Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circadian rhythm of melatonin, corticosterone and phagocytosis: effect of stress

Melatonin has a functional connection with the immune system. Phagocyte function is altered by extirpation of the pineal gland, one source of melatonin, or by in vitro incubation of phagocytes with pharmacological concentrations of melatonin. Given that its synthesis by pinealocytes is under the control of the noradrenaline released by the sympathetic postganglionaric nerve endings, the present work was aimed at evaluating the circadian rhythm of melatonin, corticosterone, and phagocytosis in BALB/c mice in basal and stress situations. Peritoneal macrophages were used as phagocytes, latex beads as the particles to be ingested, and forced swimming to exhaustion as the stress situation. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine the animals’ serum hormone levels. Samples were taken every 3 hr in the period from 04:00 to 22:00 hr, and every 30 min during the remaining period from 22:00 to 04:00 hr. Control mice presented a short‐term melatonin peak at 23:30 hr, while the maximum inert‐particle ingestion capacity of the peritoneal macrophages also occurred during the night but at 03:30 hr. The corticosterone levels in control mice presented a circadian rhythm with a day‐time maximum peak (16:00 hr). Compared with the controls, the animals subjected to stress maintained, although at lower values, the melatonin peak at 23:30 hr, but they presented a loss of the rhythm of serum corticosterone levels, and the corticosterone levels and the macrophage phagocytic capacity were greater at all hours of the day.
How Transitional Probabilities and the Edge Effect Contribute to Listeners’ Phonological Bootstrapping Success

ABSTRACT Much of what we know about the development of listeners’ word segmentation strategies originates from the artificial language-learning literature. However, many artificial speech streams designed to study word segmentation lack a salient cue found in all natural languages: utterance boundaries. In this study, participants listened to a speech-stream containing one of three sets of word boundary cues: transitional probabilities between syllables (TP Condition), silences marking utterance boundaries (UB Condition), or a combination of both cues (TP + UB Condition). Recognition of the trained words and rule words (words not in language, but conforming to its phonotactic structure) was tested. Participants performed equally well in the TP + UB and UB Conditions, scoring above chance on both trained and rule words. Performance in the TP condition, however, was at chance. Our results suggest that attention to UBs is a particularly effective strategy for finding words in speech, possibly providing a language-general solution to the word segmentation problem.
Single Nucleus Genome Sequencing Reveals High Similarity among Nuclei of an Endomycorrhizal Fungus

Nuclei of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi have been described as highly diverse due to their asexual nature and absence of a single cell stage with only one nucleus. This has raised fundamental questions concerning speciation, selection and transmission of the genetic make-up to next generations. Although this concept has become textbook knowledge, it is only based on studying a few loci, including 45S rDNA. To provide a more comprehensive insight into the genetic makeup of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi, we applied de novo genome sequencing of individual nuclei of Rhizophagus irregularis. This revealed a surprisingly low level of polymorphism between nuclei. In contrast, within a nucleus, the 45S rDNA repeat unit turned out to be highly diverged. This finding demystifies a long-lasting hypothesis on the complex genetic makeup of arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi. Subsequent genome assembly resulted in the first draft reference genome sequence of an arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungus. Its length is 141 Mbps, representing over 27,000 protein-coding gene models. We used the genomic sequence to reinvestigate the phylogenetic relationships of Rhizophagus irregularis with other fungal phyla. This unambiguously demonstrated that Glomeromycota are more closely related to Mucoromycotina than to its postulated sister Dikarya.
An Injectable, Calcium Responsive Composite Hydrogel for the Treatment of Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Immediately following spinal cord injury, further injury can occur through several secondary injury cascades. As a consequence of cell lysis, an increase in extracellular Ca2+ results in additional neuronal loss by inducing apoptosis. Thus, hydrogels that reduce extracellular Ca2+ concentration may reduce secondary injury severity. The goal of this study was to develop composite hydrogels consisting of alginate, chitosan, and genipin that interact with extracellular Ca2+ to enable in situ gelation while maintaining an elastic modulus similar to native spinal cord (∼1000 Pa). It was hypothesized that incorporation of genipin and chitosan would regulate hydrogel electrostatic characteristics and influence hydrogel porosity, degradation, and astrocyte behavior. Hydrogel composition was varied to create hydrogels with statistically similar mechanical properties (∼1000 Pa) that demonstrated tunable charge characteristics (6-fold range in free amine concentration) and degradation rate (complete degradation between 7 and 28 days; some blends persist after 28 days). Hydrogels demonstrate high sensitivity to Ca2+ concentration, as a 1 mM change during fabrication induced a significant change in elastic modulus. Additionally, hydrogels incubated in a Ca2+-containing solution exhibited an increased linear viscoelastic limit (LVE) and an increased elastic modulus above the LVE limit in a time dependent manner. An extension of the LVE limit implies a change in hydrogel cross-linking structure. Attachment assays demonstrated that addition of chitosan/genipin to alginate hydrogels induced up to a 4-fold increase in the number of attached astrocytes and facilitated astrocyte clustering on the hydrogel surface in a composition dependent manner. Furthermore, Western blots demonstrated tunable glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression in astrocytes cultured on hydrogel blends, with some hydrogel compositions demonstrating no significant increase in GFAP expression compared to astrocytes cultured on glass. Thus, alginate/chitosan/genipin hydrogel composites show promise as scaffolds that regulate astrocyte behavior and for the prevention of Ca2+-related secondary neuron damage during acute SCI.
The Status of Women in Canadian Foreign Policy Analysis

