Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B (gB) at the Acidic Cluster Casein Kinase 2 Site (Ser900) Is Required for Localization of gB to the trans-Golgi Network and Efficient Virus Replication

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB), encoded by the UL55 open reading frame, is an essential envelope glycoprotein involved in cell attachment and entry. Previously, we identified residue serine 900 (Ser900) as a unique site of reversible casein kinase 2 phosphorylation in the cytoplasmic domain of HCMV gB. We have also recently shown that gB is localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in HCMV-permissive cells, thereby identifying the TGN as a possible site of virus envelopment. The aim of the current study was to determine the role of Ser900 phosphorylation in transport of gB to the TGN and in HCMV biogenesis. Recombinant HCMV strains were constructed that expressed gB molecules containing either an aspartic acid (gBAsp900) or alanine residue (gBAla900) substitution at Ser900 to mimic the phosphorylated or nonphosphorylated form, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis of the trafficking of gB mutant molecules in fibroblasts infected with the HCMV recombinants revealed that gBAsp900 was localized to the TGN. In contrast, gBAla900 was partially mislocalized from the TGN, indicating that phosphorylation of gB at Ser900 was necessary for TGN localization. The increased TGN localization of gBAsp900 was due to a decreased transport of the molecule to post-TGN compartments. Remarkably, the substitution of an aspartic acid residue for Ser900 also resulted in an increase in levels of progeny virus production during HCMV infection of fibroblasts. Together, these results demonstrate that phosphorylation of gB at Ser900 is necessary for gB localization to the TGN, as well as for efficient viral replication, and further support the TGN as a site of HCMV envelopment.
Brain functional connectivity changes in children that differ in impulsivity temperamental trait

Impulsivity is a core personality trait forming part of normal behavior and contributing to adaptive functioning. However, in typically developing children, altered patterns of impulsivity constitute a risk factor for the development of behavioral problems. Since both pathological and non-pathological states are commonly characterized by continuous transitions, we used a correlative approach to investigate the potential link between personality and brain dynamics. We related brain functional connectivity of typically developing children, measured with magnetic resonance imaging at rest, with their impulsivity scores obtained from a questionnaire completed by their parents. We first looked for areas within the default mode network (DMN) whose functional connectivity might be modulated by trait impulsivity. Then, we calculated the functional connectivity among these regions and the rest of the brain in order to assess if impulsivity trait altered their relationships. We found two DMN clusters located at the posterior cingulate cortex and the right angular gyrus which were negatively correlated with impulsivity scores. The whole-brain correlation analysis revealed the classic network of correlating and anti-correlating areas with respect to the DMN. The impulsivity trait modulated such pattern showing that the canonical anti-phasic relation between DMN and action-related network was reduced in high impulsive children. These results represent the first evidence that the impulsivity, measured as personality trait assessed through parents' report, exerts a modulatory influence over the functional connectivity of resting state brain networks in typically developing children. The present study goes further to connect developmental approaches, mainly based on data collected through the use of questionnaires, and behavioral neuroscience, interested in how differences in brain structure and functions reflect in differences in behavior.
Estimation of Contaminant Subslab Concentration in Vapor Intrusion Including Lateral Source–Building Separation

Most current vapor‐intrusion screening models employ the assumption of a subsurface homogenous source distribution, and groundwater data obtained from nearby monitoring wells are usually taken to reflect the source concentration for several nearby buildings. This practice makes it necessary to consider the possible influence of lateral source–building separation. In this study, a new way to estimate subslab (nonbiodegradable) contaminant concentration is introduced that includes the influence of source offset with the help of a conformal transform technique. Results from this method are compared with those from a three‐dimensional numerical model. Based on this newly developed method, a possible explanation is provided here for the great variation in the attenuation factors of the soil vapor concentrations of groundwater‐to‐subslab contaminants found in the EPA vapor‐intrusion database.
Molecular Investigation of Lymph Nodes in Colon Cancer Patients Using One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA)

A new diagnostic system, called one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA), has recently been designed to detect cytokeratin 19 mRNA as a surrogate for lymph node metastases. The objective of this prospective investigation was to compare the performance of OSNA with both standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis and intensive histopathology in the detection of colon cancer lymph node metastases.
Detection of perioperative myocardial infarction with ischemia-modified albumin

