Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The phosphatase activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase regulates ATP‐binding cassette transporter‐A1‐dependent cholesterol efflux

The contribution of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to atherosclerosis has been well defined. However, less is understood about the role of sEH and its underlying mechanism in the cholesterol metabolism of macrophages. The expression of sEH protein was increased in atherosclerotic aortas of apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice, primarily in macrophage foam cells. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increased sEH expression in macrophages. Genetic deletion of sEH (sEH−/−) in macrophages markedly exacerbated oxLDL‐induced lipid accumulation and decreased the expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporters‐A1 (ABCA1) and apolipoprotein AI‐dependent cholesterol efflux following oxLDL treatment. The down‐regulation of ABCA1 in sEH−/− macrophages was due to an increase in the turnover rate of ABCA1 protein but not in mRNA transcription. Inhibition of phosphatase activity, but not hydrolase activity, of sEH decreased ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux following oxLDL challenge, which resulted in increased cholesterol accumulation. Additionally, oxLDL increased the phosphatase activity, promoted the sEH‐ABCA1 complex formation and decreased the phosphorylated level of ABCA1 at threonine residues. Overexpression of phosphatase domain of sEH abrogated the oxLDL‐induced ABCA1 phosphorylation and further increased ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux, leading to the attenuation of oxLDL‐induced cholesterol accumulation. Our findings suggest that the phosphatase domain of sEH plays a crucial role in the cholesterol metabolism of macrophages.
The spatial and temporal properties of attentional selectivity for saccades and reaches

The preparation and execution of saccades and goal-directed movements elicits an accompanying shift in attention at the locus of the impending movement. However, some key aspects of the spatiotemporal profile of this attentional shift between eye and hand movements are not resolved. While there is evidence that attention is improved at the target location when making a reach, it is not clear how attention shifts over space and time around the movement target as a saccade and a reach are made to that target. Determining this spread of attention is an important aspect in understanding how attentional resources are used in relation to movement planning and guidance in real world tasks. We compared performance on a perceptual discrimination paradigm during a saccade-alone task, reach-alone task, and a saccade-plus-reach task to map the temporal profile of the premotor attentional shift at the goal of the movement and at three surrounding locations. We measured performance relative to a valid baseline level to determine whether motor planning induces additional attentional facilitation compared to mere covert attention. Sensitivity increased relative to movement onset at the target and at the surrounding locations, for both the saccade-alone and saccade-plus-reach conditions. The results suggest that the temporal profile of the attentional shift is similar for the two tasks involving saccades (saccade-alone and saccade-plus-reach tasks), but is very different when the influence of the saccade is removed. In this case, performance in the saccade-plus-reach task reflects the lower sensitivity observed when a reach-alone task is being conducted. In addition, the spatial profile of this spread of attention is not symmetrical around the target. This suggests that when a saccade and reach are being planned together, the saccade drives the attentional shift, and the reach-alone carries little attentional weight.
Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Loneliness is widespread and associated with deleterious outcomes in middle‐aged and older age people in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Physical activity is one potential psychosocial strategy with the potential to reduce loneliness in this population. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore associations between physical activity (PA) and loneliness in middle‐aged and older people from six LMICs.
Leukocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Blood with and without EpCAM Enrichment

Large tumor-derived Extracellular Vesicles (tdEVs) detected in blood of metastatic prostate, breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancer patients after enrichment for Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) expression and labeling with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), phycoerythrin-conjugated antibodies against Cytokeratins (CK-PE), and allophycocyanin-conjugated antibody against the cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45-APC), are negatively associated with the overall survival of patients. Here, we investigated whether, similarly to tdEVs, leukocyte-derived EVs (ldEVs) could also be detected in EpCAM-enriched blood. Presence of ldEVs and leukocytes in image data sets of EpCAM-enriched samples of 25 healthy individuals and 75 metastatic cancer patients was evaluated using the ACCEPT software. Large ldEVs could indeed be detected, but in contrast to the 20-fold higher frequency of tdEVs as compared to Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), ldEVs were present in a 5-fold lower frequency as compared to leukocytes. To evaluate whether these ldEVs pre-exist in the blood or are formed during the CellSearch procedure, the blood of healthy individuals without EpCAM enrichment was labelled with the nuclear dye Hoechst and fluorescently tagged monoclonal antibodies recognizing the leukocyte-specific CD45, platelet-specific CD61, and red blood cell-specific CD235a. Fluorescence microscopy imaging using a similar setup as the CellSearch was performed and demonstrated the presence of a similar population of ldEVs present at a 3-fold lower frequency as compared to leukocytes.
Anomalous Dynamics of Concentrated Silica-PNIPAm Nanogels.

