Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of over-expressed neural cell adhesion molecule isoforms on myoblast fusion

We have used a transfection based approach to analyze the role of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in myogenesis at the stage of myoblast fusion to form multinucleate myotubes. Stable cell lines of myogenic C2 cells were isolated that express the transmembrane 140- or 180-kD NCAM isoforms or the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linked isoforms of 120 or 125 kD. We found that expression of the 140-kD transmembrane isoform led to a potent enhancement of myoblast fusion. The 125-kD GPI-linked NCAM also enhanced the rate of fusion but less so when a direct comparison of cell surface levels of the 140-kD transmembrane form was carried out. While the 180-kD transmembrane NCAM isoform was effective in promoting C2 cell fusion similar to the 140-kD isoform, the 120-kD isoform did not have an effect on fusion parameters. It is possible that these alterations in cell fusion are associated with cis NCAM interactions in the plane of the membrane. While all of the transfected human NCAMs (the transmembrane 140- and 180-kD isoforms and the 125- and 120-kD GPI isoforms) could be clustered in the plane of the plasma membrane by species-specific antibodies there was a concomitant clustering of the endogenous mouse NCAM protein in all cases except with the 120-kD human isoform. These studies show that different isoforms of NCAM can undergo specific interactions in the plasma membrane which are likely to be important in fusion. While the transmembrane and the 125-kD GPI-anchored NCAMs are capable of enhancing fusion the 120-kD GPI NCAM is not. Thus it is likely that interactions associated with NCAM intracellular domains and also the muscle specific domain (MSD) region in the extracellular domain of the GPI-linked 125-kD NCAM are important. In particular this is the first role ascribed to the O-linked carbohydrate containing MSD region which is specifically expressed in skeletal muscle.
Accumulation of DOC in Low Phosphate Low Chlorophyll (LPLC) area: is it related to higher production under high N:P ratio?

The biogeochemistry of carbon and nutrients (N,P) in the surface layer of the ocean strongly depends on the complex interactions between primary producers (phytoplankton) and remineralizers (heterotrophic bacteria). To understand how these interactions impact the overall DOC dynamics in the surface layer of the Mediterranean Sea, we implemented, using Eco3M (Ecological Mechanistic Modular Modelling tool), a multi-element model with a mechanistic description of primary production. We studied the model steady state results under various nutrient conditions and fixed cell abundances. By doing so, we show how the bottom up control of osmotrophs growth can impact the overall DOC dynamics in the system. Based on our set of parameters, the biogeochemical characteristics displayed by the model appear realistic when compared to literature data for the Mediterranean basin. Differences in DOC dynamics between N and P limited systems in the model, lead to the conclusion that the unusually high N:P ratio of the Mediterranean Sea may favour the uncoupling between growth and carbon production leading to higher DOC accumulation compared to systems with lower N:P ratio.
Leapfrog Triejoin: A Simple, Worst-Case Optimal Join Algorithm

Recent years have seen exciting developments in join algorithms. In 2008, Atserias, Grohe and Marx (henceforth AGM) proved a tight bound on the maximum result size of a full conjunctive query, given constraints on the input relation sizes. In 2012, Ngo, Porat, R� e and Rudra (henceforth NPRR) devised a join algorithm with worst-case running time proportional to the AGM bound [8]. Our commercial database system LogicBlox employs a novel join algorithm, leapfrog triejoin, which compared conspicuously well to the NPRR algorithm in preliminary benchmarks. This spurred us to analyze the complexity of leapfrog triejoin. In this paper we establish that leapfrog triejoin is also worst-case optimal, up to a log factor, in the sense of NPRR. We improve on the results of NPRR by proving that leapfrog triejoin
Vulvar morphology and sympatry of Haemonchus species in naturally infected sheep and goats of Ogaden region, eastern Ethiopia