We assessed the perioperative pattern of serum ischemia-modified albumin and its role as a myocardial ischemia indicator for early detection of perioperative myocardial infarction in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Venous blood samples were collected from 63 consecutive patients before the operation, immediately after the operation, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were analyzed using an albumin cobalt binding test. The patients were divided into 2 groups retrospectively, according to the occurrence of perioperative myocardial infarction. The serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were compared between groups. The levels peaked immediately after the operation, followed by a gradual regression, but remained elevated during the first 24 h in all patients. The occurrence of perioperative myocardial infarction was identified in 10 patients who had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin levels at 3 h postoperatively and slower regression rates. Perioperative serum ischemia-modified albumin levels might be helpful in predicting perioperative myocardial infarction.
Event-related current density in primary insomnia.

Using Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA), event-related current density was investigated in 14 patients with primary insomnia and 14 controls matched for age, gender and education level. All subjects were rated on the Athens Insomnia Scale, the Hyperarousal Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. They also completed the Selective Reminding Test and the Continuous Attention Test. Only minor elevations on depression scales were found in patients. The Continuous Attention Test did not reveal any between group differences. However, insomniacs required more trials before all the Selective Reminding Test items were learned. Insomniacs showed less event-related current density in orbitofrontal, medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex, i.e. brain regions of relevance for cognition and affect. Earliest group differences appeared in the P1 time range and then were observed at the N1, N2 and P3 stages of stimulus processing. These stimulus processing differences correlated most consistently with severity of insomnia. Neuropsychological impairment correlated most strongly with less current density in Brodmann area 10.
Are Thought Experiments Just What You Thought?

Whatever the original intent, the introduction of the term ‘thought experiment’ has proved to be one of the great public relations coups of science writing. For generations of readers of scientific literature, the term has planted the seed of hope that the fragment of text they have just read is more than mundane. Because it was a thought experiment, does it not tap into that infallible font of all wisdom in empiricist science, the experiment? And because it was conducted in thought, does it not miraculously escape the need for the elaborate laboratories and bloated budgets of experimental science? These questions in effect pose the epistemological problem of thought experiments in the sciences: Thought experiments are supposed to give us information about our physical world. From where can this information come? One enticing response to the problem is to imagine that thought experiments draw from some special source of knowledge of the world that transcends our ordinary epistemic resources.
The Reputations Legislators Build: With Whom Should Representatives Collaborate?

How do legislators build the reputations they use in bids for reelection? Do they use their personal reputations or associate with other legislators? And how do parties, coalitions, and institutions affect these decisions? Research on how electoral systems affect parties in legislatures frequently focuses on the extent to which electoral rules make legislators more or less ideologically convergent with respect to other members of the chamber—copartisan and not. However, finding equilibrium strategies is often possible only under restrictive institutional and spatial assumptions. Instead of viewing ideology spatially, we conceive of ideological reputations as currencies, used to purchase electoral support in transactions we liken to auctions. In our test of the model, we use bill cosponsorship patterns as an indicator of the reputations incumbents use to purchase electoral support. We show that under relatively common institutional conditions, legislators may have strong incentives to cultivate reputations they must share with their toughest electoral competitors.
The SFN Gain in Non-interfered and Interfered DVB-H Networks

The single frequency network mode (SFN) is one of the benefits of DVB-H network. In addition to the possibility to use only one frequency in given area, the reception of the same contents via two or more radio paths provides with SFN gain which enhances the quality of service whenever the respective sites are located inside the SFN limits. If the same frequency is used outside the theoretical SFN area, the sites that exceed the relative guard distance converts as interfering sources. This paper describes a simulation method for the investigation of the SFN gain in non-interfered network as well as in the environment with SFN interferences. Also simulation results and analysis with the most logical network parameter set is presented.
Experience of Virgen De Las Nieves University Hospital in LiverTransplantation Using Uncontrolled and Controlled Donors after CardiacDeath

The imbalance between the number of candidates to liver transplantation (LT) and the number of liver grafts (LG), leads to increase waiting list mortality. Due to this, it is necessary to explore new donation sources in order to expand the donor pool. The use of LG from donors after cardiac death (DCD) is an alternative source of donation with a promising and interesting potential. The aim of this study is to describe initial outcomes of our experience with uncontrolled and controlled DCD. An observational, prospective study was conducted to analyze the variables of ten cases in this donation types in our center, from 2011 to November 2014. After the analysis of results, we have only obtained two deaths (one in each group). Actually, the other patients are alive without any complications. Owing to low specific complications rate and high survival rate, we conclude that, in spite of the limited size in our serie, results coincide with which has found in larger series. Hence, we propound to use this alternative donors source. It is capable to satisfy an ever-growing demand, with promising outcomes. However, DCD shall not replace conventional donors.
The amplification of risk in experimental diffusion chains

