Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interferon-γ-inducible 11 S Regulator (PA28) and the LMP2/LMP7 Subunits Govern the Peptide Production by the 20 S Proteasome in Vitro(*)

Antigenic peptides presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to cytotoxic T cells are generated in the cytosol by the 20 S proteasome. Upon stimulation of antigen presenting cells with interferon-γ, two constitutive subunits of the 20 S proteasome are replaced by the MHC-encoded subunits low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP) 2 and LMP 7. In addition the expression of the two subunits of the 11 S regulator of the 20 S proteasome (PA28) are increased. As the function of LMP2 and LMP7 in antigen presentation is still controversial, we tested whether these subunits might operate by modifying proteasome activation through the 11 S regulator. We strongly overexpressed the two LMP subunits separately or together by transfection in murine fibroblasts. Isolated 20 S proteasomes from LMP transfectants were applied in digests of a 25-mer peptide in the presence or absence of a purified preparation of 11 S regulator from rabbit erythrocytes. Analysis of the cleavage products by high performance liquid chromatography and electrospray mass spectroscopy revealed marked differences in the peptide product profile in dependence on the LMP2 and LMP7 content. While the 11 S regulator did not preferentially activate LMP2 or 7 containing proteasomes, the binding of the 11 S regulator to any of the proteasome preparations markedly changed both the quality and quantity of peptides produced. These results suggest that the 11 S regulator increases the spectrum of peptides which can be generated in antigen presenting cells.
3GPP device-to-device communications for beyond 4G cellular networks

Since 2012, 3GPP Release 12 (the beyond fourth generation (B4G) network) has been adopted as the next generation public safety network to be deployed in 2015. In addition to conventional high data rate transmissions in LTE-A, a public safety network is required to further support communications for users out of base station (BS) coverage. Avoiding any signal relay via BSs, direct data exchanges among users, known as device-to-device (D2D) communications, have consequently emerged as the most crucial innovation and the mandatory technology for a public safety network. However, due to the tight schedule for standardization, a special form of "broadcasting" communications has been adopted by D2D communications in Release 12. To fully comprehend such an unprecedented technology in cellular networks, this article provides a comprehensive overview of D2D operations in Release 12. From the system architecture to the radio interface, the provided insights boost the knowledge to practice D2D communications over cellular networks.
An incremental face recognition system based on deep learning

In recent years, face recognition technologies develop rapidly especially in those systems based on deep learning. However, the models of the general face recognition system are fixed in use after trained, which is difficult to adapt to the new data collected during use. In this paper, we design a face recognition system based on OpenFace. Different from other systems, we propose an intelligent model training method S-DDL(self detection, decision and learning) using incremental SVM algorithm which makes our system able to update the classification model in real time during execution. With this method, the accuracy of our system will increase on specific human groups and the time consumption of training new models can be limited with the incremental SVM algorithm. The results show that our face recognition system has a good real time performance and accuracy. The S-DDL method can obviously improve the accuracy within little time during the execution of system and the incremental SVM algorithm has a better performance than the traditional one.
Inventory and Transportation Models for Multi-item Single-Supplier through Purchasing Consortium for the Fishpond Manager

Purchasing Consortium (PC) is the merger of two or more organisations with separate legal entities or independently or through the third party using division and union of the purchase volume, information, and resources owned. This merger aims to increase the bargaining power so that the product or service purchase price can be lower than a supplier. This research tried to conduct modelling to minimise the annual total cost of several buyers doing multi-item through PC at single supplier offering a fixed discount rate by shipping union. In this study, an analytical method was employed to solve the problems using the optimisation approach. From numerical experiment results, by making purchases through PC with shipping unification, the total cost generated was better compared to the purchase without going through PC or PC without shipping union.
Cutting Edge: Distinct Waves of BCL6 Expression during T Follicular Helper Cell Development

T follicular helper (TFH) cells are central to the development and regulation of T cell-dependent humoral immune responses. The transcriptional repressor BCL6 is required for TFH responses, but the kinetics of BCL6 protein expression in activated CD4+ T cells have not been established. We measured BCL6 expression during TFH cell development at the single-cell level using intracellular staining and YFP-BCL6 fusion protein reporter mice. BCL6 was immediately upregulated in all dividing T cells during dendritic cell–T cell interactions. A second wave of early BCL6 expression coincided with the induction of CXCR5, resulting in a distinct and stable TFH cell population. Cognate B cells were not required for the induction of BCL6, but supported the expansion of TFH cells. These data suggest that BCL6 participates in very early events in TFH cell development, and that repeated encounters with APCs reinforce BCL6 expression, thereby establishing the TFH cell phenotype.
Histochemical observations of the developing glomerulus and juxtaglomerular apparatus.

