Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural resistance against lymphoma grafts conveyed by H-2Dd transgene to C57BL mice

The H-2Dd transgenic strain D8 on C57BL background was more resistant to subcutaneous challenge of RBL-5 lymphoma cells than B6 controls. The direct role of the H-2Dd antigen was investigated by the use of (D8 x B6)F1 crosses and (D8 B6) x B6 backcrosses. The latter showed cosegregation with regard to Dd antigen expression and lymphoma resistance, both of which were inherited in a pattern consistent with control by a single dominant gene. The rejection potential in (D8 x B6)F1 mice appeared as strong as that seen in crosses between B6 and MHC congenic mice (on B10 background) carrying H-2Dd. The lymphoma resistance could be abrogated by treatment with anti-asialo GM1 antiserum or anti-NK 1.1 mAb, indicating a role for NK cells.
The Effects of Music on Physical Activity Rates of Junior High Physical Education Students

The Effects of Music on Physical Activity Rates of Junior High Physical Education Students Lindsey Benham Department of Teacher Education, BYU Master of Arts Music is used and can be found in everyday life and throughout society. With many studies pointing towards music being a motivating stimulus for exercise, it is plausible that music would positively affect the physical activity rates of junior high school students in physical education classes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of popular music on physical activity rates, via pedometry, and enjoyment levels of junior high physical education students. There were 305 junior high physical education students that participated in the study with 151 being male and 154 being female. This was a quasi-experimental study using a two conditions, with and without music, by two activities, basketball and volleyball, cross-over design. It is found that across all grades and gender, more steps were taken with music in both activities versus without music. No statistically significant differences are noted in time in activity between activities with music than without. When comparing the level of enjoyment of the activities with music versus without across genders and all grades, the level of enjoyment is higher with music than without, though the difference is not statistically significant. While statistically significant differences can be found and attributed to the very nature of the differences between volleyball and basketball, there are also several statistical significances found that can be described and attributed to the intervention of the use of music during that activity. Therefore, if teachers are looking for a way for their students to increase step counts and increase the level of enjoyment their students feel throughout an activity, adding music to the background of the activity will help teachers to achieve those goals.
Complex splicing control of the human Thrombopoietin gene by intronic G runs

The human thrombopoietin (THPO) gene displays a series of alternative splicing events that provide valuable models for studying splicing mechanisms. The THPO region spanning exon 1–4 presents both alternative splicing of exon 2 and partial intron 2 (IVS2) retention following the activation of a cryptic 3′ splice site 85 nt upstream of the authentic acceptor site. IVS2 is particularly rich in stretches of 3–5 guanosines (namely, G1–G10) and we have characterized the role of these elements in the processing of this intron. In vivo studies show that runs G7–G10 work in a combinatorial way to control the selection of the proper 3′ splice site. In particular, the G7 element behaves as the splicing hub of intron 2 and its interaction with hnRNP H1 is critical for the splicing process. Removal of hnRNP H1 by RNA interference promoted the usage of the cryptic 3′ splice site so providing functional evidence that this factor is involved in the selection of the authentic 3′ splice site of THPO IVS2.
Circus Movement Atrial Flutter in the Canine Sterile Pericarditis Model Cryothermal Termination From the Epicardial Site of the Slow Zone of the Reentrant Circuit

BackgroundWe have shown that atrial flutter (AF) in dogs with sterile pericarditis is commonly due to a single-loop reentrant circuit in the lower right atrium comprised of a functional or functional/anatomic obstacle and a slow zone of conduction (SZ) between the central obstacle and the atrioventricular (AV) ring. The goals of the present study were 1) to establish that the epicardial SZ is the critical component of circus movement AF and 2) to identify the optimal site within the epicardial SZ at which interruption of circus movement can be accomplished by ablative techniques. Methods and ResultsWe analyzed the atrial activation patterns during epicardial cooling of the SZ with as N20-cooled probe in eight dogs (five with clockwise [CWJ reentrant circuit, one with counterclockwise [CCWJ reentrant circuit, and two with both CW and CCW reentrant circuits around the same pathway). In all eight dogs, cooling (−5 to +5YC for 5-20 seconds) the narrow isthmus at the inferoposterior part of the SZ between the central obstacle and the AV ring reversibly terminated the reentrant circuit, whereas cooling outside this area failed to terminate the reentrant circuit. The circus movement was not observed to continue along alternate pathways when conduction in this critical zone was interrupted. Both CW and CCW reentrant circuits could be terminated from the same site within the SZ. Cooling resulted in slowing of conduction in the SZ (55 ± 15 msec) in both CW and CCW reentrant circuits. Cooling-induced termination of CW reentrant circuits was characteristically associated with oscillations of conduction in the cooled zone of the last three cycles before termination and conduction block occurred within the cooled zone. The last “manifest” reentrant cycle was associated with the longest conduction delay in the cooled zone. However, this delay was not necessarily reflected in the length of the last reentrant cycle because of compensatory acceleration of conduction in the rest of the pathway. On the other hand, in CCW reentrant circuits, conduction block occurred abruptly at the distal border of the SZ and without significant oscillations of conduction. ConclusionsThe present study provides convincing evidence that single-loop circus movement in this model is critically dependent on an obligatory conduction in a SZ in the inferoposterior portion of the free right atrial wall between a functional obstacle and the AV ring. Because the atrial myocardium behaves electrophysiologically as a two-dimensional surface, the results of this study may help to guide the endocardial electrode catheter ablative technique for treatment of clinical AF.
Replication Protein A (RPA) Phosphorylation Prevents RPA Association with Replication Centers

