Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
α-Catenin mediates initial E-cadherin-dependent cell–cell recognition and subsequent bond strengthening

α-Catenin is essential in cadherin-mediated epithelium development and maintenance of tissues and in cancer progression and metastasis. However, recent studies question the conventional wisdom that α-catenin directly bridges the cadherin adhesion complex to the actin cytoskeleton. Therefore, whether α-catenin plays a direct role in cadherin-dependent cell adhesion is unknown. Here, single-molecule force spectroscopy measurements in cells depleted of α-catenin or expressing the hereditary diffuse gastric cancer associated V832M E-cadherin germ-line missense mutation show that α-catenin plays a critical role in cadherin-mediated intercellular recognition and subsequent multibond formation within the first 300 ms of cell contact. At short contact times, α-catenin mediates a 30% stronger interaction between apposing E-cadherin molecules than when it cannot bind the E-cadherin–β-catenin complex. As contact time between cells increases, α-catenin is essential for the strengthening of the first intercellular cadherin bond and for the ensuing formation of additional bonds between the cells, all without the intervention of actin. These results suggest that a critical decision to form an adhesion complex between 2 cells occurs within an extremely short time span and at a single-molecule level and identify a previously unappreciated role for α-catenin in these processes.
High expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in macrophages of human colonic adenoma

Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 is a possible molecular target for suppression of colon carcinogenesis by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the expression of COX‐2 in human colonic tumors during the adenoma‐carcinoma sequence has not been elucidated. In the present study, we examined immuno‐histochemically the expression and localization of the COX‐2 protein in human colonic adenomas and cancers. Twelve human colonic adenomas and 9 advanced cancers were studied. Immunoreactive COX‐2 was predominantly and strongly expressed in sub‐epithelial interstitial cells broadly present in the surface area of adenomas. The staining pattern of macrophages was similar to that observed for COX‐2 in adenomas. Adjacent normal colonic mucosa was negative for COX‐2 expression. In contrast, COX‐2 was relatively weakly expressed in both tumor cells and interstitial cells in advanced colon cancers. In conclusion, the target of NSAIDs in preventing colon carcinogenesis may be the COX‐2 expressed in interstitial cells, possibly macrophages, of colonic adenomas. Int. J. Cancer 83:470–475, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Authenticity and commodification of Hong Kong heritage tourism

This study aims at examining the level of commodification and authenticity of heritage tourism in Hong Kong from a tourist standpoint. It also attempted to examine the influence of perceived commodification on perceived authenticity in the context of Hong Kong heritage tourism. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied, whereas the focus was on the later one. Findings indicated a fairly authentic heritage experiences perceived by tourists. Commodification was not considered as a problem by respondents although signs of commodification were found. The findings also suggested that commodification indeed “does not necessarily” ruins the tourist’s perception of authenticity.
Friends Doing Business: An Explorative Longitudinal Case Study of Creativity and Innovation in an Italian Technology-Based Start-Up

With a process perspective based on a framework derived from several disciplines, we theoretically discuss how friendship dynamics in founding teams may affect a business. We develop a conceptual model that considers the different nature of exchanges in business and friendship, which may serve as a useful starting base for future investigation (in the Appendix we report some measures of friendship). We then examine an exemplary case. We focus on group cohesiveness (a proxy for friendship), decision-making, and organization of an Italian technology-based firm’s founding team over time and explore the process of generating creative ideas and implementing innovation. Our speculative findings show that chaos does not necessarily favor creativity and innovation: while low group cohesiveness leads to disorganization because business norms prevail over friendship ones, high group cohesiveness creates structure in the organization that sustains the generation of creative outcomes by enhancing the role of friendship norms in decision-making. We explain this finding in the light of the principle of reciprocity of exchanges.
The influence of blood volume‐controlled ultrafiltration on hemodynamic stability and quality of life

Dialysis hypotension occurs frequently and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and may influence quality of life. We investigated the influence of blood volume (BV)‐controlled ultrafiltration on hemodynamic stability and quality of life in a prospective multiple crossover study. Nineteen patients were consecutively treated with standard hemodialysis (HD), BV‐controlled ultrafiltration, and again with standard ultrafiltration during 3‐week phases, during which different hemodynamic parameters, ultrafiltrate quantities, dry weight, and quality of life were measured. Blood volume‐controlled ultrafiltration resulted in increased hemodynamic stability: systolic blood pressure was significantly higher after treatment with BV‐controlled HD compared with both standard treatments (p=0.018 and 0.043, respectively). Also, systolic blood pressure reduction, as a measure of blood pressure stability, was significantly smaller during the BV‐controlled phase (−3.9 mmHg) compared with both standard phases (−13.7 and −11.0 mmHg): p=0.003 and 0.035, respectively. No difference was found in the occurrence of large decreases of blood pressure (>30 mmHg), decreases below 90 mmHg systolic pressure, or subjective complaints during treatment or after treatment between both treatment modalities. During the course of the study, the dry weight decreased significantly from mean 73.3 to mean 70.9 kg, and the amount of ultrafiltrate was significantly larger using BV‐controlled HD compared with standard treatment (mean 2407 vs. mean 2266 mL; p=0.035). Quality of life, measured by visual analog scales (VAS), showed discrete but no consistent differences between study phases. We conclude that BV‐controlled HD increases hemodynamic stability and ultrafiltrate amount compared with a standard treatment. No consistent change in quality of life is found between both treatment modalities.
Knowledge and Compliance of Lactating Mothers on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Village of Vhembe District, South Africa

