Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteasome inhibitor MG-132 mediated expression of p27Kip1 via S-phase kinase protein 2 degradation induces cell cycle coupled apoptosis in primary effusion lymphoma cells

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an incurable, aggressive B-cell malignancy that develops rapid resistance to conventional chemotherapy. MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in several PEL cell lines. Treatment of PEL cells with MG-132 results in downregulation of S-phase kinase protein 2 (SKP2) and accumulation of p27Kip1. Furthermore, MG-132 treatment of PEL cells causes Bax conformational changes, leading to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c to the cytosole. Such cytochrome c release results in sequential activation of caspases and apoptosis, while pretreatment of PEL cells with universal inhibitor of caspases, z-VAD-fmk prevents cell death induced by MG-132. Finally, our data demonstrated in PEL cells that MG-132 downregulates the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins XIAP, cIAP1 and survivin. Altogether, these findings suggest that MG-132 is a potent inducer of apoptosis of PEL cells via downregulation of SKP2 leading to accumulation of p27Kip1, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and strongly suggest that targeting the proteasomal pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of PEL.
Characterization of PINCH-2, a New Focal Adhesion Protein That Regulates the PINCH-1-ILK Interaction, Cell Spreading, and Migration*

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multidomain protein that plays important roles at cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion sites. We describe here a new LIM-domain containing protein (termed as PINCH-2) that forms a complex with ILK. PINCH-2 is co-expressed with PINCH-1 (previously known as PINCH), another member of the PINCH protein family, in a variety of human cells. Immunofluorescent staining of cells with PINCH-2-specific antibodies show that PINCH-2 localizes to both cell-ECM contact sites and the nucleus. Deletion of the first LIM (LIM1) domain of PINCH-2 abolished the ability of PINCH-2 to form a complex with ILK. The ILK-binding defective LIM1-deletion mutant, unlike the wild type PINCH-2 or the ILK-binding competent LIM5-deletion mutant, was incapable of localizing to cell-ECM contact sites, suggesting that ILK binding is required for this process. Importantly, the PINCH-2-ILK and PINCH-1-ILK interactions are mutually exclusive. Overexpression of PINCH-2 significantly inhibited the PINCH-1-ILK interaction and reduced cell spreading and migration. These results identify a novel nuclear and focal adhesion protein that associates with ILK and reveals an important role of PINCH-2 in the regulation of the PINCH-1-ILK interaction, cell shape change, and migration.
A web-based collaborative design architecture for developing immersive VR driving platform

In this study, based on the analysis of the dynamic nature of collaborative design process, a new framework of collaborative design for modelling an immersive VR automotive driving learning (imseADL) platform is described. This framework adopts an agent-based approach and relocates designers, system and the supporting agents in a unified knowledge representation scheme for imseADL design. This study presents the research issues and industrial requirements for such a system. Furthermore, a prototype system of the proposed framework is implemented and its feasibility is evaluated using a real design scenario whose objective is designing an imseADL. In this system, each virtual element or assembly is designed as an independent unit. The unit agent method is used as the basic system modules. To manage these unit agents, a web-based interface manager is provided. The scene explorer is a virtual element design space based on unit agents and the interface manager. To manage the collaborative session, a web-based design phase manager is proposed. In this situation, designers do not possess all the knowledge they need but instead rely on other organisations. In addition, this proposed system is an effective and valuable architecture for collaboration design in today's product development environment.
Optimal modulus sets for efficient residue-to-binary conversion using the New Chinese Remainder Theorems

In this paper, specific modulus sets that offer efficient implementations of the New Chinese Remainder Theorems (CRT) are presented. Further, the resulting hardware is optimized for specific implementations. For n = 1,2,3,…, the utilized modulus sets are either the co-prime 4-modulus ones {2<sup>n+2</sup>+3, 2<sup>n+1</sup>+1, 2<sup>n</sup>+1, 2} and {2, 2<sup>n</sup>+1, 2<sup>n+1</sup>+1, 2<sup>n+2</sup>+3}, which can be used for the New CRT I and CRT II, or the non co-prime modulus set {2<sup>n+2</sup>+1, 2<sup>n+2</sup>, 2<sup>n+1</sup>+1, 2}, which can be used for the New CRT III. RNS implementations that use the special modulus sets eliminate the huge summations, inverse modulo operators, and dividers, while their further hardware optimization reduces the multiplication terms.
Citizen-Initiated Contacting

One major way citizens interact with local government is through individual contacts with public officials. Applying multivariate analysis to data from a 1985 study of three Florida cities, the authors find that need (defined as perceptions of government mis- or inaction) and awareness of whom to contact best explains contacting by people who clearly attach no larger social significance to their acts (particularized-referent contactors). On the other hand, social-referent contactors (those who see their contacts as affecting both themselves and others) are more likely to be people with both higher socioeconomic status and a greater sense of need.
Vector-valued image segmentation using region based active contour

