Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diaphanous 1 and 2 Regulate Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation by Activating the Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors

Objective—We have previously shown that smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation marker gene expression is regulated by the small GTPase, RhoA. The objective of the present study was to determine the contributions of the RhoA effectors, diaphanous 1 and 2 (mDia1 and mDia2), to this regulatory mechanism. Methods and Results—mDia1 and mDia2 are expressed highly in aortic SMCs and in a number of SMC-containing organs including bladder, lung, and esophagus. Activation of mDia1/2 signaling by RhoA strongly stimulated SMC-specific promoter activity in multiple cell-types including primary aortic SMCs, and stimulated endogenous SM α-actin expression in 10T1/2 cells. Expression of a dominant negative Dia1 variant that inhibits both mDia1 and mDia2 significantly decreased SMC-specific transcription in SMCs. The effects of mDia1 and mDia2 required the presence of SRF and the activity of the myocardin transcription factors and were dependent on changes in actin polymerization. Importantly, stimulation of mDia1/2 signaling synergistically enhanced the activities of the myocardin-related transcription factors, MRTF-A and MRTF-B, and this effect was attributable to increased nuclear localization of these factors. Conclusions—These results indicate that RhoA-dependent signaling through mDia1/2 and the MRTFs is important for SMC-specific gene expression in SMCs.
Progress in the development of cost-effective treatment for drug abusers.

NIDA Research Monographs are prepared by the research divisions of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and published by its Office of Science. The primary objective of the series is to provide critical reviews of research problem areas and techniques, the content of state of-the-art conferences, and integra-tive research reviews. Its dual publication emphasis is rapid and targeted dissemination to the scientific and professional community. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This monograph is based upon papers presented at a technical review which was held in Rockville, Maryland on June 7 and 8, 1984. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has obtained permission from the copyright holders to reproduce certain previously published material as noted in the text. Further reproduction of this material is prohibited without specific permission of the copyright holders. All other material in this volume except quoted passages from copyrighted sources is in the public domain and may be used or reproduced without permission from the Institute or the authors. Citation of the source is appreciated.
A technique for approximating the location of surface- and leaky-wave poles for a lossy dielectric slab

An approximation technique for locating the surface- and leaky-wave poles for a lossy dielectric slab is presented. The problem is reduced to the simultaneous solution of two transcendental equations (for each of the perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) and perfect electric conductor (PEC) cases) which is shown to yield a simple approximate solution for the poles, and which can subsequently be refined using numerical optimization. The technique yields both surface-wave and leaky-wave poles, and results are presented for a typical example to demonstrate the approach. The greatest approximation accuracy was observed for surface-wave and leaky-wave poles well removed from the spectral gap. For poles either within or in close proximity to the spectral gap, an alternative iterative technique is proposed. Expressions for the number of proper plus improper surface-wave poles in a given problem are also derived.
Structural basis of glaucoma: The fortified astrocytes of the optic nerve head are the target of raised intraocular pressure

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the retinal ganglion cell axons as they pass through the optic nerve head (ONH). The massive connective tissue structure of the human lamina cribrosa is generally assumed to be the pressure transducer responsible for the damage. The rat, however, with no lamina cribrosa, suffers the same glaucomatous response to raised IOP. Here, we show that the astrocytes of the rat ONH are “fortified” by extraordinarily dense cytoskeletal filaments that would make them ideal transducers of distorting mechanical forces. The ONH astrocytes are arranged as a fan‐like radial array, firmly attached ventrally to the sheath of the ONH by thick basal processes, but dividing dorsally into progressively more slender processes with only delicate attachments to the sheath. At 1 week after raising the IOP by an injection of magnetic microspheres into the anterior eye chamber, the fine dorsal processes of the ONH astrocytes are torn away from the surrounding sheath. There is no indication of distortion or compression of the axons. Subsequently, despite return of the IOP toward normal levels, the damage to the ONH progresses ventrally through the astrocytic cell bodies, resulting in complete loss of the fortified astrocytes and of the majority of the axons by around 4 weeks. We propose that the dorsal attachments of the astrocytes are the site of initial damage in glaucoma, and that the damage to the axons is not mechanical, but is a consequence oflocalized loss of metabolic support from the astrocytes (Tsacopoulos and Magistretti (1996) J Neurosci 16:877–885). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of a Recombinant Anti-HIV and Anti-Tumor Protein, MAP30, in Nicotiana tobacum Hairy Roots: A pH-Stable and Thermophilic Antimicrobial Protein

