Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloning and expression of a cAMP-activated Na+/H+ exchanger: evidence that the cytoplasmic domain mediates hormonal regulation.

The ubiquitous plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger (termed NHE1) is activated by diverse hormonal signals, with the notable exception of hormones acting through cAMP as second messenger. Therefore, the Na+/H+ exchanger found in the nucleated trout red cell is of particular interest since it is activated by catecholamines, forskolin, and cAMP analogues. We report here that a cloned cDNA encoding the red cell exchanger restores functional Na+/H+ activity when transfected into Na+/H+ antiporter-deficient fibroblasts (i.e., it regulates intracellular pH in a Na-dependent and amiloride-sensitive manner). This red cell exchanger represents an additional form of Na+/H+ exchanger (termed beta NHE), which is characterized by a specific cytoplasmic domain involved in activation by the cAMP-dependent signaling pathway. After transfection in the same cellular context, beta NHE, but not NHE1, is activated by cAMP or by hormones that increase cAMP levels. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of exchangers shows that beta NHE, but not NHE1, contains two clustered consensus motifs for phosphorylation by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A; PKA). A deletion mutant devoid of the C-terminal region of the cytoplasmic loop containing the two PKA sites restores Na+/H+ activity but is no longer activated by cAMP analogues or catecholamines. In red blood cells, the Na+/H+ exchanger is also activated by another pathway involving protein kinase C (PKC). Expression of beta NHE in fibroblasts shows that these two independent signaling pathways impinge on two distinct domains of the exchanger. The cytoplasmic segment containing PKA consensus sites, which is crucial for cAMP activation, is unnecessary for stimulation by PKC activators.
Structural Equation Models for Building Awareness and Acceptance of Public Participation in Thailand’s Comprehensive Urban Planning Procedures

A comprehensive planning procedure is the key for urban development. It is considered as a highly concrete approach to enable the enforcement of a comprehensive urban plan, which indicates the future direction of urban development. This study aims to develop Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to build perception and acceptance in civic society to participate in the comprehensive planning procedure of the SEM technique. Factors were identified that affect the perception and acceptance of public participation in urban planning procedures. The Baan Bueng District of Chonburi Province and the Khok Toom Community in Lopburi Province were selected as case studies because these areas were operating with comprehensive planning procedures at the time of the study. The study argued that planning model combines with participatory approach plays an important role in filling this gap. This method of planning procedures will need to be adapted with existing factors and influences in urban setting. A literature review of these factors was conducted to explain the empirical results that indicated most people lacked a knowledge and access to the information of urban planning to prepare for participation process. This study focuses on those residents who receive information or attitude to accept on a comprehensive urban planning procedures, which SEM is an instrument for analyzing development process in their areas and to participate in a comprehensive plan. From a preliminary analysis of the social-economic group with participation factors. The results showed that there is contras variation in negative with attitudes and accept of the urban planning procedures. In principle of a statistically significant result considering from the group’s participants in the planning procedures. The Respondents are volunteer group of community and elderly group, who had less education and unstable career prepared to the working group did not participate in any activities. Hence, people participation is the key in development of urban planning procedures, which stakeholders must participate in order to accept in the urban planning process. This forms of participation process in currently process is currently in progress, is considered at the first stages of participation concept and most abstract, affect in lower perception and acknowledgement of participation. In performing the many tasks required in this process the planning procedure is costly both in terms of processing time and budget. Local administrative agencies still need concrete decision-making tools and measures to overcome difficulties and obstacles.
Embryo reduction and birth weight discordance in dichorionic twins.

BACKGROUND Twin birth weight discordance is associated with a poor perinatal outcome. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk factors of growth discordance among dichorionic twin pregnancies. METHODS A cohort of 346 dichorionic twin pregnancies delivered at one perinatal centre between January 1996 and December 1999 was analysed. Two groups were created, according to the presence or absence of intra-pair birth weight discordance (n = 75 and 271 respectively). Birth weight discordance was defined as a difference of >/=20% of the weight of the heavier twin. The two groups were compared by uni- and multivariate analysis, with regard to the woman's characteristics, risk factors for growth restriction or discordance, and outcome of pregnancy. RESULTS Pregnancies with birth weight discordance had a poor outcome compared with pregnancies without discordance, with a 4-fold increase in neonatal mortality. The rate of iatrogenic embryo reduction was significantly higher in discordant pregnancies (14.7 versus 6.6%, P = 0.03). The risk of birth weight discordance was increased with a larger starting number of embryos before reduction [20.2% (64/317), 28.6% (6/21), 57.1% (4/7) and 100% (1/1) respectively, for an initial number of two (no reduction), three, four, and five embryos, P = 0.02]. In multivariate analysis, embryo reduction was the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of birth weight discordance [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.3 (1.0-5.2)]. CONCLUSIONS Birth weight discordance carries a poor perinatal outcome. Embryo reduction is an independent risk factor for birth weight discordance in dichorionic twins. This finding emphasises the need for better control of assisted reproductive technology in order to avoid high-order multiple pregnancies.
High Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Celiac Patients With Persistence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Gluten Withdrawal