ABSTRACT What is the status of women scholars who study Canadian foreign policy (CFP)? Our study, the first of its kind to concentrate on the Canadian situation, addresses this question by studying publications and authorship. We assess the status of women in CFP since 1945 using the Canadian Foreign Relations Index, supplemented by studies on women in the academy. We show that the number of publications by women is substantially lower than those of men, and work by women remains underrepresented in the so-called “core” of what is traditionally defined as CFP. Regardless of the nature of the work, women scholars are less represented, and they appear to be disadvantaged by mixed collaborative work. These findings speak to the culture and personality of the discipline. They invite us to revisit assessments of the discipline as “mature” and “robust. ”
Picornavirus-like structures in acute dermatomyositis.

A case of acute fatal dermatomyositis occurring in a young girl is described. Clinically, there was pronounced involvement of the striated muscles, skin, and brain. The patient died 11 weeks after acute symptoms began. Histologically, there was a marked myositis, with atrophy of muscle fibers, myolysis, and mononuclear infiltrates. Examination with the electron microscope revealed many intracytoplasmic crystal-like structures which closely resembled some of the picornaviruses. This finding may be a further contribution to the concept of the viral etiology of connective tissue diseases.
Moderately high serum ferritin concentration is not a sign of iron overload in dialysis patients.

To the Editor: The review of Eschbach and Adamson1 maintained that increased serum ferritin concentration is a sign of iron overload and a risk factor for infection in dialysis patients. Whereas a low serum ferritin level is reported to be highly specific in diagnosing iron deficiency2, the accuracy of a high serum ferritin level to diagnose iron overload has been questioned. In a previous study2, we examined bone marrow iron stores (scored 0 to 4+) in 24 uremic patients and showed that serum ferritin values were significantly lower only in patients with completely depleted bone marrow (score zero), while four other groups had similar ferritin levels Figure 1a. The average bone marrow iron scores in four ferritin "quartiles" were exceptionally low in the lowest quartile but no difference was observed among the other three higher quartiles Figure 1b. Pearson correlation coefficients of log ferritin and transferrin, albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were -0.72, -0.54 and +0.41, respectively (P < 0.05). These results denote that a high serum ferritin is not a reliable indicator of iron overload, but may instead represent an acute phase reactant as reflected by increased CRP.
Pain Medicine

Interpretation Antibiotic prophylaxis is most effective when administered less than or equal to 30 min before surgical incision, although the risk only slightly increases when administered 31–120 min before incision. The risk substantially increases when antibiotics are administered after incision. This study reinforces antibiotic timing guidelines. Because elective surgeries have a low risk of SSI, this study may not be adequately powered to address specific details of nonelective surgeries, timing of antibiotic administration, and SSI.
Speed profile optimization through directed explorative learning

In this paper we propose a new skill learning framework based on fusing prior knowledge with programming by demonstration and explorative learning methodologies. Prior knowledge as well as all partially known models guide the search process within the proposed adaptation method. The proposed methodology is based on algorithms originating in iterative learning control and reinforcement learning. The developed approach was experimentally verified on the problem of speed profile optimization for a challenging task of transferring vessels filled with liquid without spilling. In order to explicitly encode the speed profiles and to allow their transfer between tasks, a modified form of dynamic movement primitives has been developed.
Transformational leadership and the work outcomes of Chinese migrant workers: The mediating effects of identification with leader

