Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Role of Acid Sphingomyelinase and Ceramide in the Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα)-converting Enzyme Activity and TNFα Secretion in Macrophages*

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) has been proposed to mediate lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling in various cell types. This study shows that ASMase is a negative regulator of LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) secretion in macrophages. ASMase-deficient (asm−/−) mice and isolated peritoneal macrophages produce severalfold more TNFα than their wild-type (asm+/+) counterparts when stimulated with LPS, whereas the addition of exogenous ceramides or sphingomyelinase reduces the differences. The underlying mechanism for these effects is not transcriptional but post-translational. The TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE) catalyzes the maturation of the 26-kDa precursor (pro-TNFα) to an active 17-kDa form (soluble (s)TNFα). In mouse peritoneal macrophages, the activity of TACE was the rate-limiting factor regulating TNFα production. A substantial portion of the translated pro-TNFα was not processed to sTNFα; instead, it was rapidly internalized and degraded in the lysosomes. TACE activity was 2–3-fold higher in asm−/− macrophages as compared with asm+/+ macrophages and was suppressed when cells were treated with exogenous ceramide and sphingomyelinase. Indirect immunofluorescence analyses revealed distinct TNFα-positive structures in the close vicinity of the plasma membrane in asm−/− but not in asm+/+ macrophages. asm−/− cells also had a higher number of early endosomal antigen 1-positive early endosomes. Experiments that involved inhibitors of TACE, endocytosis, and lysosomal proteolysis suggest that in the asm−/− cells a significant portion of pro-TNFα was sequestered within the early endosomes, and instead of undergoing lysosomal proteolysis, it was recycled to the plasma membrane and processed to sTNFα.
Designing Environmental Field Studies

The present paper provides a classification and description of methods for designing environmental studies, with emphasis on techniques as yet little used in ecology. Eight categories of techniques for field studies are defined in terms of the nature of control exerted by the observer, by the presence or absence of a perturbation, and by the domain of study. The first two categories include classical experimental approaches, replicated an unreplicated. Sampling for modeling provides efficient designs for estimating parameters in a specified model. Intervention analysis measures the effect of a known perturbation in a time series. Observational studies contrast selected groups from a population, while analytical sampling provides comparisons over the entire population. Descriptive survey sampling estimates means or totals over an entire population, while sampling for pattern deals with spatial patterns over a selected region. The authors propose that the statistical concept of a superpopulation may be useful in ecology, and that it may be desirable to approach community and ecosystem studies in a sampling framework, with experimentation used for a fairly narrow range of subsidiary investigations. Much more attention to processes for drawing inferences about cause and effect is needed, in any case.
Small-signal analysis of the half-bridge soft-swithing uni-directional converter employing extended state-space averaging

In the present paper the small-signal model of the half-bridge soft-switched single active bridge is derived. In order to derive the small-signal model of the specific topology an extended state-space averaging method based on half-cycle symmetry has been used and is briefly described in the paper. The results obtained have been verified experimentally.
Stabilized Finite Element Approximation of the Mean Curvature Vector on Closed Surfaces

The mean curvature vector of a surface is obtained by letting the Laplace--Beltrami operator act on the embedding of the surface in ${\bf R}^3$. In this contribution we develop a stabilized finite element approximation of the mean curvature vector of certain piecewise linear surfaces which enjoys first order convergence in $L^2$. The stabilization involves the jump in the tangent gradient in the direction of the outer co-normals at each edge in the surface mesh. We consider both standard meshed surfaces and so-called cut surfaces that are level sets of piecewise linear distance functions. We prove a priori error estimates and verify the theoretical results numerically.
The Syntax of Spoken Arabic: A Comparative Study of Moroccan, Egyptian, Syrian, and Kuwaiti Dialects.

Notes on Transcriptions and Glosses Introduction 1. The Definiteness Continuum 2. Number, Agreement and Possession 3. Relative Clauses 4. Demonstrative Articles and Pronouns 5. Categorizing Verbs 6. Aspect 7. Tense and Time Reference 8. Mood 9. Negation 10. Sentence Typology Conclusions Appedix 1: Informants Appendix 2: Texts Morocco Egypt Syria Kuwait References Subject Index Author Index Tables Figures
Integrated Power Saving for Multiple Relays and UEs in LTE-TDD

Abstract—In this paper, the design of integrated sleep scheduling for relay nodes and user equipments under a Donor eNB (DeNB) in the mode of Time Division Duplex (TDD) in LTE-A is presented. The idea of virtual time is proposed to deal with the discontinuous pattern of the available radio resource in TDD, and based on the estimation of the traffic load, three power saving schemes in the top-down strategy are presented. Associated mechanisms in each scheme including calculation of the virtual subframe capacity, the algorithm of integrated sleep scheduling, and the mapping mechanisms for the backhaul link and the access link are presented in the paper. Simulation study shows the advantage of the proposed schemes in energy saving over the standard DRX scheme.
Improving Detection Delay in Cognitive Radios Using Secondary-User Receiver Statistics