Non-mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase, acid (glucose-6-)phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the metalophilic reaction were followed histochemically during the development of the glomerulus and the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney of the new-born pig. It was found that the rudimentary structures already exhibit activity of those enzymes which are characteristic of the particular structures of the adult nephron. Thus adenosine triphosphatase was located in the progenitorial cells of the glomerular mesangium, of the lacis, and of the vascular media, while acid (glucose-6-)phosphatase was restricted to the vascular endothelium both inside and outside the differentiating glomeruli; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was always present in the tubular segment closely applied to the differentiating renal corpuscle (the macula densa segment) while alkaline phosphatase was already abundant in the prospective segment of the proximal tubule in the S-shaped body. The histological and histochemical observations indicated furthermore that the mesangium and the contiguous cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus are very similar to each other from the earliest stages of differentiation and appear to have the same origin in the local mesenchymal cells. The glomerular endothelium differs from the latter structures but has much in common with the endothelium of the interstitial vessels where it presumably originates.
Hypercortisolemia, hippocampal glucocorticoid receptors, and fast feedback.

Glucocorticoids are critical for survival. The absence of glucocorticoids leads to the inability of the organism to cope with stress and subsequent death. However, diseases of glucocorticoid excess, such as Cushing's disease, make it clear that 'too much circulating glucocorticoids is also bad. ' The need to control the circulating levels of glucocorticoids to prevent oversecretion leads to an elaborate set of checks and balances, in particular, the levels of glucocorticoid 'feedback' to the controlling elements to turn off glucocorticoid secretion and consequently maintain the homeostatic range of glucocorticoids. In order to accomplish these goals, multiple types of feedback exist which appear to use different intracellular mechanisms. In addition to multiple types of feedback, there are multiple sites of feedback including numerous limbic areas that influence the inhibition of the stress response. In this article, we will discuss the role of hippocampal limbic circuits in modulation of the stress response and the evidence which support the theory that changes in these circuits are associated with feedback abnormalities. We will review studies in humans which suggest that damage to the hippocampus can lead to changes in glucocorticoid feedback, and finally we will review the evidence that glucocorticoids themselves can lead to changes in hippocampal neurons resulting in feedback abnormalities.
Population dynamics and fisheries potential of Anadara tuberculosa (Bivalvia: Arcidae) along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

The present study aims to describe the population dynamics and state of the fishery of the mud cockle Anadara tuberculosa (locally know as piangua) in three harvesting areas along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica (Chomes, Purruja and Rincon) and to put the results in context with this species in other Costa Rican areas as well as with other Anadara spp. around the globe. The study is based on a five-month sampling period from October, 2003 through April, 2004 during which monthly length frequency measurements and tagging experi- ments were carried out. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, K and L ∞ , (0.14 and 63.15, respectively) revealed a growth performance (f'= 2.75) which is in the range of reported values for this family of bivalves, indicating the accuracy of these values. Estimated exploitation rates range from 0.62 (Rincon) to 0.76 (Purruja) and exceed sustainable levels at all study sites. The strong overharvesting in these areas, also mirrored by the low average harvested cockle sizes relative to less exploited areas of Costa Rica and elsewhere, is due to the relatively small clam populations in each fishing area, the easy accessibility and the high economic importance of the species to the local resource users. If conservation measures are not implemented it is probable that A. tuberculosa may follow its formerly abundant and bigger sister species, Anadara grandis (chucheca), on its way to local extinc- tion. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 1): 87-99. Epub 2006 Sept. 30.
Farm disinfectants select for cyclohexane resistance, a marker of multiple antibiotic resistance, in Escherichia coli

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine if three classes of farm disinfectants were able to select for ciprofloxacin or cyclohexane tolerant [indicative of a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) phenotype] Escherichia coli and if cyclohexane‐tolerant E. coli could be isolated from farms.
Stakeholders’ Pressure and CSR Engagement. A Case in the Apparel Sector

This paper, drawing on stakeholder and legitimacy theory, addresses the issue of stakeholders’ pressure effect on a firm’s CSR behavior. It focuses on the apparel sector as these companies, characterized by consumer proximity, are under the lens of stakeholders for their direct social performance as well as for their suppliers’ actions. We analyze the Nike case in order to study how stakeholders’ pressure shapes a firm’s engagement in CSR issues. Our study points out the dynamic nature of stakeholders and legitimacy, and it underlines the influence of two actors which are rarely considered as primary and most important stakeholders, namely media and social activist groups.
Management and firm characteristics: an empirical study on pecking order theory and practice on debt and equity issuance decision of listed companies in Sri Lanka

