Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5)-Mediated N-Glycosylation Negatively Regulates Th1 Cytokine Production by T Cells1

The differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into either proinflammatory Th1 or proallergic Th2 cells strongly influences autoimmunity, allergy, and tumor immune surveillance. We previously demonstrated that β1,6GlcNAc-branched complex-type (N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5)) N-glycans on TCR are bound to galectins, an interaction that reduces TCR signaling by opposing agonist-induced TCR clustering at the immune synapse. Mgat5−/− mice display late-onset spontaneous autoimmune disease and enhanced resistance to tumor progression and metastasis. In this study we examined the role of β1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression in Th1/Th2 cytokine production and differentiation. β1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression is enhanced by TCR stimulation independent of cell division and declines at the end of the stimulation cycle. Anti-CD3-activated splenocytes and naive T cells from Mgat5−/− mice produce more IFN-γ and less IL-4 compared with wild-type cells, the latter resulting in the loss of IL-4-dependent down-regulation of IL-4Rα. Swainsonine, an inhibitor of Golgi α-mannosidase II, blocked β1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression and caused a similar increase in IFN-γ production by T cells from humans and mice, but no additional enhancement in Mgat5−/− T cells. Mgat5 deficiency did not alter IFN-γ/IL-4 production by polarized Th1 cells, but caused an ∼10-fold increase in IFN-γ production by polarized Th2 cells. These data indicate that negative regulation of TCR signaling by β1,6GlcNAc N-glycans promotes development of Th2 over Th1 responses, enhances polarization of Th2 cells, and suggests a mechanism for the increased autoimmune disease susceptibility observed in Mgat5−/− mice.
Disclosure of child sexual abuse: expressed emotions and credibility judgments of a child mock victim

ABSTRACT Both lay persons and professionals believe that the emotions displayed by a child witness during disclosure of sexual abuse are a factor of importance when judging the child's credibility. Unfortunately, not all children display emotions according to expectations, leading to misjudgments, and possible miscarriage of justice. In the present study, we examined how lay people's credibility judgments were influenced by a child's displayed emotions during the disclosure of sexual abuse. Participants (n = 119), viewed video recordings of a mock police interview of an 11-year-old child actor disclosing sexual abuse, displaying one of four emotional expressions (angry, sad, neutral, and positive). Results showed that participants were strongly influenced by the emotions displayed; in particular, the display of strong negative emotions (anger) or positive emotions during disclosure significantly reduced judged credibility. The credibility ratings predicted the participantś judgments of the defendant's guilt and the willingness to pass a guilty vote in a hypothetical trial.
Does Foreign Direct Investment Successfully Lead to Sustainable Development in Singapore

The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows is tested on three main pillars of sustainable development (SD), which consists of economic growth, income distribution and environmental quality for Singapore. The analysis is performed by using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique. The sample data is based on annual data, covering the period from 1970 to 2013. The estimated long-run elasticity indicated that FDI inflows not only lead to higher economic growth and better environmental quality but also widen the income disparity in this country, which may disrupt its SD mission. The other two introduced variables that could also play a part as potential drivers for sustainable development (SD) are trade openness (TO) and financial development (FD). Based on the outcomes, TO has also led to higher economic growth and lower environmental degradation. However, this variable does not have significant impact on income distribution for Singapore. As for FD, it is found to have a significant and positive impact on economic growth and also successfully reduce the income inequality problem. On the contrary, this variable does not have any significant relationship with environmental quality, as indicated by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Mixed evidence of a relationship is detected for other macroeconomic variables in the three estimates models. As the income inequality issue has become more serious, it is important for Singaporean policymakers to focus on attracting more foreign investors to invest in various sectors, in the hope that these companies can offer better wages to the local workers and thus improve income distribution in the country. More attention is needed to explore the potential role of TO and FD as drivers for SD in this country.
The Viral Oncoprotein LMP1 Exploits TRADD for Signaling by Masking Its Apoptotic Activity

