Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innate immunity and adaptive immunity in Crohn's disease.

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is systemic immune disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract with frequent extraintestinal manifestations. Generally, CD is considered as a polygenic immune disorder with complex multifactor etiology. Specifically, CD mainly occurs in susceptible individuals in whom upon environmental and commensal microbiota triggers a sustained disturbed mucosal immune reaction. And the chronic unrestrained inflammatory response in CD is mainly driven by a disintegrated host immune regulatory network.
Stable Expression of Mosaic Coats of Variant Surface Glycoproteins in Trypanosoma brucei

The paradigm of antigenic variation in parasites is the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of African trypanosomes. Only one VSG is expressed at any time, except for short periods during switching. The reasons for this pattern of expression and the consequences of expressing more than one VSG are unknown. Trypanosoma brucei was genetically manipulated to generate cell lines that expressed two VSGs simultaneously. These VSGs were produced in equal amounts and were homogeneously distributed on the trypanosome surface. The double-expressor cells had similar population doubling times and were as infective as wild-type cells. Thus, the simultaneous expression of two VSGs is not intrinsically harmful.
Servicios públicos y gobernanza

Desde hace dos decadas se viene manteniendo una importante polemica sobre como adaptar los servicios publicos a las condiciones del mundo y de la sociedad actual. El modelo hegemonico de, reforma, representado por la llamada nueva gestion publica, es la fuente de inspiracion de la mayor parte de las iniciativas aunque no es la unica. En este articulo se examinan las propuestas de reforma mas difundidas y su adecuacion a las restricciones y oportunidades del ambito publico, asi como sus repercusiones en los problemas de gobernanza. Se concluira planteando algunos rasgos esenciales de una renovacion de los servicios publicos que ponga atencion en la eficacia y fortalezca los valores publicos.
Reduced expression of the complement receptor type 2 (CR2, CD21) by synovial fluid B and T lymphocytes

The expression of CR2 (CD21) by synovial B and T lymphocytes of patients suffering from various forms of arthritis was analysed with cytofluorometry and with reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. CR2 (CD21) cell surface protein was detected in normal quantities on peripheral B cells, but was almost absent on synovial B lymphocytes of the same patients. This reduction was most severe in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but also observed in all other cases. CR2 (CD21) did not reappear after in vitro culture. CR2 (CD21) mRNA was also strongly reduced in synovial B and T lymphocytes. Synovial fluid B lymphocytes were larger than peripheral blood B lymphocytes, while T cells from the same patients showed no size differences. We conclude that synovial fluid B lymphocytes have undergone an irreversible step towards terminal differentiation. The presence or absence of CR2 (CD21) mRNA in peripheral versus synovial T cells indicates that CR2 (CD21) is also differentially expressed by T lymphocytes.
Evaluation of the limiting acuity of coincidence detection in nucleus laminaris of the chicken

The localization of sounds requires the detection of very brief inter‐aural time differences (ITDs). In birds, ITDs are first encoded in neurons of the nucleus laminaris (NL) through the precise coincidence of binaural synaptic inputs. We examined the effects of temperature on acuity of coincidence detection in chick NL, by utilizing whole‐cell and cell‐attached recording techniques in brain slices while applying electrical stimuli bilaterally to axonal projections from the nucleus magnocellularis to NL. The precision of coincidence detection was measured as a time window, corresponding to the time interval that gave the half‐maximum spiking probability. Acuity improved with the elevation of recording temperature, and at 40°C, the avian body temperature, the time window was 0.38 ms. Although all synaptic events were briefer at higher temperature, the duration of EPSPs were equivalent to or faster than that of EPSCs at 40°C. Activation of low‐threshold K+ currents by a slight membrane depolarization during an EPSP was responsible for this EPSP acceleration. EPSPs were prolonged following inhibition of low‐threshold K+ currents by dendrotoxin (40 nm) or hyperpolarization‐activated cation currents by Cs+ (3 mm). The EPSP time course had a strong positive correlation with the sharpness of coincidence detection. The limiting value of the time window (0.16 ms), calculated from the estimated EPSP time course, was narrow enough to explain the acuity of ITD detection at NL in vivo.
Design and implementation of the software system on MPSoC: An HDTV decoder case study

The design effort of software system in multiprocessor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC) is getting heavier with ever-increasing system complexity. The design methodology mainly focuses on things such as co-development with hardware, reducing cost and time, and increasing portability, reusability, and robustness. This paper explores how to design a high performance, robust software system with component-based method and systematic level co-development. Complex architecture and system requirements constrain the whole process. High definition television (HDTV) decoder SoC platform consists of two processors and customized hardware and software components. As an successful experience, we will give the software component design and implementation details
I Thought We Could Be Friends, but …