A study was carried out to determine the type of vulvar process of 3187 and 2386 female haemonchus worms recovered from naturally infected sheep and goats respectively, during the period from August 2003 to March 2004. In addition a total of 1159 adult male haemonchus worms from sheep and 1285 from goats were subjected to a species identification study. The study revealed that out of the total female worms from sheep 49.5% linguiform, 28.5% knobbed and 23% smooth vulvar morph types were identified. Likewise, from goats 53.8% linguiform, 18. 5% knobbed and 27.6% smooth vulvar morph types were identified. Significant variations (P<0.05) were observed in proportions between the three major vulvar morph types in different months of the study period in both host species. Further sub-classification of the linguiform female worms from sheep revealed 27.2% linguiform A (LA), 14.8% linguiform B (LB), 5.3% linguiform C (LC) and 2.2% linguiform I (LI) subtypes. Similarly from goats 27.4 % LA, 17.5% LB, and 6.6% LC and 2.3% LI subtypes were identified. Within the linguiform vulvar flap types, the A subtype linguiform showed statistically significant (P<0.05) fluctuation during the months of study period in both host species. haemonchus species identification based on morphometric parameters on spicules of 1159 adult male haemonchus from sheep revealed 95.1% h. contortus , 3.5% h. placei and 1.5% h. longistipes , while out of 841 mature male haemonchus from goats, 96.6% h. contortus , 2.9% h. placei and 0.5 % h. longistipes were identified. The study showed 57.9% h. contortus mono-species, 22.4% h. contortus and h. placei mixed infection, 7.9% h. longistipes and h. placei mixed infection and the rest 11.8% h. contortus , h. placei and h. longistipes triple infection of the examined sheep. Similarly in goats, 58.2% h. contortus mono-species, 38.2% h. contortus and h. placei mixed infection,
Dendritic cells: friends or foes of laryngeal cancer?

BACKGROUND Dendritic cells are important keyplayers of various malignant tumors but less studied in laryngeal malignancies. We assessed the immunohistochemical expression and distribution of dendritic cells in different types of laryngeal carcinomas and tried to find if they could influence evolution and prognosis of such malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was applied on 49 laryngeal tumors. Dendritic cells were identified by using S100 protein staining. The specimens were then evaluated for dendritic cells presence, number and distribution. RESULTS S100 positive cells were identified in all cases of squamous cell carcinoma, being absent in the case of adenoid cell carcinoma. Squamous cells carcinomas had the highest numbers of S100 positive cells. For them, we encountered an inverse correlation between peri- and intra-tumor S100 positive cells density. Intraepithelial dendritic cells density was lower for undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma, also as for stroma of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Poorly differentiated carcinoma had a higher density of stromal S100 positive cells. S100 positive cells were identified in tumor area with squamous differentiation in all cases, and in peritumor area in 41 cases (83.67%). S100 positive cells density was correlated with tumor grade but not with invasion. CONCLUSIONS Taking together, our results suggest that migration of stromal dendritic cells inside tumor areas could be an important component of the antitumor immune response induction and thus, S100 positive dendritic cells may be considered as a favorable prognostic factor in laryngeal carcinomas.
Polymer and Composite Membranes for Proton-Conducting, High-Temperature Fuel Cells: A Critical Review

Polymer fuel cells operating above 100 °C (High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, HT-PEMFCs) have gained large interest for their application to automobiles. The HT-PEMFC devices are typically made of membranes with poly(benzimidazoles), although other polymers, such as sulphonated poly(ether ether ketones) and pyridine-based materials have been reported. In this critical review, we address the state-of-the-art of membrane fabrication and their properties. A large number of papers of uneven quality has appeared in the literature during the last few years, so this review is limited to works that are judged as significant. Emphasis is put on proton transport and the physico-chemical mechanisms of proton conductivity.
Towards a new approach for fast diagnosis of tuberculosis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Despite persistent efforts over the last 125 years to develop a simple tool for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis, the ideal method has proven elusive. It is clear that gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) offers considerable advantages for the analysis of complex biological samples. In this thesis we discuss two main areas in which progress is sought. The first is the discovery of novel biomarkers for diagnosis of tuberculosis using GC-MS and chemometrics. The second is the development of an affordable, accurate and 'simple to use' point of care test for diagnosing tuberculosis using a small (trans)-portable or hand-held device based on GC technique.
Immediate loading of implants placed simultaneously with sinus membrane elevation in the posterior atrophic maxilla: a two-year follow-up study on 10 patients.