In contrast to conventional antibiotics, which microorganisms can readily evade, it is nearly impossible for a microbial strain that is sensitive to antimicrobial proteins to convert to a resistant strain. Therefore, antimicrobial proteins and peptides that are promising alternative candidates for the control of bacterial infections are under investigation. The MAP30 protein of Momordica charantia is a valuable type I ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) with anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities. Whereas the antimicrobial activity of some type I RIPs has been confirmed, less attention has been paid to the antimicrobial activity of MAP30 produced in a stable, easily handled, and extremely cost-effective protein-expression system. rMAP30-KDEL was expressed in Nicotiana tobacum hairy roots, and its effect on different microorganisms was investigated. Analysis of the extracted total proteins of transgenic hairy roots showed that rMAP30-KDEL was expressed effectively and that this protein exhibited significant antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. rMAP30-KDEL also possessed thermal and pH stability. Bioinformatic analysis of MAP30 and other RIPs regarding their conserved motifs, amino-acid contents, charge, aliphatic index, GRAVY value, and secondary structures demonstrated that these factors accounted for their thermophilicity. Therefore, RIPs such as MAP30 and its derived peptides might have promising applications as food preservatives, and their analysis might provide useful insights into designing clinically applicable antibiotic agents.
A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial study to evaluate a method for uvular repair during primary palatoplasty

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new technique for uvular repair in patients with cleft palate. This is a prospective, randomized, double blind controlled trial study with Ethical Committee approval between two groups of 30 patients each with cleft palate who were operated on using the conventional and proposed method of uvular repair from 2005–2007. Data was from the Outreach Surgical Center Program, Lima, Peru. Two groups of 30 patients each with cleft palate were operated on using the new technique by the Outreach Surgical Center Program Lima since 2007. Data collection was accomplished by physical exam to evaluate the appearance of the constructed uvula, as well as the presence or absence of a fistula and by a speech therapist. This comparative study did not find a statistically significant association between the conventional and the proposed method for uvular repair or the presence of postoperative hypernasal speech determined at 1–5 years of age during follow-up (p = 0.640). This study observed no increase in the rate of fistulas and/or VPI between these two groups so it was concluded that the use of the proposed method for uvular reconstruction does not affect the closure of the velopharyngeal sphincter and, thus, the development of VPI is not increased.
Exotic nonsupersymmetric gauge dynamics from supersymmetric QCD.

We extend Seiberg`s qualitative picture of the behavior of supersymmetric QCD to nonsupersymmetric models by adding soft supersymmetry-breaking terms. In this way we recover the standard vacuum of QCD with {ital N}{sub {ital f}} flavors and {ital N}{sub {ital c}} colors when {ital N}{sub {ital f}}{lt}{ital N}{sub {ital c}}. However, for {ital N}{sub {ital f}}{ge}{ital N}{sub {ital c}}, we find new exotic states---new vacua with spontaneously broken baryon number for {ital N}{sub {ital f}}={ital N}{sub {ital c}}, and a vacuum state with unbroken chiral symmetry for {ital N}{sub {ital f}}{gt}{ital N}{sub {ital c}} These exotic vacua contain massless composite fermions and, in some cases, dynamically generated gauge bosons. In particular Seiberg`s electric-magnetic duality seems to persist also in the presence of (small) soft supersymmetry breaking. We argue that certain, specially tailored, lattice simulations may be able to detect the novel phenomena. Most of the exotic behavior does not survive the decoupling limit of large SUSY-breaking parameters.
Zeno hybrid systems

The interacting continuous and discrete dynamics in hybrid systems may lead to Zeno executions, which are solutions of the system having infinitely many discrete transitions in finite time. Although physical systems do not show Zeno behaviour, models of real systems may be Zeno due to modelling abstraction. It is hard to analyse such models with the existing theory. Since abstraction is an important tool in the hierarchical design of hybrid systems, one would like to determine when it may lead to Zeno models. Zeno hybrid systems are studied in detail in the paper. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of Zeno executions are given. The Zeno set is introduced as the ω limit set of a Zeno execution. Properties of the Zeno set are derived for a fairly large class of hybrid systems. Copyright 2001 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pilot Study of Rhythm and Timing Training as a Supplement to Occupational Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of disability. A need exists for an effective intervention to enhance upper extremity (UE) motor abilities and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. Objective: The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) determine the feasibility of adding Interactive Metronome (IM) to an occupational therapy (OT) program; and (2) determine changes in UE impairments, function, quality of life, and perceived physical performance ability and satisfaction using a combined IM + OT regimen compared with OT alone for adults with chronic stroke. Methods: This pilot study (n=10) used a 2-group (OT or IM+OT) pretest-posttest design. The intervention involved 60 minutes of IM + OT or OT alone, 3 days a week for 10 weeks. Outcome measures included the UE Fugl-Meyer (impairment), the Arm Motor Ability Test (function), the Box and Block Test (function), Stroke Impact Scale (quality of life), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (perceived performance ability and satisfaction). Results: It was feasible to add IM to OT. The IM+OT group demonstrated decreased impairment and increased quality of life. However, the OT-alone group demonstrated greater gains in function, perceived physical performance ability, and satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that rhythm and timing training using the IM is a feasible intervention to consider as part of therapy treatment. However, IM may fit best for prefunctional treatment, as it seemed to primarily decrease impairment. It may also serve as a supplement before or after treatment in order to maximize rehabilitation potential. Clinical implications and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Stress Management at the Worksite: Reversal of Symptoms Profile and Cardiovascular Dysregulation

Work stress may increase cardiovascular risk either indirectly, by inducing unhealthy life styles, or directly, by affecting the autonomic nervous system and arterial pressure. We hypothesized that, before any apparent sign of disease, work-related stress is already accompanied by alterations of RR variability profile and that a simple onsite stress management program based on cognitive restructuring and relaxation training could reduce the level of stress symptoms, revert stress-related autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and lower arterial pressure. We compared 91 white-collar workers, enrolled at a time of work downsizing (hence, in a stress condition), with 79 healthy control subjects. Psychological profiles were assessed by questionnaires and autonomic nervous system regulation by spectral analysis of RR variability. We also tested a simple onsite stress management program (cognitive restructuring and relaxation training) in a subgroup of workers compared with a sham subgroup (sham program). Workers presented an elevated level of stress-related symptoms and an altered variability profile as compared with control subjects (low-frequency component of RR variability was, respectively, 65.2±2 versus 55.3±2 normalized units; P<0.001; opposite changes were observed for the high-frequency component). These alterations were largely reverted (low-frequency component of RR variability from 63.6±3.9 to 49.3±3 normalized units; P<0.001) by the stress management program, which also slightly lowered systolic arterial pressure. No changes were observed in the sham program group. This noninvasive study indicates that work stress is associated with unpleasant symptoms and with an altered autonomic profile and suggests that a stress management program could be implemented at the worksite, with possible preventive advantages for hypertension.
A lower bound for the equilateral number of normed spaces

We show that if the Banach-Mazur distance between an n-dimensional normed space X and l n ∞ is at most 3/2, then there exist n + 1 equidistant points in X. By a well-known result of Alon and Milman, this implies that an arbitrary n-dimensional normed space admits at least e c√log n equidistant points, where c > 0 is an absolute constant. We also show that there exist n equidistant points in spaces sufficiently close to l n p , 1 < p < ∞.
Orthographic and Phonological Pathways in Hyperlexic Readers With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often present poor text comprehension relative to their ability to read individual words. Some of them have been considered hyperlexic because of their oustanding word-reading abilities. Although it has been suggested that these children access word reading in an atypical way, there is conflicting evidence on their use of phonological and orthograhic pathways. Fourteen adolescents with ASD with word reading to text comprehension discrepancy and 12 typically developing children, all matched on word reading and chronological age, were administered different lexical and sublexical tasks exploring semantic, orthographic, and phonological word representations and processes. No differences were found on any of the tasks between the children with ASD and the typically developing group. The children with ASD were further subdivided into two groups matched on word reading, one with outstanding word reading rela0tive to verbal IQ and another with word reading consistent with verbal IQ. The first group outperformed the second on tasks involving lexical orthographic and phonological representation. However, they were no different on sub-lexical phonological processing, on rapid naming or working, and short-term memory tasks.
X-Ray Emission from Orion Nebula Cluster Stars with Circumstellar Disks and Jets