This study examined the precursors and consequences of systematic miscommunications regarding relationship interest during intergroup interaction. Pairs of previously unacquainted same-sex students (White-White, White-Chinese, or Chinese-Chinese) engaged in a relatively intimate controlled interaction. White participants who had had little prior contact with Chinese persons were more apt to exhibit a signal-amplification bias (i.e., to perceive that their overtures had conveyed more interest than was actually the case) in intergroup as compared with intragroup exchanges. In contrast, White participants with high levels of prior contact with Chinese persons and Chinese participants did not show enhanced signal amplification in intergroup relative to intragroup exchanges. These results support our hypothesis that lack of intergroup contact experience sets the stage for mis-communications regarding friendship interest. White participants' tendency to feel that they had initially communicated more interest in being friends than their Chinese partner mediated a downward shift in their actual friendship interest over time, suggesting that signal amplification triggers defensive distancing and ultimately lowers the likelihood of cross-group friendship formation.
Characterization of pertussis toxin analogs containing mutations in B-oligomer subunits

The S2, S3, and S4 subunit genes of pertussis toxin (PT) from Bordetella pertussis were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis, and the resultant PT analogs were assayed for altered biological properties. PT analogs S2(T91,R92,N93) delta and S2(Y102A,Y103A) exhibited reduced binding to fetuin. Several PT analogs with mutations in the S2, S3, or S4 subunit showed reduced in vitro toxicity, as measured in the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell clustering assay. In particular, PT analogs S3(Y82A) and S3(I91,Y92,K93) delta retained 10% or less residual toxicity. These mutants also exhibited significantly lower mitogenic and hemagglutinating activities and reduced in vivo activities, as measured by the histamine sensitization and leukocytosis assays. The S4(K54A,K57A) PT analog had significantly reduced CHO cell clustering activity, though other biological activities remained unaffected. PT analogs S1(E129G)/S3(Y82A) and S1(E129G)/S3(I91,Y92,K93) delta displayed a cumulative effect of the S1 and S3 mutations for both in vitro and in vivo toxic activities. These PT analogs, as well as S1(R9K,E129G)/S3(K82A) and S1(R9K,E129G)/S3(I91,Y92,K93) delta, still expressed an epitope which elicits a neutralizing antitoxin antibody and were protective in the mouse intracerebral challenge test. Recombinant pertussis vaccines based on PT analogs with detoxifying mutations in multiple subunits may thus represent the next generation of improved whooping cough vaccines.
IS-IS Network Design Solutions

From the Publisher: The definitive IS-IS reference and design guide Extensive coverage of both underlying concepts and practical applications of the IS-IS protocolDetailed explanation of how the IS-IS database works and relevant insights into the operation of the shortest path first (SPF) algorithmComprehensive tutorial on configuring and troubleshooting IS-IS on Cisco routersAdvanced information on IP network design and performance optimization strategies using IS-ISNetwork design case studies provide a practical perspective of various design strategiesComprehensive overview of routing and packet-switching mechanisms on modern routersA collection of IS-IS packet formats and analyzer decodes useful for mastering the nuts and bolts of the IS-IS protocol and troubleshooting complex problems Interior gateway protocols such as Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) are used in conjunction with the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to provide robust, resilient performance and intelligent routing capabilities required in large-scale and complex internetworking environments. Despite the popularity of the IS-IS protocol, however, networking professionals have depended on router configuration manuals, protocol specifications, IETF RFCs, and drafts. Mastering IS-IS, regardless of its simplicity, has been a daunting task for many. IS-IS Network Design Solutions provides the first comprehensive coverage available on the IS-IS protocol. Networking professionals of all levels now have a single source for all the information needed to become true experts on the IS-IS protocol, particularly for IP routing applications. You will learn about theorigins of the IS-IS protocol and the fundamental underlying concepts and then move to complex protocol mechanisms involving building, maintaining, and dissemination of the information found in the IS-IS database on a router. Subsequent discussions on IP network design issues include configuration and troubleshooting techniques, as well as case studies with practical design scenarios.
Power recycling using Wilkinson power combiner with pulsewidth modulation

This paper presents a method for recycling the wasted power in the isolation resistor of a Wilkinson power combiner when the input signals are not identical. An RF-dc rectifier is used to replace the isolation resistor of the Wilkinson power combiner to recycle the power that would originally be dissipated in the isolation resistor. To validate the proposed technique, a prototype modified Wilkinson power combiner is constructed using commercially available components. The power combiner is tested with a 1-MHz pulsewidth modulated (PWM) radio-frequency (RF) signal with a carrier frequency of 836.5 MHz and an input power level of 25 dBm. Measurement results show that the proposed technique achieved a maximum RF-dc conversion efficiency of 52% when the PWM duty cycle reaches 50% and retain the characteristic of a conventional Wilkinson power combiner.
Prototype of multiphase modular-multilevel-converter with 2 MW power rating and 17-level-output-voltage

