Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rho GTPases and the Downstream Effectors Actin-related Protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) Complex and Myosin II Induce Membrane Fusion at Self-contacts*

Background: Normal epithelial cells remove self-junctions through membrane fusion. Results: Self-contact induced membrane fusion is regulated by Rho GTPases via myosin II and the Arp2/3 complex. Conclusion: Self-contact-induced membrane fusion requires Arp2/3 activity to bring membranes into close apposition to fuse. Significance: Understanding fusion between self-contacting membranes provides a mechanistic template for membrane fusion such as cell-to-cell fusion and phagocytosis. Actin regulation is required for membrane activities that drive cell adhesion and migration. The Rho GTPase family plays critical roles in actin and membrane dynamics; however, the roles of the Rho GTPase family are not limited to cell adhesion and migration. Using micron-sized obstacles to induce the formation of self-contacts in epithelial cells, we previously showed that self-adhesion is distinct from cell-to-cell adhesion in that self-contacts are eliminated by membrane fusion. In the current study, we identified Rho GTPases, RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, as potential upstream regulators of membrane fusion. The RhoA downstream effector myosin II is required for fusion as the expression of mutant myosin light chain reduced membrane fusion. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the Arp2/3 complex, a downstream effector of Rac1 and Cdc42, also reduced self-contact-induced membrane fusion. At self-contacts, while the concentration of E-cadherin diminished, the intensity of GFP-tagged Arp3 rapidly fluctuated then decreased and stabilized after membrane fusion. Taken together, these data suggest that the Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization brings two opposing membranes into close apposition by possibly excluding E-cadherin from contact sites, thus promoting membrane fusion at self-contacts.
Performance of maximal ratio combining digital on-channel repeater for terrestrial DMB/DAB

Maximal ratio combining (MRC) digital on-channel repeater (DOCR) has been developed for applications to terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and digital audio broadcasting (DAB). This MRC-DOCR is equipped with multiple receive antennas and single transmit antenna. The performance of MRC-DOCR has been evaluated by laboratory and field trial. It is shown that MRC-DOCR can relay high quality signals owing to its receive antenna diversity as well as excellent performance of channel equalization and feedback interference cancellation. The developed MRC-DOCR will facilitate long haul multi-hop relaying by maintaining the signal quality of original main transmitter. This will also facilitate the design and implementation of distributed translator.
Regulation of Antiprotease and Antimicrobial Protein Secretion by Airway Submucosal Gland Serous Cells*

Airway submucosal gland serous cells express the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and secrete antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant molecules. In cystic fibrosis, diminished gland secretion may impair innate airway host defenses. We used Calu-3 cells as a serous cell model to study the types of proteins released, the pathways that release them, and the possible involvement of CFTR activity in protein release. Many proteins were secreted constitutively into the apical fluid and showed increased release to agonists. We identified some of them by high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and reverse transcriptase PCR, including lysozyme, siderocalin (the protein NGAL), which inhibits bacterial growth by binding iron-containing siderophores, HSC-71, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and the serine protease inhibitors α-1-antitrypsin and α-1-antichymotrypsin, which may function as antimicrobials as well as play a potential role in diminishing the activation of epithelial Na+ channels by serine proteases. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify lysozyme secretion by Calu-3 cells in response to various agonists and inhibitors. Forskolin increased the lysozyme secretion rate (Jlyz) from 32 to 77 ng/hr/cm2 (n = 36, p < 0.005). Thapsigargin increased Jlyz from 40 to 63 ng/h/cm2 (n = 16, p < 0.005), and forskolin plus thapsigargin further increased the forskolin-stimulated Jlyz by 48% (n = 9, p < 0.05). 1-Ethyl-benzimidazolinone and carbachol were less effective. Glibenclamide inhibited basal and stimulated Jlyz, but clotrimazole was without effect. CFTRinh172 caused a small (15%) but significant inhibition of forskolin-stimulated Jlyz without affecting basal Jlyz. Thus, Calu-3 cells secrete diverse proteins that in aggregate would be expected to suppress microbial growth, protect the airways from damage, and limit the activation of epithelial Na+ channels via serine proteases.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of regional brain metabolite markers in FALS mice and the effects of dietary creatine supplementation