Significance Public risk perception of hazardous events such as contagious outbreaks, terrorist attacks, and climate change are difficult-to-anticipate social phenomena. It is unclear how risk information will spread through social networks, how laypeople influence each other, and what social dynamics generate public opinion. We examine how messages detailing risks are transmitted from one person to another in experimental diffusion chains and how people influence each other as they propagate this information. Although the content of a message is gradually lost over repeated social transmissions, subjective perceptions of risk propagate and amplify due to social influence. These results provide quantitative insights into the public response to risk and the formation of often unnecessary fears and anxieties. Understanding how people form and revise their perception of risk is central to designing efficient risk communication methods, eliciting risk awareness, and avoiding unnecessary anxiety among the public. However, public responses to hazardous events such as climate change, contagious outbreaks, and terrorist threats are complex and difficult-to-anticipate phenomena. Although many psychological factors influencing risk perception have been identified in the past, it remains unclear how perceptions of risk change when propagated from one person to another and what impact the repeated social transmission of perceived risk has at the population scale. Here, we study the social dynamics of risk perception by analyzing how messages detailing the benefits and harms of a controversial antibacterial agent undergo change when passed from one person to the next in 10-subject experimental diffusion chains. Our analyses show that when messages are propagated through the diffusion chains, they tend to become shorter, gradually inaccurate, and increasingly dissimilar between chains. In contrast, the perception of risk is propagated with higher fidelity due to participants manipulating messages to fit their preconceptions, thereby influencing the judgments of subsequent participants. Computer simulations implementing this simple influence mechanism show that small judgment biases tend to become more extreme, even when the injected message contradicts preconceived risk judgments. Our results provide quantitative insights into the social amplification of risk perception, and can help policy makers better anticipate and manage the public response to emerging threats.
Methodological challenges in a study on falls in an older population of Cape Town, South Africa

Background Falls are a major cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in older persons, but have been under researched in developing countries. Objective To describe challenges encountered in a community-based study on falls in a multi-ethnic population aged ≥65 years in a low-income setting. Methods The study was conducted in four stages: A pilot study (n=105) to establish a sample size for the survey. An equipment validation study (n=118) to use for fall risk determination. A cross-sectional baseline (n=837) and a 12-month follow-up survey (n=632) to establish prevalence and risk factors for falls. Results Prevalence rate of 26.4% (95% CI 23.5–29.5%) and risk factors for recurrent falls: previous falls, self-reported poor mobility and dizziness were established. Adaptations to the gold standard prospective fall research study design were employed: 1) to gain access to the study population in three selected suburbs, 2) to perform assessments in a non-standardised setting, 3) to address subjects' poverty and low literacy levels, and high attrition of subjects and field workers. Conclusion Studies on falls in the older population of low- to middle-income countries have methodological challenges. Adaptive strategies used in the Cape Town study and the research experience reported may be instructive for investigators planning similar studies in such settings.
Focus on Practice: Reactive attachment disorder

This single case study, written from the personal perspective of an adoptive parent, tells the story of Anna, a child who experienced many difficulties adjusting to her life at home and at school. Sue Chapman, who is a teacher as well as being Anna’s mother by adoption, describes her frustration with the ineffective behaviour management strategies she is initially encouraged to use. Her discovery of information about reactive attachment disorder and her consequent use of ‘re-nurturing’ approaches led to a transformation in Anna’s behaviour, outlook and achievements. This successful experience encourages Sue Chapman to speculate about the relevance of these approaches.
Patients' Perceptions of Family Emotional Climate and Outcome in Schizophrenia

Thirty-nine chronic schizophrenic male out-patients and their relatives were interviewed separately to assess their perceptions of their current relationships. Two simple 5-point rating scales predicted the risk of psychotic exacerbation during a one-year follow-up: patients' perceptions of the relatives' attitudes towards them, and patients' own attitudes towards the relatives. Survival analysis of data in a 2 × 2 factorial - combining degree of contact with the key relatives and the patients' perceptions of their relatives - found that patients in frequent contact with a positively perceived relative had significantly better survival rates without psychotic exacerbation. Patients' perceptions of their relatives may help identify patients at risk of exacerbation of their illness.
Sentence Production by Aphasic Patients in a Constrained Task

