Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mouse Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein PGLYRP-1 Plays a Role in the Host Innate Immune Response against Listeria monocytogenes Infection

ABSTRACT The role of mouse peptidoglycan recognition protein PGLYRP-1 in innate immunity against Listeria monocytogenes infection was studied. The recombinant mouse PGLYRP-1 and a polyclonal antibody specific to PGLYRP-1 were prepared. The mouse PGLYRP-1 showed antibacterial activities against L. monocytogenes and other Gram-positive bacteria. PGLYRP-1 mRNA expression was induced in the spleens and livers of mice infected with L. monocytogenes. The viable bacterial number increased, and the production of cytokines such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was reduced in mice when mice had been injected with anti-PGLYRP-1 antibody before infection. The levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α titers in the organs were higher and the viable bacterial number was reduced in mice injected with recombinant mouse PGLYRP-1 (rmPGLYRP-1) before infection. PGLYRP-1 could directly induce these cytokines in spleen cell cultures. The elimination of intracellular bacteria was upregulated in NMuLi hepatocyte cells overexpressing PGLYRP-1. The enhancement of the elimination of L. monocytogenes from the organs was observed in IFN-γ−/− mice by rmPGLYRP-1 administration but not in TNF-α−/− mice. These results suggest that PGLYRP-1 plays a role in innate immunity against L. monocytogenes infection by inducing TNF-α.
Sette brevi lezioni di fisica

La divulgazione secondo Carlo Rovelli e profondamente innovativa nel panorama italiano e, secondo noi, anche molto efficace. L’approccio esplicativo del fisico dell’Universita di Marsiglia, responsabile del gruppo di ricerca in gravita quantistica dell’ateneo francese e tra i fondatori della gravita quantistica a loop (LQG), e molto distante da quello classico: non punta tanto a trasmettere nozioni, o a spiegare teorie, quanto a inquadrare concetti e presentare «visioni» (una parola molto cara all’autore). Le “lezioni” di Rovelli, al di la del nome lievemente fuorviante, costituiscono una raccolta di brevi articoli divulgativi usciti sul settimanale domenicale del Sole24ore. Ripercorrono, seguendo un filo logico molto preciso e originale – ancorche un po’ troppo sintetico – le grandi idee della fisica del Novecento che hanno portato al limite attuale della nostra conoscenza sulla struttura fondamentale della Natura: la gravita quantistica e l’ancora insoluto problema su come unificare relativita generale e meccanica quantistica in un’unica teoria organica.
Mining both frequent and rare episodes in multiple data streams

In this paper, we describe a method for mining both frequent episodes and rare episodes in multiple data streams. The main issues include episodes mining and data streams relationship processing. Therefore, a mining algorithm together with two dedicated handling mechanisms is presented. We propose the concept of alternative support for discovering frequent and rare episodes, and define the semantic similarity of event sequences for analyzing the relationships between data streams. The algorithm extracts basic episode information from each data stream and keeps the information in episode sets. Then analyze relationships of episode sets and merge similar episode sets, and mining episode rules from the merged sets by alternative support and confidence. From experiments, we find that our mining algorithm is successful for processing multiple data streams and mining frequent and rare episodes. Our research results may lead to a feasible solution for frequent and rare episodes mining in multiple data streams.
A Communication Channels Dynamic Switching Model for Always-Connected Availability of Service Oriented Mobile Applications

In the current technological landscape, companies face problems associated with the development of mobile applications and rapid integration with their enterprise systems to ensure the availability of value-added services for its customers in pervasive environment. To fill this gap, a generic model for dynamic switching of communication channels to ensure the principles of transparency in distributed environments is proposed, by: (1) designing an interchangeable communication layer for mobile applications, (2) ensuring the transparency of the communication channels, (3) proposing a framework for the development of mobile applications in distributed environment to guarantee the mentioned above communication transparency.
Genetic engineering of Helicoverpa armigera single-nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus as an improved pesticide.

