Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of T Lymphocyte Replicative Senescence via TNF-α Inhibition: Role of Caspase-31

Expanded populations of CD8+ T lymphocytes lacking CD28 expression are associated with a variety of deleterious clinical outcomes, including early mortality in the elderly, more rapid progression to AIDS, cardiovascular disease, and enhanced tumor cell growth. In cell culture, irreversible loss of CD28 expression correlates with increased production of TNF-α as CD8+ T cells are driven to the nonproliferative end stage of replicative senescence by multiple rounds of Ag-driven cell division. Interestingly, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inhibition or neutralization of TNF-α reduces the proportion of T cells lacking CD28 in the disease joints, consistent with studies showing a direct involvement of this cytokine in CD28 gene transcription. Here, we show that modulation of TNF-α levels in long-term cultures of human CD8+ T lymphocytes, by chronic exposure either to a neutralizing Ab or to an inhibitor of the TNF-α receptor-1, increases proliferative potential, delays loss of CD28 expression, retards cytokine profile changes, and enhances telomerase activity. We also show that constitutive caspase-3, one of the downstream effectors of TNF-αR1 binding, increases in parallel with the loss of CD28 in long-term cultures, but this effect is blunted in the presence of the TNF-α inhibitors. Consistent with the in vitro culture data, CD8+CD28− T lymphocytes tested immediately ex vivo also show significantly higher levels of caspase-3 compared with their CD28+ counterparts. These findings help elucidate the complex nature of CD28 gene regulation, and may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with increased proportions of CD28− T lymphocytes.
Resolving the phylogenetic relationship between Chlamydomonas sp. UWO 241 and Chlamydomonas raudensis sag 49.72 (Chlorophyceae) with nuclear and plastid DNA sequences

The Antarctic psychrophilic green alga Chlamy‐domonas sp. UWO 241 is an emerging model for studying microbial adaptation to polar environments. However, little is known about its evolutionary history and its phylogenetic relationship with other chlamydomonadalean algae is equivocal. Here, we attempt to clarify the phylogenetic position of UWO 241, specifically with respect to Chlamydomonas rau‐densis SAG 49.72. Contrary to a previous report, we show that UWO 241 is a distinct species from SAG 49.72. Our phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and plastid DNA sequences reveal that UWO 241 represents a unique lineage within the Moewusinia clade (sensu Nakada) of the Chlamydomonadales (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta), closely affiliated to the marine species Chlamydomonas parkeae SAG 24.89.
Physical Anthropology of the Living Populations of Sub-Saharan Africa

This review is based on information made available after the compilation, published in 1968 (79), of all known anthropobiological means and frequencies that fulfill the following requirements: (a) the samples must concern welldefined African ethnic groups living south of 220 North, exclusive of those of European or Asiatic descent; (b) the samples must comprise at least 40 male subjects for adult anthropometry, 50 subjects for dermatoglyphics, and 100 subjects for blood traits; and (c) the techniques must be explicitly uniform. The same criteria have been used in compiling the data basic to this review. Table 1 lists the populations and characteristics covered by new information in the areas of adult anthropometry, blood genetics, dermatoglyphics, and color blindness. Table 2 lists growth studies published after 1968. Other biological variables are dealt with in the text. Compared with the past, the period covered here saw fewer studies undertaken for the sake of quantifying or classifying the differences between neighboring populations, but many more studies aimed at answering specific questions. In Africa as elsewhere, the Human Adaptability section of the International Biological Programme (IBP) has played a major role in promoting the careful planning of multidisciplinary studies aimed at solving problems of adaptation and response to the environment. Without claiming to be comprehensive, the following analysis of the new studies addresses broad topics or questions.
Lineage tracing of epithelial cells in developing teeth reveals two strategies for building signaling centers

An important event in organogenesis is the formation of signaling centers, which are clusters of growth factor-secreting cells. In the case of tooth development, sequentially formed signaling centers known as the initiation knot (IK) and the enamel knot (EK) regulate morphogenesis. However, despite the importance of signaling centers, their origin, as well as the fate of the cells composing them, remain open questions. Here, using lineage tracing of distinct epithelial populations, we found that the EK of the mouse incisor is derived de novo from a group of SRY-box 2 (Sox2)-expressing cells in the posterior half of the tooth germ. Specifically, EK progenitors are located in the posterior ventral basal layer, as demonstrated by DiI labeling of cells. Lineage tracing the formed EK with ShhCreER, which encodes an inducible Cre recombinase under the control of the Sonic hedgehog promoter, at subsequent developmental stages showed that, once formed, some EK cells in the incisor give rise to differentiated cells, whereas in the molar, EK cells give rise to the buccal secondary EK. This work thus establishes the developmental origin as well as the fate of the EK and reveals two strategies for the emergence of serially formed signaling centers: one through de novo establishment and the other by incorporation of progeny from previously formed signaling centers.
40-Gbit/s ICs for future lightwave communications systems