BACKGROUND Clinical studies on immediate loading of implants in the posterior atrophic maxilla are rare. PURPOSE The study aims to evaluate immediate loading of implants placed with sinus membrane elevation without additional grafting material for bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised of 10 patients in whom a total of 10 maxillary sinus floor augmentations were performed. A total of 21 dental implants (1 to 4) were inserted through the residual bone to protrude into the maxillary sinus under the elevated sinus membrane. The implant site was underprepared to improve primary stability. All the implants were inserted with a torque insertion no less than 20 Ncm. Implants were loaded immediately after surgery with a screw-retained temporary acrylic restoration. Intraoral X-rays were taken at implant insertion, after 6 months loading, and after 1st and 2nd year of loading. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at the time of initial placement and after 6 months of functional loading. RESULTS RFA after implant insertion gave an implant stability quotient (ISQ) level with a range from 62 to 72. All implants remained clinically stable during the follow-up period of 2 years. Radiography demonstrated on average 5.7 ± 3.4 mm of intrasinus new bone formation after 6 months of implant loading. RFA measurements showed ISQ mean values of 67 (range: 62-72) and 68 (range: 62-71) at placement and after 6 months of loading, respectively. CONCLUSION Within the limits of this case series report, it is concluded that maxillary sinus membrane elevation with simultaneous placement and immediate loading of implants without the use of any additional grafting material shows predictable results after 2 years of functional loading. Moreover, evidence of intrasinus bone formation around the implants was found in all patients. Further studies are needed to study the influence of immediate loading on the mineralization of bone forming at dental implant sites.
Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Managed Spontaneous Tumors in 114 Client-owned Dogs

Medical records of 139 tumors from 114 dogs that underwent surgery from May 2010 through March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among 114 dogs, females (64.9%) were significantly more common than males (35.1%) (p<0.05). Dogs aged 6 to 10 years were more presented than non-tumor patients, however, there was no significant difference. The mean age (±SD) was 10.3±3.0 years. Although we found no significant difference of breed predisposition, the most common breed was Maltese (19.3%), followed by Shih-Tzu (14.0%), and Yorkshire terrier (13.2%). Proportional morbidity ratios (PMRs) of mammary gland, oral cavity, and skin tumors were high in Poodles, Yorkshire terriers, and Golden retrievers, respectively. Mammary gland (36.0%) was the most common site, followed by skin and soft tissues (12.2%), oral cavity (10.8%), and digestive organs (8.6%), but there was no significant difference. The objectives of surgery were curative surgery (86.2%), biopsy (4.9%), and palliative surgery (6.5%). In this study, 123 of 139 tumors had histopathological diagnoses. Adenocarcinoma was the most common type (n=24), followed by adenoma (n=17), soft tissue sarcoma (n=13), benign mixed tumor (n=5), and others (n=64). Recurrence or suspected metastasis was identified in 26 dogs. Median survival times of malignant mammary gland tumors, skin and subcutaneous tumors, and splenic tumors were 1,563.0±1,201.7, 469, and 128 days, respectively.
Cytokine-mediated Transcriptional Induction of the Human Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Requires Both Activator Protein 1 and Nuclear Factor κB-binding Sites*

