Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting Connexin 43 Prevents Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB–Induced Phenotypic Change in Porcine Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

We previously reported that reducing the expression of the gap junction protein connexin (Cx)43 in mice restricts intimal thickening formation after acute vascular injury by limiting the inflammatory response and the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) toward the damaged site. SMC populations isolated from porcine coronary artery exhibit distinct phenotypes: spindle-shaped (S) and rhomboid (R). S-SMCs are predominant in the normal media, whereas R-SMCs are recovered in higher proportion from stent-induced intimal thickening, suggesting that they participate in the restenotic process. Here, we further investigate the relationship between connexin expression and SMC phenotypes using porcine coronary artery SMCs. Cx40 was highly expressed in normal media of porcine coronary artery in vivo, whereas Cx43 was barely detectable. In contrast, Cx40 was downregulated and Cx43 was markedly upregulated in stent-induced intimal thickening. In vitro, S-SMCs expressed Cx40 and Cx43. In R-SMCs, Cx43 expression was increased and Cx40 was absent. We confirmed that S-SMCs treated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB acquire an R phenotype. This was accompanied by an upregulation of Cx43 and a loss of Cx40. Importantly, platelet-derived growth factor-BB–induced S-to-R phenotypic change was prevented by a reduction of Cx43 expression with antisense, ie, S-SMCs retained their typical elongated appearance and the expression of &agr;-smooth muscle actin, a well-known SMC differentiation marker, whereas the expression of S100A4, a typical marker of R-SMCs, was prevented. In conclusion, limiting Cx43 expression in S-SMCs prevents platelet-derived growth factor-BB–induced S-to-R modulation. This suggests that Cx43 may be an additional target for local delivery strategies aimed at reducing restenosis.
Lossless compression of Bayer mask images using an optimal vector prediction technique

In this paper a lossless compression technique for Bayer pattern images is presented. The common way to save these images was to colour reconstruct them and then code the full resolution images using one of the lossless or lossy methods. This solution is useful to show the captured images at once, but it is not convenient for efficient source coding. In fact, the resulting full colour image is three times greater than the Bayer pattern image and the compression algorithms are not able to remove the correlations introduced by the reconstruction algorithm. However, the Bayer pattern images present new problems for the coding step. In fact, adjacent pixels belong to different colour bands mixing up different kinds of correlations. In this paper we present a lossless compression procedure based on an optimal vector predictor, where the Bayer pattern is divided into non-overlapped 2×2 blocks, each of them predicted as a vector. We show that this solution is able to exploit the existing correlation giving a good improvement of the compression ratio with respect to other lossless compression techniques, e.g., JPEG-LS.
A DegU-P and DegQ-Dependent Regulatory Pathway for the K-state in Bacillus subtilis

The K-state in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis is associated with transformability (competence) as well as with growth arrest and tolerance for antibiotics. Entry into the K-state is determined by the stochastic activation of the transcription factor ComK and occurs in about ∼15% of the population in domesticated strains. Although the upstream mechanisms that regulate the K-state have been intensively studied and are well understood, it has remained unexplained why undomesticated isolates of B. subtilis are poorly transformable compared to their domesticated counterparts. We show here that this is because fewer cells enter the K-state, suggesting that a regulatory pathway limiting entry to the K-state is missing in domesticated strains. We find that loss of this limitation is largely due to an inactivating point mutation in the promoter of degQ. The resulting low level of DegQ decreases the concentration of phosphorylated DegU, which leads to the de-repression of the srfA operon and ultimately to the stabilization of ComK. As a result, more cells reach the threshold concentration of ComK needed to activate the auto-regulatory loop at the comK promoter. In addition, we demonstrate that the activation of srfA transcription in undomesticated strains is transient, turning off abruptly as cells enter the stationary phase. Thus, the K-state and transformability are more transient and less frequently expressed in the undomesticated strains. This limitation is more extreme than appreciated from studies of domesticated strains. Selection has apparently limited both the frequency and the duration of the bistably expressed K-state in wild strains, likely because of the high cost of growth arrest associated with the K-state. Future modeling of K-state regulation and of the fitness advantages and costs of the K-state must take these features into account.
A functional anatomical analysis of central pathways subserving the effects of interleukin-1 on stress-related neuroendocrine neurons

