Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FUS-NLS/Transportin 1 Complex Structure Provides Insights into the Nuclear Targeting Mechanism of FUS and the Implications in ALS

The C-terminal nuclear localization sequence of FUsed in Sarcoma (FUS-NLS) is critical for its nuclear import mediated by transportin (Trn1). Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) related mutations are clustered in FUS-NLS. We report here the structural, biochemical and cell biological characterization of the FUS-NLS and its clinical implications. The crystal structure of the FUS-NLS/Trn1 complex shows extensive contacts between the two proteins and a unique α-helical structure in the FUS-NLS. The binding affinity between Trn1 and FUS-NLS (wide-type and 12 ALS-associated mutants) was determined. As compared to the wide-type FUS-NLS (KD = 1.7 nM), each ALS-associated mutation caused a decreased affinity and the range of this reduction varied widely from 1.4-fold over 700-fold. The affinity of the mutants correlated with the extent of impaired nuclear localization, and more importantly, with the duration of disease progression in ALS patients. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the nuclear targeting mechanism of FUS and illustrates the significance of FUS-NLS in ALS.
Phenotypic variation and leaf fluctuating asymmetry in natural populations of Parrotia persica (Hamamelidaceae), an endemic species from the Hyrcanian Forest (Iran).

Phenotypic variation in four natural populations of Parrotia persica (Hamamelidaceae), a species considered a living fossil endemic to the Hyrcanian forest, was evaluated through leaf morphometric and multivariate analysis. Furthermore, plasticity and leaf fluctuating asymmetry (LFA) were studied. Our findings clearly displayed significant divergence among sites. The smallest lamina size, the highest plasticity, and the lowest LFA values were recorded in the eastern and more xeric sites (Ghorogh and Daland), thus it seems these sites endure a larger environmental stress. Although our findings showed that multivariate and leaf morphometric analyses are suitable instruments to detect levels of phenotypic variability among P. persica natural populations, further study of allozyme and DNA diversity is necessary.
Cross-lingual polarity detection with machine translation

Recent advancements in machine translation foster an interest of its use in sentiment analysis. In this paper, we investigate prospects and limitations of machine translation in sentiment analysis for cross-lingual polarity detection task. We focus on improving classification accuracy in a cross-lingual setting where we have available labeled training instances about particular domain in different languages. We experiment with movie review and product review datasets consisting of polar texts in English and Turkish. The results of the study show that expanding training size with new instances taken from another corpus does not necessarily increase classification accuracy. And this happens primarily not due to (not always accurate) machine translation, but because of the inherent differences in corpora between two subsets written in different languages. Similarly, in case of co-training classification with machine translation we observe from the results that accuracy improvement can be explained by semi-supervised learning with unlabeled data coming from the same domain, but not due to cross-language co-training itself. Our results also show that amount of artificial noise added by machine translation services does not hinder classifiers much in polarity detection task. However, it is important to distinguish the effect of machine translation from the effect of merging different cross-lingual data sources and that like in case of transfer learning we may need to search for ways to account for cross-lingual data distribution differences.
Pharmacogenetic variants and vitamin K deficiency: a risk factor or trigger for fibrosing interstitial pneumonias?

Purpose of review Fibrosing interstitial pneumonias are associated with various stages of fibrosis. The cause of this group of syndromes remains largely unknown. For most of these diseases, a genetic basis, environmental factors and certain triggers have been suggested as possible risk factors. Various studies have found an association between genetic polymorphisms, or the presence of certain variant alleles, and the occurrence and/or progression of interstitial pneumonias of unknown origin. An acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis shows characteristics of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH). DAH can be aggravated by vitamin K deficiency. This review deals with pharmacogenetic factors underlying interindividual differences of vitamin K status in patients with interstitial pneumonias and the possibilities for a personalized approach to patient management. Recent findings DAH has been associated with the presence of variant alleles in vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1, cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C9 and CYP2C19 genes. Vitamin K deficiency has been associated with an increased risk for the development of DAH and progression and/or deterioration of interstitial pneumonias. This is in line with plausible pathophysiological mechanisms. However, clinical use should be confirmed. Summary DAH has been associated with vitamin K deficiency and suggested as potential trigger of fibrosing interstitial pneumonias. Information on genetic variation might benefit ongoing/new clinical trials, design of which should reflect needs to address relevance of testing gene variants. Whether vitamin K supplementation may prevent exacerbations or progression of interstitial pneumonias needs to be explored in future studies.
Functional and Structural Assessment of the Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity

Cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin (DOX) was recognized at an early stage and also several years after drug administration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have many properties that make them suitable for preventive and/or regenerative therapies. In this study, we evaluated the effect of MSCs in the functional and the structural improvement of DOX‐induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Ninety adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups of thirty rats each: Group I (control): rats received normal saline. Group II (DOX‐ group): rats received DOX. Group III (DOX‐MSCs group): rats received DOX for 2 weeks then human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSCs). Rats in all groups were evaluated for: physical condition, electrocardiography (ECG), and hemodynamic parameters. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DNA fragmentation on heart tissue isolated DNA were estimated for evaluation of the mechanism and the extent of the damage. Hearts were examined histopathologically for detection of MSCs homing, structural evaluation, with counting of the collagen fibers for evaluation of fibrosis. DOX‐administered rats showed significant functional and structural deterioration. DOX‐MSCs treated rats (group III) showed improved functional and structural criteria with restoration of all biochemical indicators of cardiac damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to normal, as well. In Conclusion, hUCB‐MSCs significantly ameliorated the cardiotoxic manifestations as shown by biochemical, functional, and structural cardiac improvement. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3119–3129, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Video and computer games in the '90s: children's time commitment and game preference.

[1] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/genre/multi-genre [2] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/topics/behavior-and-personality [3] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/free-tags/adolescents [4] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/social-tags/buchman [5] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/company/buchman-d-d [6] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/social-tags/cdata [7] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/target-populations/children [8] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/free-tags/children [9] http://dev.cdgr. ucsb.edu/category/social-tags/document
A cross-sectional survey of 5-year-old children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate: the Cleft Care UK study. Part 1: background and methodology

Structured Abstract Objectives We describe the methodology for a major study investigating the impact of reconfigured cleft care in the United Kingdom (UK) 15 years after an initial survey, detailed in the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) report in 1998, had informed government recommendations on centralization. Setting and Sample Population This is a UK multicentre cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Children born between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007 were seen in cleft centre audit clinics. Materials and Methods Consent was obtained for the collection of routine clinical measures (speech recordings, hearing, photographs, models, oral health, psychosocial factors) and anthropometric measures (height, weight, head circumference). The methodology for each clinical measure followed those of the earlier survey as closely as possible. Results We identified 359 eligible children and recruited 268 (74.7%) to the study. Eleven separate records for each child were collected at the audit clinics. In total, 2666 (90.4%) were collected from a potential 2948 records. The response rates for the self-reported questionnaires, completed at home, were 52.6% for the Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire and 52.2% for the Satisfaction with Service Questionnaire. Conclusions Response rates and measures were similar to those achieved in the previous survey. There are practical, administrative and methodological challenges in repeating cross-sectional surveys 15 years apart and producing comparable data.
Commentary The relationship between FV Leiden and pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of in-patient hospital deaths. As a consequence, the identification of hemostatic variables that could identify those at risk would be important in reducing mortality. It has previously been thought that deep vein thrombosis and PE are a single disease entity and would, therefore, have the same risk factors. This view is changing, however, with the realization that the prevalence of FV Leiden, a recognized genetic risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, may be a ‘milder’ genetic risk factor for PE. These observations suggest that PE is not only associated with a different set of risk factors, but may be reflective of a different clot structure.
Nutrient Metabolism Comparison of Triglycerides and Phospholipids as Supplemental Sources of Dietary Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Piglets 1 , 2

Addition of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula promotes visual and neural development. This study was designed to determine whether the source of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) affected overall animal health and safety. Piglets consumed ad libitum from 1 to 16 d of age a skim milk-based formula with different fat sources added to provide 50% of the metabolizable energy. Treatment groups were as follows: control (CNTL; no added LCPUFA), egg phospholipid (PL), algal/fungal triglyceride (TG) oils, TG plus PL (soy lecithin source) added to match phospholipid treatment (TG PL) and essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD). Formulas with LCPUFA provided 0.6 and 0.3 g/100 g total fatty acids as AA and DHA, respectively. CNTL piglets had 40% longer ileal villi than PL piglets (P 0.03), but the TG group was not different from the CNTL group. Gross liver histology did not differ among any of the formula-fed groups (P 0.1). Apparent dry matter digestibility was 10% greater in CNTL, TG and TG PL groups compared with PL piglets (P 0.002). No differences in alanine aminotransferase were detected among treatments, but aspartate aminotransferase was elevated (P 0.03) in PL piglets compared with TG PL piglets. Total plasma AA concentration was greater in the TG group compared with CNTL piglets (P 0.05). Total plasma DHA concentrations were greater in TG piglets compared with PL (P 0.06) or CNTL (P 0.02) piglets. These data demonstrate that the algal/fungal TG sources of DHA and AA may be a more appropriate supplement for infant formulas than the egg PL source based on piglet plasma fatty acid profiles and apparent dry matter digestibilities. J. Nutr. 132: 3081–3089, 2002.
The correlations and sequence of plant stomatal, hydraulic, and wilting responses to drought