This paper reviews recent advances in 40-Gbit/s class analog and digital ICs developed at our laboratories for future lightwave communications systems. A 0.1-/spl mu/m gate InAlAs/InGaAs HEMT with InP recess etch stopper was adopted mainly for IC fabrication. Fabricated ICs demonstrate excellent data-multiplexing, demultiplexing and amplifying operation at 40 Gbit/s.
Effects of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy on Young Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders

The behavioral and social-emotional consequences of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) were examined in 17 studies of preschool-age children identified as exhibiting a disruptive behavior disorder. These studies included 628 children, 368 of whom participated in parent-child interaction therapy. Study findings revealed that involvement in PCIT results in statistically and clinically significant improvements in child behavior functioning. While there is some evidence that PCIT positively impacts social-emotional development, this evidence is less compelling. Implications for practice are described in terms of core relationship-building and discipline skills that parents should implement in order to optimize child behavior functioning. Purpose
Environmental segmentation alternatives: a look at green consumer behavior in the new

Looking to the future of green marketing, examines the dynamic nature of ecologically conscious consumer behavior. The study also provides a method of profiling and segmenting college students based upon ecologically conscious consumer behavior. Findings indicate that, despite a significant amount of past research attention, demographic criteria are not as useful a profiling method as psychographic criteria. Consistent with past findings, the study indicates that perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) provides the greatest insight into ecologically conscious consumer behavior. Further, the inclusion of altruism to the profile appears to add significantly to past efforts. Additional constructs examined suggest that environmental segmentation alternatives are more stable than past profiles that have relied primarily on demographic criteria.
On the fundamental feedback-vs-performance tradeoff over the MISO-BC with imperfect and delayed CSIT

This work considers the multiuser multiple-input single-output (MISO) broadcast channel (BC), where a transmitter with M antennas transmits information to K single-antenna users, and where - as expected - the quality and timeliness of channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) is imperfect. Motivated by the fundamental question of how much feedback is necessary to achieve a certain performance, this work seeks to establish bounds on the tradeoff between degrees-of-freedom (DoF) performance and CSIT feedback quality. Specifically, this work provides a novel DoF region outer bound for the general K-user M ×1 MISO BC with partial current CSIT, which naturally bridges the gap between the case of having no current CSIT (only delayed CSIT, or no CSIT) and the case with full CSIT. The work then characterizes the minimum CSIT feedback that is necessary for any point of the sum DoF, which is optimal for the case with M ≥ K, and the case with M = 2, K = 3.
Neuropsychological heterogeneity in executive functioning in autism spectrum disorders

Abstract In most research it is common to report results on a group level. For example, various studies report that children and adults with autism show executive function deficits. However, studies often differ in the pattern of findings. We believe this might be partly due to the heterogeneity of the autism population. Put differently, some people with autism might indeed have executive dysfunctions, but this does not mean that everybody with autism has such a deficit. In the current study we re-analysed published data from children with autism, children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (also associated with executive dysfunction) and children without a clinical diagnosis. A surprisingly small number of children did indeed have executive function deficits. However, children with a clinical diagnosis had executive function deficits more often than those without a diagnosis. These findings show us that besides reporting findings on a group level, researchers need to report findings on an individual level. Understanding the differences between individuals with autism might help us in pinpointing differences in etiology, prognosis, and treatment response. Different subsets of autism symptoms might be genetically partly independent. With respect to cognition, this may imply that one cognitive theory is unlikely to explain all symptoms and that there will be large individual differences in cognitive deficits/assets between individuals with autism. However, most journal articles report only group differences, treating individual differences more or less as ‘noise’ in the data. In the current study, we reanalyzed data from three independent studies (totaling 93 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), 104 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 93 typically developing children) to examine the degree of heterogeneity in executive function deficits. The three main findings were that (1) only a small percentage of children with ASD had a significant deficit in measured executive function; (2) there is not just heterogeneity within ASD groups, but also across studies, and (3) in line with Nigg and colleagues (2005), only a small number of children with ADHD showed a significant inhibitory control deficit. Executive (dys)function cannot be a marker for ASD as defined in the DSM, but might have potential as a specifier like IQ and language. This is in line with the idea that the executive function account cannot be a sole explanation for ASD. The findings do suggest that an individual differences approach might give us more information on potential subtypes within the autism spectrum. Future research is needed to define and test neuropsychological subtypes and their external correlates, including etiology, prognosis, and treatment response.
A Novel Three‐Dimensional In Vitro System to Study Trophoblast–Endothelium Cell Interactions

Pregnancy complications have been linked to improper trophoblast migration and failure of spiral artery transformation. Endothelial cells play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although by an unknown mechanism. We describe a novel in vitro model to evaluate endothelial–trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three‐dimensional system.
Social influence, sex differences, and judgments of beauty: Putting the interpersonal back in interpersonal attraction.