Sixty aphasic patients and 55 normal control subjects were tested on a sentence production protocol that required subjects to produce specific sentence types from semantic representations. Normal subjects produced the expected targets with great reliability. Analysis of the patients' performance indicated that patients had difficulty producing both grammatical forms and thematic roles. Patients had more trouble producing grammatical elements than content words, and showed differential difficulty on sentence types that had more grammatical elements and in which the order of thematic roles was non-canonical. The results provide evidence regarding the processing load imposed by different components of the sentence production process.
PARP1 expression, activity and ex vivo sensitivity to the PARP inhibitor, talazoparib (BMN 673), in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mutation and loss of p53 and ATM abrogate DNA damage signalling and predict poorer response and shorter survival. We hypothesised that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity, which is crucial for repair of DNA breaks induced by oxidative stress or chemotherapy, may be an additional predictive biomarker and a target for therapy with PARP inhibitors. We measured PARP activity in 109 patient-derived CLL samples, which varied widely (192 – 190052 pmol PAR/106 cells) compared to that seen in healthy volunteer lymphocytes (2451 – 7519 pmol PAR/106 cells). PARP activity was associated with PARP1 protein expression and endogenous PAR levels. PARP activity was not associated with p53 or ATM loss, Binet stage, IGHV mutational status or survival, but correlated with Bcl-2 and Rel A (an NF-kB subunit). Levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in DNA (a marker of oxidative damage) were not associated with PAR levels or PARP activity. The potent PARP inhibitor, talazoparib (BMN 673), inhibited CD40L-stimulated proliferation of CLL cells at nM concentrations, independently of Binet stage or p53/ATM function. PARP activity is highly variable in CLL and correlates with stress-induced proteins. Proliferating CLL cells (including those with p53 or ATM loss) are highly sensitive to the PARP inhibitor talazoparib.
R57K Polymorphism in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease as Predictor of Early Virological Failure in a Cohort of Antiretroviral-Naive Patients Treated Mostly with a Nelfinavir-Containing Regimen

ABSTRACT In 243 antiretroviral-naive human immunodeficiency-infected patients starting a first-line-protease inhibitor (mainly nelfinavir)-containing therapy, the presence of the polymorphism R57K in the protease at the inception of therapy was independently associated with a higher rate of virological failure.
Serial Verb Construction in Vietnamese and Cambodian

Many of the languages of South-East Asia, for instance, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai, share many grammatical features: incapability of inflection, occurrence of modifiers after the modified, determination of syntactic relations by word order and separate particles, presence of classifiers and coverbs, dearth of grammatical markers, etc. The last feature, which I would like to discuss, is most remarkably reflected in the serial verb construction with the surface form: NPO V1 (NP1) V2 (NP2). 1) The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate from the standpoint of the transformational generative theory that sentences of this form in Vietnamese and Cambodian, where there exist no grammatical markers indicating the relationships among each constituent, result from diverse deep structures, and to characterize each serial verb
Body composition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is not different than healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increased body fat, particularly its central distribution, is a well-known risk factor for CVD. A change in body composition in RA has been described previously. However, in most of these studies, age- and sex- but not body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were used. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition in RA patients and compare it with age-, sex-, and BMI-matched controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-five RA patients (55 females and 10 males; mean age 54.9 ± 10.8) and 31 healthy controls (25 females, 6 males; 53.8±8.6) were included in this study. Mean disease duration was 9.2±9.6 years. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric methods (skinfold thicknesses, body circumferences), bioimpedance analysis, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was assessed with computed tomography. RESULTS There were no significant differences for total body fatness, regional fat distribution, and total body water and fat-free mass between RA patients and control subjects. Bone mineral content (BMC), assessed by DXA, was significantly lower in RA patients (p=0.004). Clinical disease activity indices and steroid treatment do not affect soft tissue body composition or BMC. CONCLUSION At least some RA patients do not have soft tissue composition alterations and may have similar health risks in comparison with subjects with similar age, sex, and total adiposity.