In this paper we present our framework for object segmentation in vector-valued images with intensity non-uniformity and noise using region based level set method. The proposed framework extend the local Gaussian distribution fitting in which the local intensity is modeled by Gaussian distribution. Our experiments on synthetic images and simulated cerebral MR images show the advantages of the proposed method in comparison with applying scalar model.
Finite volume/finite element schemes for compressible two-phase flows inheterogeneous and anisotropic porous media

The objective of this thesis is the development and the analysis of robust and consistent numerical schemes for the approximation of compressible two-phase flow models in anisotropic and heterogeneous porous media. A particular emphasis is set on the anisotropy together with the geometric complexity of the medium. The mathematical problem is given in a system of two degenerate and coupled parabolic equations whose main variables are the nonwetting saturation and the global pressure. In view of the difficulties manifested in the considered system, its cornerstone equations are approximated with two different classes of the finite volume family. The first class consists of combining finite elements and finite volumes. Based on standard assumptions on the space discretization and on the permeability tensor, a rigorous convergence analysis of the scheme is carried out thanks to classical arguments. To dispense with the underlined assumptions on the anisotropy ratio and on the mesh, the model has to be first formulated in the factional flux formulation. Moreover, the diffusive term is discretized by a Godunov-like scheme while the convective fluxes are approximated using an upwind technique. The resulting scheme preserves the physical ranges of the computed solution and satisfies the coercivity property. Hence, the convergence investigation holds. Numerical results show a satisfactory qualitative behavior of the scheme even if the medium of interest is anisotropic. The second class allows to consider more general meshes and tensors. It is about a new positive nonlinear discrete duality finite volume method. The main point is to approximate a part of the fluxes using a non standard technique. The application of this ideato a nonlinear diffusion equation yields surprising results. Indeed,not only is the discrete maximum property fulfilled but also the convergence of the scheme is established. Practically, the proposed method shows great promises since it provides a positivity-preserving and convergent scheme with optimal convergence rates.
Genetic Algorithm based optimal component sizing for an electric vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one component in the pursuit of clean and sustainable energy sources. They allow clean electric energy to be utilized in transportation and reduce pollution in the urban environment. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) can be utilized in EVs and these comprise of batteries and ultracapacitors. They allow for the full use of both the high energy density characteristic of the batteries and the high power density performance of the ultracapacitors to achieve a satisfying driving range while meeting transient power demands at an acceptable manufacturing cost. In this paper, component sizing is investigated as an optimization problem with the aim of minimizing the cost of the energy storage system. The problem is solved using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) for an example EV. In the implementation of the GA, the driving performance requirements are set as the constraints and formulated with penalty functions. This is because the GA is not appropriate for constrained optimization problems. In order to enhance the robustness of the sizing, three different driving cycles are incorporated into the optimization process. They are the NEDC, UDDS and CHINACITY cycles. The result is obtained and the effectiveness and reliability of the GA are further verified by implementing another optimization using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm.
Use of tissue plasminogen activator to treat intracardiac thrombosis in extremely low-birth-weight infants

Objective: Intracardiac thrombosis is a life-threatening complication of extreme prematurity. We describe the use of tissue plasminogen activator to treat intracardiac thrombosis in extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants. Design: Case series, literature review, and practice guideline for recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment of intracardiac thrombosis in extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants. Setting: Neonatal intensive care. Patients: Four extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants coincidentally diagnosed with intracardiac thrombosis during neonatal intensive care. Interventions: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in a starting dose of 20 &mgr;g/kg/hr, increasing to 200–400 &mgr;g/kg/hr, infused for 2–6 days. Measurements and Main Results: Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator helped achieve rapid clot resolution in all infants and none had any major hemorrhagic complication associated with treatment. Conclusions: Tissue plasminogen activator may safely be used to treat intracardiac thrombosis in extremely low-birth-weight preterm infants. Close monitoring of therapy is imperative. Further data are required to confirm the safety of tissue plasminogen activator in preterm infants.
MERIT-BASED FINANCIAL AID TO STUDENTS FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

There is a wider debate about the role of liquidity constraints on university enrolment and completion. This paper empirically investigates the impact of merit-based financial aid to students from low income families recently introduced in a well-defined area in the North-East of Italy, the administrative province of Trento. Exploiting data from a unique dataset resulting from ad hoc longitudinal survey, we employ a fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design in order to disentangle the effect of the aid from other confounding factors (e.g. merit and income). Our main preliminary findings are that recipient students early in their studies are (i) less inclined to drop-out from university, (ii) they successfully completed a higher number of courses, though (iii) they obtained lower grades.
Higher derivative quantum gravity near four dimensions