We present the structure and dynamics of highly concentrated core-shell nanoparticles composed of a silica core and a poly(N-isoproylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) shell suspended in water. With X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy we are able to follow dynamical changes over the volume phase transition of PNIPAm at LCST = 32°C. On raising the temperature beyond LCST, the structural relaxation times continue to decrease. The effect is accompanied by a transition from stretched to compressed exponential shape of the intensity autocorrelation function. Upon further heating we find a sudden slowing down for the particles in their collapsed state. The q-dependence of the relaxation time shows an anomalous change from τc ∝ q-3 to τc ∝ q-1. Small angle x-ray scattering data indicate a temperature-induced transition from repulsive to attractive forces. Our results indicate a temperature-induced phase transition from a colloidal liquid with polymer-driven dynamics towards a colloidal gel.
Tag Anti-Collision Resolution for Improved Quality of RFID Data Streams

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that allows automatic identification of people or objects by incorporating the use of radio frequency waves to transmit data between networked electromagnetic readers and tags. RFID is considered an emerging technology for advancing a wide range of applications, such as supply chain management and distribution. However, despite the extensive development of the RFID technology in many areas, the RFID tags collision problems remain a serious issue. Collision problems occur due to the simultaneous presence of multiple numbers of tags within the reader zone. To solve collision problems, different anti-collision methods have been mentioned in literature. These methods are either insufficient or too complex, with a high overhead cost of implementation. In this work, in order to improve the quality of RFID data collection, we propose novel deterministic and probabilistic anti-collision approaches. The main contributions of this study are summarised as follows: • We propose two novel deterministic anti-collision algorithms using combinations of Q-ary trees (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2009a,b, 2010c), with the intended goal to minimise memory usage queried by the RFID reader. By reducing the size of queries, the RFID reader can preserve memories, and the identification time can be improved. • We propose a novel frame-size estimation technique (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2010a,b) to minimise the number of slots and frames queried by the RFID reader and to maximise the system efficiency. In addition, we introduce the probabilistic group-based anti-collision method (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2010d) to improve the overall performance of the tag recognition process. • We evaluate our proposed anti-collision techniques and perform a comparative analysis, in order to find the benefits and disadvantages of each method. Additionally, in order to identify the best selection of anti-collision method, we propose two strategies for selective anti-collision technique management, i.e. a Novel Decision Tree Strategy and a Six Thinking Hats Strategy (Pupunwiwat et al., 2011). By correctly identifying the most suitable anti-collision method for specific scenarios, the quality of data collection can be improved. Statement of Originality This work has not previously been submitted for a degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the thesis itself.
Proinflammatory Action of a New Electronegative Low-Density Lipoprotein Epitope

The electronegative low-density lipoprotein, LDL (−), is an endogenously modified LDL subfraction with cytotoxic and proinflammatory actions on endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, epitopes of LDL (−) were mapped using a phage display library of peptides and monoclonal antibodies reactive to this modified lipoprotein. Two different peptide libraries (X6 and CX8C for 6- and 8-amino acid-long peptides, respectively) were used in the mapping. Among all tested peptides, two circular peptides, P1A3 and P2C7, were selected based on their high affinities for the monoclonal antibodies. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis confirmed their structures as circular rings. P1A3 or P2C7 were quickly internalized by bone marrow-derived murine macrophages as shown by confocal microscopy. P2C7 increased the expression of TNFα, IL-1 β and iNOS as well as the secretion of TNFα, CCL2, and nitric oxide by murine macrophages, similar to the responses induced by LDL (−), although less intense. In contrast, P1A3 did not show pro-inflammatory effects. We identified a mimetic epitope associated with LDL (−), the P2C7 circular peptide, that activates macrophages. Our data suggest that this conformational epitope represents an important danger-associated molecular pattern of LDL (−) that triggers proinflammatory responses.
German translation, cultural adaption and validation of the unidimensional self-efficacy scale for multiple sclerosis: a study protocol