2009), but the volatility of stock market operations due to insider trading, manipulation, malpractices and asymmetric information infested the popular perceptions on Stock Exchange (Myers and Majluf 1984). Inefficient stock market operations cause shares undervaluation problem and also the higher interest rate causes in increasing the finance cost which directly affects the firm value as well as shareholders wealth. The wrong decision of financing for investment opportunities leads to financial distress cost and bankruptcy and affect the image of the firm. It seems that it is vital to balance cost and benefit of debt while maximizing wealth of the shareholders through maximizing value of firms. Referring to this situation, Daily FT (April 20, 2012) pointed out that the recent rising domestic interest rates in Sri Lanka steals the appeal for equities and also it gives the relative asset allocation disconnect between equities and interest rates, it could dent the pace of corporate earnings growth for those companies that are highly levered.
Phenotypes of Bacillus subtilis mutants lacking multiple class A high-molecular-weight penicillin-binding proteins

Examination of Bacillus subtilis strains containing multiple mutations affecting the class A high-molecular-weight penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) 1, 2c, and 4 revealed a significant degree of redundancy in the functions of these three proteins. In rich media, loss of PBPs 2c and 4 resulted in no obvious phenotype. The slight growth and cell morphology defects associated with loss of PBP 1 were exacerbated by the additional loss of PBP 4 but not PBP 2c. Loss of all three of these PBPs slowed growth even further. In minimal medium, loss of PBPs 2c and 4 resulted in a slight growth defect. The decrease in growth rate caused by loss of PBP 1 was accentuated slightly by loss of PBP 2c and greatly by loss of PBP 4. Again, a lack of all three of these PBPs resulted in the slowest growth. Loss of PBP 1 resulted in a 22% reduction in the cell radius. Cultures of a strain lacking PBP 1 also contained some cells that were significantly longer than those produced by the wild type, and some of the rod-shaped cells appeared slightly bent. The additional loss of PBP 4 increased the number of longer cells in the culture. Slow growth caused by a mutation in prfA, a gene found in an operon with the gene encoding PBP 1, was unaffected by the additional loss of PBPs 2c and 4, whereas loss of both prfA and PBP 1 resulted in extremely slow growth and the production of highly bent cells.
IMAV: An Intelligent Multi-Agent Model Based on Cloud Computing for Resource Virtualization

As the availability of social media contents generated from users increases dramatically, the task of providing high-quality media contents in social media sites that need user contributions is emerging as an important issue in IT field. However, users have not obtained high quality SNS services in mobile environment because of the mobile data explosion and the limitation of hand device performance. To overcome these limitations in cloud computing supporting social media services, we have proposed an intelligent multi-agent model based on virtualization rules for resource virtualization (IMAV) to automatically allocate service resources suitable for mobile devices. Our model infers user's demand by analyzing and learning user context information. In addition, IMAV allocates service resources according to use types so that users are able to utilize reliable service resources.
Clopidogrel protects from cell apoptosis and oxidative damage in a mouse model of renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury

Renal ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is consecutive to tissue oxidative damage and cell apoptosis that lead to acute renal failure (ARF) in renal allografts. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of a pretreatment by clopidogrel on renal IRI in mice. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischaemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion. Sixty‐two healthy male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: PBS + ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR); clopidogrel + IR; PBS + sham IR; clopidogrel + sham IR. Clopidogrel (25 mg/kg) or PBS was administered per os to the animals via a gastric cannula 24 h before operation. All mice were given a single dose of clopidogrel or PBS. Renal function histological damage, renal cell apoptosis, renal antioxidant activities, and CD41 expression were determined 24 h after reperfusion. The survival rates were evaluated over 7 days. Animals pretreated with clopidogrel had lower plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, lower histopathological scores, and improved survival rates following IR. Renal cell apoptosis induced by IR was decreased in kidneys of mice pretreated by clopidogrel, with an increase in Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL expression and a decrease in caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and Bax expression. Renal reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were unmodified by the pretreatment with clopidogrel. However, clopidogrel resulted in an increased total antioxidant capacity of the kidney. Furthermore, pretreatment by clopidogrel decreased the number of CD41‐positive cells. Thus, clopidogrel exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by abrogating renal cell apoptosis as a consequence of improved renal antioxidant capacity and could be tried as a novel therapeutic tool in renal IRI. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumers' Privacy Choices in the Era of Big Data