World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life for optimal growth, development and health. Breastfeeding initiation rates are reportedly high in South Africa, however, a dramatic drop in exclusive breastfeeding rates was reported in infants aged 4 to 6 months, where only 1.5% infants were exclusively breastfed. The objective of this paper was to determine the six months exclusive breastfeeding compliance in Vhembe district, South Africa.The paper was conducted in Maungani village, Vhembe district, South Africa. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 160 breastfeeding mothers who were recruited using snowballing sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were captured and analysed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 in terms of frequencies, average and percentages. But very few participants comply with the six months exclusively breastfeeding.Conclusively not all mothers interviewed indicated that they initiated breastfeeding, the compliance in exclusive breastfeeding was reported to be very low.Keywords: Compliance, knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding, lactating mothers and children
Platelet Monoamine Oxidase Activity and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Uptake in Agoraphobic Patients

Platelet MAO activity and platelet serotonin uptake were determined in 20 agoraphobic and 16 neurotic depressive out-patients, and 19 healthy volunteers. Agoraphobic patients were characterised by significantly higher mean values of platelet MAO activity compared with the other two groups, while neurotic depressive patients exhibited significantly higher maximum platelet serotonin uptake velocity. These findings are compatible with an abnormality in the uptake and metabolism of serotonin.
Urinary and Anal Incontinence in Morbidly Obese Women Considering Weight Loss Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence and correlates of urinary and anal incontinence in morbidly obese women undergoing evaluation for laparoscopic weight loss surgery. METHODS: From October 2003 to February 2005, 180 women with body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater underwent evaluation for laparoscopic weight loss surgery. Using an established Web site, questionnaires were completed to assess symptoms of urinary incontinence, including the Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging Questionnaire (MESA). Anal incontinence was assessed by asking, “Do you have any uncontrolled anal leakage? ” A number of clinical and demographic variables were examined as potential risk factors for urinary incontinence and anal incontinence. RESULTS: Mean age was 39.8 years (range 16–55). Body mass index ranged from 40 to 81 (mean 49.5). Prevalence of urinary incontinence was 66.9% and anal incontinence was 32.0% (45.6% loss of gas only, 21.1% liquid stool only, 24.6% gas and liquid stool only, 8.8% solid stool). In simple logistic regression, presence of urinary incontinence was associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.09), number of children (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15–2.07), anal incontinence (OR 6.34, 95% CI 2.52–15.93), arthritis (OR 6.04, 95% CI 1.76–20.78), and sleep apnea (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.21–4.37). Multivariable logistic regression identified 3 factors independently associated with urinary incontinence: number of children (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.12–2.12), arthritis (OR 5.46, 95% CI 1.51–19.73), and anal incontinence (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.42–16.26). Presence of anal incontinence was associated only with the presence of urinary incontinence (OR 6.34, 95% CI 2.52–15.93). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of urinary and anal incontinence is high in this group of morbidly obese women as compared with the general population. Studies are needed to determine the effect of weight loss on urinary and anal incontinence symptoms in the morbidly obese woman. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
A Motor Control Strategy With Virtual Musculoskeletal Systems for Compliant Anthropomorphic Robots

This paper presents a full-body compliant motor control strategy with a virtual musculoskeletal system for anthropomorphic robots. This integrates a task-space control module and a joint stiffness control module on joint torque control implementation. The passivity-based task-space controller manages the Cartesian forces and provides the robot with full-body compliance and balancing ability, and the joint stiffness controller locally stabilizes the desired posture trajectories. We discuss the advantage of the proposed strategy from two practical computational points of view: computational cost in the postural maintenance and redundancy resolution to suppress the internal motions. The implementation issues of the torque controller with hydraulic actuators are also discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is empirically validated by four kinds of full-body motion control experiments on our hydraulic biped anthropomorphic robot.
History-Dependent Odor Processing in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

