Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of CD95 and soluble CD95 expression with acute rejection status of liver transplantation.

AIM To analyze the expression levels of soluble form of CD95, CD95 ligand (sCD95 and sCD95L, respectively) in plasma and CD95 expression on CD3+ cells in liver-transplanted recipients with acute rejection (AR). METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 30 clinically liver transplanted recipients. CD95 expression on CD3+ cells was quantitatively measured by two-color fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Lymphocyte surface phenotypes of CD4, CD8, CD16 and CD56 were determined by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of sCD95 and sCD95L were detected by Enzyme Linked-Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The results were compared with that from normal healthy volunteers (n = 15 individuals). RESULTS FACS analysis showed that CD95 expression on CD3+ T cells was significantly increased in liver transplanted recipients with AR compared to that in stable recipients without rejection and infection or healthy individuals who did not undergo transplantation (18,676.93+/-11,588.34/molecule, 6,848.20+/-1 712.96/molecule, 6,418.01+/-2,001.95/molecule, respectively, P<0.01). Whereas no significant difference was seen between liver-transplanted stable recipients and healthy individuals. Furthermore, no significant differences were detected between each group with CD4/CD8 ratio or the percentage of CD16+56+ cells. Plasma levels of sCD95 were significantly higher in transplanted recipients with AR compared to that in stable recipients or healthy individuals (391.88+/-196.00, 201.37+/-30.30, 148.83+/-58.25 pg/mL, respectively, P<0.01). In contrast, the plasma levels of sCD95L in liver- transplanted recipients were not significantly different from that in healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The present results indicate that the increased CD95 expression on CD3+ cells and the increased levels of sCD95 in plasma may modify the immunological situation of the recipients after transplantation or represent the ongoing graft rejection.
Skin perfusion in patients with erythromelalgia Skin perfusion in patients with erythromelalgia

Background Erythromelalgia (EM) is a chronic disorder characterized by intermittent pain, warmth and erythema of the extremities. Symptoms can be precipitated by increasing the temperature of the affected limb and can be partially relieved by direct cooling. Materials and methods Microvascular assessment was conducted under `hot' (28°C) environmental conditions in 61 EM (EMI) patients and 30 control subjects. Twenty patients with many of the symptoms of EM were enrolled as an active control group (EMII). Using laser Doppler flowmetry, basal skin erythrocyte flux (SkEF) and the hyperaemic response to local heating (44°C) were measured. Results Compared with control subjects, basal SkEF was reduced at the toe (P<0·001), index finger (P<0·05), dorsal and plantar aspects. of the foot (P<0·01) in both patient groups and at the medial mid-calf (P<0·05) in EMI patients. Both EM groups also had a significantly reduced maximum SkEF at the dorsum of foot and medial mid-calf (all P<0·001) compared with control values. In a subset of patients and control subjects, transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels were raised in EMI patients (P < 0·02) compared with levels in control subjects. Toe temperature was significantly reduced in both EM groups compared with control subjects (both P<0·001). Conclusion Our study indicates for the first time that there is a vasoconstrictor tendency in patients with EM, which may be related to functional or structural changes in skin microvessels. Thus, the previous hypothesis that the pathophysiology of EM relates to vasodilatation is not supported in our patients. We believe that, in EM, vasoconstriction precedes reactive hyperaemia, similar to that seen in Raynaud's phenomenon.
Molecular Interactions of Yeast Frequenin (Frq1) with the Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase Isoform, Pik1* 210