We investigated the effects of disease progression on brain regional neurochemistry in a mutant mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS; the G93A model) using in vivo and in vitro magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). There were numerous changes in the brain spectra that were brain region dependent. At early time points starting around 80 days of age there were increases in brain glutamate. At later time points there were more extensive changes including decreased N‐acetyl aspartate and glutamate and increased glutamine, taurine and myo‐inositol. The effects of the disease were most severe in spinal cord followed by medulla and then sensorimotor cortex. There were no changes noted in cerebellum as a control region. The effects of creatine supplementation in the diet (2%) were measured in wild‐type and FALS animals in medulla, cerebellum and cortex. The increase in brain creatine was largest in cerebellum (25%) followed by medulla (11%) and then cortex (4%), reflecting the ordering of creatine kinase activity. There was a protective effect of creatine on N‐acetyl aspartate loss in the medulla at late stages. Creatine supplementation had a positive effect on weight retention, leading to a 13% increase in weight between 120 and 130 days. MRS shows promise in monitoring multiple facets of neuroprotective strategies in ALS and ALS models.
The value of community-based tourism in Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia

ABSTRACT In the era of mass tourism, phenomena such as sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, rural tourism, eco-tourism, pro-poor tourism and community-based tourism are now increasingly under the research microscope. If established and managed correctly, these alternative forms of tourism have the potential to contribute towards sustainable community development and provide visitors with unique experiences. Few scholars have qualitatively addressed the growth of community-based tourism in South-East Asia. This study investigated the value of a community-based tourism project at Banteay Chhmar in north-west Cambodia, specifically the discourse of the project's members and the broader community. The objective of the study was to provide an ethnographic account of the community member's attitudes, opinions and beliefs concerning the perceived value and contribution of the project towards community development in their locality. The study initially relied on a literature review to conceptualise community-based tourism. Unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 30 stakeholders of the Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism Project. A narrative identifies the development of the project and provides samples of the respondents’ discourses. Findings from a thematic analysis of stakeholder responses indicated support of tourism and the overall operation of the project. Opinions were divided concerning the future growth of tourism and likely negative impacts on resident livelihoods. While some felt the project was relatively insular and lacked transparency, most identified the project's value as enhanced social capital, pride and a better sense of community. The findings show the project has positively contributed towards community development; however, before it can be considered a best practice example of community-based tourism, its financial sustainability, business practices and community support need to improve. The overall study serves as a valuable insight into themes promoting the merits and complications of community-based tourism, specifically in South-East Asia.
Challenges facing foster parent resource workers in Canada

Many different professional staff members in children's services systems interact with foster parents. In Canada, the title “resource worker” is used in many jurisdictions for those who work most directly and closely with licensed foster parents. There is, however, limited research on the experiences of resource workers. In the study, 68 resource workers from 14 agencies within a large metropolitan area in Canada were asked: “What challenges do you face as a foster parent resource worker? ” The results were analyzed using concept mapping methodology and resulted in nine concepts: balance diverse stakeholder needs, motivate foster parents, manage dual roles, respond to foster parent misconduct, deal with disagreements, maintain credibility, meet demands of organization, stay up to date on changes, and lack of support. The results were compared and contrasted with the available literature.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Women With Sexual Abuse Histories: A Pilot Study in a Community Mental Health Center

Depression among women with childhood sexual abuse histories has a chronic and treatment-refractory course, and is accompanied by high rates of comorbid illness and adult trauma exposures. Reducing the disproportionate burden of serious mental illness among depressed, traumatized women must be a priority in community mental health settings. Effective treatments are needed. The feasibility and effects of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for women with major depression and childhood trauma histories were tested. Twenty-five women in a community mental health center were enrolled in a 16-session course of IPT. Symptoms, functioning, and feasibility (e.g., participation rates) were measured at baseline, 10 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks. Fifteen of the 25 participants completed eight or more sessions. Significant improvements in depression and psychological functioning, but not in social functioning, were observed. Although a 16-session course of IPT appears feasible and promising, modifications may be needed to reduce barriers to care and enhance treatment potency.
Accommodation to current ramps in motoneurons of fast and slow twitch motor units.

1. The response of triceps surae motoneurons to linearly rising ramps of depolarizing current injected through intracellular micropipette electrodes has been studied in cats. Most of the data were obtained in animals anesthetized with pentobarbital but some units were studied in spinal unanesthetized preparations with anemic destruction of the brain. There were no essential differences in results from the two types of preparations.2. The speed of contraction of the muscle fibers innervated by the motoneurons studied was measured following stimulation of the cell through the intracellular micropipette. Motor units could then be classified into two groups, fast twitch or type F and slow twitch or type S, on the basis of the speed of contraction of the muscle fibers innervated.3. The presence or absence of accommodation in each motoneuron was determined based on the shape of the current-latency curve obtained during passage of linearly rising depolarizing currents of widely varying slope. About one half of t.
Increased incidence of serotype-1 invasive pneumococcal disease in young female adults in The Netherlands

SUMMARY Analysis of the Dutch national invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) surveillance data by sex reveals an increase in the incidence of serotype-1 disease in young female adults in The Netherlands after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in the national immunization schedule. This has led to an overall increase in IPD in women aged 20–45 years, which was not observed in men of the same age. No other differences in serotype shifts possibly induced by the introduction of PCV7 were observed between the sexes in this age group. Serotype 1 is a naturally fluctuating serotype in Europe and it has been associated with disease in young healthy adults before. It remains uncertain whether or not there is an association between the observed increase in serotype-1 disease in young female adults and the implementation of PCV7 in The Netherlands.
Phase II study of liposomal muramyl tripeptide in osteosarcoma: the cytokine cascade and monocyte activation following administration.