The involvement of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors in cytokine-mediated induction of human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) promoter activity was examined. Luciferase reporter plasmids, containing mutations in AP-1 and NF-κB sites, in a hiNOS promoter extending from −8.3 kilobase pairs (kb) to +168, were transiently expressed in A549 cells, and promoter activity was determined after treatment with a cytokine mixture (CM) containing interleukin 1-β, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Mutation of the AP-1 heptad located −5301 base pairs upstream decreased gene activation by 90% in a −8.3-kb promoter and a shorter −5.574-kb promoter. Disruption of AP-1 (at −5115) or NF-κB (at −115 and −8283) sites reduced promoter activity by 45, 67, and 52%, respectively. Responsiveness to CM was decreased by 85% in constructs mutated in both NF-κB sites. By gel retardation analyses, CM increased AP-1- and NF-κB binding. Supershift analysis identified Jun D and Fra-2 as components of AP-1 complexes. Each κB site bound different complements of NF-κB/Rel family members (downstream site, Rel A/p50; upstream site, Rel A/Rel A). Rel A was maximally, whereas IκB-α was minimally, expressed in nuclei after 1 h of CM treatment, corresponding with the peak in NF-κB inding activity. Thus, AP-1 and NF-κB are important cis-elements for induction of hiNOS gene transcription.
Understanding Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Communities: An Integration of Expectancy Disconfirmation and Justice Theories

This paper integrates expectancy disconfirmation theory and justice theory to construct a model for investigating the motivations behind people’s knowledge sharing in open professional virtual communities. The study holds that three dimensions of positive disconfirmation (i.e., knowledge quality, self-worth, and social interaction), three dimensions of justice (i.e., distributive, procedural justice, and interactional), and playfulness will influence individuals’ satisfaction with knowledge sharing in open professional virtual communities. We also argue that playfulness and satisfaction can engender knowledge sharing continuance intention in such communities. Data collected from 270 members of one open professional virtual community provide support for the proposed model. The results help identifying the motivation underlying individuals’ knowledge sharing behavior. Implications for theory and practice and limitations are discussed.
Long-term treatment results in soft tissue sarcomas of the thoracic wall treated with pre-or-postoperative radiotherapy--a single institution experience.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long term results among patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the thoracic wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-six patients who were treated with pre-or postoperative radiotherapy between December 1980-December 2007, with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma of the thoracic wall were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS The median age was 44 years (14-85 years) and 15 of them were male. A total of 50% of patients were grade 3. The most common histologic type of tumor was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.9%). Tumor size varied between 2-25 cm (median 6.5 cm). Seventeen of the cases had marginal and 9 had wide local resection. Four cases received preoperative radiotherapy and 22 postoperative radiotherapy. Six of the patients with large and high grade tumors received chemotherapy. Median follow-up time was 82 months (9-309 months). Local recurrence and metastasis was detected in 34.6% and 42.3% of patients, respectively. Five- year local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 62%, 38%, 69%, and 76% respectively. On univariate analysis, the patients with positive surgical margins had a markedly lower 5-year LC rate than patients with negative surgical margin, but the difference was not significant (43% vs 78%, p=0.1). Five-year DFS (66% vs 17%) and DSS (92% vs 60%) rates were significantly worse for the patients who had high grade tumors (p=0.01, p=0.008 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Tumor grade and surgical margin are essential parameters for determining the prognosis of thoracic wall soft tissue sarcoma both in our series and the literature.
Evaluation of chemoprophylaxis in patients with unilateral retinoblastoma with high-risk features on histopathologic examination.

OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for metastatic disease on histopathologic specimens of enucleated eyes from patients with unilateral retinoblastoma, and to evaluate the value of chemoprophylaxis in preventing disease dissemination. METHODS Medical records from patients with unilateral retinoblastoma who underwent primary enucleation were reviewed at the University of California, San Francisco (1977-1998) and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Fla (1991-1998). All routine histopathologic specimens were reexamined. The extent of tumor invasion into the optic nerve or ocular coats and the prescribed chemoprophylactic regimen were recorded. RESULTS This retrospective study included 129 patients followed for a median of 54 months. Three patients had tumor invading the sclera. The optic nerve was involved to some extent in 82 patients, 11 of whom had tumor extension beyond the lamina cribrosa. The surgical margin of the optic nerve was involved in an additional 4 patients. The choroid was involved in 43 patients, and was considered massively affected in 12 patients. Anterior segment involvement was observed in 10 patients. Postenucleation chemoprophylaxis was administered to 4 of 4 patients who had tumor cells at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and to 7 of 11 patients with postlaminar disease, all of whom had at least 1 mm of postlaminar tumor extension. External beam radiotherapy was administered to 3/4 and 1/11 of these patients, respectively. Chemoprophylaxis was not administered to patients with choroidal or anterior chamber involvement unless the optic nerve was also involved beyond the lamina cribrosa. One patient with tumor extending to the surgical margin of the optic nerve died of metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS Chemoprophylaxis is necessary for patients with tumor extending to the surgical margin of the optic nerve and is likely to be beneficial in preventing metastases in patients with tumor extending beyond the lamina cribrosa. We did not offer chemoprophylaxis to patients with prelaminar optic nerve disease or isolated choroidal involvement, and these patients remained free of disseminated disease.
Significance of serum and hepatic microRNA‐122 levels in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is believed to be a type of metabolic syndrome. MicroRNA‐122 (miR‐122) is the most abundant microRNA in the liver and is an important factor for the metabolism of glucose and lipids. In the present study, we examined the correlation between the hepatic and serum miR‐122 expression levels and the clinicopathological factors of patients with NAFLD.
Compressed Sensing With General Frames via Optimal-Dual-Based $\ell _{1}$-Analysis

Compressed sensing with sparse frame representations is seen to have much greater range of practical applications than that with orthonormal bases. In such settings, one approach to recover the signal is known as ℓ1-analysis. We expand in this paper the performance analysis of this approach by providing a weaker recovery condition than existing results in the literature. Our analysis is also broadly based on general frames and alter native dual frames (as analysis operators). As one application to such a general-dual-based approach and performance analysis, an optimal-dual-based technique is proposed to demonstrate the effectiveness of using alternative dual frames as ℓ1-analysis operators. An iterative algorithm is outlined for solving the optimal-dual-based -analysis problem. The effectiveness of the proposed method and algorithm is demonstrated through several experiments.
Complementary Gene Signature Integration in Multiplatform Microarray Experiments

The concept of gene signature overlap has been addressed previously in a number of research papers. A common conclusion is the absence of significant overlap. In this paper, we verify the aforementioned fact, but we also assess the issue of similarities not on the gene level, but on the biology level hidden underneath a given signature. We proceed by taking into account the biological knowledge that exists among different signatures, and use it as a means of integrating them and refining their statistical significance on the datasets. In this form, by integrating biological knowledge with information stemming from data distributions, we derive a unified signature that is significantly improved over its predecessors in terms of performance and robustness. Our motive behind this approach is to assess the problem of evaluating different signatures not in a competitive but rather in a complementary manner, where one is treated as a pool of knowledge contributing to a global and unified solution.
The impact of Kinesio taping technique on children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder in children that is associated with life-long disability and multiple impairments. The clinical manifestations of CP vary among children. CP is accompanied by a wide range of problems and has a broad spectrum. Children with CP demonstrate poor fine and dross motor function due to psychomotor disturbances. Early rehabilitation programs are essential for children with CP and should be appropriate for the age and functional condition of the patients. Kinesio taping (KT) technique is a relatively new technique applied in rehabilitation programs of CP. This article reviews the effects of KT techniques on improving motor skills in children with CP. In this study, we used keywords "cerebral palsy, Kinesio Tape, KT and Taping" in the national and international electronic databases between 1999 and 2016. Out of the 43 articles obtained, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. There are several different applications about KT technique in children with CP. Review of the literature demonstrated that the impact of this technique on gross and fine motor function and dynamic activities is more effective than postural and static activities. Also this technique has more effectiveness in the child at higher developmental and motor stages. The majority of consistent findings showed that KT technique as part of a multimodal therapy program can be effective in the rehabilitation of children with CP to improve motor function and dynamic activities especially in higher developmental and motor stages.