Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Pathways for Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) Regulation of Na-K-2Cl Cotransporter (NKCC1) Function

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) participates in epithelial transport and in cell volume maintenance by mediating the movement of ions and water across plasma membranes. Functional studies have previously demonstrated that NKCC1 activity is stimulated by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitors. In this study, we utilized both in vivo (heterologous cRNA expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes) and in vitro (32P-phosphorylation assays with glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins) experiments to determine whether PP1 exerts its inhibitory effect directly on the cotransporter, or indirectly by affecting the activating kinase. We found that PP1 reduced NKCC1 activity in oocytes under both isotonic and hypertonic conditions to the same level as in water-injected controls. Interestingly, mutation of key residues in the PP1 binding motif located in the N-terminal tail of NKCC1 significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of PP1. In vitro experiments performed with recombinant PP1, SPAK (Ste20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase, which activates NKCC1), and the N terminus of NKCC1 fused to glutathione S-transferase demonstrated that PP1 dephosphorylated both the kinase and the cotransporter in a time-dependent manner. More importantly, PP1 dephosphorylation of SPAK was significantly greater when protein-protein interaction between the kinase and the N-terminal tail of NKCC1 was present in the reaction, indicating the necessity of scaffolding the phosphatase and kinase in proximity to one another. Taken together, our data are consistent with PP1 inhibiting NKCC1 activity directly by dephosphorylating the cotransporter and indirectly by dephosphorylating SPAK.
Dementia-associated mortality and its predictors among older adults in sub-Saharan 1 Africa: results from a two-year follow-up in Congo (the EPIDEMCA-FU study)

19 Background: Between 2001 and 2012 we carried out a study of dementia prevalence in 20 central Africa throughout the EPIDEMCA (Epidemiology of Dementia in Central Africa) 21 programme. 22 Objective : To assess dementia related mortality among Congolese older people from the 23 EPIDEMCA study after two years of follow-up. 24 Design : Longitudinal population-based cohort study. 25 Setting : Gamboma and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. 26 Methods: Older participants were traced and interviewed in rural and urban Congo annually 27 between 2012 and 2014. DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria were required for dementia 28 diagnosis. Data on vital status were collected throughout the follow-up. Cox proportional 29 hazards model was used to assess the link between baseline dementia diagnosis and mortality 30 risk.
Polymyxin-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT A surveillance study to identify patients from the community with Escherichia coli resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins discovered two isolates that were also resistant to polymyxin B and colistin. One isolate from a patient in the community and a second from a patient who received multiple courses of polymyxin B also possessed a CTX-M-15 enzyme. Resistance to cationic peptides in E. coli is unusual, and testing for susceptibility to these agents should be performed.
Evidence for a Primary Defect of Pancreatic HCO3− Secretion in Cystic Fibrosis

Summary: The specificity of impairment of pancreatic water and HCO3− secretion in cystic fibrosis (CF) and the role of this impairment in diagnosing CF were studied in 62 CF patients and 66 non-CF controls. A quantitative pancreatic stimulation test using a duodenal bromsulphthalein marker perfusion technique was performed on each subject. The hourly secretion of trypsin, HCO3−, and water was measured. Over three ranges of tryptic activity (<50, 50–1000, and >1000 units per kg body weight per h, selected to represent low, intermediate, and normal acinar function respectively), mean water secretion was significantly lower in CF patients than in controls only when acinar function was low or intermediate. Mean water secretion per kg body weight per h did not vary among controls. In the CF patients, water secretion per kg body weight per h was significantly greater in those with trypsin secretion >1000 (8.28 ± 3.52 ml) than in those with trypsin secretions <50 (4.22 ± 5.8 ml, P < 0.02) or 50–1000 (3.07 ± 2.46 ml, P < 0.001). Mean HCO3− secretion in the CF patients was significantly impaired over all three ranges of tryptic activity when compared with controls. In both CF patients and controls there was a significant positive correlation between HCO3− and trypsin secretion. Analysis of covariance showed that HCO3− secretion was significantly impaired in the CF patients as compared with the controls over the total range of trypsin secretion.These data demonstate that CF patients have impairment of pancreatic water secretion in association with impaired acinar function but in those with normal acinar function, water secretion appears intact. The impairment of water secretion is thus probably the result of destruction of pancreatic tissue. Pancreatic HCO3− secretion, however, is generally impaired in CF patients even in those with normal pancreatic enzyme and water secretion. Because impairment of HCO3− secretion appears to occur independently of the extent of pancreatic damage, it may represent a primary secretory defect which is related to the defective CF gene. Inasmuch as a few CF patients had HCO3− secretory rates within the control range, the diagnosis cannot be excluded by the demonstration of HCO3− values within this range.Speculation: Patients with cystic fibrosis have evidence of exocrine gland dysfunction specifically in regard to electrolyte secretion. In the pancreas, impaired HCO3− secretion may be the result of a primary genetic defect. Further investigation of pancreatic HCO3− secretion is warranted to elucidate the nature and controlling factors of secretion as they may provide evidence for the underlying abnormality in cystic fibrosis.
PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF SAVED COWPEA SEEDS USED IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the physical and physiological attributes of saved cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) used in the Brazilian semi-arid area and compared them with certified seed varieties. The study tested 37 saved seed samples from the state of Rio Grande do Norte and two varieties of certified seeds (“BRS Guariba” and “BRS Pujante”) from the production field of Embrapa Products and Market, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The seeds were tested for moisture, hectoliter weight, weight of 1,000 seeds, and physical purity to evaluate the physical quality. Germination, first germination count, field emergence, emergence rate index, shoot dry mass, and accelerated aging were tested for physiological quality. The saved cowpea seeds showed great differences, suggesting the influence of genetic variability and different growing environments. The use of saved cowpea seeds by small farmers in the semi-arid areas of Northeastern Brazil is impractical, because these seeds have inferior physical and physiological qualities compared to certified cowpea seeds.
Domesticating WhatsApp: Family, friends, work, and study in everyday communication