In nature, animals normally perceive sensory information on top of backgrounds. Thus, the neural substrate to perceive under background conditions is inherent in all sensory systems. Where and how sensory systems process backgrounds is not fully understood. In olfaction, just a few studies have addressed the issue of odor coding on top of continuous odorous backgrounds. Here, we tested how background odors are encoded by mitral cells (MCs) in the olfactory bulb (OB) of male mice. Using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, we studied how MCs responded to odors in isolation versus their responses to the same odors on top of continuous backgrounds. We show that MCs adapt to continuous odor presentation and that mixture responses are different when preceded by background. In a subset of odor combinations, this history-dependent processing was useful in helping to identify target odors over background. Other odorous backgrounds were highly dominant such that target odors were completely masked by their presence. Our data are consistent in both low and high odor concentrations and in anesthetized and awake mice. Thus, odor processing in the OB is strongly influenced by the recent history of activity, which could have a powerful impact on how odors are perceived. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We examined a basic feature of sensory processing in the olfactory bulb. Specifically, we measured how mitral cells adapt to continuous background odors and how target odors are encoded on top of such background. Our results show clear differences in odor coding based on the immediate history of the stimulus. Our results support the argument that odor coding in the olfactory bulb depends on the recent history of the sensory environment.
Identification of ocular matrix metalloproteinases present within the aqueous humor and iridocorneal drainage angle tissue of normal and glaucomatous canine eyes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the most active matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) within the aqueous humor and iridocorneal angle tissue involved in the normal canine eye, and to compare these results to the MMP activity in dogs with glaucoma. ANIMAL STUDIED Aqueous humor samples from 32 normal eyes and 26 glaucomatous eyes were obtained through aqueous centesis and analyzed for MMP activity. Iridocorneal angle tissue from 16 enucleated normal canine eyes and 5 enucleated glaucomatous eyes were dissected and homogenized into solution. PROCEDURE Bradford total protein assays were determined for aqueous humor samples and iridocorneal angle tissue samples. Substrate gelatin zymography was performed using 0.2 microL volumes of an MMP-2/MMP-9 control, 2 microL volumes of aqueous humor samples, and 10 microg weights of total protein from iridocorneal angle tissue. The presence of MMP gel bands were identified visually and measured quantitatively by densitometry technique. A statistical analysis was performed on the data using Student's t-test, multiple logistic Wald's chi-squared regression, Pearson correlations, and repeated measures analysis. RESULTS Within the aqueous humor of canine eyes, MMP-2 latent form was found to be the most relevant MMP. The quantity of latent MMP-2 within the aqueous humor of the glaucoma samples was significantly increased compared to the normal aqueous samples (P < 0.0001). Glaucoma occurrence was associated with elevated aqueous humor latent MMP-2 (P = 0.0002). Within the canine iridocorneal angle tissue, MMP-9 latent form and MMP-2 active form were found to be the most relevant MMPs. MMP-2 active form was found to be significantly increased in the glaucoma tissue samples when compared to the normal tissue samples (P = 0.0044). MMP-9 latent form was also found to be significantly increased in glaucomatous tissue when compared to the normal eyes (P = 0.0002). Tissue MMP-9 latent form was found to be associated with glaucoma status (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION Glaucoma aqueous humor samples expressed a statistically increased latent MMP-2 when compared to normal eyes. Iridocorneal angle tissue from glaucomatous eyes expressed a statistically significant increase in active MMP-2 and latent MMP-9 when compared to normal eyes. These data demonstrate that there is an association between elevated levels of intraocular MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the presence of glaucoma.
Strategies to overcome photobleaching in algorithm-based adaptive optics for nonlinear in-vivo imaging

Abstract. We have developed a nonlinear adaptive optics microscope utilizing a deformable membrane mirror (DMM) and demonstrated its use in compensating for system- and sample-induced aberrations. The optimum shape of the DMM was determined with a random search algorithm optimizing on either two photon fluorescence or second harmonic signals as merit factors. We present here several strategies to overcome photobleaching issues associated with lengthy optimization routines by adapting the search algorithm and the experimental methodology. Optimizations were performed on extrinsic fluorescent dyes, fluorescent beads loaded into organotypic tissue cultures and the intrinsic second harmonic signal of these cultures. We validate the approach of using these preoptimized mirror shapes to compile a robust look-up table that can be applied for imaging over several days and through a variety of tissues. In this way, the photon exposure to the fluorescent cells under investigation is limited to imaging. Using our look-up table approach, we show signal intensity improvement factors ranging from 1.7 to 4.1 in organotypic tissue cultures and freshly excised mouse tissue. Imaging zebrafish in vivo, we demonstrate signal improvement by a factor of 2. This methodology is easily reproducible and could be applied to many photon starved experiments, for example fluorescent life time imaging, or when photobleaching is a concern.
The More, the Better? Curvilinear Effects of Job Autonomy on Well-Being From Vitamin Model and PE-Fit Theory Perspectives

