Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Substance P (SP) enhances CCL5‐induced chemotaxis and intracellular signaling in human monocytes, which express the truncated neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R)

Substance P (SP) is a potent modulator of monocyte/macrophage function. The SP‐preferring receptor neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R) has two forms: a full‐length NK1R (NK1R‐F) isoform and a truncated NK1R (NK1R‐T) isoform, which lacks the terminal cytoplasmic 96‐aa residues. The distribution of these receptor isoforms in human monocytes is not known. We previously identified an interaction among SP, NK1R, and HIV viral strains that use the chemokine receptor CCR5 as a coreceptor, suggesting crosstalk between NK1R and CCR5. The purpose of this study was to determine which form(s) of NK1R are expressed in human peripheral blood monocytes and to determine whether SP affects proinflammatory cellular responses mediated through the CCR5 receptor. Human peripheral blood monocytes were found to express NK1R‐T but not NK1R‐F. SP interactions with NK1R‐T did not mobilize calcium (Ca2+), but SP mobilized Ca2+ when the NK1R‐F was transfected into monocytes. However, the NK1R‐T was functional in monocytes, as SP enhanced the CCR5 ligand CCL5‐elicited Ca2+ mobilization, a response inhibited by the NK1R antagonist aprepitant. SP interactions with the NK1R‐T also enhanced CCL5‐mediated chemotaxis, which was ERK1/2‐dependent. NK1R‐T selectively activated ERK2 but increased ERK1 and ERK2 activation by CCL5. Activation of NK1R‐T elicited serine phosphorylation of CCR5, indicating that crosstalk between CCL5 and SP may occur at the level of the receptor. Thus, NK1R‐T is functional in human monocytes and activates select signaling pathways, and the NK1R‐T‐mediated enhancement of CCL5 responses does not require the NK1R terminal cytoplasmic domain.
Impact of medically assisted fertility on preterm birth

Preterm birth is a frequent problem in women who undergo treatment for infertility. Many factors appear to contribute to the occurrence of this complication. Infertile women seem to have a predisposition to giving birth preterm and to having low birthweight babies. These complications also occur in women with a history of infertility who achieve pregnancy without treatment and who have singleton pregnancies. Assisted reproduction patients treated with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have a disproportionately high occurrence of preterm births even with singleton pregnancies. Spontaneous preterm labour may be related to underlying medical conditions of the female partner, as its occurrence is not increased in subjects treated with ICSI (i.e. when the infertility problem is associated with male reproductive dysfunction in normal female partners). Multiple pregnancy is the factor most likely to be related to preterm birth in infertile women. The administration of drugs to induce ovulation either alone or combined with intrauterine insemination causes a significant increase in multiple pregnancies. The occurrence of higher order multiple pregnancy is also increased. Multiple pregnancy in women undergoing IVF or ICSI is related to the number of embryos transferred at the end of treatment. The transfer of more than two embryos in women under 35 is not associated with an increased chance of conception, while the occurrence of multiple pregnancy is significantly increased. Women over 40 may benefit from the transfer of more than two embryos, with fewer risks of multiple pregnancy. Single embryo transfer is increasingly considered a workable clinical option, particularly in young women. Hopefully, a more cautious approach to infertility management will reduce the occurrence of multiple pregnancy, spontaneous preterm labour and the high number of low birthweight infants born after treating these women.
Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Strategies for the Management of CKD: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Quality improvement interventions have enhanced care for other chronic illnesses, but their effectiveness for patients with CKD is unknown. We sought to determine the effects of quality improvement strategies on clinical outcomes in adult patients with nondialysis-requiring CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We conducted a systematic review of randomized trials, searching Medline and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care database from January of 2003 to April of 2015. Eligible studies evaluated one or more of 11 prespecified quality improvement strategies, and prespecified study outcomes included at least one process of care measure, surrogate outcome, or hard clinical outcome. We used a random effects model to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR; dichotomous data) or the mean difference (continuous data). RESULTS We reviewed 15 patient-level randomized trials (n=3298 patients), and six cluster-randomized trials (n=30,042 patients). Quality improvement strategies reduced dialysis incidence (seven trials; RR, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.74 to 0.97) and LDL cholesterol concentrations (four trials; mean difference, -17.6 mg/dl; 95% CI, -28.7 to -6.5), and increased the likelihood that patients received renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (nine trials; RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.27). We did not observe statistically significant effects on mortality, cardiovascular events, eGFR, glycated hemoglobin, and systolic or diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement interventions yielded significant beneficial effects on three elements of CKD care. Estimates of the effectiveness of quality improvement strategies were limited by study number and adherence to quality improvement principles. PODCAST This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2017_09_06_CJASNPodcast_17_10. mp3.
Utilisation du virus de la rougeole en virothérapie anti-tumorale