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor 1–associated death domain protein (TRADD) mediates induction of apoptosis as well as activation of NF-κB by cellular TNF-receptor 1 (TNFR1). TRADD is also recruited by the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) oncoprotein of Epstein-Barr virus, but its role in LMP1 signaling has remained enigmatic. In human B lymphocytes, we have generated, to our knowledge, the first genetic knockout of TRADD to investigate TRADD's role in LMP1 signal transduction. Our data from TRADD-deficient cells demonstrate that TRADD is a critical signaling mediator of LMP1 that is required for LMP1 to recruit and activate I-κB kinase β (IKKβ). However, in contrast to TNFR1, LMP1-induced TRADD signaling does not induce apoptosis. Searching for the molecular basis for this observation, we characterized the 16 C-terminal amino acids of LMP1 as an autonomous and unique virus-derived TRADD-binding domain. Replacing the death domain of TNFR1 by LMP1′s TRADD-binding domain converts TNFR1 into a nonapoptotic receptor that activates NF-κB through a TRAF6-dependent pathway, like LMP1 but unlike wild-type TNFR1. Thus, the unique interaction of LMP1 with TRADD encodes the transforming phenotype of viral TRADD signaling and masks TRADD's pro-apoptotic function.
Corticospinal excitability changes following prolonged muscle tendon vibration

The present experiment addressed the time course of corticospinal excitability changes following interventional muscle tendon vibration. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, motor evoked potentials of the flexor carpi radialis and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle were recorded for a period of 60 min after cessation of vibration (80 Hz, 0.5 mm, 30 min) to the distal wrist flexor tendons. A delayed corticospinal excitability increase in both the vibrated and non-vibrated antagonistic muscle was observed, with lasting levels of facilitation for the latter. No changes were observed following interventional cutaneous vibration. These results underscore a facilitatory influence of prolonged Ia-afferent activation on corticospinal excitability. Findings are discussed in light of recent advances in promoting motor recovery after brain injury by somatosensory stimulation.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON A CELL FREE LIPID SYNTHESIZING SYSTEM FROM SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Previous reports (Klein et al., 1954; Klein 1955), have shown that cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when grown anaerobically and subsequently aerated, synthesize considerable quantities of cellular lipids from endogenous sources oIr from added glucose. 'More recently, it was found that active cell free extracts could be obtained from such cells (Klein and Booher, 1955). Brief communications containingf descriptions of some of the properties of this system have appeared (Klein and Booher, 1955, 1956). The purpose of this paper is to report in gieater detail some properties of these homogenates. In particular we wish to note the presence of two classes ( "large" and "small" particles) of particulate matter andl show their relation to lipid formation.
Perineuronal Nets Suppress Plasticity of Excitatory Synapses on CA2 Pyramidal Neurons

Long-term potentiation of excitatory synapses on pyramidal neurons in the stratum radiatum rarely occurs in hippocampal area CA2. Here, we present evidence that perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized extracellular matrix typically localized around inhibitory neurons, also surround mouse CA2 pyramidal neurons and envelop their excitatory synapses. CA2 pyramidal neurons express mRNA transcripts for the major PNN component aggrecan, identifying these neurons as a novel source for PNNs in the hippocampus. We also found that disruption of PNNs allows synaptic potentiation of normally plasticity-resistant excitatory CA2 synapses; thus, PNNs play a role in restricting synaptic plasticity in area CA2. Finally, we found that postnatal development of PNNs on CA2 pyramidal neurons is modified by early-life enrichment, suggesting that the development of circuits containing CA2 excitatory synapses are sensitive to manipulations of the rearing environment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are thought to play a major role in restricting synaptic plasticity during postnatal development, and are altered in several models of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and Rett syndrome. Although PNNs have been predominantly studied in association with inhibitory neurons throughout the brain, we describe a dense expression of PNNs around excitatory pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA2. We also provide insight into a previously unrecognized role for PNNs in restricting plasticity at excitatory synapses and raise the possibility of an early critical period of hippocampal plasticity that may ultimately reveal a key mechanism underlying learning and memory impairments of PNN-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
Abnormal cervical cancer screening in pregnancy and preterm delivery.

BACKGROUND Preterm delivery is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common in reproductive-aged women. We hypothesised that abnormal cervical cancer screening tests, as a proxy for HPV infection, would be associated with preterm delivery. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women delivering liveborn singletons beyond 20 weeks gestation, who had a Papanicolaou (Pap) test within 1 year prior to delivery. Women with abnormal Pap or positive high-risk HPV tests, classified as having 'abnormal screening', were compared with women classified as having 'normal screening' in bivariate analysis for overall preterm delivery at less than 37 weeks gestation. Using Poisson regression, we report unadjusted (RR) and adjusted (aRR) risk ratios for spontaneous preterm delivery due to preterm labour and preterm premature rupture of membranes. RESULTS Among 2686 women meeting criteria for analysis, 213 (8%) had abnormal screening. Women with abnormal screening, compared with normal screening, were not more likely to deliver preterm (12.2% vs. 9.8%, RR 1.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9, 1.8], aRR 1.2 [95% CI 0.8, 1.7]). Women with abnormal screening, however, were at greater risk for spontaneous preterm delivery in unadjusted and adjusted analysis (8.9% vs. 4.5%; RR 2.0 [95% CI 1.2, 3.2], aRR 1.8 [95% CI 1.1, 2.9]). CONCLUSIONS There was no difference in risk of overall preterm delivery in women with abnormal compared with normal cervical cancer screening tests. Our data suggest, however, that abnormal screening in pregnancy may be associated with spontaneous preterm delivery.
Communication disorders in individuals with cleft lip and palate: An overview