In-band spectrum sensing (SS) requires that secondary users (SUs) periodically interrupt their communication to detect the emergence of the primary users (PUs) in the channel. A new approach referred to as spectrum monitoring (SM) was proposed by Boyd et al., which allows the SU to employ its receiver statistics to detect the emergence of the PU during its own communication periods. In this paper, we construct a decision statistic for SM based on the SU's receiver error count. We then evaluate the detection probability of SM in the presence of interference from the PU signal. Next, we derive closed-form formulas for channel utilization and detection delay using two Markov chain models. Upper and lower bounds on channel utilization and detection delay are derived, and an optimization problem is formulated and solved to maximize channel utilization with a constraint on detection delay. Numerical results from analysis are compared with simulation results obtained for a BCH code and a convolutional code, which show the accuracy of the analysis and the significant improvement of a hybrid SM/SS over SS alone.
Statistics of the phase delays between array receivers estimated from the eigendecomposition of the signal correlation matrix

The eigenvector method for estimating the positions of the receivers of an ocean-towed array is based on the eigendecomposition of the array signal correlation matrix to find the phase delays between the array receivers. This paper derives the mean, variance and covariance of the phase delays when the correlation matrix is estimated from receiver data. It is shown that the variance of the relative phase delays is inversely proportional to the number of snapshots and SNR but relatively independent of the size of the correlation matrix. The theoretical derivations are supported by numerical simulations. <<ETX>>
Desmoid tumor of the hand: a case report.

SUMMARY Extra-abdominal desmoid tumors are extremely rare in the hand. These tumors do not metastasize; however, they are potentially locally invasive and have extremely high local recurrence rates after surgical excision with reports of up to 78% recurrence, specifically in the hand. We describe the first case of a desmoid tumor originating from the extensor mechanism of a digit and discuss our treatment approach. In addition, a literature review performed shows a male predominance of desmoid tumors in the hand in the 30- to 50-year-old age group. Current evidence supports aggressive early wide surgical excision and reconstruction to preserve function.
Quality Technology and Quantitative Management Reliability Monitoring and Performance Measuring for the Exponential Failure Process

Reliability monitoring and performance measuring of a failure process are important issues for complex products or repairable systems. Xie et al. proposed a new type of control chart called the t-chart for monitoring processes reliability with low nonconforming rates. In this paper, the t -chart is used as a first controlling stage to monitor an exponential failure process. But, being in control of a process by statistical process control is not enough since an in- control process can produce bad or out of specification products. To measure the performance of the exponential failure process, a lifetime capability index denoted as Ltp is proposed. By taking past in- control sample data of t -chart from the first controlling stage without additional sampling efforts, we develop the second controlling stage that the sampling error is considered to obtain the lower confidence bound of Ltp and to make a decision on how well the process reliability meets specifications.
Structural and dynamical characterization of the pH-dependence of the pectin methylesterase–pectin methylesterase inhibitor complex

Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) catalyze the demethylesterification of pectin, one of the main polysaccharides in the plant cell wall, and are of critical importance in plant development. PME activity generates highly negatively charged pectin and mutates the physiochemical properties of the plant cell wall such that remodeling of the plant cell can occur. PMEs are therefore tightly regulated by proteinaceous inhibitors (PMEIs), some of which become active upon changes in cellular pH. Nevertheless, a detailed picture of how this pH-dependent inhibition of PME occurs at the molecular level is missing. Herein, using an interdisciplinary approach that included homology modeling, MD simulations, and biophysical and biochemical characterizations, we investigated the molecular basis of PME3 inhibition by PMEI7 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our complementary approach uncovered how changes in the protonation of amino acids at the complex interface shift the network of interacting residues between intermolecular and intramolecular. These shifts ultimately regulate the stability of the PME3–PMEI7 complex and the inhibition of the PME as a function of the pH. These findings suggest a general model of how pH-dependent proteinaceous inhibitors function. Moreover, they enhance our understanding of how PMEs may be regulated by pH and provide new insights into how this regulation may control the physical properties and structure of the plant cell wall.
EFFICACY OF DIFLUBENZURON, A CHITIN SYNTHESIS INHIBITOR, AGAINST CULEX PIPIENS LARVAE IN SEPTIC TANK WATER1