This study examines the mediating influence of identification with leader on the relationship between follower perceptions of transformational leadership behavior and their work outcomes, using data obtained from migrant workers and their supervisors in a large manufacturing company located in south-eastern China. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that transformational leadership was positively related to the affective commitment and job performance of followers, and negatively related to their turnover intentions. In contrast, no significant influence was found of transformational leadership on the innovative behavior of followers. Subsequent analysis revealed that identification with leader mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and follower attitudes, but did not mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and follower job performance. These findings highlight the importance of cultural and wider contextual influences on the processes by which leadership impacts on the work outcomes of migrant workers in the Chinese manufacturing industry. The managerial implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research provided.
Lycorine sensitizes CD40 ligand-protected chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells to bezafibrate- and medroxyprogesterone acetate-induced apoptosis but dasatanib does not overcome reported CD40-mediated drug resistance

Background Tumor cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia accumulate in the periphery through the proliferation of a minority of cells in lymph nodes. The proliferative and survival signals in these proliferation centers include interactions with T lymphocytes expressing CD40 ligand. We have demonstrated that the low toxicity combination of bezafibrate and medroxyprogesterone acetate induces mitochondrial superoxide-mediated apoptosis of non-CD40-liganded cells but not of cells exposed to CD40 ligand. Here, we assessed the ability of dasatinib and lycorine to restore bezafibrate- and medroxyprogesterone acetate- induced apoptosis in cells exposed to CD40 ligand. In parallel experiments we compared the ability of dasatinib to induce apoptosis of cells co-treated with fludarabine. Design and Methods Primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to drug combinations for 72 hours on control and CD40 ligand-expressing fibroblast monolayers. Cells were harvested and analyzed for apoptosis and levels of mitochondrial superoxide using flow cytometry. In some experiments cells were removed from CD40 ligand at 48 hours, retreated and analyzed after a further 24 hours. The effect of CD40 ligand and drug treatments on mitochondrial superoxide levels were assessed. Results As previously described, dasatinib rendered cells sensitive to fludarabine but only when CD40 ligand was removed for the last 24 hours of culture. In contrast, lycorine restored the bezafibrate- and medroxyprogesterone acetate-induced apoptosis associated with mitochondrial superoxide even during continuous exposure to CD40 ligand. Furthermore, combined bezafibrate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and lycorine had little effect against normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells, whereas dasatinib with fludarabine induced high levels of apoptosis. Conclusions Our data indicate the potential of bezafibrate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and lycorine as novel therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and have important implications for the reported potential of c-abl kinase inhibitors in this disease.
Bioprospecting the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Host Defense Peptidome

Cationic antimicrobial peptides and their therapeutic potential have garnered growing interest because of the proliferation of bacterial resistance. However, the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides from animals has proven challenging due to the limitations associated with conventional biochemical purification and difficulties in predicting active peptides from genomic sequences, if known. As an example, no antimicrobial peptides have been identified from the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, although their serum is antimicrobial. We have developed a novel approach for the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides from these animals, one that capitalizes on their fundamental and conserved physico-chemical properties. This sample-agnostic process employs custom-made functionalized hydrogel microparticles to harvest cationic peptides from biological samples, followed by de novo sequencing of captured peptides, eliminating the need to isolate individual peptides. After evaluation of the peptide sequences using a combination of rational and web-based bioinformatic analyses, forty-five potential antimicrobial peptides were identified, and eight of these peptides were selected to be chemically synthesized and evaluated. The successful identification of multiple novel peptides, exhibiting antibacterial properties, from Alligator mississippiensis plasma demonstrates the potential of this innovative discovery process in identifying potential new host defense peptides.
Toward the Model of Independence

Research over the past two decades has evidenced (cross)cultural variations in autobiographical memory (AM). These variations are consistent with cultural differences in self-construal. However, research about the influence of people’s participation in specific cultural practices (e.g., schooling practices) on AM and self is needed. Our study explores some characteristics of AMs of Mexican participants with different backgrounds of formal schooling. The results evidenced differences between schooling levels in the age at the earliest memory, the content of their memories, and the personal self-focusing index. The characteristics of the AMs of the participants with more school experience are similar to those that characterize the “cultures of independence. ” At a more theoretical level, our data may support the ideas proposed by Greenfield, Keller, and Kagitçibasi about the role of formal schooling (as a crucial sociodemographic factor) in promoting the developmental pathway to independence.
The roles of music amongst musician Holocaust survivors before, during, and after the Holocaust

