Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An MHC Class Ib-Restricted TCR That Cross-Reacts with an MHC Class Ia Molecule1

TCR transgenic 6C5 T cells recognize an insulin B chain epitope presented by the nonclassical class I MHC molecule, Qa-1b. Positive selection of these T cells was shown previously to require Qa-1b. Despite dedicated specificity for Qa-1b, evidence presented in the current study indicates that 6C5 T cells can cross-recognize a classical class I molecule. Clonal deletion was observed unexpectedly in 6C5.H-2bxq mice, which do not express I-E MHC class II molecules and thus should not be subject to superantigen-mediated negative selection. 6C5 T cells were observed to respond in vivo and in vitro to spleen cells from allogeneic H-2q mice, and specificity was mapped to Dq. Evidence was obtained for direct recognition of Dq, rather than indirect presentation of a Dq-derived peptide presented by Qa-1b. Polyclonal CD8+ T cells from class Ia-deficient KbDb−/− mice reacted in vitro to allogeneic spleen cells with an apparent frequency comparable to conventional class Ia-restricted T cells. Our results provide a clear example of a Qa-1-specific TCR that can cross-react with a class Ia molecule and evidence supporting the idea that this may be a common property of T cells selected by class Ib molecules.
Assessment of cerebral visual impairment with the L94 visual perceptual battery: clinical value and correlation with MRI findings

In this article we describe visual perceptual abilities of a clinical population, referred for visual problems to our multidisciplinary team and assessed with the five computer tasks from the L94 visual perceptual battery. Clinical and neuroimaging findings were correlated with the findings on this task battery. Seventy children (35 males, 35 females) constituted our cohort. Age ranged from 4 to 20 years (mean 7y [SD 3y]). Forty children were born before 37 weeks gestational age. Thirty‐six children had cerebral palsy (CP), of whom 24 had spastic diplegia, five had spastic hemiplegia, and four had spastic quadriplegia. Three children had ataxic CP. Perceptual visual impairment (PVI) was established in comparison to the performance age obtained on non‐verbal intelligence subtests, instead of chronological age. Our results suggest that children with a history of preterm birth and a clinical CP picture are most at risk for a specific PVI. Correlations among other clinical variables did not define a clinical subgroup more at risk. Children with periventricular leucomalacia were almost equally represented in both PVI and non‐PVI groups. Normal magnetic resonance imaging did not exclude the presence of PVI. In these children, however, we found another impairment profile, more in favour of dorsal stream impairment.
Methylation marker analysis of self‐sampled cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens to triage high‐risk HPV‐positive women for colposcopy

Methylation markers were studied for their suitability to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive women by testing self‐collected cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens. For this purpose, we analyzed 355 hrHPV‐positive self‐collected specimens with three methylation markers, that is, CADM1‐m18, MAL‐m1 and miR‐124‐2 by quantitative methylation‐specific PCR. The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve for end‐point cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) were 0.637 for CADM1‐m18, 0.767 for MAL‐m1 and 0.762 for miR‐124‐2. This indicates that CADM1‐m18 is not suitable as single marker. By varying the thresholds of both markers in the bi‐marker panels CADM1‐m18/MAL‐m1, CADM1‐m18/miR‐124‐2 and MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 upper and lower ROC curves were obtained, depicting the maximum and minimum CIN3+ sensitivity, respectively, at given specificity. For all these bi‐marker combinations, the upper curves were similar. However, for the MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 panel, the distance between upper and lower ROC curves was closest and this panel displayed the highest assay thresholds, indicating that this combination was most robust. At clinical specificities of 50 and 70%, the MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 sensitivity for detection of CIN3+ ranged from 77.0 to 87.8% and from 64.9 to 71.6%, respectively. At 70% specificity thresholds no carcinomas were missed. By comparison, the CIN3+ sensitivity of HPV16/18 genotyping on the self‐sampled lavage specimens was 58.1% (95%CI: 46.6–68.8) at a specificity of 87.7% (95%CI: 83.2–91.2). In conclusion, methylation analysis is a promising triage tool that in combination with HPV‐DNA testing offers feasible, full molecular screening on self‐collected cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens.
Standard chronic immunosuppression after kidney transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus eliminates recurrence of disease

Abstract: Background: There is only limited experience in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with drugs that have developed for immunosuppression after organ transplantation, namely calcineurin inhibitors (CI). The aim of this study is to determine the effect of these drugs on disease activity after kidney transplant in patients affected by SLE.
Aerobically respiring prokaryotic strains exhibit a broader temperature–pH–salinity space for cell division than anaerobically respiring and fermentative strains