Systemic administration of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) results in increased secretion of ACTH and corticosterone in rats. The available evidence suggests that the acute effects of IL-1 are exerted ultimately at the level of the hypothalamus to increase corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) secretion into the hypophyseal portal circulation, and hence the central drive on the pituitary-adrenal system. However, the route(s) and mechanism(s) by which circulating IL-1 gains access to central mechanisms governing pituitary-adrenal output remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that intravenous injection of IL-1 beta provokes time- and dose-dependent increases in the expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos, in identified CRF and oxytocin- producing cells of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Several cell groups known to be involved in central visceromotor regulation also displayed comparable time- and dose-related activation to systemic IL-1, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the central nucleus of the amygdala, the lateral parabrachial nucleus, and cell groups of the dorsomedial and ventrolateral medulla. Activation of circumventricular organs, which have been hypothesized to serve as central monitors of circulating IL-1, required doses roughly an order of magnitude above those required to activate CRF neurons in the PVH. Combined immunohistochemical and retrograde tracing experiments revealed many IL-1-responsive cells in the nucleus of the solitary tract and the ventrolateral medulla to be catecholaminergic and to project to the region of the PVH. Discrete and unilateral interruption of ascending catecholaminergic projections from the medulla attenuated IL-1-stimulated increases in Fos immunoreactivity and CRF mRNA in the PVH on the ipsilateral side. Disruption of descending projections from circumventricular structures associated with the lamina terminalis did not affect IL-1-mediated Fos induction in the PVH. We conclude that medullary catecholaminergic projections to the PVH play either a mediating or a permissive role in the IL-1- induced activation of the central limb of the hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenal axis.
Modulation of T Cell Cytokine Production by Interferon Regulatory Factor-4*

Production of cytokines is one of the major mechanisms employed by CD4+ T cells to coordinate immune responses. Although the molecular mechanisms controlling T cell cytokine production have been extensively studied, the factors that endow T cells with their ability to produce unique sets of cytokines have not been fully characterized. Interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-4 is a lymphoid-restricted member of the interferon regulatory factor family of transcriptional regulators, whose deficiency leads to a profound impairment in the ability of mature CD4+ T cells to produce cytokines. In these studies, we have investigated the mechanisms employed by IRF-4 to control cytokine synthesis. We demonstrate that stable expression of IRF-4 in Jurkat T cells not only leads to a strong enhancement in the synthesis of interleukin (IL)-2, but also enables these cells to start producing considerable amounts of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. Transient transfection assays indicate that IRF-4 can transactivate luciferase reporter constructs driven by either the human IL-2 or the human IL-4 promoter. A detailed analysis of the effects of IRF-4 on the IL-4 promoter reveals that IRF-4 binds to a site adjacent to a functionally important NFAT binding element and that IRF-4 cooperates with NFATc1. These studies thus support the notion that IRF-4 represents one of the lymphoid-specific components that control the ability of T lymphocytes to produce a distinctive array of cytokines.
Explanatory Factors of the Black Achievement Gap in Montréal's Public and Private Schools

This exploratory analysis uses multiple regression modeling to help shed light on the correlates of the Black achievement gap in Montréal's public and private secondary schools. Using school-level testing data from Québec's Ministry of Education, the authors show that there is a Black achievement gap, and that this gap is highly associated with school socio-economic status, peer family structure, and average age of the student body's parents. An important secondary finding is that there remains a significant positive association of private schooling on academic achievement, even after controlling for race and all other central independent variables.
The Theory of Relativity

The relativity theory in physics is reviewed for the purpose of suggesting a relativistic metatheory for life span developmental psychology. Developmentalists might find this metatheory useful in describing complex individual biological, social, and psychological development in a historical context. Some expected uses of the approach in episte-mological and developmental studies are outlined.
Study of potential attacks on rubber PIN pads based on mobile thermal imaging

This paper examines the performance of a mobile thermal camera as a tool that can be used by criminals to capture PIN codes. The goal of the research paper is to find out if attacks on rubber PIN pads could be carried out using mobile thermal imaging camera with a smartphone. The performance of a mobile thermal camera has been assessed using the parameters such as angle, distance of the camera from the PIN pad, time interval between key punching and picture taking and room temperature in order to get the potential access PIN code from a rubber key PIN pad and studying the effect on the results. The research paper shows how mobile thermal camera can be effectively used to trace the thermal signature left on the rubber PINs after the keys have been punched. The main outcomes of the paper show potential circumstances that the attack could be less successful, thus giving directions for further research on the respective protection mechanisms. Keywords— Mobile thermal camera, rubber PIN-pad
Segment based Internetworking to Accommodate Diversity at the Edge