ABSTRACT Mammalian replication protein A (RPA) undergoes DNA damage-dependent phosphorylation at numerous sites on the N terminus of the RPA2 subunit. To understand the functional significance of RPA phosphorylation, we expressed RPA2 variants in which the phosphorylation sites were converted to aspartate (RPA2D) or alanine (RPA2A). Although RPA2D was incorporated into RPA heterotrimers and supported simian virus 40 DNA replication in vitro, the RPA2D mutant was selectively unable to associate with replication centers in vivo. In cells containing greatly reduced levels of endogenous RPA2, RPA2D again did not localize to replication sites, indicating that the defect in supporting chromosomal DNA replication is not due to competition with the wild-type protein. Use of phosphospecific antibodies demonstrated that endogenous hyperphosphorylated RPA behaves similarly to RPA2D. In contrast, under DNA damage or replication stress conditions, RPA2D, like RPA2A and wild-type RPA2, was competent to associate with DNA damage foci as determined by colocalization with γ-H2AX. We conclude that RPA2 phosphorylation prevents RPA association with replication centers in vivo and potentially serves as a marker for sites of DNA damage.
Insights into plant size-density relationships from models and agricultural crops

There is general agreement that competition for resources results in a tradeoff between plant mass, M, and density, but the mathematical form of the resulting thinning relationship and the mechanisms that generate it are debated. Here, we evaluate two complementary models, one based on the space-filling properties of canopy geometry and the other on the metabolic basis of resource use. For densely packed stands, both models predict that density scales as M−3/4, energy use as M0, and total biomass as M1/4. Compilation and analysis of data from 183 populations of herbaceous crop species, 473 stands of managed tree plantations, and 13 populations of bamboo gave four major results: (i) At low initial planting densities, crops grew at similar rates, did not come into contact, and attained similar mature sizes; (ii) at higher initial densities, crops grew until neighboring plants came into contact, growth ceased as a result of competition for limited resources, and a tradeoff between density and size resulted in critical density scaling as M−0.78, total resource use as M−0.02, and total biomass as M0.22; (iii) these scaling exponents are very close to the predicted values of M−3/4, M0, and M1/4, respectively, and significantly different from the exponents suggested by some earlier studies; and (iv) our data extend previously documented scaling relationships for trees in natural forests to small herbaceous annual crops. These results provide a quantitative, predictive framework with important implications for the basic and applied plant sciences.
Bicultural Socialization Experiences of Black Immigrant Students at a Predominantly White Institution

Abstract:Despite the increasing presence of Black immigrant students on college campuses, these students, and their educational experiences, are often overlooked because they are lumped in with Black/African American students. In response to such oversights, this qualitative study uses a dual socialization framework to explore how Black immigrant students negotiate the challenge of adjusting to a predominantly White institution (PWI) and identifies sources of support that may help these students make academic and social connections to the institution. Four themes are presented, highlighting the challenges and factors associated with bicultural experiences among Black immigrant college students. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed.
A Study of Human-Agent Collaboration for Multi-UAV Task Allocation in Dynamic Environments

We consider a setting where a team of humans oversee the coordination of multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to perform a number of search tasks in dynamic environments that may cause the UAVs to drop out. Hence, we develop a set of multi-UAV supervisory control interfaces and a multi-agent coordination algorithm to support human decision making in this setting. To elucidate the resulting interactional issues, we compare manual and mixed-initiative task allocation in both static and dynamic environments in lab studies with 40 participants and observe that our mixed-initiative system results in lower workloads and better performance in re-planning tasks than one which only involves manual task allocation. Our analysis points to new insights into the way humans appropriate flexible autonomy.
What would help me stop abusing? The family carer's perspective