Frq1, a 190-residue N-myristoylated calcium-binding protein, associates tightly with the N terminus of Pik1, a 1066-residue phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase. Deletion analysis of an Frq1-binding fragment, Pik1-(10–192), showed that residues within 80–192 are necessary and sufficient for Frq1 association in vitro. A synthetic peptide (residues 151–199) competed for binding of [35S]Pik1-(10–192) to bead-immobilized Frq1, whereas shorter peptides (164–199 and 174–199) did not. Correspondingly, a deletion mutant, Pik1(Δ152–191), did not co-immunoprecipitate efficiently with Frq1 and did not support growth at elevated temperature. Site-directed mutagenesis of Pik1-(10–192) suggested that recognition determinants lie over an extended region. Titration calorimetry demonstrated that binding of an 83-residue fragment, Pik1-(110–192), or the 151–199 peptide to Frq1 shows high affinity (K d ∼100 nm) and is largely entropic, consistent with hydrophobic interaction. Stoichiometry of Pik1-(110–192) binding to Frq1 was 1:1, as judged by titration calorimetry, by changes in NMR spectrum and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and by light scattering. In cell extracts, Pik1 and Frq1 exist mainly in a heterodimeric complex, as shown by size exclusion chromatography. Cys-15 in Frq1 is notS-palmitoylated, as assessed by mass spectrometry; a Frq1(C15A) mutant and even a non-myristoylated Frq1(G2A,C15A) double mutant rescued the inviability of frq1Δ cells. This study defines the segment of Pik1 required for high affinity binding of Frq1.
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies in neurodevelopment, aggression and autonomic dysregulation: Opportunities for intervention

Summary Mechanisms by which aggressive and depressive disorders may be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids are considered. Early developmental deficiencies in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may lower serotonin levels at critical periods of neurodevelopment and may result in a cascade of suboptimal development of neurotransmitter systems limiting regulation of the limbic system by the frontal cortex. Residual developmental deficits may be manifest as dysregulation of sympathetic responses to stress including decreased heart rate variability and hypertension, which in turn have been linked to behavioral dysregulation. Little direct data are available to disentangle residual neurodevelopmental effects from reversible adult pathologies. Ensuring optimal intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during early development and adulthood shows considerable promise in preventing aggression and hostility.
Voltage-Controlled Ku-Band and X-Band Tunable Combline Filters Using Barium-Strontium-Titanate

Tunable X-band and Ku-band combline bandpass filters using barium-strontium-titanate capacitors fabricated on alumina substrates with through-substrate CuW vias are reported. Under a 0-100 V bias, the X-band filter changes center frequency from 8.75 GHz to 10.96 GHz with 4-8 dB of loss while the Ku-band filter changes center frequency from 11.7 GHz to 14.3 GHz with 6-10 dB of loss. Advances in processing and integration related to the filter fabrication and design are discussed.
Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Homocysteine (2-amino-4-mercaptobutyric acid) is an amino acid that may be found in small quantities in all cells, and is quantitatively the major methionine metabolite. The most prevalent form is protein-bound homocysteine (about 80%), mostly to albumins. If catabolism of homocysteine is impaired either due to enzyme defect or deficiency of required intracellular cofactors, homocysteine accumulates in cells and reaches the circulation. The aim of our study was to determine homocysteine values and factors affecting homocysteine metabolism in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS The prospective study included 35 patients with liver cirrhosis and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls. All the examinations were based on: medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests including serum homocysteine levels and liver biopsy. The degree of liver failure was assessed according to the Child-Pugh classification. RESULTS The mean plasma homocysteine levels were much higher in the patients with liver cirrhosis than in the healthy controls (t-test, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the plasma homocysteine concentration and etiology of liver cirrhosis (ANOVA, p > 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the homocysteine and creatinine concentrations and between the serum albumin and homocysteine values, (Pearson's correlation, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION In liver cirrhosis, the genesis of homocysteinemia is multifactorial, influenced significantly by impaired catabolic liver function, renal failure and hypoalbuminemia.
Prostaglandin E2/EP1 Signaling Pathway Enhances Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) Expression and Cell Motility in Oral Cancer Cells*

Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a striking tendency to migrate and metastasize. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the inducible isoform of prostaglandin (PG) synthase, has been implicated in tumor metastasis. However, the effects of COX-2 on human oral cancer cells are largely unknown. We found that overexpression of COX-2 or exogenous PGE2 increased migration and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM)-1 expression in human oral cancer cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors, activators, and genetic inhibition of EP receptors, we discovered that the EP1 receptor, but not other PGE receptors, is involved in PGE2-mediated cell migration and ICAM-1 expression. PGE2-mediated migration and ICAM-1 up-regulation were attenuated by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC)δ, and c-Src. Activation of the PKCδ, c-Src, and AP-1 signaling pathway occurred after PGE2 treatment. PGE2-induced expression of ICAM-1 and migration activity were inhibited by a specific inhibitor, siRNA, and mutants of PKCδ, c-Src, and AP-1. In addition, migration-prone sublines demonstrated that cells with increased migration ability had higher expression of COX-2 and ICAM-1. Taken together, these results indicate that the PGE2 and EP1 interaction enhanced migration of oral cancer cells through an increase in ICAM-1 production.
Microbial Manganese and Sulfate Reduction in Black Sea Shelf Sediments

ABSTRACT The microbial ecology of anaerobic carbon oxidation processes was investigated in Black Sea shelf sediments from mid-shelf with well-oxygenated bottom water to the oxic-anoxic chemocline at the shelf-break. At all stations, organic carbon (Corg) oxidation rates were rapidly attenuated with depth in anoxically incubated sediment. Dissimilatory Mn reduction was the most important terminal electron-accepting process in the active surface layer to a depth of ∼1 cm, while SO42− reduction accounted for the entire Corg oxidation below. Manganese reduction was supported by moderately high Mn oxide concentrations. A contribution from microbial Fe reduction could not be discerned, and the process was not stimulated by addition of ferrihydrite. Manganese reduction resulted in carbonate precipitation, which complicated the quantification of Corg oxidation rates. The relative contribution of Mn reduction to Corg oxidation in the anaerobic incubations was 25 to 73% at the stations with oxic bottom water. In situ, where Mn reduction must compete with oxygen respiration, the contribution of the process will vary in response to fluctuations in bottom water oxygen concentrations. Total bacterial numbers as well as the detection frequency of bacteria with fluorescent in situ hybridization scaled to the mineralization rates. Most-probable-number enumerations yielded up to 105 cells of acetate-oxidizing Mn-reducing bacteria (MnRB) cm−3, while counts of Fe reducers were <102 cm−3. At two stations, organisms affiliated with Arcobacter were the only types identified from 16S rRNA clone libraries from the highest positive MPN dilutions for MnRB. At the third station, a clone type affiliated with Pelobacter was also observed. Our results delineate a niche for dissimilatory Mn-reducing bacteria in sediments with Mn oxide concentrations greater than ∼10 μmol cm−3 and indicate that bacteria that are specialized in Mn reduction, rather than known Mn and Fe reducers, are important in this niche.
Requirements prioritization in software engineering: A systematic mapping study

In this paper, we report about a systematic mapping study in software requirements prioritization with a specific focus on empirical studies.The results show that the interest from the research community is clustered around the more recent years. The majority of the studies are about the validation of research or solution proposals. We report the prevalence of studies on techniques and methodologies while there is a scarce interest in the strict evaluation of tools that could be beneficial to industry. In most of the empirical studies we found a bottom-up approach, centering on the techniques and on accuracy as the dependent variable, as well as on functional requirements as the main research focus. Based on the results, we provide recommendations for future research directions.
A Novel Preconditioning Technique and Comparison of Three Formulations for Hybrid FEM/MoM Methods

Hybrid FEM/MoM methods combine the finite element method (FEM) and the method of moments (MoM) to model inhomogeneous unbounded problems. These two methods are coupled by enforcing field continuity on the boundary that separates the FEM and MoM regions. There are three ways of formulating hybrid FEM/MoM methods: outward-looking formulations, inward-looking formulations and combined formulations. In this paper, the three formulations are compared in terms of computer- resource requirements and stability for four sample problem geometries. A novel preconditioning technique is develope d for the outward-looking formulation. This technique greatly improves the convergence rate of iterative solvers for the types of problems investigated in this study.
A Spatially Resolved Map of the Kinematics, Star-Formation and Stellar Mass Assembly in a Star-Forming Galaxy at z=4.9