Biological processes on the Earth operate within a parameter space that is constrained by physical and chemical extremes. Aerobic respiration can result in adenosine triphosphate yields up to over an order of magnitude higher than those attained anaerobically and, under certain conditions, may enable microbial multiplication over a broader range of extremes than other modes of catabolism. We employed growth data published for 241 prokaryotic strains to compare temperature, pH and salinity values for cell division between aerobically and anaerobically metabolizing taxa. Isolates employing oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor exhibited a considerably more extensive three-dimensional phase space for cell division (90% of the total volume) than taxa using other inorganic substrates or organic compounds as the electron acceptor (15% and 28% of the total volume, respectively), with all groups differing in their growth characteristics. Understanding the mechanistic basis of these differences will require integration of research into microbial ecology, physiology and energetics, with a focus on global-scale processes. Critical knowledge gaps include the combined impacts of diverse stress parameters on Gibbs energy yields and rates of microbial activity, interactions between cellular energetics and adaptations to extremes, and relating laboratory-based data to in situ limits for cell division.
STAT2 Acts as a Host Range Determinant for Species-Specific Paramyxovirus Interferon Antagonism and Simian Virus 5 Replication

ABSTRACT The antiviral state induced by alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) is a powerful selective pressure for virus evolution of evasive strategies. The paramyxoviruses simian virus 5 (SV5) and human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV2) overcome IFN-α/β responses through the actions of their V proteins, which induce proteasomal degradation of cellular IFN-α/β-activated signal transducers and activators of transcription STAT1 and STAT2. SV5 infection induces STAT1 degradation and IFN-α/β inhibition efficiently in human cells but not in mouse cells, effectively restricting SV5 host range. Here, the cellular basis for this species specificity is demonstrated to result from differences between human and murine STAT2. Expression in mouse cells of full-length or truncated human STAT2 cDNA is sufficient to permit antagonism of endogenous murine IFN-α/β signaling by SV5 and HPIV2 V proteins. Furthermore, virus-induced STAT protein degradation is observed in mouse cells only in the presence of ectopically expressed human STAT2. The results indicate that STAT2 acts as an intracellular determinant of paramyxovirus host range restriction, which contributes to the species specificity of virus replication, and that human STAT2 can confer a growth advantage for SV5 in the murine host.
Impaired telomerase activity in human cells expressing GFP-Ku86 fusion proteins

The Ku heterodimer is a DNA end-binding protein that promotes the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway of DNA double strand break (DSB) repair by recruiting the catalytic subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs). Ku is also a normal component of telomeres where it is required for telomere maintenance, interacting not only with the DNA but also with various telomere proteins including telomerase. The way in which Ku simultaneously plays such distinct roles, end-joining at DSBs and end-maintenance at telomeres, is unclear. One way to address this is to study cells in which the NHEJ and telomeric roles of Ku have been separated. Here we describe human cells that express fusions between the large human Ku subunit (Ku86) and a fluorescent protein tag. These cells have reduced telomerase activity and increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) but no change in their DNA-PK activity or in the DNA end-binding of endogenous Ku. Cells with particularly large amounts of one fusion protein undergo progressive telomere shortening and cellular senescence. These data are consistent with models in which Ku recruits telomerase to telomeres or activates recruited telomerase and suggest that the Ku86 fusion proteins specifically block this role.
Personality and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Young People's Technology Use

We examined the role of personality and self-esteem in university students' (N = 200) use of communication technologies. More disagreeable individuals spent increased time on calls, whereas extraverted and neurotic individuals reported increased time spent text messaging. More disagreeable individuals and those with lower self-esteem spent increased time using instant messaging (IM). For addictive tendencies related to communication technologies, more neurotic individuals reported stronger mobile phone addictive tendencies, while more disagreeable individuals and those with lower self-esteem reported stronger IM addictive tendencies.
A comparison of the Thrombelastograph and the ROTEM

Elastic modulus-based assessment of hemostasis in clinical and research settings has been conducted for nearly 60 years. Two systems utilizing this technology include the Thrombelastograph (Haemoscope Corporation, Niles, Illinois, USA) and the ROTEM (Pentapharm GmbH, Munich, Germany). The study goal was to compare the Thrombelastograph and the ROTEM to determine whether differences in data could be detected. Plasma (n = 8 per condition) was not activated (native); was celite-activated, hypocoagulable by dilution with hydroxyethyl starch; was celite-activated, normal; and was celite-activated, hypercoagulable by addition of fibrinogen. Equivalent ratios of plasma mixture to CaCl2 were maintained between the Thrombelastograph and ROTEM systems. Data collected included the reaction time, angle, maximum amplitude and maximum elastic modulus. The ROTEM system generated significantly (P < 0.05) smaller reaction time (mean ± SD, 459 ± 39 versus 788 ± 94 s) and greater angle (60.1 ± 5.3 versus 46.4 ± 4.6°), maximum amplitude (27.6 ± 1.6 versus 24.4 ± 1.4 mm) and maximum elastic modulus (1911 ± 152 versus 1616 ± 121 dynes/cm2) values with native plasma compared with the Thrombelastograph. Celite-activation tended to attenuate differences between the two systems. In conclusion, a comparison of the Thrombelastograph and the ROTEM with similar samples demonstrated clinically significant differences in the data generated without exogenous activation. Given these data and the differences in proprietary activator, divergent results are expected, perhaps affecting clinical decision-making.
Separation of Antiepileptogenic and Antiseizure Effects of Levetiracetam in the Spontaneously Epileptic Rat (SER)