Four studies (N=711) probed processes that underlie sex differences in attraction. In Study 1, women reported expertise at judging men's physical attractiveness, and this expertise was acknowledged by men. In Study 2, women evaluated physical attractiveness after seeing ratings supposedly made by same-sex peers. Women were influenced by other women's ratings, especially negative ratings. Study 3 indicated that women were influenced by female peers in rating both male and female stimulus persons. There was no evidence that men were influenced by peers. In Study 4, Ss evaluated physically attractive persons of the other sex after reading a detailed description. Women were more influenced by peer evaluations than were men. Results were discussed in terms of sex differences and social influence processes in interpersonal attraction
Assessing Leadership Practices, Organizational Climate and Its Effect towards Innovative Work Behaviour in R&D

Achieving innovative organization has been the utmost agenda in every business operations recently. Thus, there is a need for a greater understanding of the leadership and organizational climate effect towards innovative work behaviour in work settings, particularly in R&D which involves creativity and innovation activities. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between leadership practice and organizational climate effect and its mediating effect towards innovative work behaviour. Data from 125 R&D scientists of public agricultural agencies were used to assess leadership practices of their superiors, organizational climate and their innovative work behavior. Results suggested there was a significant relationship between organizational climate and innovative work behavior. This finding would enrich the previous studies across samples, criteria and settings. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education Scale

The present study reported on the modification of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (Vlachopoulos & Michailidou, 2006) to assess students’ psychological need fulfillment in elementary school, middle school, and high school compulsory physical education classes. Data were collected from 817 5th and 6th grade students, 862 middle school students and 844 high school students, boys and girls. The findings supported an a priori correlated 3-factor structure of the Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education scale (BPN-PE) with strong internal reliability for all three school grade levels. Support was also obtained for the nomological validity of the scale responses. Further, measurement invariance emerged for BPN-PE scores across boys and girls and across students who participated or not in out-of-school sports within each school grade level as well as across all three school grade levels.
Maladie d'Alzheimer et démences Transgenic mouse models for Alzheimer's disease: the role of GSK-3 β in combined amyloid and tau-pathology

SUMMARY Describing and understanding the pathological processes which devastate the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients remains a major target for experimental biology. We approached this problem by generating different types of single and double transgenic mice that develop pathological hallmarks of AD. In APP-V717 mice, the progression from intracellular amyloid to diffuse and senile plaques with vascular deposits, is preceded by early defects in cognition and LTP. In Tau-P301L mice, the morbid tauopathy with intracellular filaments, cause mortality before age 1 year. Ageing APP-V717I × Tau-P301L double tg mice (14-17 months) have combined AD-like pathology in hippocampus and cortex consisting of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Remarkably, while Tau-P301L mice die before age 1 year, the APPV717I × Tau-P301L double tg mice survive much longer, which correlates with alleviation of tauopathy in hindbrain, despite aggravation in forebrain. This hypothesis is corroborated in Tau-P301L × GSK-3 β double transgenic mice, which have also an extended lifespan relative to Tau-P301L mice, that correlates with reduction of brainstem tauopathy. At the same time, Tau-P301L × GSK-3 β mice have dramatic forebrain tauopathy, with “tangles in almost all neurons”, although without hyper-phosphorylation of Tau. The data corroborate the hypothesis that GSK-3 β is the missing link between the amyloid and tau-pathology, and position GSK-3 β as prominent player in the pathogenesis in AD.
How to Improve Cognitive Control in Development During Childhood: Potentials and Limits of Cognitive Interventions

Cognitive control refers to the ability to control one's own processing along external and internal goals. Working memory, inhibition, and switching processes are key components of cognitive control that increase throughout childhood and are closely related to the maturation of the prefrontal lobes. Given the role of cognitive control in school success, searching for effective cognitive interventions is important. Such interventions may help induce positive change, especially earlier in children's development, as the prefrontal lobes are not fully developed and are sensitive to environmental demands. In this article, we highlight two ways to enhance cognitive control through different interventions: One uses language as a mediator for behavioral regulation, whereas the other involves the practice and training of cognitive control processes. We discuss ways these approaches might be used, limits to their use, and theoretical and practical implications.
Use of targeted array‐based CGH for the clinical diagnosis of chromosomal imbalance: Is less more?