Malgre des ameliorations constantes, les therapies anti-tumorales conventionnelles (chirurgie, chimiotherapie ou radiotherapie) demeurent parfois inefficaces. La virotherapie anti-tumorale apparait comme une strategie therapeutique alternative. Elle repose sur les proprietes de certains virus qui presentent naturellement ou apres modification la capacite de cibler les cellules tumorales sans affecter les cellules saines. La souche vaccinale du virus de la rougeole (MV) presente ainsi de facon naturelle de telles proprietes oncolytiques contre plusieurs cancers grâce au ciblage de la molecule CD46, surexprimee par certaines cellules tumorales. J'ai ainsi montre que le virus MV pouvait cibler de facon specifique des cellules de mesotheliome in vitro et de melanome, d'adenocarcinomes pulmonaires et colorectaux in vitro et in vivo. L'infection de ces cellules par le virus MV provoque leur mort dans un contexte immunogene permettant le developpement d'une reponse immunitaire via la maturation des cellules dendritiques et l'activation de lymphocytes T. L'immunogenicite de la mort cellulaire depend de la production et de la liberation de molecules de danger. J'ai notamment montre que le virus MV induisait la production de la proteine Hsp70, la translocation de calreticuline vers la surface cellulaire et la liberation de HMGB-1 dans le milieu extracellulaire par les cellules tumorales infectees. L'implication du systeme immunitaire permettrait notamment d'ameliorer l'activite oncolytique directe du virus MV. Ces resultats apportent de nouveaux arguments pour l'utilisation du virus MV dans le cadre de traitements anti-tumoraux contre les cancers resistants aux therapies actuelles.
Heritability at the Species Level: Analysis of Geographic Ranges of Cretaceous Mollusks

Geographic range has been regarded as a property of species rather than of individuals and thus as a potential factor in macroevolutionary processes. Species durations in Late Cretaceous mollusks exhibit statistically significant positive relationships with geographic range, and the attainment of a typical frequency distribution of geographic ranges in the cohort of species that originated just before the end-Cretaceous extinction indicates that species duration is the dependent variable. The strong relation between geographic ranges in pairs of closely related species indicates that the trait is, in effect, heritable at the species level. The significant heritabilities strengthen claims for processes of evolution by species-level selection, and for differential survivorship of organismic-level traits owing to extinction and origination processes operating at higher levels.
Seafood types and age-related cognitive decline in the Women's Health Study.