Summary: Purpose: The long‐lasting antiseizure effects of levetiracetam (LEV) have been observed in the spontaneously epileptic rat (SER) that expresses both tonic and absence‐like seizures. Furthermore, the antiepileptogenic effects of LEV in addition to antiseizure effects have been reported in the amygdala‐kindling model in rats. This suggests that the long‐lasting seizure protection of LEV may be at least partly due to its antiepileptogenic effects. Therefore this study aimed to differentiate the antiseizure and potential antiepileptogenic effects of LEV by administering LEV continuously to SERs before the appearance of any seizure expression.
Why are bystanders friendly to recipients of aggression?

The escalation of conflicts of interest into aggressive conflict can be costly in terms of increased post-conflict stress and damage to the opponents’ relationship. Some costs may be mitigated through post-conflict interactions. One such type of interaction is affiliative contact from a bystander to the recipient of aggression. This type of interaction has been suggested to have a number of functions, including stress reduction and opponent relationship repair. It may also protect bystanders from redirected aggression from the original recipient of aggression. Here we review the evidence for such functions and propose a framework within which the function and occurrence of post-conflict affiliation directed from a bystander to the recipient of aggression is related to the quality of the relationships between the individuals involved and the patterns of behavior expressed.
Receptor-mediated Regulation of the Nonselective Cation Channels TRPC4 and TRPC5*

Mammalian transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) form a family of Ca2+-permeable cation channels currently consisting of seven members, TRPC1–TRPC7. These channels have been proposed to be molecular correlates for capacitative Ca2+ entry channels. There are only a few studies on the regulation and properties of the subfamily consisting of TRPC4 and TRPC5, and there are contradictory reports concerning the possible role of intracellular Ca2+ store depletion in channel activation. We therefore investigated the regulatory and biophysical properties of murine TRPC4 and TRPC5 (mTRPC4/5) heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Activation of Gq/11-coupled receptors or receptor tyrosine kinases induced Mn2+ entry in fura-2-loaded mTRPC4/5-expressing cells. Accordingly, in whole-cell recordings, stimulation of Gq/11-coupled receptors evoked large, nonselective cation currents, an effect mimicked by infusion of guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPγS). However, depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores failed to activate mTRPC4/5. In inside-out patches, single channels with conductances of 42 and 66 picosiemens at −60 mV for mTRPC4 and mTRPC5, respectively, were stimulated by GTPγS in a membrane-confined manner. Thus, mTRPC4 and mTRPC5 form nonselective cation channels that integrate signaling pathways from G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases independently of store depletion. Furthermore, the biophysical properties of mTRPC4/5 are inconsistent with those ofI CRAC, the most extensively characterized store-operated current.
Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit crutch use for lower extremity powered exoskeletons

Lower extremity powered exoskeletons are assistive devices that aim to improve rehabilitation for people with lower limb paralysis and provide upright mobility in the community. Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements are important since a controlled and safe transition to standing is needed to begin exoskeleton use and sitting is needed to conclude and doff the exoskeleton. Ideally, sitting and standing methods minimize upper body contributions for balance and propulsion. This study analyzed crutch-assisted exoskeleton sit- to-stand and stand-to-sit to characterize crutch loads and motions. Five sit-to-stands and stand-to-sits were recorded for three spinal cord injured participants using a 10 camera Vicon motion analysis system, AMTI and Bertec force plates, and strain gauged forearm crutches that measured axial force. Joint kinematics, movement timing, and crutch kinetics were calculated. Participants employed different crutch techniques when sitting or standing. Crutch impulse was lower when the crutch angle from vertical was greater, at standing push-off or start of sitting. Quickly moving the centre of mass over the ankles during standing reduced crutch impulse by allowing the exoskeleton to lift the body with less upper limb force.
Matrix Gla protein (MGP) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in aortic calcified lesions of aging rats