Significance Many plant species face increasing drought under climate change, making plant drought tolerance integral to predicting species and ecosystem responses. Many physiology traits interact to determine overall drought tolerance, but trait relationships have not been assessed for general patterns across global plant diversity. We analyzed stomatal, hydraulic, and mesophyll drought tolerance traits for 310 species from ecosystems worldwide. We evaluated the sequence of drought responses for plants under increasing water stress, and showed that coselection with environmental water stress drives most trait correlations across species, with functional coordination additionally important for some relationships. These results provide insight into how variation in multiple traits should be represented within plants and across species in models of plant responses to drought. Climate change is expected to exacerbate drought for many plants, making drought tolerance a key driver of species and ecosystem responses. Plant drought tolerance is determined by multiple traits, but the relationships among traits, either within individual plants or across species, have not been evaluated for general patterns across plant diversity. We synthesized the published data for stomatal closure, wilting, declines in hydraulic conductivity in the leaves, stems, and roots, and plant mortality for 262 woody angiosperm and 48 gymnosperm species. We evaluated the correlations among the drought tolerance traits across species, and the general sequence of water potential thresholds for these traits within individual plants. The trait correlations across species provide a framework for predicting plant responses to a wide range of water stress from one or two sampled traits, increasing the ability to rapidly characterize drought tolerance across diverse species. Analyzing these correlations also identified correlations among the leaf and stem hydraulic traits and the wilting point, or turgor loss point, beyond those expected from shared ancestry or independent associations with water stress alone. Further, on average, the angiosperm species generally exhibited a sequence of drought tolerance traits that is expected to limit severe tissue damage during drought, such as wilting and substantial stem embolism. This synthesis of the relationships among the drought tolerance traits provides crucial, empirically supported insight into representing variation in multiple traits in models of plant and ecosystem responses to drought.
Want Correct Percentage of TBSA Burned? Let a Layman Do the Assessment.

Accurate determination of burn size significantly impacts both immediate management and long-term outcome. In the era of evidence-based medicine, the variability in TBSA% assessment shown by traditional methods may prove unacceptable and technology-aided systems become the "accepted standard. " The objective of this study was to push this scenario to the limit by investigating the accuracy and consistency of TBSA% estimations using a computer-aided tool. Five Laymen (health care-burn management naïve people) were trained on the handling of the technology-aided assessment tool Burn Case 3D© and asked to calculate TBSA% for 18 clinical pictures of burns with different patterns and sizes. Forty-four burn Professionals (senior burn surgeons, plastic surgery residents, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, senior registered nurses) were provided the same pictures and assessed TBSA% using traditional paper-based tools ("Rule of Palm"; "[Wallace] Rule of Nines"; "Lund and Browder chart). The Laymen's computer-aided calculations did not differ significantly (P > .05) from the senior burn surgeons' estimations in 17 of the 18 cases. However, when comparing the Laymen's TBSA% calculations with the whole group Professionals there were significant differences (P < .05) in (again) 17 of the 18 cases. Laymen's calculations were also more consistent (mean SD, 0.95%). The Professionals showed a generalized significant overestimation of TBSA% as compared with the Laymen's calculations (up to 198.5%). Innovative software provide a high potential to improve objectivity and quality of burn assessment in the future.
Data Privacy considerations in Intensive Care Grids

Novel eHealth systems are being designed to provide a citizen-centered health system, however the even demanding need for computing and data resources has required the adoption of Grid technologies. In most of the cases, this novel Health Grid requires not only conveying patient's personal data through public networks, but also storing it into shared resources out of the hospital premises. These features introduce new security concerns, in particular related with privacy. In this paper we survey current legal and technological approaches that have been taken to protect a patient's personal data into eHealth systems, with a particular focus in Intensive Care Grids. However, thanks to a security analysis applied over the Intensive Care Grid system (ICGrid) we show that these security mechanisms are not enough to provide a comprehensive solution, mainly because the data-at-rest is still vulnerable to attacks coming from untrusted Storage Elements where an attacker may directly access them. To cope with these issues, we propose a new privacy-oriented protocol which uses a combination of encryption and fragmentation to improve data's assurance while keeping compatibility with current legislations and Health Grid security mechanisms.
Effects of motivation and depletion on the ability to resist the temptation to avoid physical activity