We investigate the X-ray and near-infrared emission properties of a sample of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stellar systems in the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC) that display evidence for circumstellar disks ("proplyds") and optical jets in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging. Our study uses X-ray data acquired during Chandra Orion Ultradeep Program (COUP) observations, as well as complementary optical and near-infrared data recently acquired with HST and the Very Large Telescope (VLT), respectively. Approximately 70% of ~140 proplyds were detected as X-ray sources in the 838 ks COUP observation of the ONC, including ~25% of proplyds that do not display central stars in HST imaging. In near-infrared imaging, the detection rate of proplyd central stars is >90%. Many proplyds display near-infrared excesses, suggesting disk accretion is ongoing onto the central, PMS stars. About 50% of circumstellar disks that are detected in absorption in HST imaging contain X-ray sources. For these sources, we find that X-ray absorbing column and apparent disk inclination are well correlated, providing insight into the disk scale heights and metal abundances of UV- and X-ray-irradiated protoplanetary disks. Approximately 2/3 of the ~30 proplyds and PMS stars exhibiting jets in Hubble images have COUP X-ray counterparts. These jet sources display some of the largest near-infrared excesses among the proplyds, suggesting that the origin of the jets is closely related to ongoing, PMS stellar accretion. One morphologically complex jet source, d181-825, displays a double-peaked X-ray spectral energy distribution with a prominent soft component that is indicative of strong shocks in the jet collimation region. A handful of similar objects also display X-ray spectra that are suggestive of shocks near the jet source. These results support models in which circumstellar disks collimate and/or launch jets from young stellar objects and, furthermore, demonstrate that star-disk-jet interactions may contribute to PMS X-ray emission.
The Defective Proteasome but Not Substrate Recognition Function Is Responsible for the Null Phenotypes of the Arabidopsis Proteasome Subunit RPN10[W][OA]

This study shows that the major ubiquitin receptors involved in targeting ubiquitylated proteins for proteasome-mediated proteolysis are functionally redundant in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, in addition to playing a redundant role in substrate recognition, the Arabidopsis proteasome subunit RPN10 maintains the structural integrity of proteasome, which is critical for vegetative and reproductive growth. Ubiquitylated substrate recognition during ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated proteolysis (UPP) is mediated directly by the proteasome subunits RPN10 and RPN13 and indirectly by ubiquitin-like (UBL) and ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain-containing factors. To dissect the complexity and functional roles of UPP substrate recognition in Arabidopsis thaliana, potential UPP substrate receptors were characterized. RPN10 and members of the UBL-UBA–containing RAD23 and DSK2 families displayed strong affinities for Lys-48–linked ubiquitin chains (the major UPP signals), indicating that they are involved in ubiquitylated substrate recognition. Additionally, RPN10 uses distinct interfaces as primary proteasomal docking sites for RAD23s and DSK2s. Analyses of T-DNA insertion knockout or RNA interference knockdown mutants of potential UPP ubiquitin receptors, including RPN10, RPN13, RAD23a-d, DSK2a-b, DDI1, and NUB1, demonstrated that only the RPN10 mutant gave clear phenotypes. The null rpn10-2 showed decreased double-capped proteasomes, increased 20S core complexes, and pleiotropic vegetative and reproductive growth phenotypes. Surprisingly, the observed rpn10-2 phenotypes were rescued by a RPN10 variant defective in substrate recognition, indicating that the defectiveness of RPN10 in proteasome but not substrate recognition function is responsible for the null phenotypes. Our results suggest that redundant recognition pathways likely are used in Arabidopsis to target ubiquitylated substrates for proteasomal degradation and that their specific roles in vivo require further examination.
Clinical overlap between malaria and pneumonia: can malaria rapid diagnostic test play a role?

INTRODUCTION Malaria and pneumonia account for 40% of mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to lack of diagnostic facilities, their management is based on the integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) strategy. Symptoms of malaria and pneumonia overlap in African children, necessitating dual IMCI classifications at health centres and treatment with both antibiotics and antimalarials. This study determined the prevalence of malaria-pneumonia symptom overlap and confirmed the diagnosis of malaria in these cases using a rapid diagnostic test. METHODOLOGY Consecutive consultations of 1,216 children (two months to five years old) were documented over a three-month period in a comprehensive health centre. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests were conducted only for children who had symptom overlap. RESULTS Of the 1,216 children enrolled, 1,090 (90%) reported cough or fever. Among the children fulfilling the malaria case definition, 284 (30%) also met the pneumonia case definition. Twenty-three percent (284) of all children enrolled met the criteria for both malaria and pneumonia. However, only 130 (46%) of them had a positive result for malaria using a malaria rapid diagnostic test. During a malaria-pneumonia overlap, female children (chi-square 5.9, P = 0.01) and children ≥ one year (chi-square 4.8, P = 0.003) were more likely to seek care within two days of fever. CONCLUSION Dual treatment with antimalarials and antibiotics in children with malaria-pneumonia overlap may result in unnecessary over-prescription of antimalarial medications. Use of rapid diagnostic tests in their management can potentially avoid over-prescribing of malaria medications.
Unsupervised Learning of Visual Representations using Videos

This is a review of unsupervised learning applied to videos with the aim of learning visual representations. We look at diﬀerent realizations of the notion of temporal coherence across various models. We try to understand the challenges being faced, the strengths and weaknesses of diﬀerent approaches and identify directions for future work