PURPOSE A phase II trial that uses liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE) in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma is underway. To determine if in vivo cytokine induction plays a role in the mechanism of action of L-MTP-PE, we investigated the circulating cytokine levels of 16 patients who were undergoing therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients had histologically proven osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastases that developed either during adjuvant chemotherapy or that were present at diagnosis and persisted despite chemotherapy. Patients were rendered disease-free by surgery. The major goal of the study was to improve the disease-free interval in this high-risk group. L-MTP-PE 2 mg/m2 was infused during a 1-hour period twice a week for 12 weeks, then once a week for 12 weeks. Serial blood samples were collected after L-MTP-PE administration and were assayed for cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF alpha] interleukin-1 alpha [IL-1 alpha], IL-1 beta, IL-6, interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma], neopterin, C-reactive protein). RESULTS After the infusion of L-MTP-PE, there was rapid induction of circulating TNF alpha and IL-6. TNF alpha levels peaked 1 to 2 hours after infusion in 10 of 16 patients, whereas peak IL-6 levels were detected at 2 to 3 hours in all patients. Induction of circulating TNF alpha and IL-6 was evident only after the first dose of L-MTP-PE. Neither IL-1 alpha nor IL-1 beta was detected in the plasma. Neopterin levels increased at 24 hours postinfusion, which indicated macrophage activation, and were not related to the induction of circulating IFN-gamma. C-reactive protein was elevated in all patients at 24 hours and decreased by 72 hours. Unlike circulating TNF alpha and IL-6, elevations in C-reactive protein and neopterin could be detected throughout the treatment course. CONCLUSION It is concluded that L-MTP-PE has specific biologic effects in patients with osteosarcoma that may be important to the drug's immunostimulatory capacity and its effectiveness as an antitumor agent.
Effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention program on portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis and obesity: The SportDiet study

Obesity increases the risk of clinical decompensation in cirrhosis, possibly by increasing portal pressure. Whether weight reduction can be safely achieved through lifestyle (LS) changes (diet and exercise) in overweight/obese patients with cirrhosis, and if weight loss reduces portal pressure in this setting, is unknown. This prospective, multicentric, uncontrolled pilot study enrolled patients with compensated cirrhosis, portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mm Hg), and body mass index (BMI) ≥26 kg/m2 in an intensive 16‐week LS intervention program (personalized hypocaloric normoproteic diet and 60 min/wk of supervised physical activity). We measured HVPG, body weight (BW) and composition, adipokines, health‐related quality of life, and safety data before and after the intervention. Changes in HVPG and BW were predefined as clinically relevant if ≥10% and ≥5%, respectively. Safety and BW were reassessed after 6 months. 60 patients were included and 50 completed the study (56 ± 8 years old; 62% male; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis etiology 24%; BMI 33.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2; Child A 92%; HVPG ≥10 mm Hg, 72%). LS intervention significantly decreased BW (average, –5.0 ± 4.0 kg; P < 0.0001), by ≥5% in 52% and ≥10% in 16%. HVPG also significantly decreased (from 13.9 ± 5.6 to 12.3 ± 5.2 mm Hg; P < 0.0001), by ≥10% in 42% and ≥20% in 24%. A ≥10% BW loss was associated with a greater decrease in HVPG (–23.7 ± 19.9% vs. –8.2 ± 16.6%; P = 0.024). No episodes of clinical decompensation occurred. Weight loss achieved at 16 weeks was maintained at 6 months; Child and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores did not change. Conclusion: Sixteen weeks of diet and moderate exercise were safe and reduced BW and portal pressure in overweight/obese patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. (Hepatology 2017;65:1293‐1305).
The influence of cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) on pituitary hormones, corticosterone and leptin levels in starved rats.

