantum jump in complexity of the transition from centralized to distributed concurrency control problems.
A low-rank matrix completion based intra prediction for H.264/AVC

Intra prediction plays an important role in reducing the spatial redundancy for intra frame encoding in H.264/AVC. In this paper, we propose a low-rank matrix completion based intra prediction to improve the prediction efficiency. According to the low-rank matrix completion theory, a low-rank matrix can be exactly recovered from quite limited samples with high probability under mild conditions. After moderate rearrangement and organization, image blocks can be represented as low-rank or approximately low-rank matrix. The intra prediction can then be formulated as a matrix completion problem, thus the unknown pixels can be inferred from limited samples with very high accuracy. Specifically, we novelly rearrange the encoded blocks similar to the current block to generate an observation matrix, from which the prediction can be obtained by solving a low-rank minimization problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve averagely 5.39% bit-rate saving for CIF sequences and 4.21% for QCIF sequences compared with standard H.264/AVC.
Failed glaucoma drainage implant: long-term outcomes of a second glaucoma drainage device versus cyclophotocoagulation

Background/aims To evaluate long-term efficacy of a second glaucoma drainage device (GDD) versus cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) after failure of primary drainage implant. Methods This is a non-randomised, retrospective cohort study. A chart review was conducted of patients who underwent GDD surgery between July 1986 and November 2012 requiring further glaucoma procedures for intraocular pressure (IOP) control. An additional GDD was placed in 15 eyes, while 32 eyes underwent CPC. The main outcome measurement was IOP control and/or time to failure of secondary intervention (IOP >18 mm Hg on two sequential measurements). Results Mean follow-up after the second procedure was 63±65.8 months (range 6–254 months) in the CPC group and 132±91.8 months (range 12–254 months) in the GDD group. Thirty-four per cent (11/32 eyes) undergoing CPC later required further treatment at a mean of 13.6±10.7 months with 10/11(91%) of additional interventions occurring within 2 years. Despite an initially high success rate for IOP control in the first 5 years, eventually 60% (9/15 eyes) that underwent a second tube required additional treatment at a mean of 73.4 months with only 2/9(22%) requiring this within the first 2 years. The risk of visual acuity worsening by 2 Snellen lines or more at 12 months was 5/14 for the GDD group (36%) and 4/23(17%) for the CPC group. Conclusions After failure of an initial drainage implant to control IOP, a sequential tube had a high initial rate of success but a relatively high likelihood of long-term failure, generally after 6 years. Eyes that received CPC tended to fail earlier, often within the first year, but had relatively few late failures.
Regulation of High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism

There is compelling evidence from human population studies that plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol correlate inversely with cardiovascular risk. Identification of this relationship has stimulated research designed to understand how HDL metabolism is regulated. The ultimate goal of these studies has been to develop HDL-raising therapies that have the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the situation has turned out to be much more complex than originally envisaged. This is partly because the HDL fraction consists of multiple subpopulations of particles that vary in terms of shape, size, composition, and surface charge, as well as in their potential cardioprotective properties. This heterogeneity is a consequence of the continual remodeling and interconversion of HDL subpopulations by multiple plasma factors. Evidence that the remodeling of HDLs may impact on their cardioprotective properties is beginning to emerge. This serves to highlight the importance of understanding not only how the remodeling and interconversion of HDL subpopulations is regulated but also how these processes are affected by agents that increase HDL levels. This review provides an overview of what is currently understood about HDL metabolism and how the subpopulation distribution of these lipoproteins is regulated.
Mammalian Rcd1 is a novel transcriptional cofactor that mediates retinoic acid‐induced cell differentiation

Rcd1, initially identified as a factor essential for the commitment to nitrogen starvation‐invoked differentiation in fission yeast, is one of the most conserved proteins found across eukaryotes, and its mammalian homolog is expressed in a variety of differentiating tissues. Here we show that mammalian Rcd1 is a novel transcriptional cofactor and is critically involved in the commitment step in the retinoic acid‐induced differentiation of F9 mouse teratocarcinoma cells, at least in part, via forming complexes with retinoic acid receptor and activation transcription factor‐2 (ATF‐2). In addition, antisense oligonucleotide treatment of embryonic mouse lung explants suggests that Rcd1 also plays a role in retinoic acid‐controlled lung development.