Introduction Self-efficacy refers to individuals’ confidence in their ability to perform relevant tasks to accomplish desired goals. This is independent of their actual abilities. In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), self-efficacy has been shown to powerfully influence motivation and health-related behaviour, such as adherence to prescribed treatment or physical activity. So far, a rigorously tested German language self-efficacy questionnaire for people with MS is missing. Methods The purpose of this study is to translate the original Unidimensional Self-Efficacy Scale for Multiple Sclerosis (USE-MS) into German and to validate the German USE-MS (USE-MS-G). Based on Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy and international guidelines for questionnaire development, the patient-led development of the pre-final German version will involve a forward–backward translation process, synthesis of translations, expert committee review and consensus with the original test developers. At two centres in Tyrol, Austria, content and face validity and cultural adaption for Austria will be established using face-to-face semistructured cognitive interviews of 30 people with MS (PwMS). A further 292 PwMS with minimal to severe disability will be tested at two timepoints to validate the USE-MS-G. Results Mixed methods analyses will be applied. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed employing qualitative content analysis. External validity will be explored using Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficients of the USE-MS-G with the 13-item Resilience Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and MS-specific Neurological Fatigue Index. Test–retest reliability, internal consistency and floor and ceiling effects will be evaluated. Internal validity will be examined using Rasch analysis. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was received from the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (reference number EK1260/2018; 13.12.2018). Results from this study will be disseminated to the participants and MS Societies, and to clinicians and researchers through peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Study registration ISRCTN Registry; trial ID ISRCTN14843579; prospectively registered on 02. 01. 2019; http://www.isrctn. com/ISRCTN14843579
Antibody Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Unconjugated, Toxin-Conjugated, Radio-Conjugated and Multivalent Formats

In recent decades, therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has remained relatively unchanged, with chemotherapy regimens primarily consisting of an induction regimen based on a daunorubicin and cytarabine backbone, followed by consolidation chemotherapy. Patients who are relapsed or refractory can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with modest benefits to event-free and overall survival. Other modalities of immunotherapy include antibody therapies, which hold considerable promise and can be categorized into unconjugated classical antibodies, multivalent recombinant antibodies (bi-, tri- and quad-specific), toxin-conjugated antibodies and radio-conjugated antibodies. While unconjugated antibodies can facilitate Natural Killer (NK) cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), bi- and tri-specific antibodies can engage either NK cells or T-cells to redirect cytotoxicity against AML targets in a highly efficient manner, similarly to classic ADCC. Finally, toxin-conjugated and radio-conjugated antibodies can increase the potency of antibody therapies. Several AML tumour-associated antigens are at the forefront of targeted therapy development, which include CD33, CD123, CD13, CLL-1 and CD38 and which may be present on both AML blasts and leukemic stem cells. This review focused on antibody therapies for AML, including pre-clinical studies of these agents and those that are either entering or have been tested in early phase clinical trials. Antibodies for checkpoint inhibition and microenvironment targeting in AML were excluded from this review.
Enterobacter asburiae reduces cadmium toxicity in maize plants by repressing iron uptake-associated pathways.

Soil microbes have recently been utilized to improve cadmium (Cd) tolerance and lower its accumulation in plants. Nevertheless, whether rhizobacteria can prevent Cd uptake by graminaceous plants and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, inoculation with Enterobacter asburiae NC16 reduced transpiration rates and the expression of some iron (Fe) uptake-related genes including ZmFer, ZmYS1, ZmZIP and ZmNAS2 in maize (Zea mays) plants, which contributed to mitigation of Cd toxicity. However, the inoculation with NC16 failed to suppress the transpiration rates and transcription of these Fe uptake-related genes in plants treated with fluridon, an abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthetic inhibitor, indicating that the impacts of NC16-inoculation observed were dependent on the actions of ABA. We found that NC16 increased host ABA levels by mediating the metabolism of ABA rather than its synthesis. Moreover, the capacity of NC16 to inhibit plant uptake of Cd was greatly weakened in plants overexpressing ZmZIP, encoding a zinc/iron transporter. Collectively, our findings indicated that E. asburiae NC16 reduced Cd toxicity in maize plants at least partially by hampering the Fe uptake-associated pathways.
Genome-Wide Identification and Transcriptional Expression of the METTL21C Gene Family in Chicken

The chicken is a common type of poultry that is economically important both for its medicinal and nutritional values. Previous studies have found that free-range chickens have more skeletal muscle mass. The methyltransferase-like 21C gene (METTL21C) plays an important role in muscle development; however, there have been few reports on the role of METTL21C in chickens. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification of chicken METTL21C genes and analyzed their phylogeny, transcriptional expression profile, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We identified 10 GgMETTL21C genes from chickens, 11 from mice, and 32 from humans, and these genes were divided into six groups, which showed a large amount of variation among these three species. A total of 15 motifs were detected in METTL21C genes, and the intron phase of the gene structure showed that the METTL21C gene family was conservative in evolution. Further, both the transcript data and qPCR showed that a single gene’s (GgMETTL21C3) expression level increased with the muscle development of chickens, indicating that the METTL21C genes are involved in the development of chicken muscles. Our results provide some reference value for the subsequent study of the function of METTL21C.
Outbreaks of Salmonella illness associated with frozen raw breaded chicken products in Canada, 2015–2019