Recent progress in information technologies provides sellers with detailed knowledge about consumers' preferences, approaching perfect price discrimination in the limit. We construct a model where consumers with less strategic sophistication than the seller's pricing algorithm face a trade-off when buying. They choose between a direct, transaction cost-free sales channel and a privacy-protecting, but costly, anonymous channel. We show that the anonymous channel is used even in the absence of an explicit taste for privacy if consumers are not too strategically sophisticated. This provides a micro-foundation for consumers' privacy choices. Some consumers benefit but others suffer from their anonymization. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.) (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Multi-functional mechanisms of immune evasion by the streptococcal complement inhibitor C5a peptidase

The complement cascade is crucial for clearance and control of invading pathogens, and as such is a key target for pathogen mediated host modulation. C3 is the central molecule of the complement cascade, and plays a vital role in opsonization of bacteria and recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. Streptococcal species have evolved multiple mechanisms to disrupt complement-mediated innate immunity, among which ScpA (C5a peptidase), a C5a inactivating enzyme, is widely conserved. Here we demonstrate for the first time that pyogenic streptococcal species are capable of cleaving C3, and identify C3 and C3a as novel substrates for the streptococcal ScpA, which are functionally inactivated as a result of cleavage 7 amino acids upstream of the natural C3 convertase. Cleavage of C3a by ScpA resulted in disruption of human neutrophil activation, phagocytosis and chemotaxis, while cleavage of C3 generated abnormally-sized C3a and C3b moieties with impaired function, in particular reducing C3 deposition on the bacterial surface. Despite clear effects on human complement, expression of ScpA reduced clearance of group A streptococci in vivo in wildtype and C5 deficient mice, and promoted systemic bacterial dissemination in mice that lacked both C3 and C5, suggesting an additional complement-independent role for ScpA in streptococcal pathogenesis. ScpA was shown to mediate streptococcal adhesion to both human epithelial and endothelial cells, consistent with a role in promoting bacterial invasion within the host. Taken together, these data show that ScpA is a multi-functional virulence factor with both complement-dependent and independent roles in streptococcal pathogenesis.
Hedgehog signaling establishes precursors for germline stem cell niches by regulating cell adhesion

Stem cells require different types of supporting cells, or niches, to control stem cell maintenance and differentiation. However, little is known about how those niches are formed. We report that in the development of the Drosophila melanogaster ovary, the Hedgehog (Hh) gradient sets differential cell affinity for somatic gonadal precursors to specify stromal intermingled cells, which contributes to both germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation niches in the adult. We also report that Traffic Jam (an orthologue of a large Maf transcription factor in mammals) is a novel transcriptional target of Hh signaling to control cell–cell adhesion by negative regulation of E-cadherin expression. Our results demonstrate the role of Hh signaling in niche establishment by segregating somatic cell lineages for differentiation.
Insurance Expansions and Children's Use of Substance Use Disorder Treatment

This study provides the first evidence on the effects of U.S. state-level private and public insurance expansions on specialty substance use disorder (SUD) treatment use among children ages 12 to 18. We examine both private and public expansions over the period 1996 to 2010. Public insurance expansions are measured by changes in income thresholds for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Private expansions are generated by state laws that compel private insurers to cover SUD treatment services at ‘parity’ with general healthcare services. We apply differences-in-differences regression models and leverage an all-payer admissions dataset. Our findings suggest that expansions, both private and public, lead to increases in admissions to treatment and increased insurance coverage among children in treatment. After public expansions, we find that treated children are more likely to be younger and to have previous experience with treatment, but less likely to be referred by the criminal justice system. We find no evidence that public expansions crowd out adult admissions, and in fact both public and private expansions increase at least some types of admissions among adults.
Fast FPGA placement algorithm using Quantum Genetic Algorithm with Simulated Annealing

Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) attracts more and more attentions in the digital-design field for its excellent features such as reconfiguration and fast time to market. But the implementation of FPGA is restricted by its hardware framework and the CAD software. This paper proposes Quantum Genetic Algorithm with Simulated Annealing (QGASA) as a hybrid FPGA placement algorithm, which combined the advantage of the fast global search ability of QGA and local adjusting ability of Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm. The experimental results are compared with the state-of-the-art placement tool Versatile Place and Route (VPR) by running the MCNC benchmark circuits. The results show that the path-timing driven cost of QGASA is similar to VPR, but the overall CPU time is reduced by 70%.