This article analyzes the domestication of WhatsApp among Argentine individuals going through young, middle, and late adulthood, drawing on 158 semi-structured interviews and a 700-person survey. Findings show variance in domestication processes related to the different life stages that users belong to. Young adults (18–34 years, in our sample) adopt WhatsApp as a taken-for-granted platform where sociability is mainly produced in groups with friends and enacted through an “always on” availability. Middle adults (35–59 years) appropriate this platform partly shaped by a constellation of work and care responsibilities. Late adults (60 years and older) find in WhatsApp a connection with younger generations in addition to age peers, while enacting less continuous modes of availability than those in other life stages. We propose that considering life stages in domestication processes contributes to unpacking broader dynamics of the social mediation of everyday life.
Long‐term follow‐up analysis after rituximab salvage therapy in adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia

We report the long‐term outcome results of 57 consecutive adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia after being treated with rituximab. According to the different period of therapy, patients received either standard dose (SD) rituximab (i.e., 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks) or low dose (LD) rituximab (i.e., 100 mg flat dose weekly for 4 weeks). Overall (OR) and complete response (CR) rates were 60 and 40%, respectively. Patients' median follow‐up was 52 months, 82 months in the SD, and 44 months in the LD group; 15 out of 34 responsive patients (44%) relapsed, with median response duration of 24 months (range 3–120). The estimated 4‐years event‐free survival (EFS, considering events the non response status at month 2 or relapses in responders) was 30%. Patients who received SD vs. LD rituximab had better outcome with regard to short term response (OR 66 vs. 52%, CR 50 vs. 28%), relapse rate (38 vs. 54%), probability to achieve and maintain long‐term response (41 vs. 24%) and estimated 4‐years EFS (35 vs. 23%). Patients with a longer interval between diagnosis and rituximab therapy had worse EFS [HR = 1.005; 95%IC: (1.002–1.009), P = 0.019]. Three patients developed short‐term adverse events, two‐serum sickness, and one interstitial pneumonia. Four cases of malignancies and two herpes zoster reactivations were registered during long‐term follow‐up; one patient died for cerebral bleeding. Rituximab SD appears a safe and active agent allowing in nearly 40% of cases to achieve long‐term response and splenectomy sparing effect. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Candidate Surveys on Program Evaluation: Examining Instrument Reliability, Validity and Program Effectiveness

This self-study conducted by an urban college of education examined the effectiveness of its teacher education programs in emphasizing its social justice conceptual framework, as perceived by its teacher candidates. The study included development of an electronic survey based on the ten learning outcomes of the unit’s conceptual framework, and testing the internal consistency reliability and the construct validity of the survey items. The survey was administered to teacher education candidates who rated their program’s effectiveness in fulfilling the unit’s vision of preparing educators that are informed and empowered, committed, and engaged with students and their communities. We analyzed data from teacher candidates at mid or end points in their programs over two academic years. Our results indicated that the survey was a valid and reliable instrument for collecting candidates’ feedback on program improvement. Candidates’ feedback showed differences among the three programs in their emphasis on the conceptual framework. Additionally, there were some learning outcomes that were rated low in both years by the candidates, implying that some outcomes are being more successfully emphasized in the programs than others. These results were important feedback for the teacher education unit to move along the path of self-reflection and continuous improvement.
Morphological and functional implications of sexual dimorphism in the human skeletal thorax.