OBJECTIVE:Celiac disease is a gluten-sensitive enteropathy with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestation, and most celiac patients respond to a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, in some rare cases celiacs continue to experience GI symptoms after GFD, despite optimal adherence to diet. The aim of our study was to evaluate the causes of persistence of GI symptoms in a series of consecutive celiac patients fully compliant to GFD.METHODS:We studied 15 celiac patients (five men, 10 women, mean age 36.5 yr, range 24–59 yr) who continued to experience GI symptoms after at least 6–8 months of GFD (even if of less severity). Antigliadin antibody (AGA) test, antiendomysial antibody (EMA) test, and sorbitol H2-breath test (H2-BT), as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with histological evaluation, were performed before starting GFD. Bioptic samples were obtained from the second duodenal portion during EGD, and histopathology was expressed according to the Marsh classification. To investigate the causes of persistence of GI symptoms in these patients, we performed AGA and EMA tests, stool examination, EGD with histological examination of small bowel mucosa, and sorbitol-, lactose-, and lactulose H2-breath tests.RESULTS:Histology improved in all patients after 6–8 months of GFD; therefore, refractory celiac disease could be excluded. One patient with Marsh II lesions was fully compliant to his diet but had mistakenly taken an antibiotic containing gluten. Two patients showed lactose malabsorption, one patient showed Giardia lamblia and one patient Ascaris lumbricoides infestation, and 10 patients showed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by lactulose H2-BT. We prescribed a diet without milk or fresh milk–derived foods to the patient with lactose malabsorption; we treated the patients with parasite infestation with mebendazole 500 mg/day for 3 days for 2 consecutive wk; and we treated the patients with SIBO with rifaximin 800 mg/day for 1 wk. The patients were re-evaluated 1 month after the end of drug treatment (or after starting lactose-free diet); at this visit all patients were symptom-free.CONCLUSIONS:This study showed that SIBO affects most celiacs with persistence of GI symptoms after gluten withdrawal.
Urgent need for warming experiments in tropical forests

Although tropical forests account for only a fraction of the planet's terrestrial surface, they exchange more carbon dioxide with the atmosphere than any other biome on Earth, and thus play a disproportionate role in the global climate. In the next 20 years, the tropics will experience unprecedented warming, yet there is exceedingly high uncertainty about their potential responses to this imminent climatic change. Here, we prioritize research approaches given both funding and logistical constraints in order to resolve major uncertainties about how tropical forests function and also to improve predictive capacity of earth system models. We investigate overall model uncertainty of tropical latitudes and explore the scientific benefits and inevitable trade‐offs inherent in large‐scale manipulative field experiments. With a Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 analysis, we found that model variability in projected net ecosystem production was nearly 3 times greater in the tropics than for any other latitude. Through a review of the most current literature, we concluded that manipulative warming experiments are vital to accurately predict future tropical forest carbon balance, and we further recommend the establishment of a network of comparable studies spanning gradients of precipitation, edaphic qualities, plant types, and/or land use change. We provide arguments for long‐term, single‐factor warming experiments that incorporate warming of the most biogeochemically active ecosystem components (i.e. leaves, roots, soil microbes). Hypothesis testing of underlying mechanisms should be a priority, along with improving model parameterization and constraints. No single tropical forest is representative of all tropical forests; therefore logistical feasibility should be the most important consideration for locating large‐scale manipulative experiments. Above all, we advocate for multi‐faceted research programs, and we offer arguments for what we consider the most powerful and urgent way forward in order to improve our understanding of tropical forest responses to climate change.
A physical comparison of chromosome III in six strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have tested the clones used in the European Yeast Chromosome III Sequencing Programme for possible artefacts that might have been introduced during cloning or passage through Escherichia coli. Southern analysis was performed to compare the BamHI, EcoRI, HindIII and PstI restriction pattern for each clone with that of the corresponding locus on chromosome III in the parental yeast strain. In addition, further enzymes were used to compare the restriction maps of most clones with the map predicted by the nucleotide sequence (Oliver et al., 1992). Only four of 506 6‐bp restriction sites predicted by the sequence were not observed experimentally. No significant cloning artefacts appear to disrupt the published sequence of chromosome III. The restriction patterns of six yeast strains have also been compared. In addition to two previously identified sites of Ty integration on chromosome III (Warmington et al., 1986; Stucka et al., 1989; Newlon et al., 1991), a new polymorphic site involving Ty retrotransposition (the Far Right‐Arm transposition Hot‐Spot, FRAHS) has been identified close to CRY1. On the basis of simple restriction polymorphisms, the strains S288C, AB972 and W303‐1b are closely related, while XJ24‐24a and J178 are more distant relatives of S288C. A polyploid distillery yeast is heterozygous for many polymorphisms, particularly on the right arm of the chromosome.
Repair of bone segment defects with surface porous fiber‐reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite prosthesis: Histomorphometric incorporation model and characterization by SEM