The need for an interdisciplinary approach in the comprehensive management of individuals with cleft lip and palate is well recognized. This article provides an introduction to communication disorders in individuals with cleft lip and palate for members of cleft care teams. The speech pathologist is involved in identifying those infants who are at risk for communication disorders and also for initiating early intervention to prevent or mitigate communication disorders caused by the cleft. Even with early cleft repair, some children exhibit ‘cleft palate speech’ characterized by atypical consonant productions, abnormal nasal resonance, abnormal nasal airflow, altered laryngeal voice quality, and nasal or facial grimaces. These manifestations are evaluated to identify those that (a) are developmental, (b) can be corrected through speech therapy alone, and, (c) those that may require both surgery and speech therapy. Speech is evaluated perceptually using several types of stimuli. It is important to identify compensatory and obligatory errors in articulation. When velopharyngeal dysfunction is suspected, the assessment should include at least one direct measure such as nasoendoscopy or videofluoroscopy. This provides information about the adequacy of the velopharyngeal valve for speech production, and is useful for planning further management of velopharyngeal dysfunction. The basic principle of speech therapy in cleft lip and palate is to establish the correct placement of the articulators and appropriate air flow. Appropriate feedback is important during therapy for establishing the correct patterns of speech.
Retrospective study of clinical complications during orthodontic treatment with either a removable mandibular acrylic splint Herbst or with a cantilever Herbst.

OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical complications during treatment with either a removable mandibular acrylic splint (RMS) or with a cantilever (HC) Herbst appliance. METHODS Records from 159 Class II, division 1, consecutively treated patients with a Herbst appliance were examined. The sample was composed of 82 male and 77 female patients with a mean age of 11.8 years. The Herbst appliance was used for a mean of 12 months (standard deviation 2.15 months). Two main Herbst groups were analyzed: group RMS (n = 125) and group HC (n = 34). They were further subdivided according to the telescopic system used (Dentaurum type 1 or PMA) and fixation mode (splint with crowns or Grip Tite bands). Patients' clinical records were assessed to identify clinical complications. RESULTS The incidence of complications during treatment was 85.3% for the HC group and 88.0% for the RMS group, with no statistically significant difference (Mann-Whitney test, P > .05). The fixation mode (crown or band) also did not show a statistically significant difference (P > .05). Regarding the telescopic system used, the Dentaurum group had 2.9 times more susceptibility to complications than the PMA group, regardless of the Herbst type. CONCLUSIONS On average, approximately 2.5 complications per patient were reported. Most patients had a maximum of three complications during Herbst treatment. Herbst appliance type (RMS or HC) and fixation mode (crowns or Grip Tite bands) did not influence the number of complications. The PMA (without screws) telescopic system seemed to be more reliable (regarding the number of complications) than Dentaurum type 1, regardless of the appliance design (RMS or HC).
Security education within the IT curriculum

As IT educators we have been asked to bring an increased awareness of information security into our classrooms and to help our students to gain a better awareness of the security implications of many of the things that they do. IT is not, however, a monolithic field, rather it is a discipline made up of several fairly well defined interest areas each of which have their own pedagogical concerns and issues, only some of which are in the area of security. This study is designed to gain a better understanding of the extent to which IT programs and the interest areas within them have changed to include a greater security component, and the means by which this has been accomplished (e.g. through the addition of new courses or the modification of existing courses). Data to support this area of inquiry has been drawn from several sources. Surveys were sent to attendees of CITC3 that directed them to a web form that gathered information about their perceptions of the need to change their programs and the means by which they had carried out the changes. Interviews were conducted with RIT teaching faculty during bi-monthly interest area meetings and a sample of survey respondents to gain a more in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding both the means and the extent of the changes they had accomplished.All of the respondents to this study felt that they needed to increase the amount of security content in their IT programs. While all of the respondents described their efforts as works in progress, only two had added new courses. Respondents were equally unanimous in feeling that security content needed to be spread across many courses rather than isolated in one course.Results from interviews conducted during interest area meetings with RIT faculty indicate the following: While all of the interest areas indicated the need to modify their curriculum to enhance the security content in it, each of the interest areas had a very different conception of how this should be accomplished. Only the networking group saw the need to add additional courses to the existing curriculum. The database group felt that adding new security modules to existing courses was the best way to enhance the security content in their interest area.The programming group interpreted the need to enhance students' awareness of security as a need to enhance students' awareness of good programming techniques and structures.
The protective effect of heat acclimation from hypoxic damage in the brain involves changes in the expression of glutamate receptors