OBJECTIVES The human respiratory apparatus is characterized by sexual dimorphism, the cranial airways of males being larger (both absolutely and relatively) than those of females. These differences have been linked to sex-specific differences in body composition, bioenergetics, and respiratory function. However, whether morpho-functional variation in the thorax is also related to these features is less clear. We apply 3D geometric morphometrics to study these issues and their implications for respiratory function. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four hundred two landmarks and semilandmarks were measured in CT-reconstructions of rib cages from adult healthy subjects (Nmale = 18; Nfemale = 24) in maximal inspiration (MI) and maximal expiration (ME). After Procrustes registration, size and shape data were analyzed by mean comparisons and regression analysis. Respiratory function was quantified through functional size, which is defined as the difference of rib cage size between MI and ME. RESULTS Males showed significantly larger thorax size (p < .01) and functional size (p < .05) than females. In addition, the 3D-shape differed significantly between sexes (p < .01). Male rib cages were wider (particularly caudally) and shorter, with more horizontally oriented ribs when compared to females. While thorax widening and rib orientation were unrelated to allometry, thorax shortening showed a slight allometric signal. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are in line with previous research on sexual dimorphism of the respiratory system. However, we add that thorax shortening observed previously in males is the only feature caused by allometry. The more horizontally oriented ribs and the wider thorax of males may indicate a greater diaphragmatic contribution to rib cage kinematics than in females, and differences in functional size fit with the need for greater oxygen intake in males.
County Health Factors Associated with Avoidable Deaths from Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 2006–2010

Objective. Many cardiovascular deaths can be avoided through primary prevention to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors or better access to quality medical care. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between four county-level health factors and rates of avoidable death from CVD during 2006–2010. Methods. We defined avoidable deaths from CVD as deaths among U.S. residents younger than 75 years of age caused by the following underlying conditions, using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes: ischemic heart disease (I20–I25), chronic rheumatic heart disease (I05–I09), hypertensive disease (I10–I15), or cerebrovascular disease (I60–I69). We stratified county-level death rates by race (non-Hispanic white or non-Hispanic black) and age-standardized them to the 2000 U.S. standard population. We used County Health Rankings data to rank county-level z scores corresponding to four health factors: health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. We used Poisson rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare rates of avoidable death from CVD by health-factor quartile. Results. In a comparison of worst-ranked and best-ranked counties, social and economic factors had the strongest association with rates of avoidable death per 100,000 population from CVD for the total population (RR=1.49; 95% CI 1.39, 1.60) and for each racial/ethnic group (non-Hispanic white: RR=1.37; 95% CI 1.29, 1.45; non-Hispanic black: RR=1.54; 95% CI 1.42, 1.67). Among the non-Hispanic white population, health behaviors had the next strongest association, followed by clinical care. Among the non-Hispanic black population, we observed a significant association with clinical care and physical environment in a comparison of worst-ranked and best-ranked counties. Conclusion. Social and economic factors have the strongest association with rates of avoidable death from CVD by county, which reinforces the importance of social and economic interventions to address geographic disparities in avoidable deaths from CVD.
Mitochondrial DNA offers unique insights into invasion history of the common starling

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be a powerful genetic marker for tracing origins and history of invasive populations. Here, we use mtDNA to address questions relevant to the understanding of invasion pathways of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) into Western Australia (WA) and discuss the utility of this marker to provide information useful to invasive species management. Mitochondrial sequence data indicate two geographically restricted genetic groups within Australia. Evidence of dispersal from genetically distinct sources outside the sampled range of starlings in Australia suggests increased vigilance by management agencies may be required to prevent further incursions from widely separated localities. Overall, genetic diversity in Australia was lower than in samples from the native range. Within Australia, genetic diversity was lowest in the most recently colonized area in the west, indicating that demographic bottlenecks have occurred in this area. Evidence of restricted dispersal between localities on the edge of the range expansion (ERE) in WA and other Australian sampling localities suggests that localized control within the ERE may be effective in preventing further range expansion. Signatures of spatial and demographic expansion are present in mismatch analyses from sampling localities located at the ERE, but neutrality indices did not support this finding, suggesting that the former may be more sensitive to recent expansion. Additionally, mismatch analyses support the presence of admixture, which is likely to have occurred pre‐introduction. We compare our findings with those from a microsatellite study of the same samples and discuss how the mtDNA analyses used here offer valuable and unique insights into the invasion history of introduced species.
A Study of Management of Supracondylar Femur Fractures by Supracondylar Nail