A versatile prototype converter system of the new modular-multilevel converter (M/sup 2/LC) family is introduced. The new concept stands out due to its stringent modular construction as well as its extremely good control characteristics. This new M/sup 2/LC concept is well suitable for a wide range of high voltage applications. The basic working principle as well as the static and dynamic behaviour is explained in detail on a single-phase AC/AC-converter enabling four-quadrant operation. The M/sup 2/LC-family has already been introduced and examined for applications like traction converters, operating directly on the power line, and network interties [Marquardt, R et al., 2003 and Lesnicar, A et al., 2002]. With this prototype converter system, the characteristics of various different M/sup 2/LC-topologies can be investigated, including single or three phase DC/AC converters as well as multiphase AC/AC converters. The prototype converter has been designed in such a way that its configuration can be quickly changed between wide ranges of topologies. A flexible control system has been implemented, which is capable of controlling up to 32 IGBTs per converter arm, independently. Next to the presentation of the converter and its control system, measurement results are presented including converter operation.
Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

1-5% of adult men have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: that is, significant daytime sleepiness in conjunction with objective evidence of disturbed sleep due to upper airway obstructive events Diagnosis usually requires a sleep study with an indicator of both upper airway obstruction and sleep disturbance Treatment should be tailored to the severity of daytime symptoms A range of treatments is available, including conservative measures, dental appliances, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and surgery There is good randomised controlled trial evidence of the efficacy of nCPAP in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
p21-Activated Kinase 1 Plays a Critical Role in Cellular Activation by Nef

ABSTRACT The activation of Nef-associated kinase (NAK) by Nef from human and simian immunodeficiency viruses is critical for efficient viral replication and pathogenesis. This induction occurs via the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav and the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. In this study, we identified NAK as p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). PAK1 bound to Nef in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the induction of cytoskeletal rearrangements such as the formation of trichopodia, the activation of Jun N-terminal kinase, and the increase of viral production were blocked by an inhibitory peptide that targets the kinase activity of PAK1 (PAK1 83-149). These results identify NAK as PAK1 and emphasize the central role its kinase activity plays in cytoskeletal rearrangements and cellular signaling by Nef.
Evaluating performance of the non-linear data structure for job queuing in the cloud environment

Cloud Computing era comes with the advancement of technologies in the fields of processing, storage, bandwidth network access, security of the internet, etc. Several advantages of Cloud Computing include scalability, high computing power, on-demand resource access, high availability, etc. One of the biggest challenges faced by Cloud provider is to schedule incoming jobs to virtual machines(VMs) such that certain constraints satisfied. The development of automatic applications, smart devices, and applications, sensor-based applications need large data storage and computing resources and need output within a particular time limit. Many works have been proposed and commented on various data structures and allocation policies for a real-time job on the cloud. Most of these technologies use a queue-based mapping of tasks to VMs. This work presents a novel, min-heap based VM allocation (MHVA) designed for real-time jobs. The proposed MHVA is compared with a queue based random allocation taking performance metrics makespan and energy consumption. Simulations are performed for different scenarios varying the number of tasks and VMs. The simulation results show that MHVA is significantly better than the random algorithm.
What to Consider when Emission Reduction is Required from Soil Fumigation

Emission is one of the key factors affecting fumigant use in California due to regulations. Many commodities depend on pre-plant soil fumigation to achieve profitable yield and healthy crops. The phase-out of methyl bromide as a broad-spectrum soil fumigant in pest control has placed formidable challenges in searching alternatives. Most alternatives registered today are highly regulated because of their toxic properties and their nature as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Minimizing emissions becomes essential to maintain the practical use of fumigants. This paper reviews and summarizes findings towards field practices to minimize emissions from soil fumigation. The effectiveness on emission reduction, impact on pest control and cost are important factors to consider in determining emission reduction technique. High-value cash crops (e.g. strawberry) can afford using highly effective, but costly low permeable plastic mulches whereas crops with lower profit margins (e.g. stone fruit orchards) may need to consider lower cost methods such as water treatments and/or target-area fumigation. More stringent regulations on fumigants are likely to develop in the future. Continuous research is necessary to develop good fumigation practices in various agronomic systems to sustain agricultural production while minimizing potentially detrimental impact.
Numerical assessment of 3‐D macrodispersion in heterogeneous porous media