We present a detailed study of the spatially resolved kinematics, star formation and stellar mass in a highly amplified galaxy at z = 4.92 behind the lensing cluster MS 1358+62. We use the observed optical, near- and mid-infrared imaging from Hubble Space Telescope ACS & NICMOS and Spitzer IRAC to derive the stellar mass and the Gemini/NIFS IFU to investigate the velocity structure of the galaxy from the nebular [O II]λλ3726. 8,3728.9 emission. Using a detailed gravitational lens model, we account for lensing amplification factor 12.5 ± 2.0 and find that this intrinsically L^* galaxy has a stellar mass of M_★= 7 ± 2 × 10^8 M_⊙, a dynamical mass of M_(dyn)= 3 ± 1 × 10^(9)csc^2(i) M_⊙ (within of 2 kpc) and a star formation rate of 42 ± 8 M_⊙ yr^(−1). The source-plane UV/optical morphology of this galaxy is dominated by five discrete star-forming regions. Exploiting the dynamical information we derive masses for individual star-forming regions of M_(cl)~ 10^(8−9) M_⊙ with sizes of ~200 pc. We find that, at a fixed size, the star formation rate density within these H ii regions is approximately two orders of magnitude greater than those observed in local spiral/starburst galaxies, but consistent with the most massive H II regions in the local Universe such as 30 Doradus. Finally, we compare the spatially resolved nebular emission-line velocity with the Lyα and UV interstellar medium (ISM) lines and find that this galaxy is surrounded by a galactic scale outflow in which the Lyα appears redshifted by ~150 km s^(−1) and the UV-ISM lines blueshifted by ~−200 km s^(−1) from the (systemic) nebular emission. The velocity structure of the outflow mirrors that of the nebular emission suggesting the outflow is young (≲15 Myr), and has yet to burst out of the system. Taken together, these results suggest that this young galaxy is undergoing its first major epoch of mass assembly.
Skeleton based Vertex Connection Resampling for Bidirectional Path Tracing

Bidirectional path tracing is known to perform poorly for the rendering of highly occluded scenes. Indeed, the connection strategy between light and eye subpaths does not take into account the visibility factor, presenting no contribution for many sampled paths. To improve the efficiency of bidirectional path tracing, we propose a new method for adaptive resampling of connections between light and eye subpaths. Aiming for this objective, we build discrete probability distributions of light subpaths based on a skeleton of the empty space of the scene. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm, we compare our method to both standard bidirectional path tracing and a recent important caching method.
High-resolution x-ray and light beam induced current (LBIC) measurements of multcrystalline silicon solar cells

High-resolution, spatially-resolved x-ray Laue patterns and high-resolution light beam induced current (LBIC) measurements are combined to study two multicrystalline solar cells made from the Heat Exchanger Method (HEM) and the Sting Ribbon Growth technique. The LBIC measurements were made at 4 different wavelengths (488, 633, 780, and 980 nm), resulting in penetration depths ranging from <1 µm to >100 µm. There is a strong correlation between the x-ray and LBIC measurements, showing that some twins and grain boundaries are effective in the reduction of local quantum efficiency, while others are benign.
Terminal arbors of individual “Feedback” axons projecting from area V2 to V1 in the macaque monkey: A study using immunohistochemistry of anterogradely transported Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin

In the present study, the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L) was injected into area V2 in order to demonstrate the precise morphology of individual axons from area V2 to V1. On the basis of 28 complete axon reconstructions, several characteristic features have been identified. (1) Individual axons arborize in multiple layers: 1, 2, 5, and (inconstantly) 3. A single axon may have numerous terminal clusters in layers 1 and 2, but at most one in layer 3. (2) Axons typically ascend to layer 1, turn asymmetrically in one direction, and travel for long distances in this layer (1.10–4.30 mm; dimensions uncorrected for shrinkage). A few axons (three of 28 reconstructed) were found to have a single terminal cluster (0.3–0.5 mm wide) in layers 1 and 2. (3) Collaterals in layer 5 seem to extend over shorter distances (0.60 mm or less). (4) Delicate sprays of boutons (both beads and spines) are clustered along the main trunk. Spacing is variable but usually ranges from 0.35 mm to 0.65 mm. (5) In addition to clustered boutons, there can be linear collaterals, continuously studded with boutons, parallel to the main axon in layer 1.
Suppression of Frequency Varying Periodic Disturbances in Continuous Casting using an Internal Model Predictor