ABSTRACT Background: A third of family members caring for people with dementia report acting abusively towards them, but there are currently no evidence-based interventions to reduce or prevent such behavior. Family carers who act abusively have not previously been consulted about what may help to reduce abuse. Method: We prospectively recruited a consecutive sample of 220 family carers of people with dementia referred to secondary psychiatric services. We asked carers who reported any abusive behavior in the previous three months to select from a list of services and potential interventions those that they thought might help to reduce or prevent this abusive behavior. Carers were also asked to suggest other interventions that might help prevent abuse. Results: 113/115 carers who reported any abusive behavior answered questions about possible interventions. The three most frequently endorsed interventions were: medication to help the care recipient's memory (n = 54; 48.2%); written advice on understanding memory problems and what to do (n = 48; 42.9%) and more information from professionals caring for the person with dementia (n = 45; 40.2%). When asked which interventions were most important, medication to help memory (n = 21; 18.6%), home care (n = 17; 15.0%), residential respite and sitting services (both n = 12; 10.6%) were most frequently endorsed. Conclusion: To prevent abuse, family carers prioritized medication for memory, good communication from professionals, written advice on memory problems, home care, residential respite and sitting services. As no interventions to reduce abuse by family carers have yet been formally evaluated, a good starting point may be the expressed wishes of family carers.
Edge Compression Techniques for Visualization of Dense Directed Graphs

We explore the effectiveness of visualizing dense directed graphs by replacing individual edges with edges connected to 'modules'-or groups of nodes-such that the new edges imply aggregate connectivity. We only consider techniques that offer a lossless compression: that is, where the entire graph can still be read from the compressed version. The techniques considered are: a simple grouping of nodes with identical neighbor sets; Modular Decomposition which permits internal structure in modules and allows them to be nested; and Power Graph Analysis which further allows edges to cross module boundaries. These techniques all have the same goal-to compress the set of edges that need to be rendered to fully convey connectivity-but each successive relaxation of the module definition permits fewer edges to be drawn in the rendered graph. Each successive technique also, we hypothesize, requires a higher degree of mental effort to interpret. We test this hypothetical trade-off with two studies involving human participants. For Power Graph Analysis we propose a novel optimal technique based on constraint programming. This enables us to explore the parameter space for the technique more precisely than could be achieved with a heuristic. Although applicable to many domains, we are motivated by-and discuss in particular-the application to software dependency analysis.
Unmet Needs of Aboriginal Australians With Musculoskeletal Pain: A Mixed‐Method Systematic Review

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) conditions are the biggest cause of disability, and internationally, indigenous peoples experience a higher burden. There are conflicting reports about Aboriginal Australians and MSP. We conducted a systematic review to describe the prevalence, associated factors, impacts, care access, health care experiences, and factors associated with MSP among Aboriginal Australians.
Endocytosis of Ligand‐Activated Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Receptor 1 Mediated by the Clathrin‐Pathway

The sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) is one of five G protein‐coupled receptors activated by the lipid sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P). Stimulation of S1PR1 by binding S1P or the synthetic agonist FTY720P results in rapid desensitization, associated in part with depletion of receptor from the cell surface. We report here combining spinning disc confocal fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to show that rapid internalization of activated S1PR1 relies on a functional clathrin‐mediated endocytic pathway. Uptake of activated S1PR1 was strongly inhibited in cells disrupted in their clathrin‐mediated endocytosis by depleting clathrin or AP‐2 or by treating cells with dynasore‐OH. The uptake of activated S1P1R was strongly inhibited in cells lacking both β‐arrestin 1 and β‐arrestin 2, indicating that activated S1PR1 follows the canonical route of endocytosis for G‐protein coupled receptor's (GPCR)'s.
Occurrence of Shewanella algae in Danish Coastal Water and Effects of Water Temperature and Culture Conditions on Its Survival

ABSTRACT The marine bacterium Shewanella algae, which was identified as the cause of human cases of bacteremia and ear infections in Denmark in the summers of 1994 and 1995, was detected in seawater only during the months (July, August, September, and October) when the water temperature was above 13°C. The bacterium is a typical mesophilic organism, and model experiments were conducted to elucidate the fate of the organism under cold and nutrient-limited conditions. The culturable count of S. algae decreased rapidly from 107 CFU/ml to 101 CFU/ml in approximately 1 month when cells grown at 20 to 37°C were exposed to cold (2°C) seawater. In contrast, the culturable count of cells exposed to warmer seawater (10 to 25°C) remained constant. Allowing the bacterium a transition period in seawater at 20°C before exposure to the 2°C seawater resulted in 100% survival over a period of 1 to 2 months. The cold protection offered by this transition (starvation) probably explains the ability of the organism to persist in Danish seawater despite very low (0 to 1°C) winter water temperatures. The culturable counts of samples kept at 2°C increased to 105 to 107 CFU/ml at room temperature. Most probable number analysis showed this result to be due to regrowth rather than resuscitation. It was hypothesized that S. algae would survive cold exposure better if in the biofilm state; however, culturable counts from S. algae biofilms decreased as rapidly as did counts of planktonic cells.
Performance on a bandwidth constrained network: How much bandwidth do we need?