In this paper, we introduce Tapa, a network architecture that accommodates diversity at the network edge: different access networks, heterogeneous edge devices, and rich applications and network services. The core idea underlying Tapa is to have network segments replace IP links as the basis for inter-operability in the Internet. A segment spans a part of the end-to-end path that can be considered homogeneous (e.g., wired Internet or an access network) – network specific functions and optimizations, like congestion control, are implemented within a segment, allowing use of customized solutions. On top of segments is the new inter-operability layer, called the transfer layer, which manages end-to-end data transfer over multiple segments, supporting better source and path selection mechanisms than IP. Finally, on top of the transfer layer is an end-to-end transport layer that mainly deals with implementing a rich set of semantics to accommodate diverse applications and network services. We implemented Tapa and show how it supports diverse applications and optimizations.
Specific erythrocyte binding is an additional nutrient acquisition system for Trichomonas vaginalis

Specific receptor-mediated binding by Trichomonas vaginalis of human erythrocytes was demonstrated. The ability of live parasites to internalize erythrocytes was also documented. In vitro growth assays during lipid-free and iron-limiting conditions that do not support the survival of T. vaginalis organisms showed that purified erythrocyte lipids and hemoglobin were each able to provide lipids and/or hemoglobin iron for trichomonal growth and multiplication. Parasites bound hemoglobin in a highly specific receptor-mediated fashion, and only the homologous unlabeled hemoglobin, but not lactoferrin and transferrin, competed with iodinated hemoglobin binding. Two antibody- crossreactive surface proteins of the parasites were identified as adhesins, and antibody to the individual adhesins inhibited T. vaginalis recognition and binding of erythrocytes. Finally, patient sera possessed antibody to the adhesins, showing the immunogenic nature and in vivo relevance of the trichomonad proteins during infection.
Interactive analysis and simulation of VANETs using MOWINE

We present a mobile wireless network evaluation tool (MOWINE) that can analyze mobility and wireless connectivity traces to quantify performance of different network protocols in a given application scenario. We model the highly dynamic connectivity of mobile networks using time-expanded graphs which allow us to study the best-case performance of network protocols. MOWINE also integrates with a network simulator that can evaluate the performance of recent VANET routing protocols with a user specified network load. This combination of network modeling and simulation enables users to gain deeper insights into the performance of routing protocols, for example, by distinguishing the limitations of a particular routing protocol from the fundamental limitations of the underlying network. Network engineers can use MOWINE to study and fine-tune performance of real-world network protocols in different scenarios before deploying the network, and hence engineer the mobile ad hoc network. We demonstrate the effectiveness of MOWINE by analyzing and understanding the performance of six different VANET routing protocols using real-world taxi cab traces collected in San Francisco.
The boundaries of self face perception: Response time distributions, perceptual categories, and decision weighting

The current study uses an RT distribution analysis approach to examine the self-bias in face categorization. In two experiments we systematically manipulated the decision boundaries between the self, familiar, and unfamiliar others in face categorization tasks. For the first time in studies of self-categorization we estimated parameters from ex-Gaussian fits of reaction time distributions in order to capture the influence of different boundaries on the latency distribution of the categorization responses. The results showed that the distribution of responses to self faces was stable regardless of the face context and the task demands, and changes in context only shifted the response distribution in time. In contrast, varying the decisions with familiar and unfamiliar faces changed the shape of the RT distributions in addition to shifting RTs in time. The results indicate that, in contrast to our perception of familiar and unfamiliar faces of other people, self face perception forms a unique perceptual category unaffected by shifts in context and task demands.
100 Gb/s optical time-division multiplexed networks

We present ultrafast slotted optical time-division multiplexed networks as a viable means of implementing a highly capable next-generation all-optical packet-switched network. Such a network is capable of providing simple network management, the ability to support variable quality-of-service, self-routing of packets, scalability in the number of users, and the use of digital regeneration, buffering, and encryption. We review all-optical switch and Boolean logic gate implementations using an ultrafast nonlinear interferometers (UNIs) that are capable of stable, pattern-independent operation at speeds in excess of 100 Gb/s. We expand the capability provided by the UNI beyond switching and logic demonstrations to include system-level functions such as packet synchronization, address comparison, and rate conversion. We use these advanced all-optical signal processing capabilities to demonstrate a slotted OTDM multiaccess network testbed operating at 112.5 Gb/s line rates with inherent scalability in the number of users and system line rates. We also report on long-haul propagation of short optical pulses in fiber and all-optical 3R regeneration as a viable cost-effective means of extending the long-haul distance of our OTDM network to distances much greater than 100 km.
Context Matters

