Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common Traits Spark the Mitophagy/Xenophagy Interplay

Selective autophagy contributes to the wellbeing of eukaryotic cells by recycling cellular components, disposing damaged organelles, and removing pathogens, amongst others. Both the quality control process of selective mitochondrial autophagy (Mitophagy) and the defensive process of intracellular pathogen-engulfment (Xenophagy) are facilitated via protein assemblies which have shared molecules, a prime example being the Tank-Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1). TBK1 plays a central role in the immunity response driven by Xenophagy and was recently shown to be an amplifying mechanism in Mitophagy, bring to attention the potential cross talk between the two processes. Here we draw parallels between Xenophagy and Mitophagy, speculating on the inhibitory mechanisms of specific proteins (e.g., the 18 kDa protein TSPO), how the preferential sequestering toward one of the two pathways may undermine the other, and in this way impair cellular response to pathogens and cellular immunity. We believe that an in depth understanding of the commonalities may present an opportunity to design novel therapeutic strategies targeted at both the autonomous and non-autonomous processes of selective autophagy.
Pommerman: A Multi-Agent Playground

We present Pommerman, a multi-agent environment based on the classic console game Bomberman. Pommerman consists of a set of scenarios, each having at least four players and containing both cooperative and competitive aspects. We believe that success in Pommerman will require a diverse set of tools and methods, including planning, opponent/teammate modeling, game theory, and communication, and consequently can serve well as a multi-agent benchmark. To date, we have already hosted one competition, and our next one will be featured in the NIPS 2018 competition track.
Effect of AAC partner training using video on peers’ interpretation of the behaviors of presymbolic middle-schoolers with multiple disabilities*

Abstract Children require consistent responses from partners to their presymbolic behaviors in order to increase the frequency and variety of these behaviors and eventually build symbolic language. This study served as an initial attempt to evaluate the effect of AAC training on typically-developing peers’ interpretation of the behavior of three students with multiple disabilities whose communication was presymbolic and idiosyncratic in nature. The study used a pretest–posttest control group design with 12 peers in each condition (i.e., experimental and control). During the pretest, peers in both groups were inaccurate in their interpretations of the behaviors of the students with multiple disabilities. During the posttest, peers who completed the training interpreted the behaviors of the students with multiple disabilities with statistically significantly higher accuracy than participants who did not complete the training. The training may be an effective intervention approach to increase the accuracy and consistency with which communication partners interpret the idiosyncratic behaviors of children with multiple disabilities. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of using such training to increase communication partners’ identification of and responsivity to idiosyncratic behaviors within the context of real-world interactions.
Optimal Scheduling for Electric Vehicles in a Power System with Distributed Photovoltaic Systems

The uncertain output of a photovoltaic (PV) system imposes a problem for the power system concerned to accommodate the PV generation. The energy-stored capability of electric vehicles (EVs) can be utilized to enhance the capability of accommodating PV generation locally. Given this background, an optimal scheduling strategy for EVs and PVs in dynamic time-of-use (TOU) tariff environment is proposed in this paper. The charging/discharging schedules are optimized by EV users/agents with the objective to minimize the charging cost and maximize the discharging profit. Then, the regional operator adjusts the schedule in order to enhance the usage of the PV power output locally. TOU tariffs are updated at set intervals, and can guide charging/discharging schedules of EVs so as to implement valley filling and peak shaving. Finally, a distribution system with 3 residential communities is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Morphology of the epithelium in the alimentary tract of the larval lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L.