Understanding the psychological processes that underpin the limited self-control resource could have important consequences for health behavior change interventions. The present study employs a 2 × 2 (autonomous/controlling × depleted/not depleted) experimental design to investigate whether an initial act of self-control influences participants' ability to employ counteractive control strategies that help to resist temptation and stick to a focal physical activity (PA) goal. Experimental instructions manipulated the environments to generate autonomy-supportive and controlling conditions. After completing either a depleting or a not-depleting Stroop task, undergraduate students' (N = 77) counteractive evaluations toward a temptation (to complete a sedentary trial with no information) and a focal goal (to complete a physically active trial that provided valuable information) were measured. Despite the successful manipulation of the experimental conditions, results indicated no significant effect of the motivational support condition or depletion condition on the value that the participants placed on a temptation or a focal goal. A significant interaction between depletion condition, autonomous motivation and controlled motivation was observed for subjective vitality. Participants high in autonomous motivations and low in controlling motivations maintained levels of subjective vitality whether depleted or not. We discuss the importance of future experimental work into the effects of temptations on self-control resources in the PA domain.
The Cellular Composition and Glia–Neuron Ratio in the Spinal Cord of a Human and a Nonhuman Primate: Comparison With Other Species and Brain Regions

The cellular composition of brains shows largely conserved, gradual evolutionary trends between species. In the primate spinal cord, however, the glia–neuron ratio was reported to be greatly increased over that in the rodent spinal cord. Here, we re‐examined the cellular composition of the spinal cord of one human and one nonhuman primate species by employing two different counting methods, the isotropic fractionator and stereology. We also determined whether segmental differences in cellular composition, possibly reflecting increased fine motor control of the upper extremities, may explain a sharply increased glia–neuron ratio in primates. In the cynomolgus monkey spinal cord, the isotropic fractionator and stereology yielded 206–275 million cells, of which 13.3–25.1% were neurons (28–69 million). Stereological estimates yielded 21.1% endothelial cells and 65.5% glial cells (glia–neuron ratio of 4.9–5.6). In human spinal cords, the isotropic fractionator and stereology generated estimates of 1.5–1.7 billion cells and 197–222 million neurons (13.4% neurons, 12.2% endothelial cells, 74.8% glial cells), and a glia–neuron ratio of 5.6–7.1, with estimates of neuron numbers in the human spinal cord based on morphological criteria. The non‐neuronal to neuron ratios in human and cynomolgus monkey spinal cords were 6.5 and 3.2, respectively, suggesting that previous reports overestimated this ratio. We did not find significant segmental differences in the cellular composition between cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels. When compared with brain regions, the spinal cord showed gradual increases of the glia–neuron ratio with increasing brain mass, similar to the cerebral cortex and the brainstem. Anat Rec, 301:697–710, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The cellular stress proteins CHCHD10 and MNRR1 (CHCHD2): Partners in mitochondrial and nuclear function and dysfunction

Coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain–containing 10 (CHCHD10) and CHCHD2 (MNRR1) are homologous proteins with 58% sequence identity and belong to the twin CX9C family of proteins that mediate cellular stress responses. Despite the identification of several neurodegeneration-associated mutations in the CHCHD10 gene, few studies have assessed its physiological role. Here, we investigated CHCHD10's function as a regulator of oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria and the nucleus. We show that CHCHD10 copurifies with cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and up-regulates COX activity by serving as a scaffolding protein required for MNRR1 phosphorylation, mediated by ARG (ABL proto-oncogene 2, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (ABL2)). The CHCHD10 gene was maximally transcribed in cultured cells at 8% oxygen, unlike MNRR1, which was maximally expressed at 4%, suggesting a fine-tuned oxygen-sensing system that adapts to the varying oxygen concentrations in the human body under physiological conditions. We show that nuclear CHCHD10 protein down-regulates the expression of genes harboring the oxygen-responsive element (ORE) in their promoters by interacting with and augmenting the activity of the largely uncharacterized transcriptional repressor CXXC finger protein 5 (CXXC5). We further show that two genetic CHCHD10 disease variants, G66V and P80L, in the mitochondria exhibit faulty interactions with MNRR1 and COX, reducing respiration and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and in the nucleus abrogating transcriptional repression of ORE-containing genes. Our results reveal that CHCHD10 positively regulates mitochondrial respiration and contributes to transcriptional repression of ORE-containing genes in the nucleus, and that genetic CHCHD10 variants are impaired in these activities.