OBJECTIVE CART is involved in the control of food intake and hormonal secretion. We aimed to evaluate the effects of CART on hormonal profile in starved rats. METHODS Study group included 100 male rats. Under conditions of food limitation CART (55-102) was given centrally (icv) or peripherally (iv). Non-starved animals underwent identical procedure. Vehicle (aCSF or saline)-injected rats served and as a controls. 60 minutes after CART or vehicle administration blood was collected to assess pituitary hormones (LH, FSH, PRL, GH, ACTH, TSH), corticosterone and leptin concentrations. RESULTS Itracerebroventricular CART injection resulted in a significant increase in PRL, GH and corticosterone concentrations in non-starved rats compared with vehicle injected animals. However, in a group of starved animals only leptin levels were decreased in comparison with fasted controls. Peripheral CART administration caused a significant increase in PRL, GH and TSH levels in non-starved rats but no changes in investigated hormone levels were observed in starved animals when compared to saline injected controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that CART is able to modulate hormonal profile in a non-starved rats. However, the modulatory effect depends on the CART administration method. Interestingly, CART administration, both icv and iv, does not have an impact on pituitary hormones and corticosterone levels in a course of food limitation.
Efficient Implementation of Non-Uniform Refinement Levels in a Geometric Multigrid Finite Element Method for Electromagnetic Waves

We propose an efficient geometric multigrid (GMG) strategy for finite element (FE) meshes of non-uniform refinement levels. The suggested method exploits that levels of high resolution usually extend over small sub-domains only. By restricting all fine level smoothing operations to the corresponding partial meshes, memory consumption and operation count are kept at a minimum
Endoscopic Surgery for Young Athletes With Symptomatic Unicameral Bone Cyst of the Calcaneus

Background: Open curettage with bone graft has been the traditional surgical treatment for symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cyst. Endoscopic procedures have recently provided less invasive techniques with shorter postoperative morbidity. Hypothesis: The authors’ endoscopic procedure is effective for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Of 16 young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst, 13 underwent endoscopic curettage and percutaneous injection of bone substitute under the new method. Three patients were excluded because of short-term follow-up, less than 24 months. For the remaining 10 patients, with a mean preoperative 3-dimensional size of 23 × 31 × 35 mm as calculated by computed tomography, clinical evaluation was made with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale just before surgery and at the most recent follow-up (mean, 36.2 months; range, 24-51 months), and radiologic assessment was performed at the most recent follow-up, to discover any recurrence or pathologic fracture. Furthermore, the 10 patients—all of whom returned to sports activities—were asked how long it took to return to initial sports activity level after surgery. Results: Mean ankle-hindfoot scale score improved from preoperative 78.7 ± 4.7 points (range, 74-87) to postoperative 98.0 ± 4.2 points (range, 90-100) (P < .001). Pain and functional scores significantly improved after surgery (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). Radiologic assessment at most recent follow-up revealed no recurrence or pathologic fracture, with retention of injected calcium phosphate cement in all cases. All patients could return to their initial levels of sports activities within 8 weeks after surgery (mean period, 7.1 weeks; range, 4-8 weeks), which was quite early as compared with past reports. Conclusion: Endoscopic curettage and injection of bone substitute appears to be an excellent option for young athletes with symptomatic calcaneal bone cyst for early return to sports activities, because it has the possibility to minimize the risk of postoperative pathologic fracture and local recurrence after early return to initial level of sports activities.
Successful Conservative Management of Trimethoprim Induced Life-Threatening Hyperkalaemia in a Patient with Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia

Co-trimoxazole is a combination antibiotic made up of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole that is first line treatment for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Hyperkalaemia is a relatively common side effect of the trimethoprim component of co-trimoxazole but it is not well recognised by clinicians. The mechanism of action causing hyperkalaemia due to trimethoprim is similar to the potassium sparing diuretic effect of amiloride. It has been suggested on this basis that the hyperkalaemia can be reversed by the administration of furosemide and 0.9% saline to promote kaliuresis. We present what we believe to be the first published case of successfully managing trimethoprim induced hyperkalaemia with furosemide and 0.9% saline allowing the continued use of co-trimoxazole to treat severe PJP.
The Exact Distribution of the Condition Number of a Gaussian Matrix

Suppose $G_{p\times n}$ is a real random matrix whose elements are independent and identically distributed standard normal random variables. Let $W_{p\times p}=G_{p\times n}^{}G_{n\times p}^{{\scriptscriptstyle\mathsf{T}}}$, which is the usual Wishart matrix. In addition, let $\lambda_{1}>\lambda_{2}>\cdots>\lambda_{p}>0$ and $\sigma_{1}>\sigma_{2}>\cdots>\sigma_{p}>0$ denote the distinct eigenvalues of the matrix $W_{p\times p}$ and singular values of $G_{p\times n}$, respectively. The 2-norm condition number of $G_{p\times n}$ is $\kappa_{2}(G_{p\times n})=\sqrt{\lambda_{1}/\lambda_{p}}=\sigma_{1}/\sigma_{p}$, the square root of the ratio of largest to smallest eigenvalues of the Wishart matrix. In this article we derive an exact expression, albeit somewhat complex, for the probability density function of $\kappa_{2}(G_{p\times n})$.