The authors approach network design from the perspective of the applications and ask how much network is needed. They answer this question, in the context of shared memory multiprocessors, for four scientific applications. They simulate their executions under infinite bandwidth assumptions and collect profiles of their varying bandwidth needs. These profiles are then fed into a performance model of how bursty traffic squeezes through a bandwidth constrained network. The results suggest that networks should provide a remote memory bandwidth of 2-4 bits/operation and memory module bandwidths of 8-16 bits/op. The higher memory module bandwidth is needed because of hot spots in the traffic patterns. Further simulations show that these hot spots arise primarily because or randomness and not because of multiple accesses to a single location. Thus, combining techniques will not eliminate hot spots from these applications.
Comparing AODV and N-AODV Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

Mobile Ad-hoc NETworks (MANETs) are wireless networks designed for communications among nomadic hosts in absence of fixed infrastructure. Different reactive protocols for MANETs, in which routes are established only when needed, provide different network topology awareness (NTA) to each host, depending on their algorithmic features. NACK-based AODV (N-AODV) is a variant of the well-known Ad-hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) reactive protocol for MANETs we proposed with the aim of improving NTA of the original protocol. In this paper, a performance comparison between AODV and N-AODV is conducted in order to investigate whether N-AODV effectively improves NTA with respect to AODV, and how this improvement affects both its effectiveness and efficiency. The experiment is executed within a simulation environment. The obtained results show that a MANET adopting N-AODV exploits higher NTA than a MANET adopting AODV. Moreover, the improved awareness impacts effectiveness and efficiency of routing activities because, in the long-run, it results in a lower need to activate the route discovery process for establishing new communications sessions.
Selective Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Cholinergic Lesions Produced by Intrabasalis Infusions of 192 IgG-Saporin on Attentional Performance in a Five-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task

The effects of the cholinergic immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin (SAP) (0.0, 0.15, or 0.45 μg/μl; 0.5 μl/hemisphere) infused into the area of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) of rats were tested in a five-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) designed to assess visual attention. The effects of this manipulation on acetylcholine efflux in the medial frontal cortex were determined using in vivo microdialysis during the 5CSRTT. Rats with extensive lesions of the NBM (SAP HIGH) showed an array of behavioral deficits in the 5CSRTT hypothesized to represent deficits in central executive function that were associated with severe deficits in accuracy. Lengthening the stimulus duration ameliorated these deficits. Rats with restricted lesions of the NBM (SAP LOW) showed impairments over time on task when tested under standard conditions that were exacerbated by increases in the event rate. The number of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive cells in the area of the NBM but not the vertical limb of the diagonal band correlated significantly with accuracy in the task. SAP HIGH rats had significantly lower levels of cortical acetylcholine (ACh) efflux relative to SHAM both before and during the 5CSRTT. SAP LOW rats showed significantly higher levels of cortical ACh efflux before but not during the 5CSRTT. Cortical ACh efflux increased in all rats with the onset of the attentional task. These data provide the first direct evidence for a relationship between selective damage in the basal forebrain with decreased cortical ACh efflux and impaired attentional function.
Photo-oxidative Stress Down-modulates the Activity of Nuclear Factor-κB via Involvement of Caspase-1, Leading to Apoptosis of Photoreceptor Cells*

The mechanisms of photoreceptor cell death via apoptosis, in retinal dystrophies, are largely not understood. In the present report we show that visible light exposure of mouse cultured 661W photoreceptor cells at 4.5 milliwatt/cm2 caused a significant increase in oxidative damage of 661W cells, leading to apoptosis of these cells. These cells show constitutive expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and light exposure of photoreceptor cells results in lowering of NF-κB levels in both the nuclear and cytosolic fractions in a time-dependent manner. Immunoblot analysis of IκBα and p50, and p65 (RelA) subunits of NF-κB, suggested that photo-oxidative stress results in their depletion. Immunocytochemical studies using antibody to RelA subunit of NF-κB further revealed the presence of this subunit constitutively both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the 661W cells. Upon exposure to photo-oxidative stress, a depletion of the cytoplasmic and nuclear RelA subunit was observed. The depletion of NF-κB appears to be mediated through involvement of caspase-1. Furthermore, transfection of these cells with a dominant negative mutant IκBα greatly enhanced the kinetics of down modulation of NF-κB, resulting in a faster photo-oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these studies show that the presence of NF-κB RelA subunit in the nucleus is essential for protection of photoreceptor cells against apoptosis mediated by an oxidative pathway.