Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual Functionality of the Anti-β1 Integrin Antibody, 12G10, Exemplifies Agonistic Signalling from the Ligand Binding Pocket of Integrin Adhesion Receptors*

Although integrins are known to mediate connections between extracellular adhesion molecules and the intracellular actin cytoskeleton, the mechanisms that are responsible for coupling ligand binding to intracellular signaling, for generating diversity in signaling, and for determining the efficacy of integrin signaling in response to ligand engagement are largely unknown. By characterizing the class of anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that stimulate integrin activation and ligand binding, we have identified integrin-ligand-mAb complexes that exhibit differential signaling properties. Specifically, addition of 12G10 mAb to cells adhering via integrin α4β1 was found to trigger disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and prevent cell attachment and spreading, whereas mAb addition to cells adhering via α5β1 stimulated all of these processes. In contrast, soluble ligand binding to either α4β1 or α5β1 was augmented or unaffected by 12G10. The regions of the integrin responsible for differential signaling were then mapped using chimeras. Surprisingly, a chimeric α5 integrin containing the β-propeller domain from the ligand binding pocket of α4 exhibited the same signaling properties as the full-length α4 integrin, whereas exchanging or removing cytoplasmic domains had no effect. Thus the mAb 12G10 demonstrates dual functionality, inhibiting cell adhesion and spreading while augmenting soluble ligand binding, via a mechanism that is determined by the extracellular β-propeller domain of the associating α-subunit. These findings therefore demonstrate a direct and variable agonistic link between the ligand binding pocket of integrins and the cell interior that is independent of the α cytoplasmic domains. We propose that either ligand-specific transmembrane conformational changes or ligand-specific differences in the kinetics of transmembrane domain separation underlie integrin agonism.
Trustworthy Identification in a Privacy Driven Virtual World

The identity management of any entity in general and users in particular on the Internet is a formidable problem. This article presents an anonymity-privacy model that draws a clear dividing line between private information and identifying information of a given entity. The other contribution of this article is the abstraction of myriad forms of identity management systems (into three models) used on the Internet and in the brick and mortar world. This article also presents the challenges in identity management in peer-to-peer networks and reputation based systems. Finally, this article outlines the issues concerning secret credentials and the work being done on identity establishment with secret credentials.
A New Model for CD8+ T Cell Memory Inflation Based upon a Recombinant Adenoviral Vector

CD8+ T cell memory inflation, first described in murine CMV (MCMV) infection, is characterized by the accumulation of high-frequency, functional Ag-specific CD8+ T cell pools with an effector-memory phenotype and enrichment in peripheral organs. Although persistence of Ag is considered essential, the rules underpinning memory inflation are still unclear. The MCMV model is, however, complicated by the virus’s low-level persistence and stochastic reactivation. We developed a new model of memory inflation based on a β-galactosidase (βgal)–recombinant adenovirus vector. After i.v. administration in C57BL/6 mice, we observed marked memory inflation in the βgal96 epitope, whereas a second epitope, βgal497, undergoes classical memory formation. The inflationary T cell responses show kinetics, distribution, phenotype, and functions similar to those seen in MCMV and are reproduced using alternative routes of administration. Memory inflation in this model is dependent on MHC class II. As in MCMV, only the inflating epitope showed immunoproteasome independence. These data define a new model for memory inflation, which is fully replication independent, internally controlled, and reproduces the key immunologic features of the CD8+ T cell response. This model provides insight into the mechanisms responsible for memory inflation and, because it is based on a vaccine vector, also is relevant to novel T cell–inducing vaccines in humans.
GMRT observations of four suspected supernova remnants near the Galactic Centre