BACKGROUND Seafood consumption may prevent age-related cognitive decline. However, benefits may vary by nutrient contents in different seafood types. We examined associations between total seafood consumption and cognitive decline and whether these associations differ by seafood types. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of 5,988 women (mean age, 72 years) from the Women's Health Study who self-reported seafood intake at Women's Health Study baseline and also participated in telephone assessments of general cognition, verbal memory, and category fluency administered 5.6 years after Women's Health Study baseline and 2 and 4 years thereafter. Primary outcomes were standardized composite scores of global cognition and verbal memory. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, different amounts of total seafood consumption were not associated with changes in global cognition (p = .56) or verbal memory (p = .29). Considering seafood types, however, compared with women consuming less than once-weekly tuna or dark-meat finfish, those with once-weekly or higher consumption had significantly better verbal memory (0.079 standard units; p < .01) after 4 years-a difference comparable to that for women 2.1 years apart in age. There was also a statistically nonsignificant suggestion of better global cognition (p = .13) with once-weekly or higher tuna or dark-meat fish consumption. No significant associations were observed for light-meat finfish or shellfish. CONCLUSIONS The relation of seafood to cognition may depend on the types consumed. Total consumption levels of seafood were unrelated to cognitive change. However, consumption of tuna and dark-meat fish once weekly or higher was associated with lower decline in verbal memory for a period of 4 years.
Frequency-domain analysis of a mixer-first receiver using conversion matrices

The analysis of a mixer-first receiver using conversion matrices is presented. Conversion matrices provide a systematic approach to analyze linear periodically time-varying (LPTV) circuits. Using conversion matrices of LPTV components in a frequency domain equivalent circuit allows analysis similar to a linear time invariant (LTI) circuit. For example, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws, impedance combination rules, etc., can all be used in such equivalent circuits. On applying this method to a mixer-first receiver, a common LPTV circuit, results already established in prior art are reproduced accurately. Further, effects of a few important non-idealities, such as clock overlaps, imperfect clock edges and parasitic components that were not considered previously, are also calculated and verified.
The Wnt Signaling Receptor Lrp5 Is Required for Mammary Ductal Stem Cell Activity and Wnt1-induced Tumorigenesis*

Canonical Wnt signaling has emerged as a critical regulatory pathway for stem cells. The association between ectopic activation of Wnt signaling and many different types of human cancer suggests that Wnt ligands can initiate tumor formation through altered regulation of stem cell populations. Here we have shown that mice deficient for the Wnt co-receptor Lrp5 are resistant to Wnt1-induced mammary tumors, which have been shown to be derived from the mammary stem/progenitor cell population. These mice exhibit a profound delay in tumorigenesis that is associated with reduced Wnt1-induced accumulation of mammary progenitor cells. In addition to the tumor resistance phenotype, loss of Lrp5 delays normal mammary development. The ductal trees of 5-week-old Lrp5-/- females have fewer terminal end buds, which are structures critical for juvenile ductal extension presumed to be rich in stem/progenitor cells. Consequently, the mature ductal tree is hypomorphic and does not completely fill the fat pad. Furthermore, Lrp5-/- ductal cells from mature females exhibit little to no stem cell activity in limiting dilution transplants. Finally, we have shown that Lrp5-/- embryos exhibit substantially impaired canonical Wnt signaling in the primitive stem cell compartment of the mammary placodes. These findings suggest that Lrp5-mediated canonical signaling is required for mammary ductal stem cell activity and for tumor development in response to oncogenic Wnt effectors.
Palatal myoclonus: A report of two cases

Palatal myoclonus is a relatively rare condition in which the palatal muscles undergo continuous rhythmic contractions. The clonus is most commonly bilateral and often may produce a clicking sound in the ear of the patient. The sound may be heard by the examiner. The rate of the contractions may vary from 10 to 240 per minute. "Muscular tinnitus" is a term applied to the clicking sound, which resembles that made by the snapping together of two fingernails. It has not been established whether the sound is produced by the Eustachian tube snapping open or snapping shut; however, from our observations (described in the first case report) we believe the sound is produced by the tube snapping shut.
Localization to the Golgi complex of Uukuniemi virus glycoproteins G1 and G2 expressed from cloned cDNAs