Chromosome analysis is an important component to the diagnosis of congenital anomalies, developmental delay, and mental retardation. Routine chromosome analysis identifies aneuploidy and structural rearrangements greater than 5 Mb but cannot identify abnormalities of the telomeric regions or microdeletions reliably. Molecular cytogenetic techniques were developed to overcome these limitations. High‐resolution comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)‐based microarrays (array CGH) were developed to increase the resolution of chromosomal studies and to provide a comprehensive assay by using large‐insert clones as the target for analysis. We constructed a microarray for the clinical diagnosis of medically significant and relatively common chromosomal alterations. Nine hundred six bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones were chosen, the chromosomal locations of which were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH‐testing showed that 7% of the clones were mismapped based on map locations obtained from two publicly available databases (58 mapped to the wrong chromosome and three mapped to a different locus on the same chromosome), 16% cross‐hybridized to other chromosomes, and 12% did not hybridize or showed poor hybridization signals under uniform FISH conditions. Thus, from a total of 906 BAC clones that were evaluated, only 589 (65%) were deemed adequate for arraying on this clinical device. The performance of this array was tested in a set of blinded experiments on a cohort of phenotypically normal individuals and on individuals with known chromosome abnormalities. The array identified deletion/duplication polymorphisms not seen by FISH in the phenotypically normal individuals and detected single copy dosage differences in all of the cases with known chromosomal abnormalities. All abnormalities detected by the array were confirmed by FISH with BACs from the appropriate loci. Our data demonstrate that the rigorous assessment of BACs and their use in array CGH is especially important when the microarray is used for clinical diagnosis. In addition, this study illustrates that when constructed carefully with proper attention to the quality of the BACs that are arrayed, array CGH is an effective and efficient tool for delineating chromosomal aberrations and an important adjunct to FISH and conventional cytogenetics. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Task Relevance on the Cortical Response to Changes in Visual and Auditory Stimuli: An Event-Related fMRI Study

Attention is, in part, a mechanism for identifying features of the sensory environment of potential relevance to behavior. The network of brain areas sensitive to the behavioral relevance of multimodal sensory events has not been fully characterized. We used event-related fMRI to identify brain regions responsive to changes in both visual and auditory stimuli when those changes were either behaviorally relevant or behaviorally irrelevant. A widespread network of "context-dependent" activations responded to both task-irrelevant and task-relevant events but responded more strongly to task-relevant events. The most extensive activations in this network were located in right and left temporoparietal junction (TPJ), with smaller activations in left precuneus, left anterior insula, left anterior cingulate cortex, and right thalamus. Another network of "context-independent" activations responded similarly to all events, regardless of task relevance. This network featured a large activation encompassing left supplementary and cingulate motor areas (SMA/CMA) as well as right IFG, right/left precuneus, and right anterior insula, with smaller activations in right/left inferior temporal gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex. Distinct context-dependent and context-independent subregions of activation were also found within the left and right TPJ, left anterior insula, and left SMA/CMA. In the right TPJ, a subregion in the supramarginal gyrus showed sensitivity to the behavioral context (i.e., relevance) of stimulus changes, while two subregions in the superior temporal gyrus did not. The results indicate a role for the TPJ in detecting behaviorally relevant events in the sensory environment. The TPJ may serve to identify salient events in the sensory environment both within and independent of the current behavioral context.
Excess Norepinephrine Impairs Both Endothelium-Dependent and -Independent Vasodilation in Patients With Pheochromocytoma

Abstract—There is little information concerning the interaction of nitric oxide and norepinephrine (NE) on endothelial function in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelial function is impaired by NE secreted from patients with pheochromocytoma (pheo) and whether surgical resection of the tumor improves endothelial function in these patients. We evaluated the forearm blood flow (FBF) response to acetylcholine (ACh), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), an endothelium-independent vasodilator, before and after adrenalectomy in 8 pheo patients, 20 normotensive subjects, and 20 patients with essential hypertension. FBF was measured using a mercury-filled silastic strain-gauge plethysmograph. The FBF response to ACh was the greatest in normotensive subjects and the least in pheo patients. The FBF response to ISDN was significantly less in pheo patients than in the other 2 groups, which had similar responses to ISDN. Adrenalectomy significantly decreased plasma and urinary NE, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, and forearm vascular resistance. After adrenalectomy, FBF responses to both ACh and ISDN were enhanced in all pheo patients. The ratio of maximal ACh-stimulated FBF to maximal ISDN-stimulated FBF was significantly higher after adrenalectomy than before adrenalectomy (2.1±0.4 versus 1.1±0.1;P <0.05). The increase in maximal FBF response to ACh correlated significantly with the decrease in urinary excretion of NE (r =−0.62, P <0.01). These findings suggest that excess NE from pheo may predominately impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans.