Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer/Testis Antigens: Structural and Immunobiological Properties

Characterization of tumor-associated antigens recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes which has evolved during recent years opens new possibilities for specific anti-cancer immunotherapy. Among different groups of tumor-associated antigens, cancer/testis (CT) antigens (expressed in many tumors and among normal tissues only in testes) represent the most perspective antigens for immunotherapy because of their broad tumor-specific expression. More than 50 CT antigens have been described so far and, for many of them, epitopes recognized by T lymphocytes have been identified. The most studied group of CT antigens is the MAGE proteins, which form the so-called MAGE superfamily, together with some MAGE-like proteins that have a different distribution than classical CT antigens. The MAGE superfamily includes five families: MAGE-A, MAGE-B, MAGE-C, MAGE-D, and necdin. Comparison of the structure of members of MAGE superfamily points to the existence of a domain organization of these proteins. The central, core domain (second domain) is highly conservative. The first domain is homologous among MAGE family members with a CT expression, but unique for each member of the MAGE-D and necdin families. In addition to the homology of the central domain, the third domain is also homologous among all members of MAGE superfamily, but to a much lesser extent. The MAGE-D proteins contain an additional, fourth domain, which in the case of MAGE-D3 coincides with trophinin, a separate molecule described previously as an adhesion molecule that participates in embryo implantation. The structural classification of the members of MAGE superfamily might help in the future to understand the biological function of MAGE proteins. One important property of the CT antigens is the up-regulation of their expression by DNA demethylating agents, indicating a possible mechanism for their re-expression in tumors. One of the implications of this particular property could be that a combination of immunotherapy targeting CT antigens with chemotherapy inducing up-regulation of CT antigens might result in more efficient tumor eradication.
Expletives: Men only?

In this paper it is suggested that there might be a relationship between social power and expletive usage. After a general discussion of the linguistic correlates of social power, and of expletives and their functions, the question of whether there is any relationship between the sex of the speaker and the use of expletives is addressed. A review of literature on the topic reveals a decidedly and rocentric bias in the use of these terms (which are seen to enjoy a covert prestige value in many communities), despite a noticeable lack of any reliable supportive data. The second half of the paper reports on an investigation carried out on 160 adolescents in which an attempt was made to measure the respective effects of the following variables on the use of expletives: sex, age, and type of school. Stereotyped expectations of coy, non‐swearing females are not upheld (although sex differences are significant), and a measure of support is found in favor of the hypothesis that there might be a relationship betwee.
Characterization of nirV and a gene encoding a novel pseudoazurin in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.3.

Sequencing of the region flanking nirK, the gene encoding the copper-containing nitrite reductase in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4. 3, has identified two genes whose products could potentially be involved in nitrite reductase expression and activity. One of the genes has been designated nirV. Putative nirV orthologues are found in other denitrifiers, where they are also located downstream of the structural gene for nitrite reductase. The nirV in 2.4. 3 is apparently cotranscribed with nirK. Inactivation of nirV had no effect on cell growth, or on nitrite reductase expression or activity. Downstream of nirV and divergently transcribed is a gene, designated ppaZ, encoding a protein with significant similarity to pseudoazurins from other denitrifiers. However, three of the four residues required for binding of the type I copper centre are not conserved in the deduced sequence of the protein in 2.4. 3. ppaZ is expressed only when oxygen becomes limiting. ppaZ expression is dependent on both FnrL and NnrR, and a putative binding site for these proteins has been identified. Expression of ppaZ is also dependent on the two-component PrrB/PrrA system. Inactivation of ppaZ had no significant effect on cell growth or on nitrite reductase expression or activity. Expression of a maltose-binding protein-PpaZ fusion indicated that the protein could not bind copper. Examination of the genome of the related bacterium R. sphaeroides 2.4. 1 revealed that it encodes ppaZ but not nirV and evidence is presented suggesting that a common ancestor of 2.4. 3 and 2.4. 1 had both nitrite and nitric oxide reductase activity but as the strains diverged 2.4. 1 lost nirK and nirV, making it incapable of nitrite reduction.
CONSUMER ANIMOSITY AND CONSUMER ETHNOCENTRISM: AN ANALYSIS OF UNIQUE ANTECEDENTS

Abstract Consumer animosity is a construct recently introduced to the marketing literature to help marketers better understand the factors that influence consumer attitudes toward foreign products. The present study provides empirical evidence for discriminant validity between this construct and consumer ethnocentrism. Data from the 1992 National Election Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. citizens (n = 2225), were analyzed using logit regression. Two key NES questions were used as proxies for the constructs, and unique antecedents were hypothesized. The findings support 11 of 12 hypotheses. Specifically, six antecedents were found to predict consumer ethnocentrism only, while three were unique to consumer animosity. These results show that the profile of the ethnocentric consumer is different from the consumer holding animosity towards a specific exporting nation (in this case, Japan). Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Quantitative Serum Proteomics from Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging*

The detection and quantification of specific proteins in complex mixtures is a major challenge for proteomics. For example, the development of disease-related biomarker panels will require fast and efficient methods for obtaining multiparameter protein profiles. We established a high throughput, label-free method for analyzing serum using surface plasmon resonance imaging of antibody microarrays. Microarrays were fabricated using standard pin spotting on bare gold substrates, and samples were applied for binding analysis using a camera-based surface plasmon resonance system. We validated the system by measuring the concentrations of four serum proteins using part of a 792-feature microarray. Transferrin concentrations were measured to be 2.1 mg/ml in human serum and 1.2 mg/ml in murine serum, which closely matched ELISA determinations of 2.6 and 1.2 mg/ml, respectively. In agreement with expected values, human and mouse albumin levels were measured to be 24.3 and 23.6 mg/ml, respectively. The lower limits of detection for the four measurements ranged from 14 to 58 ng/ml or 175 to 755 pm. Where purified target proteins are not available for calibration, the microarrays can be used for relative protein quantification. We used the antibody microarray to compare the serum protein profiles from three liver cancer patients and three non-liver cancer patients. Hierarchical clustering of the serum protein levels clearly distinguished two distinct profiles. Thirty-nine significant protein changes were detected (p < 0.05), 10 of which have been observed previously in serum. α-Fetoprotein, a known liver cancer marker, was observed to increase. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this high throughput approach for both absolute and relative protein expression profiling.
Advancing the State of the Art in Advanced Learning Technologies: [Re-]Connecting Theory, Research, Practice and Policy

The impact of advanced learning technologies on learning and instruction has rarely been substantial, sustained or systemic. In spite of ever more powerful technologies and increased understanding of how people learn, the many promises of the radical transformation of education have yet to be realized. This presentation will explore the evidence with regard to impact, or lack thereof, noting that fragmentation of efforts at many levels is a persistent issue. Tensions and obstacles will be noted, and a framework for improvement presented.
Using Equity Theory to Examine the Difference Between Burnout and Depression

This study among a sample of 154 Dutch teachers examines the discriminant validity of burnout and depression, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively. Confirmatory factor analyses show that burnout can be statistically discriminated from depression. Results corroborate the three-factor structure of the MBI and partly confirm the four-factor structure of the CES-D. Furthermore, results of structural equation modeling analyses show that a lack of reciprocity in the relationship with one's partner predicts depression (and not burnout), and that a lack of reciprocity in the relationship with students predicts burnout (and only indirectly depression). These findings are consistent with equity theory, and confirm the central hypothesis that burnout is work-related, whereas depression is context-free.
Towards a Framework for a Professional Development Programme: Empowering Teachers for Context-Based Chemistry Education.

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for professional development programmes that empowers chemistry teachers to teach and design context-based chemistry curricula. Firstly, teachers’ involvement, their concerns and their professional development in several context-based curriculum innovations is discussed. Secondly, to develop such a framework, a theory for (teacher) learning is needed. From an overview of several theories for (teacher) learning, an adapted version of Galperin’s theory for the internalisation of mental actions is selected. Thirdly, this theory is combined with four strategies for professional development, five events for teacher-based curriculum design, and specific goals into a framework for this kind of professional development programmes. This framework will contribute to a better understanding of the relations between the goals of such professional development programmes, the intended learning processes of the teachers and the sequence of events in such programmes. Empirical research with this framework is recommended.
Considerations for Administrators in the Design of Service Options for Young Children With Autism and Their Families

brought to bear in any IEP process require the best available information for decision making. The goal of this article is to provide, as we best know it, that information. In the following section, four straightforward assumptions are proposed to stimulate thinking about general intervention planning. We follow this section with a brief review of promising practices for young children with autism, and finally, some cautionary comments.
Cloud Haskell: First impressions and applications to processing large image datasets

Cloud Haskell is a new distributed processing domain-specific language embedded as a library written in the Haskell programming language. We present a short introduction to the challenges faced, some common patterns and our experiences through implementing image processing and machine learning tasks used in object recognition. We examine closely the task of namely batch processing images and demonstrate the scalability of our examples with benchmarks on a small add-hoc cluster of machines typical of many office networks.
Co‐operation between human CR1 (CD35) and CR2 (CD21) in internalization of their C3b and iC3b ligands by murine‐transfected fibroblasts

CR1 and CR2 are expressed as associated proteins on the B‐lymphocyte surface. To investigate their respective contributions to the internalization of C3 fragments, transfected murine fibroblasts expressing human CR1, CR2, or both CR1 and CR2 were produced. CR1‐ and CR1–CR2‐expressing cells bound C3b and C3b‐dimer whereas CR2‐ and CR1–CR2‐expressing cells bound iC3b and C3de. In all cases, maximum binding was achieved at low ionic strength. CR1–CR2‐positive cells internalized two‐ to threefold more C3b and 1·5‐fold more iC3b than CR1‐ and CR2‐single‐positive cells, respectively. Internalization of the anti‐CR1 antibody J3D3, or C3de was at the same level, in both double‐transfected and single‐transfected cells. Furthermore, the internalization of C3b dimer by CR1–CR2 cells was impaired in the presence of OKB7, an anti‐CR2‐blocking antibody, but it was not altered in CR1 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that CR1 and CR2 collaborate to internalize C3b and iC3b proteins. We suggest that the induction of conformational changes of the ligands enhances their binding to both receptors.
Illumination Techniques for Complex Pediatric Anterior Retinal Detachment and Associated Retrolental Plaque

Illumination Techniques for Complex Pediatric Anterior Retinal Detachment and Associated Retrolental Plaque Advanced pediatric traction retinal detachment (TRD) in conditions, such as retinopathy of prematurity and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, may be complicated by a retrolental plaque of varying density. In particular, in Stage 5 (total TRD) or advanced subtotal TRD in both retinopathy of prematurity and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, the retrolental plaque can be densely opaque and traverse the entire anterior hyaloid face, thus completely obscuring the view of the structures immediately behind the plaque. In such advanced diseases, multiple folds of retina typically adhere to or come very close to the back of the retrolental plaque, precluding safe entry into the posterior segment through the pars plicata. The only safe option is dissection through the plaque from an anterior segment approach. In our experience, standard microscope-based coaxial illumination (as is used for all anterior segment surgery, e.g., cataract and corneal surgery) is inadequate, for both highlighting the layers within the plaque and for identifying a safe dissection zone that is free of retinal folds immediately behind the plaque (Figure 1). Underpinning the need for better intraoperative visualization is the critical requisite to avoid an iatrogenic retinal break at all cost as this has been shown to almost inevitably result in surgical failure, which includes phthisis bulbi and no light perception vision in 2 series of Stage 4B and 5 retinopathy of prematurity. In our experience, the following techniques significantly improve upon intraoperative visualization of retrolental plaque and the adjacent underlying retina, thus optimizing safety and efficacy of surgery.
Extending JaCalIVE Framework to Create Virtual Worlds by Means of an OWL Ontology

The development of Intelligent Virtual Environments is still a growing area from a technological perspective. Current implementations of Intelligent Virtual Environments require a high consumption of resources while new requirements should be also supported. Distributed approaches seem to be a good solution for systems of this kind, as in the case of the multi-agent paradigm. Nevertheless, MAS approaches lack of elements that facilitate flexibility and dynamism dur- ing the execution of an Intelligent Virtual Environment. To address these aspects, a semantic representation of an IVE is proposed in this paper. The main contribution of this pro- posal is to provide an ontology that can enhance the knowl- edge representation features and reasoning capabilities of an agent-based Intelligent Virtual Environment.
Positional down beating nystagmus in 50 patients: cerebellar disorders and possible anterior semicircular canalithiasis

Objectives: To clarify the clinical significance of positional down beat nystagmus (pDBN). Methods: A discussion of the neuro-otological findings in 50 consecutive patients with pDBN. Results: In 38 patients there was evidence of CNS disease (central group) but in 12 there was not (idiopathic group). In the CNS group, presenting symptoms were gait, speech, and autonomic dysfunction whereas in the idiopathic group patients mostly reported positional vertigo. The main neurological and oculomotor signs in the CNS group were explained by cerebellar dysfunction, including 13 patients with multiple system atrophy. In patients with multiple system atrophy with a prominent extrapyramidal component, the presence of pDBN was helpful in the differential diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism. No patient with pDBN had the Arnold-Chiari malformation, a common cause of constant down beat nystagmus (DBN). In the idiopathic group, the pDBN had characteristics which suggested a peripheral labyrinthine disorder: vertigo, adaptation, and habituation. In six patients an additional torsional component was found (concurrently with the pDBN in three). Features unusual for peripheral disorder were: bilateral positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre in nine of 12 patients and selective provocation by the straight head-hanging manoeuvre in two Conclusion: It is argued that some patients with idiopathic pDBN have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with lithiasis of the anterior canal. The torsional component may be weak, because of the predominantly sagittal orientation of the anterior canal, and may not be readily seen clinically. Nystagmus provocation by bilateral Dix-Hallpike and straight head-hanging may be explained by the vertical upwards orientation of the ampullary segment of the anterior canal in the normal upright head position. Such orientation makes right-left specificity with the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre less important than for posterior canal BPPV. This orientation requires a further downwards movement of the head, often achieved with the straight head-hanging position, to provoke migration of the canaliths. The straight head-hanging manoeuvre should be carried out in all patients with a history of positional vertigo and a negative Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre.
Has There Been a ‘Massive’ Rise in IQ Levels in the West? Evidence from Scottish Children