Aims and Objective: To study the incidence and pattern of supracondylar femur fractures according to AO/ASIF classification, to assess the treatment and long-term functional outcome for supracondylar femoral fracture using retrograde nail. Methods: In the present study twenty supracondylar femur shaft fractures were treated by retrograde nail. Of these, four were females and sixteen were males, in the age group of 20 to 70 years. Fractures were classified according to Mullers. 40% were Type A2 fractures, 20% were Type A3, 20% were Type C1, 15% were Type C2 and 5% were Type C3. All the cases were operated with retrograde intramedullary nailing using patellar splitting approach. Results: Most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicles accidents associated with high energy trauma 12 cases (60%). Five were open fractures whereas fifteen were closed. The fractures were comminuted in 30% cases whereas 30% presented with a transverse pattern. 25% were oblique fractures and only one spiral fracture occurred in our series. The average range of knee motion in our series was 92.5 degrees. Knee stiffness occurred in one patient of type C3 fracture. There were two cases of significant shortening, one was 1.8 cms and the other was 3.1 cms, both occurred in type C2 comminuted fractures, it did not cause any morbidity and was corrected by shoe raise. The risk of infection and non-union were low. The incidence and severity of significant malunion was nil. It offers a short hospital stay, early mobilization and predictable healing. Conclusion: Supracondylar nail is an excellent option for management of supracondylar femur fractures even in those with intercondylar extension.
An exploration of participative motivations in a community-based online English extensive reading contest with respect to gender difference

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to describe an online community-based English extensive reading contest to investigate whether the participants’ intrinsic, extrinsic, and interpersonal motivations and learning results show significant gender differences. A total of 501 valid questionnaires (285 females and 216 males) from Taiwanese high school students and 15 interviewees from the students receiving awards were the subjects in this study. The findings show that females had a stronger participative intrinsic motivation, while males displayed a higher participative interpersonal motivation. Furthermore, female average scores were higher than the male ones on the comprehension tests. Even though the final results of the total scores for females were still higher than those of males, male scores for the interactivity tests were on average higher than those of females. The phenomena and implications behind the participative motivations are specifically discussed and explained.
Stock price pattern recognition-a recurrent neural network approach

Recurrent neural networks were applied to the recognition of stock patterns, and a method for evaluating the networks was developed. In stock trading, triangle patterns indicate an important clue to the trend of future change in stock prices, but the patterns are not clearly defined by rule-based approaches. From stock-price data for all names of corporations listed in the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, an expert called chart reader extracted 16 triangles. These patterns were divided into two groups, 15 training patterns and one test pattern. Using stock data from the past three years for 16 names, 16 recognition experiments in which the groups were cyclically used were carried out. The experiments revealed that the given test triangle was accurately recognized in 15 out of 16 experiments and that the number of the mismatching patterns was 1.06 per name on the average. A method was developed for evaluating recurrent networks with context transition performances, particularly temporal transition performances. The method for the triangle sequences is applicable to reducing mismatching patterns
The seasonal variation of basal metabolism and activity of thyroid gland in man.

1) Basal metabolism was measured on 9 male adults every month throughout one year or two in a room at uniform temperature. The metabolism undergoes seasonal changes, increasing progressively with getting cold and decreasing with getting warm. The average maximum range of this variation is 17.6% of the mean for the year in Kyoto, where the monthly mean atmospheric temperature shows a variation about 22.2°C. in a year.2) The changes in basal motabolism lag behind those in environmental temperature. Consequently the metabolism is higher in the spring than in the fall, even when the environmental temperature is the same.3) Monthly determinations of P. B. I. in serum were made on 4 subjects throughout one year, and similar seasonal variation to that in basal metabolism was found. The maximum content 7. 9γ% was found in January and the minimum of 4.7 r% in August. There is a clear positive correlation between metabolism and P. B. I.4) It was verified experimentally that both the basal metabolism and the concentration of serum P. B. I. can be reduced in parallel by changing the environmental temperature to a summer level (about 30°C.) from the winter cold (about 9°C.) and staying there over a week or so.5) From these, it is concluded that the thyroid activity present adaptative changes to seasonal changes of environmental temperature, and thus the seasonal alteration of basal metabolism is provoked.
AccountTrade: Accountable protocols for big data trading against dishonest consumers

We propose AccountTrade, a set of accountable protocols, for big data trading among dishonest consumers. To secure the big data trading environment, our protocols achieve book-keeping ability and accountability against dishonest consumers who may misbehave throughout the dataset transactions. Specifically, we study the responsibilities of the consumers in the dataset trading and design AccountTrade to achieve accountability against the dishonest consumers who may try to deviate from their responsibilities. Specifically, we propose uniqueness index, a new rigorous measurement of the data uniqueness, as well as several accountable trading protocols to enable data brokers to blame the dishonest consumer when misbehavior is detected. We formally define, prove, and evaluate the accountability of our protocols by an automatic verification tool as well as extensive evaluation in real-world datasets. Our evaluation shows that AccountTrade incurs negligible constant storage overhead per file (<10KB), and it is able to handle 8–1000 concurrent data uploading per server depending on the data types.