ABSTRACT The mosquito Culex pipiens L. is an important pest in urban and suburban areas in many parts of the world. Septic tanks are the most important habitats supporting the production of this species in the city of Antalya, southwestern Turkey. Diflubenzuron, in a 25% wettable powder (Du-dim® 25 WP), and a 4% granular formulation (Du-dim® 4 G) was evaluated against late 2nd to early 3rd instars of Cx. pipiens in single-family septic tanks. Both formulations were tested at 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 mg (AI)/liter. The results indicated that both formulations applied at the rate of 0.02 and 0.03 mg (AI)/liter achieved 100% adult inhibition, at intervals of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment. Septic tanks treated with 0.01 mg (AI)/liter WP formulation resulted in complete (100%) adult inhibition through 14 days, whereas the G formulation gave the same effect through 21 days posttreatment at this rate.
Induction of haem oxygenase contributes to the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in re-oxygenated rat macrophages: role of cGMP.

Macrophage activation and the resulting inflammatory response may be a major component of tissue injury upon hypoxia and re-oxygenation. Activation of the haem oxygenase (HO)/carbon monoxide (CO) pathway may be an important regulator of the inflammatory response, through production of cyclic 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP). We have assessed whether HO contributes to the increased production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 in re-oxygenated rat peritoneal macrophages.Hypoxia/re-oxygenation markedly increased levels of HO-1 mRNA and cGMP. The increase in cGMP was reduced by the HO-1 inhibitor tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP-9) given during re-oxygenation. Hypoxia and re-oxygenation also increased IL-6 and TNF-alpha mRNA expression, as well as IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations in the cell supernatant. These increases were nullified by SnPP-9 and by Methylene Blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, but were not affected by L-NNA, an inhibitor of NO synthesis. The inhibitory effect of SnPP on the synthesis of cytokines was reversed by co-administration of the stable analogue of cGMP, 8-Br-cGMP. Our results indicate that activation of haem oxygenase and of the CO/cGMP pathway is a major stimulus for the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in re-oxygenated macrophages. This pathway may play a central role in pathological situations in which local tissue hypoxia/re-oxygenation triggers a systemic inflammatory response, for example in patients with shock.
Flexible multichannel blind deconvolution, an investigation

In this paper, we consider the issue of devising a flexible nonlinear function for multichannel blind deconvolution. In particular, we consider the underlying assumption of the source probability density functions. We consider two cases, when the source probability density functions are assumed to be uni-modal, and multimodal respectively. In the unimodal case, there are two approaches: Pearson function and generalized exponential function. In the multimodal case, there are three approaches: mixture of Gaussian functions, mixture of Pearson functions, and mixture of generalized exponential functions. It is demonstrated through an illustrating example that the assumption on the source probability density functions gives rise to different performances of source separation algorithms for the multichannel blind deconvolution problem. Further it is observed that these performance differences are not large, indicating that the current formulation of multichannel blind deconvolution problems is robust with respect to the underlying assumption of source probability density functions. It is further speculated that one of the discriminating features among various source separation algorithms appears to be the relative computational efficiencies of various approximation schemes. In other words, the discriminating feature of various source separation algorithms based on assumptions on the source probability density function appears to be an implementation issue rather than one of a theoretical concern.
Clinical and immunologic results of a randomized phase II trial of vaccination using four melanoma peptides either administered in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in adjuvant or pulsed on dendritic cells.

PURPOSE To determine clinical and immunologic responses to a multipeptide melanoma vaccine regimen, a randomized phase II trial was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-six patients with advanced melanoma were randomly assigned to vaccination with a mixture of four gp100 and tyrosinase peptides restricted by HLA-A1, HLA-A2, and HLA-A3, plus a tetanus helper peptide, either in an emulsion with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and Montanide ISA-51 adjuvant (Seppic Inc, Fairfield, NJ), or pulsed on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Systemic low-dose interleukin-2 (Chiron, Emeryville, CA) was given to both groups. T-lymphocyte responses were assessed, by interferon gamma ELIspot assay (Chiron, Emeryville, CA), in peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and in a lymph node draining a vaccine site (sentinel immunized node [SIN]). RESULTS In patients vaccinated with GM-CSF in adjuvant, T-cell responses to melanoma peptides were observed in 42% of PBLs and 80% of SINs, but in patients vaccinated with DCs, they were observed in only 11% and 13%, respectively. The overall immune response was greater in the GM-CSF arm (P <.02). Vitiligo developed in two of 13 patients in the GM-CSF arm but in no patients in the DC arm. Helper T-cell responses to the tetanus peptide were detected in PBLs after vaccination and correlated with T-cell reactivity to the melanoma peptides. Objective clinical responses were observed in two patients in the GM-CSF arm and one patient in the DC arm. Stable disease was observed in two patients in the GM-CSF arm and one patient in the DC arm. CONCLUSION The high frequency of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses and the occurrence of clinical tumor regressions support continued investigation of multipeptide vaccines administered with GM-CSF in adjuvant.
Regulatory CD4 T Cells Control the Size of the Peripheral Activated/Memory CD4 T Cell Compartment1