The alimentary tract of the ammocoete of the lamprey, Petromyzon marinus L. , is divisible into three morphologically distinct regions: the oesophagus, the anterior intestine, and the posterior intestine. The epithelium of the oesophagus possesses mucous, ciliated, and columnar cells and appears to be specialized for movement of food particles. The epithelium of the anterior intestine possesses secretory cells with numerous zymogen granules, ciliated cells, and columnar‐absorptive cells. Although some absorption occurs in the anterior intestine, the main function of this region seems to be the release of digestive enzymes and the continued movement of food particles. The epithelium of the posterior intestine is entirely comprised of columnar absorptive cells, namely tall (light and dark) columnar and low columnar, and the primary function of this region is one of absorption. The epithelium of the hindgut resembles that of the archinephric duct (Youson and McMillan, '71).
Quantitative Comparison of Proteomes Using SILAC

Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) has become very popular as a quantitative proteomic method since it was firstly introduced by Matthias Mann's group in 2002. It is a metabolic labeling strategy in which isotope‐labeled amino acids are metabolically incorporated in vivo into proteins during translation. After natural (light) or heavy amino acid incorporation, differentially labeled samples are mixed immediately after cell lysis and before any further processing, which minimizes quantitative errors caused by handling different samples in parallel. In this unit, we describe protocols for basic duplex SILAC, triplex SILAC for use in nondividing cells such as neurons, and for measuring amounts of newly synthesized proteins. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Happily Unhelpful: Infants’ Everyday Helping and its Connections to Early Prosocial Development

Young children’s everyday helping in the home has received relatively little attention in research on prosocial behavior. Nevertheless, key features such as young children’s cheerful participation in chores around the home, including in ways that make accomplishing these chores more difficult for parents, can reveal important facets of early prosocial development. The present study reports the results of an Internet (MTurk) survey of over 500 families with children aged 1–4 years about their children’s prosocial tendencies, participation in nine common chores, whether children’s helping attempts were helpful or not, and attributions about children’s motives for helping. Consistent with much prior research, parents reported that children became more prosocial with age. The majority of parents reported children’s participation in everyday helping is at times unhelpful. Parents attributed children’s helping to a variety of motives and these too, changed with age. Fathers had somewhat different perceptions of children’s everyday helping than mothers. Results are discussed in terms of how understanding everyday helping can contribute to ongoing debates in the literature about the roots of prosocial behavior.
Tuberous sclerosis complex is required for tumor maintenance in MYC‐driven Burkitt's lymphoma

The tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 1/2 is a negative regulator of the nutrient‐sensing kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC1), and its function is generally associated with tumor suppression. Nevertheless, biallelic loss of function of TSC1 or TSC2 is rarely found in malignant tumors. Here, we show that TSC1/2 is highly expressed in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines and patient samples of human Burkitt's lymphoma, a prototypical MYC‐driven cancer. Mechanistically, we show that MYC induces TSC1 expression by transcriptional activation of the TSC1 promoter and repression of miR‐15a. TSC1 knockdown results in elevated mTORC1‐dependent mitochondrial respiration enhanced ROS production and apoptosis. Moreover, TSC1 deficiency attenuates tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Our study reveals a novel role for TSC1 in securing homeostasis between MYC and mTORC1 that is required for cell survival and tumor maintenance in Burkitt's lymphoma. The study identifies TSC1/2 inhibition and/or mTORC1 hyperactivation as a novel therapeutic strategy for MYC‐driven cancers.
Obesity does not significantly impact outcomes following simultaneous liver kidney transplantation: review of the UNOS database ‐ a retrospective study

Simultaneous liver kidney transplantation (SLK) is the only curative option for patients with combined end stage liver and kidney disease. With the global obesity epidemic, an increasing number of obese patients are in need of SLK. However, the impact of pre‐transplant obesity on outcomes after SLK is unknown. An analysis of the United States OPTN registry (Oct 1987 – June 2016) identified 7205 SLK transplants. Of these, 1677 patients were overweight/obese (OW, BMI 30–39) and 183 were morbidly obese (MO, BMI ≥40). 29% of patients had NASH in the MO group versus 16.4% and 4.7% in the OW and normal weight (NW) groups, respectively. The 1, 3 and 5 year overall patient survival, kidney and liver graft survivals were comparable between the three groups. Numerically higher rates of acute kidney rejection were reported in the MO group at 1 year [12.73%, 8.59%, and 10.05% for MO, OW and NW, respectively (P = 0.22)]. Multivariate analysis identified diagnosis of hepatitis C, donor age, diabetes mellitus, and delayed kidney transplant function but not BMI as risk factors for poor patient and both liver and kidney graft survival. Based on these findings, obesity should not be a contraindication for SLK even for patients with BMIs ≥ 40.
Lipodystrophy Is Common Among Ethiopian Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy but Is Not Associated With Quality of Life or Medication Adherence