Abstract Frozen raw breaded chicken products (FRBCP) have been identified as a risk factor for Salmonella infection in Canada. In 2017, Canada implemented whole genome sequencing (WGS) for clinical and non-clinical Salmonella isolates, which increased understanding of the relatedness of Salmonella isolates, resulting in an increased number of Salmonella outbreak investigations. A total of 18 outbreaks and 584 laboratory-confirmed cases have been associated with FRBCP or chicken since 2017. The introduction of WGS provided the evidence needed to support a new requirement to control the risk of Salmonella in FRBCP produced for retail sale.
Development of an Eye Tracking-Based Human-Computer Interface for Real-Time Applications

In this paper, the development of an eye-tracking-based human–computer interface for real-time applications is presented. To identify the most appropriate pupil detection algorithm for the proposed interface, we analyzed the performance of eight algorithms, six of which we developed based on the most representative pupil center detection techniques. The accuracy of each algorithm was evaluated for different eye images from four representative databases and for video eye images using a new testing protocol for a scene image. For all video recordings, we determined the detection rate within a circular target 50-pixel area placed in different positions in the scene image, cursor controllability and stability on the user screen, and running time. The experimental results for a set of 30 subjects show a detection rate over 84% at 50 pixels for all proposed algorithms, and the best result (91.39%) was obtained with the circular Hough transform approach. Finally, this algorithm was implemented in the proposed interface to develop an eye typing application based on a virtual keyboard. The mean typing speed of the subjects who tested the system was higher than 20 characters per minute.
Cost Recovery, Efficiency, and Economic Organization for Water Utilities

This paper describes a new method of utility pricing – Variable Unit Pricing (VUP) – that results in both economic efficiency and cost recovery for a variety of supply situations faced by water utilities. The main advantage of VUP – compared to Increasing Block Rates – is that its parameters can be objectively determined from demand and cost information. The theoretical support for VUP is a welfare economics paradigm that integrates pricing with economic organization. VUP is shown to achieve social efficiency for a fixed-fee contractual arrangement between a profit-maximizing water utility and a public agency. Public involvement is required to express equity concerns, demand for public goods such as water quality and security, and to identify appropriate supply limits for conservation.
Control of rice pre-harvest sprouting by glutaredoxin-mediated abscisic acid signaling.

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the major problems in cereal production worldwide, which causes significant loss of both yield and quality. However, the molecular mechanism underlying is still largely unknown. Here, we identified a dominant pre-harvest sprouting mutant phs9-D. The corresponding gene PHS9 encodes a higher plant unique CC-type glutaredoxin and is specifically expressed in embryo at the late embryogenesis stage, implying that PHS9 plays some roles in late stage of seed development. Yeast two hybrid screening showed that PHS9 could interact with OsGAP, which is an interaction partner of the ABA receptor OsRCAR1. PHS9 or OsGAP overexpression plants showed reduced, while PHS9 or OsGAP knockout mutant plants showed increased ABA sensitivity in seed germination, suggesting that PHS9 and OsGAP acted as negative regulators in ABA signaling during seed germination. Interestingly, the germination of PHS9 and OsGAP overexpression or knockout plant seeds was weakly promoted by H2 O2 , implying that PHS9 and OsGAP could affect the ROS signaling during seed germination. These results indicates that PHS9 plays an important role in the regulation of rice PHS through integration of ROS signaling and ABA signaling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Analyzing Spinal Shape Changes During Posture Training Using a Wearable Device

Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent diseases in Western societies. A large percentage of European and American populations suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. One successful approach to address lower back pain is postural training, which can be supported by wearable devices, providing real-time feedback about the user’s posture. In this work, we analyze the changes in posture induced by postural training. To this end, we compare snapshots before and after training, as measured by the Gokhale SpineTracker™. Considering pairs of before and after snapshots in different positions (standing, sitting, and bending), we introduce a feature space, that allows for unsupervised clustering. We show that resulting clusters represent certain groups of postural changes, which are meaningful to professional posture trainers.