We investigate the role of the Gauss-Bonnet term for the n = 4 and n = 4i e renormalization group, for both conformal and general versions of the theory. The cancellation of the quantum effects of the Gauss-Bonnet term in the n = 4 limit represents an efficient test for the correctness of previous calculations and also resolves two long-standing problems concerning quantum corrections in quantum gravity. In the case of n = 4i e renormalization group there is a number of new nontrivial fixed points, that may indicate to a rich nonperturbative structure of the theory. At the same time, if we do not treat e as a small parameter, the renormalization group is spoiled by an extensive gauge fixing ambiguity.
Prevention of early onset group B streptococcal disease by universal antenatal culture-based screening in all public hospitals in Hong Kong

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of maternal colonization with group B streptococcus (GBS), and early onset GBS disease (EOGBSD) after implementation of universal screening. Methods: This was a three-year retrospective cohort study on universal antenatal rectovaginal culture-based screening and intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis (IAP) to colonized women in the public sector in Hong Kong. Routinely collected data including maternal colonization and EOGBSD were retrieved. Results: Of 113,989 GBS screening performed, 21.8% were positive. The colonization rate was higher in the public hospitals (higher risk) than in the Maternal and Child Health Centers (lower risk) (23.7% vs 18.1%, p < .001), while their false negative rates were not greater than expected. Majority of eligible women opted for screening, and colonized women received IAP. There were 29 cases of EOGBSD with clinical signs and a positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. Compared to clinical risk-based screening, EOGBSD incidence decreased after universal screening (1 vs 0.24 per 1000 births, p < .001). Although EOGBSD occurred at a higher rate in preterm than term infants, 86.7% occurred in the latter, and were associated with a false negative screening result (41.3%), lack of screening (20.7%) or unavailability of a colonization result at labour (13.8%). Conclusions: Maternal GBS colonization rate was higher than previously reported, and varied with different risk populations. EOGBSD reduced after universal screening.
Has1p, a member of the DEAD‐box family, is required for 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae †

The Has1 protein, a member of the DEAD‐box family of ATP‐dependent RNA helicases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been found by different proteomic approaches to be associated with 90S and several pre‐60S ribosomal complexes. Here, we show that Has1p is an essential trans‐acting factor involved in 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis. Polysome analyses of strains genetically depleted of Has1p or carrying a temperature‐sensitive has1‐1 mutation show a clear deficit in 40S ribosomal subunits. Analyses of pre‐rRNA processing by pulse‐chase labelling, Northern hybridization and primer extension indicate that these strains form less 18S rRNA because of inhibition of processing of the 35S pre‐rRNA at the early cleavage sites A0, A1 and A2. Moreover, processing of the 27SA3 and 27SB pre‐rRNAs is delayed in these strains. Therefore, in addition to its role in the biogenesis of 40S ribosomal subunits, Has1p is required for the optimal synthesis of 60S ribosomal subunits. Consistent with a role in ribosome biogenesis, Has1p is localized to the nucleolus. On sucrose gradients, Has1p is associated with a high‐molecular‐weight complex sedimenting at positions equivalent to 60S and pre‐60S ribosomal particles. A mutation in the ATP‐binding motif of Has1p does not support growth of a has1 null strain, suggesting that the enzymatic activity of Has1p is required in ribosome biogenesis. Finally, sequence comparisons suggest that Has1p homologues exist in all eukaryotes, and we show that a has1 null strain can be fully complemented by the Candida albicans homologue.
Severity of Premenstrual Symptoms in Relation to Medical/Psychiatric Problems and Life Experiences

The Premenstrual Experience Assessment, a comprehensive questionnaire, was completed by 878 women who were currently having menstrual cycles. Their severity of premenstrual symptoms was studied in relation to demographic variables, gynecological problems, use of medications, psychiatric experience, life stressors, and duration of severity. 14 significant relationships were found. The findings are discussed both in terms of research and clinical practice.
India's post-green-revolution agricultural performance: what is driving growth?

Following a period of poor performance in the 1990s, India's agricultural growth rate has reaccelerated in the 2000s. Some believe the reacceleration has been a product of intensified investment, which in turn has spurred yield growth. Others suggest it is because India's newly wealthy citizens have demanded greater product diversification. To examine these hypotheses, we use growth accounting techniques in conjunction with more complete agricultural production data than in past studies to construct state, regional, and national output, input, and total factor productivity quantity indexes, which can be decomposed into their underlying sources. Sectoral performance evaluation suggests that, since 1980, output growth has diffused away from the northern “grain belt” and toward high-value agriculture in traditionally less-productive regions. Productivity growth, rather than resource use, has accounted for these geographical and intensity shifts. The growth burst has not, as the literature has primarily argued, been uniquely explainable by yield growth or product diversification but by a variety of factors, including area expansion. For example, the contributions of irrigation technologies permitting double-cropping have until now been largely ignored.
A spectral cues preserving compression algorithm for digital hearing aid

