Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Static, Dynamic, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Techniques on Flexibility

63 college women served as subjects in this 7-wk. study examining the effects of static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitating stretching techniques on the flexibility of the hamstring-gastrocnemius muscles. Subjects were assigned to one of the 3 treatment groups and received treatment 3 days a week. A pretest, a midtest (after 11 treatment days), and a posttest (after 21 treatment days) were administered. Analysis of group and test effects was accomplished by using a 3 × 3 factorial design with the group factor nested and the test factor crossed. Post hoc analysis indicated that all scores significantly improved from pretest to posttest. The findings indicated all 3 methods of flexibility training produced significant improvements when pretest and posttest mean scores were compared.
The variant undecapeptide sequence of the Arcanobacterium pyogenes haemolysin, pyolysin, is required for full cytolytic activity.

The cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are characterized by an undecapeptide sequence (ECTGLAWEWWR) that is located near the C terminus and within domain 4 of these proteins. Pyolysin (PLO), the CDC of Arcanobacterium pyogenes, has a variant undecapeptide sequence (EATGLAWDPWW). Site-directed mutants were constructed in undecapeptide residues in a recombinant PLO molecule containing a hexahistidine tag (His-PLO). Mutations in each of the three undecapeptide tryptophan residues resulted in low haemolytic activity, confirming the importance of these residues in the protein. Deletion of a proline residue (P(499)), inserted in PLO, or substitution of this residue with either phenylalanine or glycine resulted in mutant proteins with undetectable or low haemolytic activities, indicating that P(499) is essential for His-PLO haemolytic activity. Substitution of the PLO undecapeptide sequence with a consensus undecapeptide resulted in a His-PLO protein with only 0.1% activity, confirming that the variant PLO undecapeptide is required for the full cytolytic activity of this toxin. The presence of the conserved undecapeptide cysteine residue either alone (His-PLO.C(492)) or in a consensus sequence resulted in His-PLO molecules which were activated in the presence of reducing compounds, confirming the importance of this residue in the thiol-activated nature of many CDC toxins. The ability of His-PLO mutant proteins to bind cholesterol mimicked haemolytic activity, with the exception of His-PLO.C(492), which, despite having reduced haemolytic activity, showed an increased ability to bind cholesterol compared to His-PLO. Despite reductions in haemolytic activity and cholesterol-binding, all mutant proteins were still able to bind to erythrocyte membranes, suggesting that other regions of PLO may recognize host-cell membranes, through receptors other than cholesterol.
Optical Waveguides on Three Material Platforms of Silicon-on-Insulator, Amorphous Silicon and Silicon Nitride

Optical waveguides on three material platforms of silicon-on-insulator (SOI), amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and silicon nitride are analyzed for realization of an optical compact link compatible with CMOS technology. The three material properties are presented. The optical components on the three potential material platforms are put together for a comparison, in which, straight, bent waveguides, and multimode-interference beam splitters for an optical link are designed, fabricated, and measured. The comparison results of simulation and measurement show that a-Si:H has a similar performances with SOI material but lower cost and good feasibility of photonic integration on silicon.
Breast milk HIV-1 suppression and decreased transmission: a randomized trial comparing HIVNET 012 nevirapine versus short-course zidovudine

Objective:To compare the effect of perinatal regimens of short-course nevirapine (HIVNET 012) and zidovudine [Thai-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regimen] on breast milk viral shedding and perinatal transmission during the first 6 weeks postpartum in a randomized clinical trial. Design:Randomized clinical trial. Methods:Pregnant HIV-1 seropositive women in Nairobi, Kenya who planned to breastfeed were randomized to HIVNET 012 or Thai-CDC regimens. Two to four breast milk samples were collected each week between delivery and 6 weeks postpartum. Breast milk HIV-1 RNA was quantified using the Gen-Probe TMA assay. Infants were tested for HIV-1 DNA at birth and 6 weeks. Results:From March to October 2003, 76 women were enrolled and 795 breast milk samples were collected from 60 women who were randomized and followed after delivery. Between 3 and 21 days postpartum, nevirapine was associated with significantly greater suppression of breast milk log10 HIV-1 RNA: days 3 to 7 (1.98 versus 2.42, P = 0.1); days 8 to 14 (1.78 versus 2.48, P = 0.005); days 15 to 21 (1.90 versus 2.97, P = 0.003). At 6 weeks, the HIV-1 perinatal transmission rate was significantly lower among those who took nevirapine than zidovudine (6.8% versus 30.3%, P = 0.02). Conclusions:Compared to a peripartum zidovudine regimen, nevirapine was significantly more likely to decrease HIV-1 RNA in breast milk during the first week and through the third week postpartum following single-dose administration, and corresponded with decreased transmission risk at 6 weeks. Sustained breast milk HIV-1 suppression may contribute to the ability of nevirapine to decrease perinatal transmission of HIV-1.
Early neuroblasts are pluripotential: Colocalization of neurotransmitter and neuropeptides