Clinical experience suggests that lipodystrophy (LD) can have a profound impact on quality of life (QOL) and medication adherence (MA). Thus, a hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of LD and its association with QOL and MA. A total of 405 participants were included in the study. The majority of participants were female (64.5%), with a mean age of 35.69 years (SD = 9.63 years). The prevalence of LD was 30.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that type of regimen initially used is an independent predictor of severity of LD (adjusted odds ratio, 44.16; 95% confidence interval, 10.56-184.59; P =.001). Quality of life was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life short form instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), and medication adherence was assessed by self-report. The mean WHOQOL-BREF score of the participants was 53.48; the highest mean value was in the domain of physical health (68.56) and the lowest was in the social relationships domain (47.09). The majority of the patients scored lower (ie, in the lowest 5 deciles) in the domains of psychological health, social relationships, and environment compared with physical health. No differences in the WHOQOL-BREF measurements were observed, except in the environment domain, between patients with moderate LD and severe LD ( P =.02). The LD severity was not associated with self-reported MA ( P =.42). With the exception of the psychological health domain ( P =.044), participants’ WHOQOL-BREF scores were not significantly associated with MA. Lipodystrophy was not associated with QOL or MA. The prevalence of LD in the present study was within the range of previous reports; however, the mean WHOQOL-BREF score of Ethiopian patients in this study is lower compared with reports from developed countries.
Fundamentals on Base Stations in Cellular Networks: From the Perspective of Algebraic Topology

In recent decades, the deployments of cellular networks have been going through an unprecedented expansion. In this regard, it is beneficial to acquire profound knowledge of cellular networks from the view of topology so that prominent network performances can be achieved by means of appropriate placements of base stations (BSs). In our researches, practical location data of BSs in eight representative cities are processed with classical algebraic geometric instruments, including $ \alpha $-Shapes, Betti numbers, and Euler characteristics. At first, the fractal nature is revealed in the BS topology from both perspectives of the Betti numbers and the Hurst coefficients. Furthermore, log-normal distribution is affirmed to provide the optimal fitness to the Euler characteristics of real BS deployments.
Influence of environmental and genetic factors on 3‐hydoxypropionaldehyde production by Lactobacillus reuteri

The influence of environmental factors such as glycerol concentration, time of production, presence of Escherichia coli, and two different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC 55730 and ATCC 53608) on 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde (3‐HPA) production was analyzed. Additionally, the influence of those factors on gene expression in the 3‐HPA production pathway was evaluated. The genes studied were GldC, cbiP, and Lreu_1734. The results of this study showed that the principal environmental factors that influence 3‐HPA production are glycerol concentration and Lactobacillus reuteri strain. As glycerol concentration increased, 3‐HPA content increased. The greatest 3‐HPA concentration (56.6 mM ±5.99) was achieved by L. reuteri ATCC 55730. Gene expression was also affected by environmental factors. Factor that showed the greatest influence were also strain and glycerol concentration. The genes cbiP, GldC, and Lreu_1734 had basal gene expression in glycerol absence; however, glycerol regulated its expression. Glycerol induced overexpression of cbiP and GldC genes (Strain ATCC 53608), probably to ensure its efficient utilization. On the contrary, glycerol concentration suppressed Lre_1734 expression in both analyzed strains, as a mechanism for 3‐HPA accumulation. Down‐regulation was observed in all the genes tested in strain ATCC 55730, probably due to feedback inhibition by 3‐HPA.
Coinfections and comorbidities in African health systems: At the interface of infectious and noninfectious diseases