We have observed two fields - Field I (l=3.2 ◦ , b= 1.0 ◦ ) and Field II (l=356.8 ◦ , b= 0.1 ◦ ) with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 330 MHz. In the first field, we have studied the candidate supernova remnant (SNR) G3.1 0.6 and based on its observed morphology, spectral index and polarisation confirmed it to be an SNR. We find this supernova to have a double ring appearance with a strip of emission on it’s western side passing through it’s centre. We have discovered two extended curved objects in the second field, which appears to be part of a large shell like structure. It is possibly the remains of an old supernova in the region. Three suspected supernova remnants, G356.3 0.3, G356.6+0.1 and G357.1 0.2 detected in the MOST 843 MHz survey of the Galactic Centre region appears to be located on this shell like structure. While both G356.3 0.3 and G356.6+0.1 seem to be parts of this shell, G357.1 0.2 which has a steeper spectrum above 1 GHz, could be a background SNR seen through the region. Our HI absorption observation towards the candidate SNR G357.1 0.2 indicates that it is at a distance of more than 6 kpc from us.
A Highly Efficient Gene Expression Programming (GEP) Model for Auxiliary Diagnosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Lung cancer is an important and common cancer that constitutes a major public health problem, but early detection of small cell lung cancer can significantly improve the survival rate of cancer patients. A number of serum biomarkers have been used in the diagnosis of lung cancers; however, they exhibit low sensitivity and specificity. Methods We used biochemical methods to measure blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), Na+, Cl-, carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in 145 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and 155 non-small cell lung cancer and 155 normal controls. A gene expression programming (GEP) model and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves incorporating these biomarkers was developed for the auxiliary diagnosis of SCLC. Results After appropriate modification of the parameters, the GEP model was initially set up based on a training set of 115 SCLC patients and 125 normal controls for GEP model generation. Then the GEP was applied to the remaining 60 subjects (the test set) for model validation. GEP successfully discriminated 281 out of 300 cases, showing a correct classification rate for lung cancer patients of 93.75% (225/240) and 93.33% (56/60) for the training and test sets, respectively. Another GEP model incorporating four biomarkers, including CEA, NSE, LDH, and CRP, exhibited slightly lower detection sensitivity than the GEP model, including six biomarkers. We repeat the models on artificial neural network (ANN), and our results showed that the accuracy of GEP models were higher than that in ANN. GEP model incorporating six serum biomarkers performed by NSCLC patients and normal controls showed low accuracy than SCLC patients and was enough to prove that the GEP model is suitable for the SCLC patients. Conclusion We have developed a GEP model with high sensitivity and specificity for the auxiliary diagnosis of SCLC. This GEP model has the potential for the wide use for detection of SCLC in less developed regions.
High efficiency power converters for renewable sources of energy

The goal of this paper is to reveal through simulation, some of the most effective and feasible power converters, already developed and large scale sold for different green energy sources, using new generation of semiconductors models. These high efficiency topologies are analyzed and discussed here in order to observe the advantages and the disadvantages between them. Also, it's almost mandatory to highlight the improvements of the last generation of SiC semiconductors in order to justify this work.
Postmortem Aging of Beef with a Special Reference to the Dry Aging

Animal muscles are stored for specific period (aging) at refrigerated temperatures, during and after which the living muscles start to convert into meat and thus, attain certain superior properties in the final product. Proteolysis, lipolysis, and oxidation are the major biochemical processes involved during the postmortem aging of meat that affect the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, as well as sometimes may introduce certain undesirable traits. This review analyzes the role of pre- and post-mortem factors that are important for aging and their effect on the chemical and physical changes in the “dry- and wet-aged meat. ” Thus, if the meat processing manufacturers optimize the effects of aging for specific muscles, the palatability, color, and the shelf life of the aged meat products could be significantly enhanced.
Ageing is associated with deterioration of calcium homeostasis in isolated human right atrial myocytes

Aims Ageing-related cardiac disorders such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation often present with intracellular calcium homeostasis dysfunction. However, knowledge of the intrinsic effects of ageing on cellular calcium handling in the human heart is sparse. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse how ageing affects key mechanisms that regulate intracellular calcium in human atrial myocytes. Methods and results Whole membrane currents and intracellular calcium transients were measured in isolated human right atrial myocytes from 80 patients with normal left atrial dimensions and no history of atrial fibrillation. Patients were categorized as young (<55 years, n = 21), middle aged (55–74 years, n = 42), and old (≥75 years, n = 17). Protein levels were determined by western blot. Ageing was associated with the following electrophysiological changes: (i) a 3.2-fold decrease in the calcium transient (P < 0.01); (ii) reduction of the L-type calcium current (ICa) amplitude (2.4 ± 0.3 pA/pF vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 pA/pF, P < 0.01); (iii) lower levels of L-type calcium channel alpha-subunit (P < 0.05); (iv) lower rates of both fast (14.5 ± 0.9 ms vs. 20.9 ± 1.9, P < 0.01) and slow (73 ± 3 vs. 120 ± 12 ms, P < 0.001) ICa inactivation; and (v) a decrease in the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content (10.1 ± 0.8 vs. 6.4 ± 0.6 amol/pF, P < 0.005) associated with a significant decrease in both SERCA2 (P < 0.05) and calsequestrin-2 (P < 0.05) protein levels. In contrast, ageing did not affect spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release. Conclusion Ageing is associated with depression of SR calcium content, L-type calcium current, and calcium transient amplitude that may favour a progressive decline in right atrial contractile function with age.
Effelsberg 100-m polarimetric observations of a sample of compact steep-spectrum sources