This study was undertaken in order to establish the presence of pluripotential neuroblasts in the developing chick CNS. This has been suggested by our previous observations that expression of emerging neuronal phenotypes in the chick embryo CNS is affected by exposure to neurotrophic substances (i.e., GHRH, SRIF, NGF, EGF, muscle‐derived factors) or neurotoxins such as ethanol. We have proposed that one mechanism whereby these substances elicit their effects is by shifting phenotypic expression in populations of pluripotential neuroblasts. In order to establish the presence of significant populations of pluripotential neuroblasts, cultures obtained from 3‐day‐old whole chick embryos (E3WE) were doublestained with antibodies to markers specific for four neuronal phenotypes in various permutations. Cultures at 6 DIV were tested for the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and somatostatin (SRIF) alone, and in various combinations. We observed a colocalization of all phenotypic markers within neuronal perikarya and processes in more than fifty percent of neuronal cells in these cultures. These data suggest that developing neuroblasts at this stage of embryogenesis possess the machinery necessary to adopt multiple neuronal phenotypes. The colocalization of neurotransmitter proteins in early neuroblasts (60 hr of embryogenesis) supports the recent concept that these substances themselves may influence phenotypic expression and also supports our idea that microenvironmental factors (i.e., ethanol, growth factors) provide signals which affect emerging phenotypes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An exploratory study of the differences in prior travel experience and tourist information sources

The information search of potential travelers is an important component of tourism. Essentially, it is how travelers learn about tourism destinations, which affects their decision whether or not to visit. The primary purpose of this visitor inquiry study is to group inquirers based on their prior travel to the study destination and total travel. Then, the study examines differences across the different groups of travelers based on prior travel experience and the usefulness of various information sources. Results reveal differences between prior travel experience groups and the importance of previous trips to the study destination, relatives, and official visitors guide as sources of information. Implications for convention and visitor bureaus are discussed.
National Borders, Trade and Migration

The paper first extends and reconciles recent estimates of the strikingly large effect of national borders on trade patterns. Estimates comparing trade among Canadian provinces with that between Canadian provinces and U.S. states show interprovincial trade in 1988-90 to have been more than twenty times as dense as that between provinces and states, with some evidence of a downward trend since, due to the post-FTA growth in trade between Canada and the United States. Using approximate data for the volumes and distances of internal trade in OECD countries, the 1988-92 border effect for unrelated OECD countries is estimated to exceed 12. Both types of data confirm substantial border effects, even after accounting for common borders and language, with the directly-measured data for interprovincial and province-state trade producing higher estimates. " Initial estimates from a census-based gravity model of interprovincial and international migration show a much higher border effect for migration, with interprovincial migration among the Anglophone provinces almost 100 times as dense as that from U.S. states to Canadian provinces. Effects of migration on subsequent trade patterns are found for international but not for interprovincial trade, suggesting the existence of nationally-shared networks the large national border effects for trade flows.
Address Correspondence and Reprint Requests to Professor

Recent evidence suggests that the predominant astrocyte glutamate transporter, GLT-1/ Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 (EAAT2) is associated with mitochondria. We used primary cultures of mouse astrocytes to assess co-localization of GLT-1 with mitochondria, and tested whether the interaction was dependent on neurons, actin polymerization or the kinesin adaptor, TRAK2. Mouse primary astrocytes were transfected with constructs expressing V5-tagged GLT-1, pDsRed1-Mito with and without dominant negative TRAK2. Astrocytes were visualized using confocal microscopy and co-localization was quantified using Volocity software. Image analysis of confocal z-stacks revealed no co-localization between mitochondria and GLT-1 in pure astrocyte cultures. Co-culture of astrocytes with primary mouse cortical neurons revealed more mitochon-dria in processes and a positive correlation between mito-chondria and GLT-1. This co-localization was not further enhanced after neuronal depolarization induced by 1 h treatment with 15 mM K +. In pure astrocytes, a rho kinase inhibitor, Y27632 caused the distribution of mitochondria to astrocyte processes without enhancing GLT-1/mitochondrial co-locali-zation, however, in co-cultures, Y27632 abolished mitochon-drial:GLT-1 co-localization. Disrupting potential mitochondrial: kinesin interactions using dominant negative TRAK2 did not alter GLT-1 distribution or GLT-1: mitochondrial co-localiza-tion. We conclude that the association between GLT-1 and mitochondria is modest, is driven by synaptic activity and dependent on polymerized actin filaments. The glutamate transporter GLT-1 [known as Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 in humans] is an abundant astrocyte plasma membrane protein, with a critical role in maintaining L-glutamate homeostasis in the central nervous system, accounting for at least 95% of all glutamate uptake in the CNS (Danbolt 2001; Jiang and Amara 2011; Vandenberg and Ryan 2013). Astrocyte glutamate transporters limit glutamate receptor activation (Huang and Bergles 2004) and control glutamate synaptic transmission, particularly under conditions of high-frequency stimulation of neurons (Beart and O'Shea 2007; Beurrier et al. 2009). Activity of astrocyte glutamate transporters controls the glutamate:glutamine cycle which is required for neurons to maintain adequate levels of glutamate for transmission (Uwechue et al. 2012). Sodium ions which enter astrocytes during glutamate uptake are actively extruded, at the expense of ATP synthesized in mitochondria. A large portion of the brain's ATP turnover is required to remove glutamate from the synaptic cleft (Sibson This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
From frontotemporal lobar degeneration pathology to frontotemporal lobar degeneration biomarkers