The cross-sectional study of factors predicting teacher self-efficacy involved surveys of 473 third- and fifth-grade, predominantly White female teachers in 196 schools. The schools served, on average, a relatively high proportion of students living in poverty and students of color. The findings indicate that the proportion of minority students in teachers’ classrooms was positively associated with their self-efficacy when variables correlated with poverty—proportion of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch and overall academic achievement in the school—were held constant. Teachers’ perceptions of the support they received from administrators and parents were also positively associated with teacher self-efficacy.
Fallacy and controversy about base rates

Abstract Koehler's target article attempts a balanced view of the relevance of knowledge of base rates to judgments of subjective or credal probability, but he is not sensitive enough to the difference between requiring and permitting the equation of probability judgments with base rates, the interaction between precision of base rate and reference class information, and the possibility of indeterminate probability judgment.
Critiques on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

INTRODUCTION The main aim of medical education is to foster the development of clinical competence in students at all levels. Differences in experiences, methods of instruction and ambiguous forms of assessment are obstacles to attaining this goal. Dissatisfaction with the conventional methods of clinical assessment on the part of teachers and students led assessors to search for appropriate alternatives and in 1975, Harden and his colleagues introduced the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). It is nearly impossible to have a test that satisfies all the criteria of a good test. Sometimes, a compromise has to be made between the available resources (in terms of man, money and time), and the method and quality of assessment (in terms of reliability, validity, objectivity and practicability). METHODS This critique on the OSCE is based on the published findings of researchers from its inception in 1975 to 2004. RESULTS The reliability, validity, objectivity and practicability or feasibility of this examination are based on the number of stations, construction of stations, method of scoring (checklists and/ or global scoring) and number of students assessed. For a comprehensive assessment of clinical competence, other methods should be used in conjunction with the OSCE. CONCLUSION The OSCE can be a reasonably reliable, valid and objective method of assessment, but its main drawback is that it is resource-intensive.
Structuring Error and Experimental Variation as Distribution in the Fourth Grade

Humans appear to have an inborn propensity to classify and generalize, activities that are fundamental to our understanding of the world (Medin, 1989). Yet, however one describes objects and events, their variability is at least as important as their similarity. In Full House, Stephen Jay Gould neatly drove home this point with his choice of a chapter subhead: “Variability as Universal Reality” (1996, p. 38). Gould (1996) furthernotedthatmodelingnaturalsystemsoftenentailsaccountingfor theirvariability. An example now widely familiar from both the popular and professional press (e.g., Weiner, 1994) is the account of how seemingly tiny variations in beak morphology led to dramatic changes in the proportions of different kinds of Galapagos finches as the environment fluctuated over relatively brief periods of time. Understanding variability within and between organisms and species is at the core of grasping a big idea like “diversity” (NRC, 1996). Yet, given its centrality, variability is given very short shrift in school instruction. Students are given few, if any conceptual tools to reason about variability, and even if they are, the tools are rudimentary, at best. Typically, these tools consist only of brief exposure to a few statistics (e.g., for calculating the mean or standard deviation), with little focus on the more encompassing sweep of data modeling. That is, stusdents do not typically participate in contexts that allow them to develop questions, consider qualities of measures and attritubutes relevant to a question, and then go on to structure data and make inference about their questions. MATHEMATICAL THINKING AND LEARNING, 5(2&3), 131–156 Copyright © 2003, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
Rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal secretions by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respiratory syncytial virus antigen detection kit (Ortho Diagnostics, Inc., Raritan, N.J.) was compared with virus culture and with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (FAT) by using fresh nasal washings from children with suspected respiratory syncytial virus infection. Both uncentrifuged nasal washings and pellets from centrifuged split specimens were examined by ELISA. The ELISA was considered positive when the optical density was greater than the mean background optical density plus 0.15. Specimens positive by ELISA but negative by culture and FAT were reexamined in an ELISA blocking assay. Of 337 uncentrifuged specimens, 124 (37%) were positive by culture, 107 (32%) were positive by FAT, and 166 (49%) were positive by ELISA. Blocking assays showed that 21 of 30 (70%) of the seemingly false-positive ELISA tests were, in fact, true-positives and that the cultures and FATs were falsely negative. A patient specimen was considered positive when it was positive by virus culture, FAT, or blocking assay. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the ELISA test were 88, 94, and 95%, respectively. Centrifugation of nasal washings raised the sensitivity from 88 to 92% but reduced the specificity from 94 to 81%. We conclude that the Ortho ELISA test of uncentrifuged nasal washings is more sensitive than virus culture or indirect FAT and is highly specific.