The membrane glycoproteins G1 and G2 of Uukuniemi virus, a bunyavirus, accumulate in the Golgi complex (GC) during virus infection. These proteins have therefore been considered to be good models for studying the intracellular transport to and retention in the GC. In this study, I have used indirect immunofluorescence to localize in COS cells the Uukuniemi virus glycoproteins G1 and G2 expressed together or separately from cloned cDNAs with use of simian virus 40-based vectors. When expressed together from the full-length cDNA, G1 and G2 were correctly translocated, processed, and targeted to the GC, indicating that the information for GC targeting resides in the proteins. When the proteins were expressed separately, G1 was transported to the GC and retained there. In contrast, G2 could not be detected in the GC but was most probably retained and finally degraded in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, in cells cotransfected with G1 and G2 cDNAs, the proteins could both again be found in the GC. These results suggest that G1 is a responsible for targeting to and retention of the Uukuniemi virus glycoproteins in the GC. G2 would thus accumulate in the GC by virtue of its binding to G1.
Restoring Facial Shape in Face Lifting: The Role of Skeletal Support in Facial Analysis and Midface Soft-Tissue Repositioning (Baker Gordon Sympsium Cosmetic Series)

Summary: Aesthetic analysis in facial rejuvenation has traditionally been subordinate to technical solutions. While concerns regarding correction of facial laxity, a reduction in the depth of the nasolabial fold, and improvement of both the jowl and the jawline are worthy goals in rhytidectomy, the aesthetic concept of restoring facial shape to a more youthful appearance is equally important. Restoring facial shape in face lifting requires an understanding of how the face ages and then the formulation of a treatment plan that is individualized for the patient. Re-establishment of facial contour is significantly influenced by the re-elevation of descended facial fat through superficial musculoaponeurotic system manipulation; it can be approached through a variety of technical solutions. Underlying skeletal support affects not only the appearance of the face in youth but also how the face ages and influences the operative plan in terms of the requirements for fat repositioning. Formulating a treatment plan that is patient specific and based on the artistic goals as influenced by skeletal support is the key element for consistency in restoring facial shape in face lifting.
Single-Stage AC/DC Boost–Forward Converter With High Power Factor and Regulated Bus and Output Voltages

Unlike existing single-stage AC/DC converters with uncontrolled intermediate bus voltage, a new single-stage AC/DC converter achieving power factor correction (PFC), intermediate bus voltage output regulation, and output voltage regulation is proposed. The single-power-stage circuit is formed by integrating a boost PFC converter with a two-switch-clamped forward converter. The current stress of the main power switches is reduced due to separated conduction period of the two source currents flowing through the power switch. A dual-loop peak-current-mode controller is proposed to achieve PFC and ensure independent bus voltage and output voltage regulations. Experimental results on a 24-V/100-W hardware prototype are given to confirm the theoretical analysis and performance of the proposed converter. The converter has conversion efficiency ranging from 86% to 92% at full-load condition.
Voice over IP in the German Research Network : Challenges and Solutions

The goal of this paper is to provide some feedback on a VoIP project in the German research network. During the last couple of years we build up and managed an unusual large testbed for VoIP applications in Germany. Several universities, research institutes, and companies tied together to allow a common usage to different local VoIP installations. The primary goal of the tests was to identify problems emerging in such large installations. We evaluated the quality of service requirements of VoIP transmissions as well as to examine the interoperability of different VoIP components. Additionally, as a very main part of the investigations, the call routing possibilities were tested including redundancy options. This resulted in a reconfiguration of the whole VoIP network several times. A short discussion on current security questions around the voice over IP employment is rounding up the paper.
Why Don’t We Do It in the Field: Vidalia onion Producer Perspective son Harvest, Sort, and Storage Technologies