Abstract Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an increasingly recognized cause of dementia. This review discusses the different FTD clinical syndromes and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathological correlates as well as new genetic and proteomic findings that have added to our understanding of FTLD pathogenesis. Various diagnostic modalities including the use of biomarkers will also be addressed. Finally we will highlight future directions in the FTD field. More research is needed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in FTLD and improve clinical diagnostic capabilities.
Suboptimal palliative sedation in primary care: an exploration

Abstract Objectives: Palliative sedation is a therapeutic option to control refractory symptoms in terminal palliative patients. This study aims at describing the occurrence and characteristics of suboptimal palliative sedations in primary care and at exploring the way general practitioners (GPs) experience suboptimal palliative sedation in their practice. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study with a quantitative prospective survey in primary care and qualitative semi-structured interviews with GPs. The research team defined suboptimal palliative sedation as a time interval until deep sleep >1.5 h and/ or >2 awakenings after the start of the unconsciousness. Descriptive statistics were calculated on the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. Results: We registered 63 palliative sedations in 1181 home deaths, 27 forms were completed. Eleven palliative sedations were suboptimal: eight due to the long time span until deep sleep; three due the number of unintended awakenings. GPs’ interview analysis revealed two major themes: the shifting perception of failure and the burden of responsibility. Conclusions: Suboptimal palliative sedation occurs frequently in primary palliative care. Efficient communication towards family members is needed to prevent them from having unrealistic expectations and to prevent putting pressure on the GP to hasten the procedure. Sharing the burden of decision-making during the procedure with other health care professionals might diminish the heavy responsibility as perceived by GPs.
Alterations in ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits during binge cocaine self‐administration and withdrawal in rats

Chronic cocaine use in humans and animal models is known to lead to pronounced alterations in glutamatergic function in brain regions associated with reinforcement. Previous studies have examined ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) subunit protein level changes following acute and chronic experimenter‐administered cocaine or after withdrawal periods from experimenter‐administered cocaine. To evaluate whether alterations in expression of iGluRs are associated with cocaine reinforcement, protein levels were assessed after binge (8 h/day, 15 days; 24‐h access, days 16–21) cocaine self‐administration and following 2 weeks of abstinence from this binge. Western blotting was used to compare levels of iGluR protein expression (NR1–3B, GluR1–7, KA2) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN), nucleus accumbens (NAc), striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rats. iGluR subunits were altered in a time‐dependent manner in all brain regions studied; however, selective alterations in certain iGluR subtypes appeared to be associated with binge cocaine self‐administration and withdrawal in a region‐specific manner. In the SN and VTA, alterations in iGluR protein levels compared with controls occurred only following binge access, whereas in the striatum and PFC, iGluR alterations occurred with binge access and following withdrawal. In the NAc, GluR2/3 levels were increased following withdrawal compared with binge access, and were the only changes observed in this region. Because subunit composition determines the functional properties of iGluRs, the observed changes may indicate alterations in the excitability of dopamine transmission underlying long‐term biochemical and behavioral effects of cocaine.
Can Trust Effects on Development Be Generalized? A Response by Quantile

While the beneficial effects of social trust on economic performance have been largely recognized, we analyze if these effects can be generalized for economies at different stages of economic development and for different time horizons. Contrary to previous studies on this issue based on average effects (mostly considering ordinary least squares estimations), we follow a quantile regression approach, which enables to capture heterogeneous effects of trust, which are dependent on the level of development. By considering data of 80 countries and using trust indicators from five different waves of the World Values Survey (WVS), our results by quantile indicate that high-growth processes are strongly influenced by the previous stock of trust available in the country, and that trust is less relevant for the poorest economies. This would suggest, not only that trust effects cannot be generalized for all countries, as some previous studies suggested, but also that the implications of trust for short and long term development actually differ.
Cytokines and tuberculosis

The evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an intracellular pathogen has led to a complex relationship between it and its host, the human mononuclear phagocyte. The products of M. tuberculosis–specific T lymphocytes are essential for macrophage activation for intracellular mycobacterial killing. However, some cytokines, including products of both lymphocytes and phagocytic cells, may contribute to enhanced mycobacterial survival and replication. In human immunodeficiency virus‐associated tuberculosis, cytokine products may mediate enhanced susceptibility to tuberculosis as well as accelerated progression to AIDS. Better understanding of these interactions will allow the development of increasingly specific immune‐based interventions for prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. J. Leukoc. Biol. 55: 676–681; 1994.
Peripherally inserted central catheters: a report of 2506 catheter days.

BACKGROUND The establishment of reliable central venous access is essential in the management of patients with major complications, including pneumothorax and hemopneumothorax. Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer advantages over traditional central venous approaches, PICC lines are associated with a number of insertion and maintenance problems, including clotting and catheter fracture. These complications often result in catheter removal before completion of prescribed therapy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in a convenience sample of 322 consecutively placed PICC lines. Study variables included size of catheter, tip placement, infused solutions, patient diagnosis, and unit of line placement. The rationale for line discontinuance as well as for complication rates is described. RESULTS Complication rates for infection and central venous thrombosis were less than 1%. Phlebitis occurred in 9.7% of patients, and catheter fracture occurred in 9.7% of patients. Two distinct clusters of phlebitis, early and late development, were observed. Early phlebitis is attributable to the mechanics of insertion, and late phlebitis is attributable to chemical and patient-specific causes. Catheter fractures were primarily related to tearing of the catheter during insertion or traction on the catheter-hub junction (51.6%). CONCLUSIONS The majority of published data about PICC lines is in the area of chemotherapy or antibiotic infusion. Our study supports the use of PICC lines in patients receiving a variety of solutions, primarily parenteral nutrition. With an experienced, team approach to catheter placement and maintenance, PICC lines provide reliable, cost-effective venous access and reduce many of the complications of central venous access in a variety of clinical settings.
Antibiotic sensitivity and sodium chloride susceptibility patterns of Flavobacterium columnare isolated from clinical columnaris in cultured Clarias gariepinus

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, especially with the backdrop of the development of possible environmental and public health hazards. Flavobacterium columnare has been observed to be multi-drug resistant but highly susceptible to sodium chloride, hence the need for susceptibility profiling. Therapeutic efficacy of commonly used antibiotics and sodium chloride was tested in-vitro against four isolates of F. columnare using the disc diffusion and the pour plate methods, respectively. Comparative in-vivo testing was performed on experimentally infected Clarias gariepinus juveniles in 11 groups of 15 fish each. Nine groups were treated with 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% NaCl for 5, 10 and 30 min each. A tenth group was exposed to 25 mg L-1 ciprofloxacin for 1 h by immersion, while the eleventh group was not treated (positive control). Growth inhibition was observed to be highest with ciprofloxacin followed by ofloxacin and tetracycline in that order, and also in all NaCl concentrations. There was no mortality in the infected fish groups treated with 25 mg L-1 ciprofloxacin, 1% NaCl, and 2 to 3% NaCl for 5 and 10 min only. However, 46.7 ± 9.4 % mortality observed in 3 % NaCl treatment for 30 min was significantly higher than the 23.3 ± 4.6% observed in 2 % NaCl for 30 min, but not significantly different from the positive control with 36.7±4.7 % mortality. Since short duration sodium chloride bath was found to be effective in the control of columnaris disease, 1% salt disinfection of fry and fingerling stock for 30 min could be incorporated into routine management in catfish hatchery, without the fear of environmental or public health hazards. Key words: Antibiogram, columnaris disease, sodium chloride, susceptibility.
FlashReport Implicit learning of social predictions

Please cite this article in press as: Heerey, E. doi:10.1016/j.jesp. 2010.01. 003 Humans exchange a range of nonverbal social signals in every interaction. It is an open question whether people use these signals, consciously or unconsciously, to guide social behavior. This experiment directly tested whether participants could learn to predict another person’s behavior using nonverbal cues in a single interaction, and whether explicit knowledge of the cue–outcome relationship was necessary for successful prediction. Participants played a computerized game of rock–paper–scissors against an avatar they believed was another participant. Sometimes the avatar generated a predictive facial cue before the play. On these trials, participants’ win-frequency increased over time, even if they did not acquire explicit knowledge of the predictive cue. The degree to which participants could predict the avatar (wins on cued trials) related to their self-reported liking of the avatar. These findings demonstrate the importance of implicit associative learning mechanisms in guiding social behavior on a moment-to-moment basis during interaction. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.