A ‘massive’ 18-point (1.2σ) increase in scores (from 1950 to 1980) has been reported on culture-reduced tests of IQ in fourteen of the world’s advanced economies. Here we examine the performance of representative samples of Scottish children in 1961 and 1983/4 on items from six scales of the Wechsler IQ test. We estimate that the rate of the gain in IQ for Scottish children over these 22.5 years did not exceed 2.5 IQ points (0.1 7 σ ) per generation. This result may diverge from the reported international trend because the ‘massive’ IQ-type gains found in other countries reflect the reliance of other investigators on multiple-choice, culture-reduced tests that tend to reward intelligent guessing and to penalise scrupulosity.
Negotiation in leader and delegate groups

personality (e.g., Deutsch, 1960; Lutzker, 1960), prior experience (e.g., Bass, 1966; Krauss and Deutsch, 1966), expectations (e.g., Siegel and Fouraker, 1960), strategies (e.g., Bartos, 1965; Blake and Mouton, 1961), and attitudes toward the reference group (e.g., Campbell, 1960; McGrath, 1966) than with leader-delegate differences in role. When examined, the emphasis has been on roles emerging in the negotiation process (McGrath and Julian, 1962, 1963; Vidmar and McGrath, 1965). Negotiators frequently differ in how
A randomized controlled trial comparing two ways of providing evidence-based drug information to GPs

Abstract Objective. To investigate whether tailored evidence-based drug information (EBDI) to general practitioners (GPs) can change the proportion of ACE inhibitor prescriptions more effectively than EBDI provided as usual three and six months after the intervention. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. GPs in southern Sweden working at primary health care centres (PHCCs) in seven drug and therapeutic committee areas. Intervention. EBDI tailored to motivational interviewing (MI) technique and focused on the benefit aspect was compared with EBDI provided as usual. Subjects. There were 408 GPs in the intervention group and 583 GPs in the control group. Main outcome measures. Change in proportion of ACE inhibitor prescriptions relative to the sum of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, three and six months after the intervention. Results. The GPs’ average proportions of prescribed ACE inhibitors increased in both groups. No statistically significant differences in the change of proportions were found between intervention and control groups. Information was provided to 29% of GPs in both groups. Conclusion. This study could not prove that specially tailored EBDI using MI implements guidelines more effectively than EBDI provided as usual.
Practical Issues in Modeling Large Diagnostic Systems with Multiply Sectioned Bayesian Networks

As Bayesian networks become widely accepted as a normative formalism for diagnosis based on probabilistic knowledge, they are applied to increasingly larger problem domains. These large projects demand a systematic approach to handle the complexity in knowledge engineering. The needs include modularity in representation, distribution in computation, as well as coherence in inference. Multiply Sectioned Bayesian Networks (MSBNs) provide a distributed multiagent framework to address these needs. According to the framework, a large system is partitioned into subsystems and represented as a set of related Bayesian subnets. To ensure exact inference, the partition of a large system into subsystems and the representation of subsystems must follow a set of technical constraints. How to satisfy these goals for a given system may not be obvious to a practitioner. In this paper, we address three practical modeling issues.
An Intelligent Interface for Drum Pattern Variation and Comparative Evaluation of Algorithms

Drum tracks of electronic dance music pieces are a central and style-defining element. Yet, creating them can be a cumbersome task, mostly due to lack of appropriate tools and input devices. In this work we use a UI prototype that aims at supporting musicians to compose the rhythmic patterns for drum tracks, to compare different algorithms for drum pattern variation. Starting with a basic pattern (seed pattern), which is provided by the user, a list of variations with varying degrees of similarity to the seed pattern is generated. The variations are created using one of the three algorithms compared: (i) a similarity-based lookup method using a rhythm pattern database, (ii) a generative approach based on a stochastic neural network, and (iii) a genetic algorithm using similarity measures as a target function. The interface visualizes the patterns and provides an intuitive way to browse through them. User test sessions with experts in electronic music production were conducted to evaluate aspects of the prototype and algorithms. Additionally a web-based survey was performed to assess perceptual properties of the variations in comparison to baseline patterns created by a human expert. The web survey shows that the algorithms produce musical and interesting variations and that the different algorithms have their strengths in different areas. These findings are further supported by the results of the expert interviews.