Summary. The vitamin K‐dependent protein, matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a binding protein for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Here we present additional evidence that the Ca2+‐induced conformer of the vitamin K‐dependent Gla region in MGP is involved in BMP‐2 binding. Recombinant BMP‐2 binds to the Gla‐containing region of MGP in the presence of Ca2+. Immunohistochemistry showed that calcified lesions in the aortic wall of aging rats contained elevated concentrations of MGP that was poorly γ‐carboxylated and did not bind BMP‐2. In contrast, we were able to identify glandular structures in the mucosa of the rat nasal septum that gave bright fluorescent signals with both antigens; confocal microscopy confirmed their colocalization. These results demonstrate that the BMP‐2/MGP complex exists in vivo, consistent with a role for MGP as a BMP‐2 inhibitor. Age‐related arterial calcification may be a consequence of under‐γ‐carboxylation of MGP, allowing unopposed BMP‐2 activity.
Affected‐sib‐pair interval mapping and exclusion for complex genetic traits: Sampling considerations

We describe an extension of Risch's [(1990a,b) Am J Hum Genet 46:222–228, 229–241] method of linkage detection and exclusion for complex genetic traits. The method uses interval mapping to infer disease locus identity‐by‐descent (IBD) sharing for affected sib pairs (ASPs) based on marker information for the ASP and other genotyped family members. The method is likelihood based, and makes use of Risch's parameterization in terms of recurrence risk ratios for relatives. We describe specific linkage detection and exclusion tests for use as genome screening tools to prioritize genomic regions for further study. We also examine issues of optimal study design.
Chaotic system based image encryption of biometrie characteristics for enhanced security

Nowadays, due to the rapid development of multimedia and digital technology the transmission over public channel become more common and also the issues with the confidentiality and integrity of data increases in an alarming rate. So we proposed a method, to protect the biometric information from any of the unauthorized access. Which utilizes an orthogonal coding and multiplexing technique, direct LSB replacement steganography technique and finally a chaotic encryption. Multiple biometric signatures are encoded and then multiplexed together in the form of a single image using orthogonal encoding and multiplexing. The encoded image is embedded in to the colour cover image. Finally, the stego image is encrypted using a new one dimensional chaotic encryption technique. The objective of this paper is to develop a novel and efficient technique to protect the Biometric Information from any unauthorized access and also reduces the vulnerability of an intruder to retrieving any information through any steganalys is attack. The encrypted images are random, non repeated and unpredictable. The Performance of the proposed technique was investigated through Matlab simulation using various biometric signatures and colour cover images.
Rac1 and Rac2 control distinct events during antigen‐stimulated mast cell exocytosis

The release of preformed mediators from immune cells is through a process described as exocytosis. In mast cells, exocytosis is regulated by several coordinated intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we investigated the role of the hematopoietic‐specific Rho GTPase, Rac2, and the ubiquitously expressed Rac1, in controlling mast cell exocytosis. These two isoforms showed equivalent levels of expression in mouse BMMCs. Although Rac1 and Rac2 share 92% sequence identity, they were not functionally redundant, as Rac2−/− BMMCs were defective in exocytosis, even though Rac1 levels were unaffected. Antigen‐stimulated WT mast cells underwent a series of morphological transitions: initial flattening, followed by actin‐mediated peripheral membrane ruffling and calcium influx, which preceded exocytosis. Whereas membrane ruffling was unaffected in Rac2−/− BMMCs, calcium influx was decreased significantly. Calcium influx was studied further by examining SOCE. In Rac2−/− BMMCs, the activation of PLCγ1 and calcium release from intracellular stores occurred normally; however, activation of plasma membrane calcium channels was defective, shown by the lack of extracellular calcium influx and a reduction of YFP‐STIM1 puncta at the plasma membrane. Additionally, we used the small molecule Rac inhibitor, EHT 1864, to target Rac signaling acutely in WT BMMCs. EHT 1864 blocked exocytosis and membrane ruffling completely in conjunction with exocytosis. Our findings suggest that antigen‐stimulated membrane ruffling in mast cells is a Rac1‐mediated process, as this persisted in the absence of Rac2. Therefore, we define distinct modes of Rac‐regulated mast cell exocytosis: Rac2‐mediated calcium influx and Rac1‐mediated membrane ruffling.
Botrytis cinerea endopolygalacturonase genes are differentially expressed in various plant tissues.

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of blight, rot, and gray mold on many plant species, secretes various endopolygalacturonases during all stages of infection. The expression pattern of the encoding genes (Bcpg 1-6) was studied on four hosts: tomato, broad bean, apple, and courgette (also known as zucchini). All gene family members are differentially expressed, depending on the stage of infection and the host. Bcpg1 is expressed in all tissues tested although differences in transcript levels occur. Bcpg2 expression is detected early in the infection of three of four plant tissues tested. Bcpg3 and Bcpg5 are expressed in apple fruit tissue, although probably as a result of different regulatory mechanisms. The expression patterns of Bcpg4 and 6 are in agreement with their inducibility by monogalacturonic acid. The pattern of Bcpg gene expression indicates that B. cinerea is equipped with a flexible enzymatic pectate degradation machinery. The studies pinpoint new targets for gene disruption studies.