There is a disease epidemiological transition occurring in Africa, with increasing incidence of noninfectious diseases, superimposed on a health system historically geared more toward the management of communicable diseases. The persistence and sometimes emergence of new pathogens allows for the occurrence of coinfections and comorbidities due to both infectious and noninfectious diseases. There is therefore a need to rethink and restructure African health systems to successfully address this transition. The historical focus of more health resources on infectious diseases requires revision. We hypothesise that the growing burden of noninfectious diseases may be linked directly and indirectly to or further exacerbated by the existence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other infectious diseases within the population. Herein, we discuss the health burden of coinfections and comorbidities and the challenges to implementing effective and sustainable healthcare in Africa. We also discuss how existing NTD and infectious disease intervention programs in Africa can be leveraged for noninfectious disease intervention. Furthermore, we explore the potential for new technologies—including artificial intelligence and multiplex approaches—for diagnosis and management of chronic diseases for improved health provision in Africa.
Neuroglobin correlates with cryptochrome-1 in obstructive sleep apnea with primary aldosteronism

Background Neuroglobin (Ngb) is highly expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and can regulate Per1 gene expression. It is still not known whether Ngb also influences Cryptochrome (Cry). Cry is implicated in hypertension and primary aldosteronism (PA) in mice. There is a strong correlation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and PA. We propose to prove that Ngb and Cry play a role in OSA with PA. Methods Subjects were recruited consecutively from residents of Jakarta, Indonesia; subjects aged 30–65 years with moderate to severe OSA and hypertension were included in the study. OSA was diagnosed using an unattended type 2 portable monitor (Alice Pdx), hypertension was diagnosed when morning blood pressure exceeded 140/90 mmHg or when taking anti-hypertensive drugs. Serum concentration of aldosterone, renin, Cry1, Cry2 and Ngb protein were determined using ELISA method. Primary aldosteronism (PA) was defined as ARR ≥20. Results Forty subjects were recruited, 26 male and 14 female, median age 52.5 years, BMI 27.46 kg/m2, and AHI 34.8 times/hour. We found 16 subjects with PA and 24 non PA. Cry1 and Cry2 did not correlate with ARR in PA and non PA groups. Ngb correlated positively with Cry1 (Spearman’s rho = 0.455, p = 0.038) but not Cry2 in PA patients. Cry1 concentration decreased in severe hypoxia. Conclusions Ngb correlates with Cry1 in OSA with PA. There is no correlation between Cry1 or Cry2 with PA
The Phytogeographic History of Common Walnut in China

Common walnut (Juglans regia L.) is an economically important hardwood tree species cultivated worldwide for its high quality wood and edible nuts. It is generally accepted that after the last glaciation J. regia survived and grew in almost completely isolated stands in Asia, and that ancient humans dispersed walnuts across Asia and into new habitats via trade and cultural expansion. The history of common walnut in China is a matter of debate, however. We estimated the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of 31 walnut populations sampled across its Chinese range using 22 microsatellite markers (13 neutral and 9 non-neutral). Using historical data and population genetic analysis, including approximate Bayesian analysis (ABC), we reconstructed the demographic history of J. regia in China. The genetic data indicated the likely presence of J. regia in glacial refugia in the Xinjiang province (Northwest China), Northeastern China (Beijing, Shandong, and Changbai Mountains), Central China (Qinling and Baishan Mountains and Xi’an), and Southwestern China (Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces). Based on DIY-ABC analysis, we identified three ancient lineages of J. regia in China. Two lineages (subpopulation A and subpopulation B+C) diverged about 2.79 Mya, while Southwestern China, and Qinling and Baishan Mountains lineages diverged during the Quaternary glaciations (about 1.13 Mya). Remnants of these once-distinct genetic clusters of J. regia may warrant ecological management if they are to be retained as in situ resources. A population size expansion in Northeastern China was detected in the last five centuries. The present distribution of walnut in China resulted from the combined effects of expansion/contraction from multiple refugia after the Last Glacial Maximum and later human exploitation.
Homozygous in-frame deletion in CATSPERE in a man producing spermatozoa with loss of CatSper function and compromised fertilizing capacity