Long-term heat acclimation (34 °C, 30d) alters the physiological responses and the metabolic state of organisms. It also improves ability to cope with hypoxic stress via a cross-tolerance mechanism. Within the brain, the hippocampal and frontal cortex neurons are the most sensitive to hypoxia and cell death is mainly caused by calcium influx via glutamate-gated ion channels, specifically NMDA and AMPA receptors. GluN1 subunit levels of NMDA-R correspond to NMDA-R levels. GluN2B/GluN2A subunit ratio is a qualitative index of channel activity; a higher ratio implies lower calcium permeability. The GluA2 subunit of AMPA-R controls channel permeability by inhibiting calcium penetration. Here, in rats model we (i)used behavioral-assessment tests to evaluate heat acclimation mediated hypoxic (15’ 4.5 ± 0.5% O2) neuroprotection, (ii) measured protein and transcript levels of NMDA-R and AMPA-R subunits before and after hypoxia in the hippocampus and the frontal cortex, to evaluate the role of Ca2+ in neuro-protection/cross-tolerance. Behavioral tests confirmed hypoxic tolerance in long-term (30d) but not in short-term (2d) heat acclimated rats. Hypoxic tolerance in the long-term acclimated phenotype was accompanied by a significant decrease in basal NMDA receptor GluN1 protein and an increase in its mRNA. The long-term acclimated rats also showed post ischemic increases in the GluN2B/GluN2A subunit ratio and GluA2 subunit of the AMPA receptor, supporting the hypothesis that reduced calcium permeability contributes to heat acclimation mediated hypoxia cross-tolerance. Abrupt post ischemic change in GluN2B/GluN2A subunit ratio with no change in NMDA-R subunits transcript levels implies that post-translational processes are inseparable acclimatory cross-tolerance mechanism.
Factors associated with sexual initiation among East Asian adolescents in Canada

Despite the large number of adolescents of East Asian origin in Canada, there is limited research on sexual health among this population. The primary objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with sexual initiation among East Asian adolescents in British Columbia. This dissertation consists of four studies, all of which used the British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey of 2008, including over 4,000 East Asian students in grades 7 through 12. The first study documented estimated prevalence of sexual health and risk behaviors. Nearly 10% of East Asian students had ever had sexual intercourse. Of those sexually active students, about 70% had engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Born in Canada and speaking English at home were associated with greater odds of being sexually active. The second study indicated that the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Meausre-Revised (MEIM-R) measured two highly correlated dimensions of ethnic identity (Exploration and Commitment). The MEIM-R was invariant across age groups and degree of exposure to Canadian or East Asian cultures. Using the MEIM-R, the third study examined the association between ethnic identity and sexual initiation. Students with stronger ethnic identity were less likely to have had sexual intercourse. Finally, the fourth study was conducted to identify risk and protective factors associated with sexual initiation, and to examine the likelihood of sexual initiation, given a specific set of risk and protective factors. School connectedness was a strong protective factor for boys; family connectedness, ethnic identity, and school connectedness were the top three protective factors for girls. The top three risk factors were lifetime alcohol use, sexual abuse histories, and emotional distress for boys; and lifetime alcohol use, sexual abuse histories, and looking older compared to peers of about the same age for girls. The presence of those protective factors
Dynamic regulation of serum aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists in MS

Objective: Several factors influence the clinical course of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as MS and inflammatory bowel disease. Only recently, the complex interaction between the gut microbiome, dietary factors, and metabolism has started to be appreciated with regard to its potential to modulate acute and chronic inflammation. One of the molecular sensors that mediates the effects of these environmental signals on the immune response is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor with key functions in immune cells. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the levels of AHR agonists in serum samples from patients with MS and healthy controls in a case-control study. Results: We detected a global decrease of circulating AHR agonists in relapsing-remitting MS patients as compared to controls. However, during acute CNS inflammation in clinically isolated syndrome or active MS, we measured increased AHR agonistic activity. Moreover, AHR ligand levels in patients with benign MS with relatively mild clinical impairment despite longstanding disease were unaltered as compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that AHR agonists in serum are dynamically modulated during the course of MS. These findings may guide the development of biomarkers to monitor disease activity as well as the design of novel therapeutic interventions for MS.