Spectral cues are important for speech intelligibility, but they are distorted, in most popular multi-band compression algorithms for hearing aids, by being split into multiple bands and processed by different amplifiers. The paper presents a morphology-based method, which can preserve primary spectral cues and have low computation cost. Speech testing results demonstrate its efficiency.
Software component interface description for reuse

This paper describes the background and development of a component interface description language called the Component Interface Descriptor (CIDER). CIDER is an object-oriented design language, which enables a software engineer to capture, integrate and reuse component interfaces based on a model of the reusable software component, the 3C model. The 3C model of the reusable component is named after the three attributes of the component that the model describes; its Context, Concept and Content.
Trade in Parts and Components Across Europe

Using the factor-proportion based gravity framework we identify driving forces for trade in parts and components. We test our model empirically by using a detailed and large data set of European trade in parts and components of capital goods and show that such trade between East and West Europe is driven by relative supply-side country differences, compatible with models of incomplete specialization and trade. We take our results as evidence for the existence of international East-West production networks in Europe, driven by trade-offs between wages and coordination costs. Our results also reveal that in response to stronger relative wage differences trade in parts and components across Europe is predominantly realized along the extensive margin.
MdmX Is a RING Finger Ubiquitin Ligase Capable of Synergistically Enhancing Mdm2 Ubiquitination*

It has been well documented that Mdm2 and its homologue MdmX not only are critical negative regulators of the tumor suppressor p53 but that both Mdm2 and MdmX interact to affect the function of the other. The mechanisms through which these effects are manifested, however, remain unclear. Although Mdm2 has been established as a RING finger ubiquitin ligase, MdmX has not been shown to possess this activity despite the extensive sequence homology between their respective RING finger domains. Here we demonstrate that MdmX acts as a ubiquitin ligase in vitro, being capable of autoubiquitination, as well as mediating the ubiquitination of p53. The addition of Mdm2 to in vitro ubiquitination assays containing MdmX results in a synergistic increase of ubiquitin conjugation. Analysis of the resulting ubiquitin conjugates reveals that this observed synergy reflects an increase in Mdm2 ubiquitination. This study also suggests that ubiquitination of Mdm2 and MdmX may not serve as a signal for degradation, as we show that each are capable of synthesizing non-lysine 48 polyubiquitin chains and, in fact, utilize multiple lysine linkages. Taken together, these findings suggest a more active role for MdmX in the Mdm2-MdmX-p53 regulatory network than has been proposed previously.
Total Ionizing Dose Effect in LDMOS Oxides and Devices

Laterally diffused metal–oxide–semiconductors transistors PD-silicon on insulator 150-nm mixed technology from Microchip are irradiated with 60Co gamma rays. Those irradiations have revealed a high sensitivity of the LDnMOS and LDpMOS pointing out that the main sensitive parameter is the ON-resistance. In this paper, degradation mechanisms at play are investigated through TCAD simulation, and an explanation of the physical mechanisms for the observed degradation is proposed.
Placental histological inflammation and reproductive tract infections in a low risk pregnant population in Latvia

Background. To investigate the correlation of reproductive tract infections (RTI) and endogenous vaginal flora at first antenatal consultation with placental histological inflammation. Methods. In a follow‐up study, 154 low risk women with no miscarriage risk factors were examined for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS), Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis (GDS) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). At delivery, outcome data were collected and the histology of the placenta was studied. Results. Some 85 (56.3%) of all pregnant women had RTI or endogenous vaginal flora. Placental histological inflammation correlated with genital tract colonisation with G. vaginalis (p =0.013), BV (p =0.031), S. aureus (p =0.04) and aerobic vaginitis (p =0.017). BV and BV‐related G. vaginalis correlated with the presence of parietal and placental chorioamnionitis in 53.8 and 43.5% of cases. Genital tract colonisation with GDS and other aerobic flora in combination with inflammatory vaginitis correlated with the presence of funisitis in 33.3 and 40.0% of cases. Mycoplasmas increased the risk for intrauterine infection only when present in combination with other RTIs (p =0.023). Conclusion. Histological placental inflammation is associated with both BV and genital tract colonisation with aerobic bacteria, while funisitis is associated with colonisation of aerobic bacteria at first prenatal visit before the 17th gestational week.
Effect of Growth Temperature of the Confinement Layer on Cathodoluminescence Properties of GaSb/GaAs Quantum Dot Multilayer Structures

Multilayer GaSb/GaAs quantum dot (QD) structures grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical deposition (MOCVD) on semi-insulating (SI) GaAs (100) substrates with varying growth temperature of the confinement layers are studied by the cathodoluminescence (CL). Two main features assigned to wetting layer (WL) and quantum dots (QD) are observed in the CL spectra. Their relative positions strongly depend on the growth conditions of the confinement layers