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Does a man (patient 1) with a previously described deficiency in principle cation channel of sperm (CatSper) function have a mutation in the CatSper-epsilon (CATSPERE) and/or CatSper-zeta (CATSPERZ) gene? SUMMARY ANSWER Patient 1 has a homozygous in-frame 6-bp deletion in exon 18 (c.2393_2398delCTATGG, rs761237686) of CATSPERE. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CatSper is the principal calcium channel of mammalian spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from patient 1 had a specific loss of CatSper function and were unable to fertilize at IVF. Loss of CatSper function could not be attributed to genetic abnormalities in coding regions of seven CatSper subunits. Two additional subunits (CatSper-epsilon (CATPSERE) and CatSper-zeta (CATSPERZ)) were recently identified, and are now proposed to contribute to the formation of the mature channel complex. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a basic medical research study analysing genomic data from a single patient (patient 1) for defects in CATSPERE and CATSPERZ. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The original exome sequencing data for patient 1 were analysed for mutations in CATSPERE and CATSPERZ. Sanger sequencing was conducted to confirm the presence of a rare variant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patient 1 is homozygous for an in-frame 6-bp deletion in exon 18 (c.2393_2398delCTATGG, rs761237686) of CATSPERE that is predicted to be highly deleterious. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The nature of the molecular deficit caused by the rs761237686 variant and whether it is exclusively responsible for the loss of CatSper function remain to be elucidated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Population genetics are available for a significant number of predicted deleterious variants of CatSper subunits. The consequence of homozygous and compound heterozygous forms on sperm fertilization potential could be significant. Selective targeting of CatSper subunit expression maybe a feasible strategy for the development of novel contraceptives. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by project grants from the MRC (MR/K013343/1 and MR/012492/1), Chief Scientist Office/NHS research Scotland. This work was also supported by NIH R01GM111802, Pew Biomedical Scholars Award 00028642 and Packer Wentz Endowment Will to P.V. L. C.L. R.B is the editor-in-chief of Molecular Human Reproduction, has received lecturing fees from Merck and Ferring, and is on the Scientific Advisory Panel for Ohana BioSciences. C.L. R.B was chair of the World Health Organization Expert Synthesis Group on Diagnosis of Male infertility (2012–2016).
Experimental Investigation of Surface Acoustic Wave Acoustoelectric Effect Using a Graphene Film on Lithium Niobate

Experimental results of the measured surface acoustic wave (SAW) acoustoelectric effect (AE) using single-layer thin-film graphene on 128°, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$Y$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-cut, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-propagating lithium niobate (128-LN) are presented. The use of an AE amplifier in SAW communication devices, especially in gigahertz bands, could make fundamental advancements in radios, sensors, and other applications. Experimental results at 1350 MHz show the delay line asymmetry of 3 dB, given as the ratio of the forward versus reverse peak SAW frequency response, with an applied dc voltage on the graphene film.
Role of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in the Assessment of Central Nervous System Agents

This work aimed to provide an understanding of the current use and regulatory acceptability of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in labeling claims for central nervous system (CNS) agents. A subset of CNS agents was identified from all New Drug Approvals and Biologic License Applications for new drugs approved in the US from January 2006 to June 2012. Clinician-reported outcomes (ClinROs) (62%) and PROs (38%) were the most widely used primary outcome measures. The PROs were frequently used in combination with ClinROs. Twelve PRO claims were granted across 41% of CNS drug approvals: 83%, symptoms; 17%, functioning. The PROs are frequently utilized as primary and secondary end points in CNS agents, and labeling claims are granted at higher levels than for non-CNS agents (41% vs 24%, respectively). These claims are granted at a lower rate than expected, given that direct patient input may lend valuable insight to treatment impacts in most CNS diseases.