The Helicoverpa armigera single-nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) has been registered and is commercially produced in China as a biopesticide to control the bollworm in cotton. However, the virus has a relatively slow speed of action. To improve its efficacy, recombinant HearNPVs were generated by deleting the ecdysteroid UDP-glucosyltransferase (egt) gene (HaCXW1 and HaLM2) or by inserting the insect-specific toxin gene AaIT in the egt locus (HaCXW2) of HearNPV using conventional recombination strategies in insect cell culture. The various recombinants remained genetically stable when cultured in HzAM1 insect cells. Bioassay data showed a significant reduction in the time required for all HearNPV recombinants to kill second instar H. armigera larvae. The LT(50) of the egt deletion recombinants HaCXW1 and HaLM2 was about 27% faster than that of wild-type HearNPV. The largest reduction in LT(50) was achieved by inserting the gene for the insect-specific neurotoxin, AaIT, in the egt locus, giving a reduction in LT(50) of 32% compared to wild-type HearNPV. The ability to genetically improve the properties of HearNPV as a biopesticide provides a further opportunity to develop this virus into a commercially viable product to control the bollworm in China.
Lipid nanoparticles for chemotherapeutic applications: strategies to improve anticancer efficacy

Introduction: Chemotherapy remains the major form of treatment for cancer. However, chemotherapy often fails due to a variety of barriers, resulting in a limited intratumoral drug disposition. Recently, lipid nanoparticles (LNs, i.e., solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)) have been shown to provide a favorable means for efficiently delivering drugs to tumor sites, while minimizing their side effects. Areas covered: The delivery of drugs to tumors is restricted by a series of barriers, including the tumor abnormalities, strong adverse effects and poor specificity of cytotoxic drugs, and the induction of multidrug resistance (MDR). The present review summarizes the strategies using SLNs and/or NLCs to improve the anticancer efficacy of cytotoxic drugs, including passive targeting, active targeting, long circulating and MDR reversing. Specifically, the most significant in vitro and in vivo results on the use of SLNs and/or NLCs are highlighted. Expert opinion: The future success of SLNs and NLCs for administration of cytotoxic drugs will depend on their ability to efficiently encapsulate and release drugs, the possibility for large-scale production, selective tumor cells targeting and increased antitumor efficacy with reduced tissue toxicity.
Evaluation of the hypothetic suitability of using oestrogens and oxytocin as a semen additive to reduce the time required for the completion of pig artificial insemination

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to ascertain whether oestrogens and oxytocin are useful as seminal additives to reduce the time of semen uptake during pig artificial insemination -an indicator of labour demands for this activity-, so that higher reproductive performances can be obtained when evaluated as the number of piglets produced on a per time of labour basis. Adult sows were inseminated twice with a 24 h-interval using additive-enriched semen (n = 43) or non-treated semen (n = 41). The time of semen uptake in each insemination was recorded, and the number of piglets produced on a per time of labour basis calculated. The use of additive only reduced semen absorption time in the first artificial insemination (1.55 ± 1.06 vs. 2.21 ± 1.53 minutes ; P<0.05), and although litter size was not significantly improved by using treated semen, the number of piglets produced on a per time of labour basis did significantly increase in this group of sows (3.27 ± 1.33 vs. 2.54 ± 1.30 ; P<0.05). Results suggest that the beneficial effect of oestrogens and oxytocin on reducing labour demands was only noticed in the first insemination, but this can account for the achievement of better reproductive performances on a per time of labour basis.
TTRE: A new type of error to evaluate the accuracy of a paired-point rigid registration

Target registration error (TRE) is widely adopted to evaluate the accuracy of a paired-point rigid registration (PPRR). However, TRE is defined in such a way that target localization error (TLE) is not considered. In this paper, we first propose a new type of error that is referred to as total target registration error (TTRE). The statistical model of TTRE is derived that we take the TLE in two spaces to be registered into consideration. Results in the first simulation show that the developed model can accurately estimate the simulated TTRE root-mean-square (RMS) (RMS percent differences|| < 1.5% ± 2%) in all test cases. When all elements of diagonal FLE and TLE covariance matrices are independently generated from a uniform distribution that spans from 0 to 1mm and the number of fiducials N ≥ 6, the mean and covariance matrix of TTRE are well modelled. We have also theoretically proved and validated through the second simulation that TTRE and fiducial registration error (FRE) are uncorrelated (correlation coefficient (CC) < 0.1). Finally, TTRE and TRE were found to exhibit a low correlation (0.37 < CC < 0.46).
Optimizing manufacturability by design for yield