Background and purpose Polymer technology has provided solutions for filling of bone defects in situations where there may be technical or biological complications with autografts, allografts, and metal prostheses. We present an experimental study on segmental bone defect reconstruction using a polymethylmethacrylate‐(PMMA‐) based bulk polymer implant prosthesis. We concentrated on osteoconductivity and surface characteristics. Material and methods A critical size segment defect of the rabbit tibia in 19 animals aged 18–24 weeks was reconstructed with a surface porous glass fiber‐reinforced (SPF) prosthesis made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The biomechanical properties of SPF implant material were previously adjusted technically to mimic the properties of normal cortical bone. A plain PMMA implant with no porosity or fiber reinforcement was used as a control. Radiology, histomorphometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for analysis of bone growth into the prosthesis during incorporation. Results The radiographic and histological incorporation model showed good host bone contact, and strong formation of new bone as double cortex. Histomorphometric evaluation showed that the bone contact index (BCI) at the posterior surface interface was higher with the SPF implant than for the control. The total appositional bone growth over the posterior surface (area %) was also stronger for the SPF implant than for controls. Both bone growth into the porous surface and the BCI results were related to the quality, coverage, and regularity of the microstructure of the porous surface. Interpretation Porous surface structure enhanced appositional bone growth onto the SPF implant. Under load‐bearing conditions the implant appears to function like an osteoconductive prosthesis, which enables direct mobilization and rapid return to full weight bearing.
Preservation, origin and genetic imprint of extracellular DNA in permanently anoxic deep‐sea sediments

Molecular approaches that target the total DNA pool recovered from permanently anoxic marine ecosystems have revealed an extraordinary diversity of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. However, the presence of gene sequences contained within the extracellular DNA pool is still largely neglected. We have investigated the preservation, origin and genetic imprint of extracellular DNA recovered from permanently anoxic deep‐sea sediments of the Black Sea. Despite high DNase activities, huge amounts of total extracellular DNA were found in both the surface and subsurface sediment layers, suggesting reduced availability of the extracellular DNA pool to nuclease degradation. The reduced degradation of the total extracellular DNA was confirmed by its low decay rate and the high accumulation in the deeper sediment layers. The copy numbers of 16S and 18S rDNA contained within the extracellular DNA pool in both the surface and subsurface sediment layers was very high, indicating that permanently anoxic sediments of the deep Black Sea are hot spots of preserved extracellular gene sequences. The extracellular DNA recovered from these sediment layers also contained highly diversified 18S rDNA sequences. These were not only representative of the major protistan lineages, but also of new very divergent lineages, branching as independent clades at the base of the tree. Our findings indicate that the extracellular DNA pool is a major archive of present/past eukaryotic gene sequences, and they highlight the importance of integrating molecular cell‐oriented approaches with molecular analyses of the extracellular DNA pool, for a better assessment of microbial diversity and temporal changes in marine benthic ecosystems.
Acoustic basis of tuning fork tests.

OBJECTIVES To obtain pilot data to determine the feasibility of supporting or refuting a theory regarding lateralization of sound in conductive hearing loss and to describe the application of this theory to other tuning fork tests. DESIGN Controlled audiometric testing with and without a conductive hearing loss. SETTING A tertiary medical centre. METHODS Sound pressure levels in external auditory canals were measured during presentation of 40- and 50-dB bone-conducted stimuli. Measurements were taken from five normal male subjects before and after inducing a conductive hearing loss. OUTCOME MEASURES If sound intensity in the ear canal was greater in the unobstructed ear canal than the obstructed ear canal, the hypothesis was supported. The number of subjects required to provide definitive proof was calculated from the measured intensity difference with and without the conductive loss and the intrasubject variability of sound intensity measurements. The applicability of the theory to other tuning fork tests and auditory phenomena was explored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A total of 600 subjects would be required to provide evidence to support our theory using this method. The acoustic impedance mismatch-reflected sound theory could be applied to other tuning fork tests, but until further proof is available, it must be considered only a theory.
How to choose a committee based on agents' preferences?