The aim of this study is to qualitatively examine the roles of music for musician Holocaust survivors during the Holocaust and whether and how it helped them cope with its effects. Seven musician Holocaust survivors aged 73–95 were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the transcribed interviews indicated five chronological periods where music had different roles: (1) prior to the Holocaust (e.g., as a means to create identity), (2) the outset of the Holocaust (e.g., as a means to maintain normalcy), (3) during the Holocaust (e.g., as a means of escape), (4) the aftermath of the Holocaust (e.g., as a means to promote rehabilitation) and, (5) present day (e.g., as a means to commemorate the past). A sixth category that had a cross-temporal nature was termed “transitional objects,” defined as musical objects that survivors clung to during and after the Holocaust for consolation. The roles of music in coping with the survivors’ trauma are compared to studies that found similar as well as contrasting results and are discussed in light of the literature regarding uses of music for coping with trauma and in light of the growing knowledge about “health musicking. ”
Network Alterations Supporting Word Retrieval in Patients with Medial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Although the hippocampus is not considered a key structure in semantic memory, patients with medial-temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) have deficits in semantic access on some word retrieval tasks. We hypothesized that these deficits reflect the negative impact of focal epilepsy on remote cerebral structures. Thus, we expected that the networks that support word retrieval tasks would be altered in left mTLE patients. We measured brain activity with fMRI while participants (13 controls, 13 left mTLE, and 13 right mTLE) performed a verb generation task. We examined functional connectivity during this task in relation to language performance on an off-line clinical test of lexical access (Boston Naming Test, BNT). Using task–seed–behavior partial least squares, we identified a canonical language network that was more active during verb generation than the baseline condition, but this network did not correlate with variability in BNT performance in either controls or patients. Instead, additional networks were identified for each group, with more anterior temporal and prefrontal regions recruited for controls and more posterior temporal regions for both left and right mTLE patients. Our findings go beyond the literature emphasizing differences in laterality of language processes in mTLE patients and, critically, highlight how network changes can be used to account for performance variation among patients on clinically relevant measures. This strategy of correlating network changes and off-line behavior may provide a powerful tool for predicting a postoperative decline in language performance.
The Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Prolonged QTc Intervals on the Electrocardiogram

Background: Prolonged QTc intervals have been associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether pretreatment prolongation of the QTc interval was associated with increased cardiac-related events (CREs) in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment of psychiatric disorders. Methods: The charts of 1437 ECT patients were reviewed for the presence of baseline QTc prolongation. Broadly defined CREs during the course of treatment were abstracted from patient charts. Results: Presence of baseline QTc prolongation was not independent of increased risk of CREs during ECT. Implications: Careful consideration should be given to patients who have QTc prolongation on an electrocardiogram and are undergoing ECT treatment, but this should not definitively exclude patients from receiving ECT treatment.
On the estimation of the charge of positive streamers propagating in air

Streamer discharges are an important breakdown mechanism in air-based electrical insulation systems. This paper introduces a method to estimate the spatial distribution of the charge density of positive streamers in air, based on the solution of a Poisson inverse problem by optimization. In contrast to other methods, it does not require tuning parameters and can also be used in configurations including dielectric interfaces or preexisting space charge. Three different experimental datasets reported in the literature are used to validate the method. Good agreement between the measurements and the predictions of the method is found.
Cloning and expression of cDNA encoding a neural calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule: its identity in the cadherin gene family

The neural cadherin (N-cadherin) is a Ca2+-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule detected in neural tissues as well as in non-neural tissues. We report here the nucleotide sequence of the chicken N-cadherin cDNA and the deduced amino acid sequence. The sequence data suggest that N- cadherin has one transmembrane domain which divides the molecule into an extracellular and a cytoplasmic domain; the extracellular domain contains internal repeats of characteristic sequences. When the N- cadherin cDNA connected with virus promoters was transfected into L cells which have no endogenous N-cadherin, the transformants acquired the N-cadherin-mediated aggregating property, indicating that the cloned cDNA contained all information necessary for the cell-cell binding action of this molecule. We then compared the primary structure of N-cadherin with that of other molecules defined as cadherin subclasses. The results showed that these molecules contain common amino acid sequences throughout their entire length, which confirms our hypothesis that cadherins make a gene family.