Today's semiconductor fabrication processes for nanometer technology allows the creation of a very high-density and high-speed system on chip (SoC). Unfortunately, this finer, denser and faster chip results in defect susceptibility levels that reduce process yield and reliability. This lengthens the production ramp-up period and hence affects profitability. The impact of nanometer technology on yield and reliability creates a dilemma for users of the conventional chip realization flow. Each chip realization phase affects manufacturing yield and field reliability. To optimize yield and reach reliability levels, the industry uses advanced optimization solutions, designed in and leveraged at different phases of the chip realization flow. Recognizing the importance of this topic, this paper is dedicated to design for yield and reliability solutions. The ability to achieve acceptable levels of yield and reliability is likely to worsen as SoCs move to more aggressive technologies. To help solve this challenge, it is important to first identify the potential sources of yield loss and understand the faults that result in reliability failures. In order to address the yield loss problem, a new type of IP block is called infrastructure IP. It is meant to ensure the manufacturability of the SOC and to achieve adequate levels of yield and reliability. The infrastructure IP leverages the manufacturing knowledge and feeds back the information into the design phase. This paper analyzes the key trends and challenges resulting in manufacturing susceptibility and field reliability that necessitate the use of such infrastructure IP. It also describes several examples of such embedded IPs for detection, analysis and correction.
Red blood cell storage age – what we know from clinical trials

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has become one of the most commonly utilized life-saving therapies in medicine with approximately 12–16 million units transfused in the US per year [1,2]. Since storage solutions were developed 100 years ago, they have been modified to allow for increased storage duration, primarily to increase availability, especially in remote areas, such as during combat operations [3]. Currently in the US and Europe, RBCs can be stored up to 42–56 days based upon at least 75% of radiochromium-labeled cells remaining in the circulation at 24 h after infusion and hemolysis less than 1% [4,5]. As RBCs are stored over time, the metabolic and biochemical changes that occur have been coined ‘the storage lesion. ’ To further improve the availability of RBCs, it is standard for blood distributors to transfer RBCs that are close to expiration at community hospitals to medical centers where utilization rates are higher, and for hospital blood banks to issue the ‘first-in, first-out’ inventory to reduce RBC outdating and waste [2,6]. A consequence of these policies focused on inventory management is that patients with increased severity of illness are transfused RBCs of increased storage duration compared to less acutely ill patients. It is important to recognize that as storage duration for RBC units has increased for logistical purposes, there has not been a commensurate evaluation of clinical efficacy or safety. As a result of the preferential allocation of older RBCs to sicker patients, there has been concern regarding the quality of RBCs after prolonged storage related to both efficacy and safety. This has led to a significant amount of research into the clinical relevance of the storage lesion with laboratory, preclinical, and clinical studies [4,7–9]. The results of these studies suggested biologic plausibility that the RBC storage lesion was potentially able to affect outcomes, especially in critically ill populations. These studies though are limited due to potential bias and higher-quality studies were needed to more accurately determine if RBC storage age affects outcomes. Consequently, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been completed, and a few are still underway. Dissecting out what each of these studies may mean for patients who are transfused RBCs based upon the population studied and their design is controversial. 2. ‘Storage lesion’
The Deubiquitinating Enzyme Ubp2 Modulates Rsp5-dependent Lys63-linked Polyubiquitin Conjugates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*>

The functions of Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains are poorly understood, as are the enzymes that specifically generate Lys63-linked conjugates. Rsp5 is a HECT (homologous to E6AP C terminus) ubiquitin ligase involved in numerous processes, and an associated deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp2, modulates its activity. A dramatic increase in Lys63-linked conjugates was observed in ubp2Δ cells. The formation of these was Rsp5-dependent, and ubp2Δ phenotypes could be suppressed by prevention of formation of Lys63 conjugates. Cell wall integrity was impaired in rsp5-1 cells and in cells defective in Lys63-polyubiquitination, as assayed by calcofluor white sensitivity, and ubp2Δ and rup1Δ mutants suppressed the calcofluor white sensitivity of rsp5-1. A large fraction of the Lys63 conjugates in ubp2Δ cells bound to Rsp5, and a proteomics approach was used to identify Rsp5 substrates subject to Ubp2 regulation. Two closely related proteins, Csr2 and Ecm21, were among the identified proteins. Both were efficiently Lys63-polyubiquitinated by Rsp5 and deubiquitinated by Ubp2. Together, these results indicate that Ubp2 modulates Lys63-polyubiquitination of Rsp5 substrates in vivo, including ubiquitination of two newly identified Rsp5 substrates.
Interaction of pre‐programmed control and natural stretch reflexes in human landing movements