This is an accompanying paper for an invited presentation at the 4th International Conference on Behavioral, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Computing (BESC-2017): There are numerous situations where people (or, more broadly, agents) need to select a set of individuals based on preferences of these people (these agents). For example, democratic societies elect parliaments, judges in competitions choose finalists, companies choose their advisory boards. In this talk we argue that such settings can be modeled in the language of multiwinner elections. Specifically, in a multiwinner election we are given a set of candidates, a set of voters (with preferences over the candidates), and a target committee size. The goal is to choose a subset of candidates of a given size, in a way that is most satisfying for the voters. We show that exact meaning of the phrase “most satisfying” strongly depends on the context, but we argue that the language of committee scoring rules is sufficiently rich to capture many interesting interpretations of this phrase.
Robust voice activity detection based on LSTM recurrent neural networks and modulation spectrum

Voice activity detection (VAD) used for classifying speech/non-speech sections of a speech signal still suffers from noisy environments. In this paper, we cooperate the modulation spectrum (MS) and the long short-term memory recurrent neural network (LSTM) to improve the robustness. The baseline LSTM used conventional speech features in training and classifying speech and non-speech sections. The proposed VAD system by using MS as another speech feature in order to increase the robustness. In addition, we propose a new approach for the computation of the MS feature. The results showed that the accuracy of using the proposed method can be improved under both seen and unseen noise conditions compared with the baseline technique.
Quality of Life in Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Summer vs Winter Scores

Objective: To compare perceived quality of life (QoL) in patients diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter and summer months. Methods: Twenty-six patients who were enrolled in an ongoing multicentre study in Canada completed 2 measures of QoL (the 20-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey [SF-20] and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire, [Q-LES-Q]) during the winter, when suffering from depression, and again during the summer months. Results: Both general and health-related QoL scores were significantly improved in patients with SAD during the summer months, with scores for the most part falling within normal range. Conclusions: Perceived QoL in patients with SAD is markedly impaired during the winter months but shows a substantial rebound during the summer months. The findings of this study provide further evidence that SAD is a distinct diagnostic entity.
Solubilization and other studies on adenylate cyclase of baker's yeast.

1. Adenylate cyclase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was sedimented from mechanically disintegrated preparations of yeast over an unusually wide range of centrifugal forces. 2. The enzyme was readily solubilized by Ficoll and by Lubrol PX. Lubrol caused a 2-fold activation. 3. Both particle-bound and Lubrol-solubilized enzyme had an apparent Km for ATP of 1.6 mM in the presence of 0.4 mM-cyclic AMP and 5 mM-MnCl2 at pH 6.2 and 30 degrees C. 4. The Lubrol-solubilized enzyme behaved on gel filtration as a monodisperse protein with an apparent mol.wt. of about 450000.
Polyphasic Analyses of Methanogenic Archaeal Communities in Agricultural Biogas Plants

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the microbial consortia participating in the generation of biogas, especially in methane formation, is still limited. To overcome this limitation, the methanogenic archaeal communities in six full-scale biogas plants supplied with different liquid manures and renewable raw materials as substrates were analyzed by a polyphasic approach. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was carried out to quantify the methanogenic Archaea in the reactor samples. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) was used to support and complete the FISH analysis. Five of the six biogas reactors were dominated by hydrogenotrophic Methanomicrobiales. The average values were between 60 to 63% of archaeal cell counts (FISH) and 61 to 99% of archaeal 16S rRNA gene copies (Q-PCR). Within this order, Methanoculleus was found to be the predominant genus as determined by amplified rRNA gene restriction analysis. The aceticlastic family Methanosaetaceae was determined to be the dominant methanogenic group in only one biogas reactor, with average values for Q-PCR and FISH between 64% and 72%. Additionally, in three biogas reactors hitherto uncharacterized but potentially methanogenic species were detected. They showed closest accordance with nucleotide sequences of the hitherto unclassified CA-11 (85%) and ARC-I (98%) clusters. These results point to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis as a predominant pathway for methane synthesis in five of the six analyzed biogas plants. In addition, a correlation between the absence of Methanosaetaceae in the biogas reactors and high concentrations of total ammonia (sum of NH3 and NH4+) was observed.
Treatment of acute leukemia in protected environment units

Thirty evaluable patients with acute leukemia (AL), aged 14 to 48‐years‐old, received remission induction chemotherapy on a protected environment‐prophylactic antibiotic program. Twenty‐seven (90%) of these patients achieved complete remission and 17 remained in complete remission for 1 to 22 months. Although these patients spent 36% of their time with neutrophil counts less than 100/mm3, they spent only 20% of their time with fever. Major infection was present during only 7% of the days when neutrophil count was less than 100/mm3. No patient died of an infectious complication during remission induction therapy. Cancer 44:431‐436, 1979.