Hydrodynamic dispersion is a key controlling factor of solute transport in heterogeneous porous media that critically depends on dimensionality. The transverse macrodispersion (asymptotic dispersion transverse to the mean velocity direction) is known to vanish only in 2‐D and not in 3‐D. Using classical Gaussian correlated permeability fields with a lognormal distribution of variance σY2 , we determine numerically the longitudinal and transverse dispersivities as functions of heterogeneity and dimensionality. We show that the transverse macrodispersion steeply increases with σY2 underlying the essential role of flow lines braiding, a mechanism specific to 3‐D systems that we qualitatively characterize by the increasing expansion of the flow lines transversally to the flow direction. The transverse macrodispersion remains however at least two orders of magnitude smaller than the longitudinal macrodispersion, which increases even more steeply with σY2 . At moderate to high levels of heterogeneity, the transverse dispersion also converges much faster to its asymptotic regime than do the longitudinal dispersion. Braiding cannot be thus taken as the sole mechanism responsible for the high longitudinal macrodispersions. It could be either supplemented or superseded by stronger velocity correlations in 3‐D than in 2‐D. This assumption is supported by the much larger longitudinal macrodispersions obtained in 3‐D than in 2‐D, up to a factor of 5 for σY2=6.25.
[ShRNA of Cyclin D1 decreased the proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell line SOSP-9607.].

AIM To investigate the effect of Cyclin D1 shRNA on the apoptosis and proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell line SOSP-9607. METHODS Human Cyclin D1 shRNA vector was stably transfected into SOSP-9607 osteosarcoma cells. The mRNA and protein cxpression levels of Cyclin D1 were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The cell cycle and pretiferation of osteosarcoma cells were examined by FCM analysis and CCK-8 method, respectively. RESULTS After stable transfection of Cyclin D1 shRNA, the expression of Cyclin D1 were inhibited at mRNA and protein levels. The proliferation of SOSP-9607 osteosarcoma cells was inhibited. The difference was significant compared with control groups (P<0.05). At the same time, Cyclin D1 shRNA transfection increased G0/1 phage content and decreased S phage content. CONCLUSION Cyclin D1 shRNA could down-regulate the expression of Cyclin D1, effectively inhibit the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, and have significant effect on the cell cycle.
Compound Semiconductor Nanowire Solar Cells

There have been many recent developments in compound semiconductor nanowire photovoltaic devices. Of these, advances in nanowire synthesis and performance enable nanowires to be implemented for efficient and low-cost solar-energy-harvesting devices. On the other hand, many challenges in device fabrication must be resolved in order for nanowires to assure a role at the forefront of solar cell technology.
The effects of three different training modalities on the cross‐sectional area of the paravertebral muscles

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different training schedules on the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the paravertebral muscles (PA) in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. To achieve this goal 59 patients were randomly assigned to three different 10‐week rehabilitation programs: stabilization training (group 1, n=19), stabilization training combined with dynamic resistance training (group 2, n=20) and stabilization training combined with dynamic‐static resistance training (group 3, n=20). The CSA of the PA was derived from standard computerized tomography (CT) images at three different levels. The CSA of the PA was found to increase statistically in group 2 (upper end‐plate of L4) and group 3 (upper end‐plate of L3 and lower end‐plate of L4). In contrast, no statistical differences over time were found in group 1. Since stabilization exercises have no effect on the CSA of the PA, intensive lumbar resistance training seems to be necessary to restore the size of the PA in CLBP patients with atrophied back muscles. No systematic difference in hypertrophy between dynamic and dynamic‐static strengthening training modes was found.
Ionic regulation of the cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger

The Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) links transmembrane movements of Ca2+ ions to the reciprocal movement of Na+ ions. It normally functions primarily as a Ca2+ efflux mechanism in excitable tissues such as the heart, but it can also mediate Ca2+ influx under certain conditions. Na+ and Ca2+ ions exert complex regulatory effects on NCX activity. Ca2+ binds to two regulatory sites in the exchanger's central hydrophilic domain, and this interaction is normally essential for activation of exchange activity. High cytosolic Na+ concentrations, however, can induce a constitutive activity that by-passes the need for allosteric Ca2+ activation. Constitutive NCX activity can also be induced by high levels of phopshotidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and by mutations affecting the regulatory calcium binding domains. In addition to promoting constitutive activity, high cytosolic Na+ concentrations also induce an inactivated state of the exchanger (Na+-dependent inactivation) that becomes dominant when cytosolic pH and PIP2 levels fall. Na+-dependent inactivation may provide a means of protecting cells from Ca2+ overload due to NCX-mediated Ca2+ influx during ischemia.
What have we learned from the studies of two-state folders, and what are the unanswered questions about two-state protein folding?

Small proteins with globular structures often fold by simple all-or-none mechanisms, both in an equilibrium and a kinetic sense, despite the very large number of partly folded conformations available. This type of ‘two-state’ folding will be discussed in terms of experimental tests, underlying molecular mechanisms, and limits to two-state behavior. Factors that appear to be important for two-state folding include topology (sequence distance of contacts in the native structure), molecular cooperativity and local energy distribution. Because their local stability distributions and cooperativities can be dissected and analyzed separately from topological features, recent studies of the folding of symmetric proteins will be discussed as a means to better understand the origins of two-state folding.