Aims. We completed observations with the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope to measure the polarised emission from a complete sample of Compact Steep-Spectrum sources and improve our understanding of the physical conditions inside and around regions of radio emission embedded in dense interstellar environments. Methods. We observed the sources at four different frequencies, namely 2.64 GHz, 4.85GHz, 8.35 GHz, and 10.45 GHz, making use of the polarimeters available at the Effelsberg telescope. We complemented these measurements with polarisation parameters at 1.4 GHz derived from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey. Previous single dish measurements were taken from the catalogue of Tabara and Inoue. Results. The depolarisation index DP was computed for four pairs of frequencies. A drop in the fractional polarisation appeared in the radio emission when observing at frequencies below �2GHz. Rotation measures were derived for about 25% of the sources in the sample. The values, in the source rest frame, range from about –20 rad m −2 found for 3C138 to 3900 rad m −2 in 3C119. In all cases, the � 2 law is closely followed. Conclusions. The presence of a foreground screen as predicted by the Tribble model or with “partial coverage” as defined by ourselves can explain the polarimetric behaviour of the CSS sources detected in polarisation by the present observations. Indication of repolarisation at lower frequencies was found for some sources. A case of possible variability in the fractional polarisation is also suggested. The most unexpected result was found for the distribution of the fractional polarisations versus the linear sizes of the sources. Our results appear to disagree with the findings of Cotton and collaborators and Fanti and collaborators for the B3-VLA sample of CSS sources, the so-called “Cotton effect”, i.e., a strong drop in polarised intensity for the most compact sources below a given frequency. This apparent contradiction may, however, be caused by the large contamination of the sample by quasars with respect to the B3-VLA.
Computer-Mediated Group Interaction Processes

The use of computer-mediated groups has become common particularly in international organizations and global companies. In light of this growing phenomenon, the traditional group interaction should be re-observed. The research questions deal with the interaction between the computer-mediated group members, trying to figure whether (and how) the media change the way people interact, in hope of improving the group interaction using group structure. Based on Bales' IPA model we present an experiment in which subjects, who were grouped, had to share information in order to complete an intellective task. The findings indicate that the positive level of the computer-mediated unstructured group discussions is significantly lower than the positive level of the face-to-face unstructured group discussions. The structure seem to act as a partial solution, since structured group discussions is positive than unstructured group discussions. Therefore, structure should be manipulated in order to reduce the virtuallity influence on the positive level of the discussion. The importance of the theoretical and practical implementation of the research is obvious and will be discussed.
Real-time PCR for universal antibiotic susceptibility testing.

OBJECTIVES Determination of bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility is usually performed using phenotypic methods. In this study, we developed a universal 16S rRNA and rpoB quantitative PCR assay for susceptibility testing of bacteria commonly isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories. METHODS Antibiotic susceptibilities for 24 bacterial strains of various species were tested by real-time quantitative PCR assay and by conventional methods. Quantification of DNA copies of either the 16S RNA genes or rpoB were recorded over time in the presence or absence of antibiotics to determine the bacterial growth kinetics and the optimal testing time. RESULTS Molecular results for antibiotic susceptibility or resistance were in accordance with those obtained using a standard macrodilution broth assay. The method was reproducible, sensitive and rapid (2 h for Gram-negative bacilli and 4 h for Gram-positive cocci). Moreover, this assay was also able to determine the antibiotic susceptibilities of fastidious bacteria, such as mycobacteria, within 5 days. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that molecular detection of bacteria could be more rapid than phenotypic methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Understanding the human knee and its relationship to total knee replacement

The knee is the intermediate joint of the lower limb and it allows the movement between the femur, tibia and patella. Under normal conditions there is a normal distribution of the load forces on these three articular components in both the static load and during ambulation. The understanding of anatomy and knee biomechanics is important for the gait analysis, the diagnosis of joint diseases and the design and development of prosthetic implants. In the last decades comprehension of knee physiology and kinematics has led to the introduction of a wide range of enhanced prosthetic implant designs for a variety of indications. There are a number of types of total knee arthroplasty implant designs, which are intended to offer the surgeon options for individual patients. The various choices imply that each specific problem has a corresponding implant that provides a reliable solution. However, until the current date, it has not been possible to produce a prosthetic design fully restoring the complex kinematics of the normal knee joint. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Grape Proanthocyanidins Induce Apoptosis by Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential of Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents approximately 80% of total lung cancer cases. The use of non-toxic dietary phytochemicals can be considered as a chemotherapeutic strategy for the management of the NSCLC. Here, we report that grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) induce apoptosis of NSCLC cells, A549 and H1299, in vitro which is mediated through increased expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-xl, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of caspases 9, 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Pre-treatment of A549 and H1299 cells with the caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) significantly blocked the GSPs-induced apoptosis of these cells confirmed that GSPs-induced apoptosis is mediated through activation of caspases-3. Treatments of A549 and H1299 cells with GSPs resulted in an increase in G1 arrest. G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle is known to be controlled by cyclin dependent kinases (Cdk), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (Cdki) and cyclins. Our western blot analyses showed that GSPs-induced G1 cell cycle arrest was mediated through the increased expression of Cdki proteins (Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27), and a simultaneous decrease in the levels of Cdk2, Cdk4, Cdk6 and cyclins. Further, administration of 50, 100 or 200 mg GSPs/kg body weight of mice by oral gavage (5 d/week) markedly inhibited the growth of s.c. A549 and H1299 lung tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, increased expression of Bax, reduced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and activation of caspase-3 in tumor xenograft cells. Based on the data obtained in animal study, human equivalent dose of GSPs was calculated, which seems affordable and attainable. Together, these results suggest that GSPs may represent a potential therapeutic agent for the non-small cell lung cancer.
A Bayesian approach to groups of people tracking