In organizational psychology research, autonomy is generally seen as a job resource with a monotone positive relationship with desired occupational outcomes such as well-being. However, both Warr’s vitamin model and person–environment (PE) fit theory suggest that negative outcomes may result from excesses of some job resources, including autonomy. Thus, the current studies used survey methodology to explore cross-sectional relationships between environmental autonomy, person-environment autonomy (mis)fit, and well-being. We found that autonomy and autonomy (mis)fit explained between 6% and 22% of variance in well-being, depending on type of autonomy (scheduling, method, or decision-making) and type of (mis)fit operationalization (atomistic operationalization through the separate assessment of actual and ideal autonomy levels vs. molecular operationalization through the direct assessment of perceived autonomy (mis)fit). Autonomy (mis)fit (PE-fit perspective) explained more unique variance in well-being than environmental autonomy itself (vitamin model perspective). Detrimental effects of autonomy excess on well-being were most evident for method autonomy and least consistent for decision-making autonomy. We argue that too-much-of-a-good-thing effects of job autonomy on well-being exist, but suggest that these may be dependent upon sample characteristics (range of autonomy levels), type of operationalization (molecular vs. atomistic fit), autonomy facet (method, scheduling, or decision-making), as well as individual and organizational moderators.
A New Method of Measuring Financial Risk Aversion Using Hypothetical Investment Preferences: What Does It Say in the Case of Gender Differences?

ABSTRACT Aversion to risk is one of the main factors driving investment decisions. Studies have been based on either simple decisions in a laboratory setting or real-life decisions viewed in retrospect. The study's main contribution to the literature consists of a new and elaborate method of measuring risk combined with a real-world investment task brought into a laboratory setting and show that in this controlled environment on average women are more risk averse than men. Unlike previous studies, the authors measure risk tolerance in units that naturally map into the risk-return space used by investors, giving them the missing tool to identify the optimal portfolio among the set of investment options that comprise the efficient frontier.
A polymorphism in the IGF-I gene influences the age-related decline in circulating total IGF-I levels.

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have demonstrated an association between a 192 bp polymorphism of the IGF-I gene and total IGF-I serum levels, birth weight, body height and the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later on in life. This IGF-I gene polymorphism in the promoter region of the IGF-I gene may directly influence the expression of IGF-I. In the present study we evaluated the role of this polymorphism in the age-related decline in serum IGF-I levels. SUBJECTS AND METHODS All subjects were participants of the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study of diseases in the elderly. We studied a total group of 346 subjects, who comprised two subgroups: a randomly selected population-based sample of 196 subjects, and a group of 150 subjects selected on IGF-I genotype. In the total group of 346 individuals the relationship between this 192 bp polymorphism and the age-related decline in circulating total IGF-I levels was studied. RESULTS Homozygous carriers of the 192 bp allele demonstrated significant decline in serum IGF-I with age (r=-0.29, P=0.002). This decline is similar to that seen in the general population. An age-related decline in serum total IGF-I was not observed in heterozygotes (r=-0.06, P=0.48) and non-carriers (r = -0.12, P=0.32). Interestingly, the relationship between age and serum IGF-binding protein-3 levels showed the same pattern. CONCLUSION We observed only in homozygous carriers of the 192 bp alleles of the IGF-I gene an age-related decline in circulating total IGF-I levels, but not in heterozygotes and non-carriers of the 192 bp allele. We hypothesize that this IGF-I gene polymorphism directly or indirectly influences GH-mediated regulation of IGF-I secretion.
Suppression of type I interferon signaling proteins is an early event in squamous skin carcinogenesis.

PURPOSE IFN-based therapy has been shown to be active in the treatmentof squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, the most aggressive form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Based largely on this activity, we began programmatically examining the expression of IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF-3) proteins (signal transducers and activators of transcription 1alpha/beta, signal transducers and activators of transcription 2, and p48), which are important mediators of IFN-alpha signaling, in skin premalignancy and SCC. Our previous preliminary studies suggested suppression of some or all of the ISGF-3 proteins in skin SCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To determine the timing of the suppression of IFN-alpha signaling proteins in squamous skin carcinogenesis, we have now compared ISGF-3 expression by immunohistochemical staining in biopsies of actinic keratosis, a form of skin premalignancy, and matched normal skin. RESULTS We observed a significant decrease in expression of one or more ISGF-3 proteins in 76% of patients with actinic keratosis (19 of 25 patients). In addition, we found a suppression of one or more ISGF-3 proteins in 67% of skin SCC patients tested (12 of 18 patients), confirming our previous observations. CONCLUSIONS These data have led to the hypothesis that the suppressed expression of ISGF-3 proteins and consequent reduction in responsiveness to endogenous IFN likely are an early event in skin carcinogenesis.