Onion (Allium cepa) is a major crop worldwide and one of the three largest and most highly valued fresh vegetable crops in the U.S. The rapid growth in demand for Vidalia onions, arguably America’s preferred sweet onion, has been a remarkable success story of lucrative niche marketing of a value-added vegetable crop in the U.S. However, many post-harvest production challenges remain in the onion industry. Vidalia onions are prone to bruising and with more than 60 postharvest diseases, losses can reach up to 50% annually. Through semistructured focused group interviews, industry members’ perceptions on the needs for and possibilities of emerging postharvest technologies summarized. The long term goal of this project is to enhance onion postharvest handling efficiency and reduce storage losses via a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary research and extension effort integrating two major themes: (i) improve the efficiency and efficacy of onion quality inspection by integrating x-ray and hyper spectral imaging systems at the packing house; (ii) reduce storage losses by developing appropriate and innovative gas sensing and tracing technique. We provide a perspective on the social impact of the new technologies. The research should contribute to outreach and technology transfer efforts that support producer and processor decisions to install advance devices in their operations, that is, to ensure that the new technologies will truly benefit stakeholders. Current quality control is largely reliant on human visual inspection which fails to detect numerous internal onion defects; a looming labor shortage, increased global competition, and growing consumer expectations demands further improved and efficient technologies to perform this crucial step in quality control. Why Don’t We Do It in the Field Vidalia Onion Producer Perspectives on Harvest, Sort, and Storage Technologies
Ethereum Smart Contracts: Security Vulnerabilities and Security Tools

Ethereum represents the second generation of blockchain technology by providing an open and global computing platform which allows the exchange of cryptocurrency (Ether) and the development of self-verifying smart contract applications. Smart contracts present a foundation for possessing digital assets and a variety of decentralized applications within the blockchain area. Ethereum and smart contracts are public, distributed and immutable, as such, they are prone to vulnerabilities sourcing from simple coding mistakes of developers. Motivated by the security breaches and recurring financial losses in smart contracts, we aim to advance the field of security in smart contract programming. The main objective is to aid smart contract developers by providing a taxonomy of all known security issues and by inspecting the security code analysis tools used to identify those vulnerabilities. Based on previous research as well as attacks on Ethereum smart contracts, we propose an updated taxonomy which categorizes all known vulnerabilities within their architectural and severity level. Our second proposed taxonomy is a novel categorization of security tools on Ethereum. Furthermore, we conduct the investigation of security code analysis tools on Ethereum by assessing their effectiveness and accuracy. In particular, we analyze four security tools, namely, Oyente, Securify, Remix, and SmartCheck. The results indicate that there are overall inconsistencies between the tools on different security properties. SmartCheck outperformed the other tools in terms of effectiveness, whereas Oyente performed the best in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, based on the limitations we identified, we propose future improvements within the user interfaces, interpretation of results, and additional vulnerability checks.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the unfolding of barnase

Abstract The folding/unfolding pathway of barnase has been studied extensively using the protein engineering method, which has provided indirect structural information for the transition state and the major folding intermediate. To further characterize the structural properties of the intermediate, we have simulated the thermal denaturation of barnase beginning from the average NMR structure. Our results indicate that there are at least two intermediates on the unfolding pathway. The three hydrophobic cores are partially formed in the major intermediate ( I 1 ), with core 1 and core 3 being slightly stronger than core 2 . Helix α 1 is substantially formed, with the center being stronger than the termini. The first turn of α 2 is lost and α 3 is unfolded. The center of the β-sheet is substantially formed, but the edges are disrupted. These structural characteristics are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental data. For semi-quantitative comparison with experimental data, the extent of native structure of individual residues is characterized by a structure index, S , that reflects both secondary and tertiary structure. There is good agreement between S and the experimentally measured Φ values, which are based on energetics, except for three residues. These residues are polar and non-conservative mutations were made to obtain Φ values, which can complicate structural interpretations. These residues make strong side-chain interactions in I 1 , but the backbone structure is disrupted, leading to low S values. Thus, this discordance highlights possible limitations in both the Φ value and S value analyses: strong polar interactions in the intermediate may give rise to high Φ values that are not reflective of structure per se ; however, due to sampling limitations, any one simulation is not expected to capture all of the features of the true conformational ensemble. In any case, these simulations provide an experimentally testable, atomic-level structural model for the major folding intermediate of barnase, as well as the detailed pathway from the native to the intermediate state.