We proposed a novel approach to track groups of people observed by a static camera. The approach relies on a unified Bayes' theorem based framework to model both scene background and the color distribution of targets. By sharing the framework, it is more simple and low cost to construct a practical surveillance system. Additionally, the framework has the advantages of insensitiveness to initial observations and the capability of adaptive selection of modal number compared with GMM framework. By modeling the color distribution of people, the approach can keep tracking not only single person targets but also those occluded by or interacting with other people in the scene. The experiments using outdoor videos prove that the approach is effective.
Effects of state of eye movements before saccade on efficiency of response to stimulus - comparison of search efficiency between fixation and smooth pursuit states

In this study, how the state of eye movement before saccade affected the response to a stimulus was explored. The state of eye movement before saccade was either smooth pursuit or fixation. The smooth pursuit was carried out both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Using an eye-tracking system, the eye movement during the experimental task was monitored. The response time to a stimulus was measured. On the basis of the eye movement data (coordinate), the eye movement velocity, the eye movement acceleration, and the latency of eye movement were obtained. When smooth pursuit was carried out before saccade, the response to a stimulus which appears as a result of saccade was faster. More concretely, the response time of smooth pursuit condition was faster than that of fixation condition. The latency of the smooth pursuit condition tended to be faster than that of the fixation condition. Some implications for the application of the results to the traffic safety or automotive ergonomics were given.
Reply to “ No evidence for iris ”

A number of points put forth by Hartmann and Michelsen (2002) (henceforth HM) are, in fact, irrelevant to the iris effect (i.e., their discussion of the meteorological origin of various systems). We shall discuss this in greater detail later. Some are quantitatively insignificant (the effect of spreading cloud cover near the equator); we shall also return to this later. Others are simply wrong (such as the assertion that we assume cloud cover over latitudes around 20˚ originates from cumulus convection over a thousand kilometers away). Digging through such items that basically amount to 'red herrings,' we find that their primary assertion is that cloud cover variations in the region between about 15ånd 30˚latitude are not primarily convective in origin, but rather occur because of the penetration of extratropical systems into the tropics. Allegedly the appearance of such clouds reduces the cloud-weighted sea surface temperature (CWT) as well as the ratio of cloud cover to cumulus activity, and spuriously produces the iris effect in Lindzen, Chou and Hou (2001) (henceforth LCH). It is on this assertion that we will focus. Although the Bulletin chose to refer to HM as " a more careful analysis, " HM's arguments are fundamentally dependent on ignoring important caveats in LCH. Distribution of brightness temperatures of cloudy regions. Stratiform clouds associated with lifting of air (as opposed to detrainment from cumulus towers) tend to have smooth linear patterns of brightness temperature. Cirrus originating from convective towers tend to have more concentric patterns with identifiable cores. High resolution images from Japan's Geostationary Meteorological Satellite–5 (henceforth referred to as GMS) clearly show dominance of the latter – even at latitudes beyond 20˚. This is evident in Figure 1 which shows contours for 11-µm brightness temperatures (T 11) for the whole region considered by LCH (0502 UT on 10 August, 1998). One cannot display the full available resolution in this figure. Nonetheless, it is evident that cores with T 11 < 220K are generally found in all cloud patches. However, there appear to be some exceptions. Figure 2 shows higher resolution blowups of regions A and B in Figure 1. In region B there are clear convective cores, but they are mostly characterized by 220K < T 11 < 230K. This region has a cooler sea surface temperature (SST) as shown in Fig. 3, which is the 3 weekly SST for 9-15 August, 1998 taken from the NCEP data …