The mechanisms leading to stable T cell numbers in the periphery of a healthy animal are, to date, not well understood. We followed the expansion of CD45RBhigh (naive) and CD45RBlow (activated/memory) CD4 T cells transferred from normal mice into syngeneic Rag-20/0 recipients and the dynamics of peripheral reconstitution when both populations were coinjected. Naive cells acquired an activated phenotype and showed a high proliferative capacity that was dependent on the environment in which the recipients were kept (specific pathogen-free vs conventional housing conditions), the age of the recipients, and the presence of CD45RBlow T cells in the injected cohort. CD45RBlow CD4 T cells protected the host from CD45RBhigh CD4 T cell-induced inflammatory bowel disease and showed a limited degree of expansion. CD45RBlow CD4 T cells isolated from GF mice also showed the ability to prevent inflammatory bowel disease, indicating that at least part of the natural regulatory T cells are self-reactive. The results indicate that 1) peripheral T cell expansion in lymphocyte-deficient recipients represent classical immune responses, which are mainly promoted by exogenous Ags and 2) natural regulatory T cells control the size of the activated/memory peripheral CD4 T cell compartment.
Mutations of the slow muscle &agr;-tropomyosin gene, TPM3, are a rare cause of nemaline myopathy

Abstract—The &agr;-tropomyosin-3 (TPM3) gene was screened in 40 unrelated patients with nemaline myopathy (NM). A single compound heterozygous patient was identified carrying one mutation that converts the stop codon to a serine and a second splicing mutation that is predicted to prevent inclusion of skeletal muscle exon IX. TPM3 mutations are a rare cause of NM, probably accounting for less than 3% of cases. The severity of cases with TPM3 mutations may vary from severe infantile to late childhood onset, slowly progressive forms.
The Repeat Domain of the Melanosomal Matrix Protein PMEL17/GP100 Is Required for the Formation of Organellar Fibers*

Over 125 pigmentation-related genes have been identified to date. Of those, PMEL17/GP100 has been widely studied as a melanoma-specific antigen as well as a protein required for the formation of fibrils in melanosomes. PMEL17 is synthesized, glycosylated, processed, and delivered to melanosomes, allowing them to mature from amorphous round vesicles to elongated fibrillar structures. In contrast to other melanosomal proteins such as TYR and TYRP1, the processing and sorting of PMEL17 is highly complex. Monoclonal antibody HMB45 is commonly used for melanoma detection, but has the added advantage that it specifically reacts with sialylated PMEL17 in the fibrillar matrix in melanosomes. In this study, we generated mutant forms of PMEL17 to clarify the subdomain of PMEL17 required for formation of the fibrillar matrix, a process critical to pigmentation. The internal proline/serine/threonine-rich repeat domain (called the RPT domain) of PMEL17 undergoes variable proteolytic cleavage. Deletion of the RPT domain abolished its recognition by HMB45 and its capacity to form fibrils. Truncation of the C-terminal domain did not significantly affect the processing or trafficking of PMEL17, but, in contrast, deletion of the N-terminal domain abrogated both. We conclude that the RPT domain is essential for its function in generating the fibrillar matrix of melanosomes and that the luminal domain is necessary for its correct processing and trafficking to those organelles.
Enteral ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate enhances intestinal adaptation to massive resection in rats.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) has been advocated in the treatment of critically ill patients for its anabolic effect on protein metabolism. Since OKG is a precursor of glutamine, arginine, and polyamines, key substrates of intestinal metabolism and function, we investigated the influence of OKG on intestinal adaptation and trophicity and on glutamine status after small bowel resection. After massive (80%) small bowel resection, rats were enterally fed for 7 days with a standard diet supplemented with either OKG (2 g/kg/d) or an isonitrogenous amount of glycine. OKG induced an adaptative hyperplasia of the villi, demonstrated in the jejunum by an increase in the villus height to crypt depth ratio (OKG v control, 4.3+/-0.4 v 3.3+/-0.5, P < .01) along with an increase (P < .05) in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity (+80%) and ornithine content (+102%). Plasma glutamine (+25%) and muscle glutamine (anterior tibialis [AT], +43%; extensor digitorum longus [EDL], +54%) and protein (AT, +32%) were significantly higher (P < .05) after OKG administration, supporting its role in the restoration of glutamine pools. In summary, enterally administered OKG, which enhances intestinal adaptation after massive resection and improves muscle glutamine and protein content, could contribute significantly to nutritional management after small bowel resection.