Pre‐programmed mechanisms of motor control are known to influence the gain of artificially evoked stretch reflexes. However, their interaction with stretch reflexes evoked in the context of unimpeded natural movement is not understood. We used a landing movement, for which a stretch reflex is an integral part of the natural action, to test the hypothesis that unpredicted motor events increase stretch reflex gain. The unpredicted event occurred when a false floor, perceived to be solid, collapsed easily on impact, allowing the subjects to descend for a further 85 ms to a solid floor below. Spinal stretch reflexes were measured following solid floor contact. When subjects passed through the false floor en route to the solid floor, the amplitude of the EMG reflex activity was double that found in direct falls. This was not due to differences in joint rotations between these conditions. Descending pathways can modify H‐ and stretch‐reflex gain in man. We therefore manipulated the time between the false and real floor contacts and hence the time available for transmission along these pathways. With 30 ms between floors, the enhancement of the reflex was extinguished, whereas with 50 ms between floors it reappeared. This excluded several mechanisms from being responsible for the doubling of the reflex EMG amplitude. It is argued that the enhanced response is due to the modulation of reflex gain at the spinal level by signals in descending pathways triggered by the false platform. The results suggest the future hypothesis that this trigger could be the absence of afferent signals expected at the time of false floor impact and that salient error signals produced from a comparison of expected and actual sensory events may be used to reset reflex gains.
Role of Selenite and Selenate Uptake by Maize Plants in Chlorophyll A and B Content

Abstract—Extracting and determining chlorophyll pigments (chlorophyll a and b) in green leaves are the procedures based on the solvent extraction of pigments in samples using N,Ndimethylformamide as the extractant. In this study, two species of soluble inorganic selenium forms, selenite (Se) and selenate (Se) at different concentrations were investigated on maize plants that were growing in nutrient solutions during 2 weeks and at the end of the experiment, amounts of chlorophyll a and b for first and second leaves of maize were measured. In accordance with the results we observed that our regarded Se concentrations in both forms of Se and Se were not effective on maize plants’ chlorophyll a and b significantly although high level of 3 mg.kg Se had negative affect on growth of the samples that had been treated by it but about Se samples we did not observe this state and our different considered Se concentrations were not toxic for maize plants.
Linking Psychological Attributes, Gratifications and Social Networking Site Use to Social Capital of the Net Generation in China

How narcissism, communication anxiety, and gratifications impact SNS use and social capital was examined through a survey of Net-geners in China N=568. Firstly, factor analysis identified four gratifications-sought from SNS: self-presentation, peer pressure, social network maintenance, and information seeking. Then regression analyses showed that narcissism significantly predicted all gratifications and intensity of SNS use, while communication anxiety only related to peer pressure and information seeking motivations. Narcissism, network maintenance motive, and intensity of SNS use were positively related to social capital, whereas communication anxiety and peer pressure motivation negatively predicted social capital. Theoretical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Cataract Surgery

It is the duty of the referee to be honest, regardless of whether the candidate will see the reference or not A young and rather inexperienced ophthalmologist was asked to provide a hospital, where he had applied for a 40 month registrar/senior registrar training post, with two references, one confidential and another open. As luck would have it, an administrative slip-up led to the open reference, which was glowing, being used as the definitive, confidential, reference that contributed to the appointment of the unlikely candidate. He was shocked to read the returned reference that was the confidential one, which was by the same author as the open one: it began “I cannot in all honesty say that Mr X is the most enthusiastic trainee that I have had, but. ” and went downhill from there. The incident shows how luck is important in a career, and how little attention is usually paid to open references. It emphasises the value of different types of references and with the changes in human resources management in recent years it should suggest to us that we might do well to better understand the uses of references today. Ophthalmology is a bit special where career assessment and references are concerned because it is where doctors need a combination of surgical and medical skills that is not seen to the same extent elsewhere. It is also very difficult for a potential employer at interview to judge whether or not a trainee is potentially a good surgeon, or …
Relevance of circulating antigen detection to follow‐up experimental and human cystic hydatid infections

We analysed specific antibody (Ab) and circulating antigen (CAg) profiles along experimental mouse infection using as control a group of mice immunized with intact but dead parasites. Results from this experiment showed an early major CAg peak followed by a larger Ab peak which partially overlaps with other minor CAg peaks. These results suggest that CAg may be a marker of early mouse infection. In order to study the relevance of these findings in humans we similarly analysed by ELISA 148 sera provided by retrospective post‐surgical follow‐up of 19 patients. Available records showed that 14 patients developed new cysts one to ten years after surgery while no new disease was observed in the other five. Some of the former patients showed CAg as early as two months after surgery while no CAg was observed in the other five patients at any time. In addition, a collection of 38 sera obtained before surgery were similarly tested and five of them showed only CAg, while 18 showed only Ab and 12 sera showed Ab&CAg. These results in humans are consistent with the findings in the mouse experimental model and suggest that CAg may be an early marker of hydatid infection, thus being relevant for post‐surgical follow‐up.