At continuous casting plants the liquid steel level in the mold has to be stabilized by the mold level controller. Many plants are however perturbed by an effect called dynamic bulging, which is an almost periodic disturbance consisting of the fundamental and harmonics up to the 6th order. Its frequency can be assumed to be approximately known, but can change with a known parameter, given by the casting speed. A measurement, which can be used to estimate the periodic disturbance is available, hence the periodic components of this signal can be observed and predicted with an internal model observer and be applied as disturbance feedforward to the control input. The prediction of the signal is necessary because the plant has a substantial input delay. Since the internal model depends on the frequency, which is available as parameter, LPV techniques are used to show convergence of the observer.
Identification of Human Neutrophils during Experimentally Induced Inflammation in Mice with Transplanted CD34+ Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood

Nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency/γ chainnull (NOG) mice are excellent recipients for xenotransplantation and have been especially valuable for the evaluation of human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) activities. Because human hematopoietic cells that developed in this mouse were mainly lymphoid cells and not myeloid cells, mature human myeloid cells such as neutrophils were hardly detectable in peripheral blood. We demonstrated that human neutrophils accumulated by means of a zymosan-induced air pouch inflammation technique could be identified with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter in NOG mice with transplanted CD34+ cells from human umbilical cord blood, which were putative hematopoietic progenitor cells including HSC. Our results indicate that human neutrophils with a chemotactic capacity can develop from human hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo, suggesting that our system may be a useful tool for the evaluation of human HSC activities.
Importance of Central Vasomotor Effects in Angiotensin-induced Hypertension

Ablation of the areas postrema in 10 dogs caused a highly significant reduction in the pressor response to intravenous infusions of angiotensin yet was without significant effect on the pressor response to intravenous infusions of noradrenaline. The reduction in the pressor response to angiotensin is almost certainly due to abolition of the specific central autonomic effects of the hormone which are dependent on the integrity of the areas postrema. It is suggested that this central effect also contributes to the cardiovascular response to endogenous angiotensin.
A mechanism to improve Stereo Vision Systems in automated heterogeneous platoons

Due to their low price and good quality, Stereo Vision Systems (SVS) are recently considered as a key factor to gather actual information about the object of interest. Today, automated highway systems (AHS) for urban and highway environment were developed without the use of a stereo vision system. In future, the application of AHS should be extended to unstructured environments (e.g. desert) and be adapted to heterogeneous vehicles. In this context, the stereo vision system could enable the platoon to be independent from environmental structure (e.g. lane markings) through its ability to detect, track, locate and recognize heterogeneous vehicles. So far, the need for high accuracy prevents SVS to be applied in automated heterogeneous platoon. In this paper a mechanism towards this is presented, where some behavioral properties have to be satisfied in terms of unstructured environment and heterogeneous platoons. Within a heterogeneous platoon, the back view of a preceding vehicle (BVPV) is considered as a reference point for the lateral and longitudinal control. The key idea of the proposed mechanism is to confirm that the distance of the BVPV can be extracted without depending on the movement of the preceding vehicle. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism has to ensure that features extracted from the back view are suitable to implement successfully the calibration process at around 10m distance. With the proposed SVS mechanism some of behavioral properties have to be satisfied in terms of unstructured environment and AHS. These properties are reliability, performance and robustness. Compared to other methods which use a SVS, the proposed mechanism distinguishes itself through adapting to dynamic environment and extracting the necessary features for the calibration process.