Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IL-2 Expression in Activated Human Memory FOXP3+ Cells Critically Depends on the Cellular Levels of FOXP3 as Well as of Four Transcription Factors of  T Cell Activation

The human CD4+FOXP3+ T cell population is heterogeneous and consists of various subpopulations which remain poorly defined. Anergy and suppression are two main functional characteristics of FOXP3+Treg cells. We used the anergic behavior of FOXP3+Treg cells for a better discrimination and characterization of such subpopulations. We compared IL-2-expressing with IL-2-non-expressing cells within the memory FOXP3+ T cell population. In contrast to IL-2-non-expressing FOXP3+ cells, IL-2-expressing FOXP3+ cells exhibit intermediate characteristics of Treg and Th cells concerning the Treg cell markers CD25, GITR, and Helios. Besides lower levels of FOXP3, they also have higher levels of the transcription factors NFATc2, c-Fos, NF-κBp65, and c-Jun. An approach combining flow cytometric measurements with statistical interpretation for quantitative transcription factor analysis suggests that the physiological expression levels not only of FOXP3 but also of NFATc2, c-Jun, c-Fos, and NF-κBp65 are limiting for the decision whether IL-2 is expressed or not in activated peripheral human memory FOXP3+ cells. These findings demonstrate that concomitant high levels of NFATc2, c-Jun, c-Fos, and NF-κBp65 lead in addition to potential IL-2 expression in those FOXP3+ cells with low levels of FOXP3. We hypothesize that not only the level of FOXP3 expression but also the amounts of the four transcription factors studied represent determining factors for the anergic phenotype of FOXP3+ Treg cells.
The impact of the coronary collateral circulation on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes: results from the ACUITY trial

Objective We sought to assess the prognostic role of collaterals in a large population of patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods The coronary collateral circulation was assessed by an independent angiographic core laboratory using the Rentrop Score in patients enrolled in the randomised Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy trial. Results The cohort comprised 5412 patients with moderate to high risk ACS. A total of 858 patients (16.0%) had visible collaterals while 4554 patients (84.0%) had no collaterals. After multivariable adjustment, there were no differences in clinical outcomes at 1 year between the groups, including major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (HR 0.94 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.16), p=0.55), mortality (HR 1.03 (0.65 to 1.62), p=0.91), myocardial infarction (MI) (HR 1.07 (0.83 to 1.38), p=0.60) and unplanned target vessel revascularisation (TVR) (HR 0.95 (0.71 to 1.28), p=0.75). Similarly, in the subgroup of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the adjusted HR for major adverse cardiac events was 1.1 (0.76 to 1.61), p=0.595; 0.81 (0.10 to 6.44), p=0.999 for mortality; and 0.86 (0.54 to 1.35), p=0.564 for MI. The risk of unplanned TVR was increased (HR 2.74 (1.48 to 5.10), p=0.004). Conclusions In contrast to other studies, this large core laboratory-based analysis does not confirm a beneficial role of visible coronary collateral vessels on clinical outcomes in patients with ACS; the presence of collaterals was even associated with increased mortality in the unadjusted analysis. Collaterals were associated with a higher risk of TVR in patients undergoing PCI, a finding that may not have been fully corrected given confounders and clinical differences between the groups. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00093158.
The cdc2‐related protein p40MO15 is the catalytic subunit of a protein kinase that can activate p33cdk2 and p34cdc2.

Activation of the cyclin‐dependent protein kinases p34cdc2 and p33cdk2 requires binding with a cyclin partner and phosphorylation on the first threonine residue in the sequence THEVVTLWYRAPE. We present evidence that this threonine residue, number 160 in p33cdk2, can be specifically phosphorylated by a cdc2‐related protein kinase from Xenopus oocytes called p40MO15. Binding to cyclin A and phosphorylation of this threonine are both required to activate fully the histone H1 kinase activity of p33cdk2. In cell extracts, a portion of p40MO15 is found in a high molecular weight complex that is considerably more active than a lower molecular weight form. Wild‐type MO15 protein expressed in bacteria does not possess kinase activity, but acquires p33cdk2‐T160 kinase activity after incubation with cell extract and ATP. We conclude that p40MO15 corresponds to CAK (cdc2/cdk2 activating kinase) and speculate that, like p33cdk2 and p34cdc2, p40MO15 requires activation by phosphorylation and association with a companion subunit.
Effect of Anticancer Drug on the Cell Sensitivity to Ultrasound In Vitro and In Vivo

Ultrasound bioeffects: loss of cell viability, cell membrane damage, intracellular uptake of anthracyclin drug doxorubicin (DOX), and cell proliferation, were investigated for drug‐sensitive and multi‐drug resistant (MDR) ovarian carcinoma cells. Cells were exposed to 1.1 MHz focused and 1.0 MHz unfocused ultrasound at different acoustic energies (1–1000 J/cm2) and DOX concentrations (1–20 μg/ml). It was found that MDR cells were more susceptible to the ultrasound action than sensitive cells if sonicated in suspension. At the same delivered energy, cell membrane damage increased with increasing acoustic pressure. Proliferation rate of the viable cells with compromised membranes was lower than that of intact cells. No effect of ultrasound (peak pressures up to 5 MPa, 30 sec exposure time) on the tumor growth in mice and their survival rates were found in the absence of DOX, while a synergistic effect of drug and ultrasound was observed in DOX presence.
Analytical and Experimental Studies of the Debonding of Stitched and Unstitched Composite Joints

The effect of stitches on the failure of a single lap joint configuration was determined in a combined experimental and finite element study. The experimental program was conducted to determine debond growth under static monotonic loading. The stitches were shown to delay the initiation of the debond and provide load transfer after total debonding of the lap joint. The experimentally determined debond length versus applied load was used as an input parameter in the finite element analysis of both stitched and unstitched configurations. The strain energy release rates at the debond front were calculated using plate elements. Discrete nonlinear spring elements were used to model the stitches and multipoint constraints were used to model the contact problem. Models of the unstitched configuration showed significant values of mode I and II strain energy release rates across the width of the joint and showed that mode III is zero at the centerline but increases near the free edge. Models of the stitched configuration showed that the stitches were effective in reducing the mode I component to zero, but had less effect on modes II and III.
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY: AMINO ACID THERAPY FOR SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF

A controlled study of 45 cases of uncomplicated benign prostatic hypertrophy has confirmed the original report of Feinblatt and Cant (1) on the value of a combination of glycine, alanine and glutamic acid as palliative treatment. In 1958 these authors reported a controlled cross-over test of this therapy in 40 cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy. After a period of three months, nocturia was relieved or reduced in 95 per cent of the cases, urgency in 81 per cent, frequency in 73 per cent, and delayed micturition in 70 per cent. There were no adverse reactions.
Effect of Electroacupuncture at ST36 on Gastric-Related Neurons in Spinal Dorsal Horn and Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the ST36 acupoint on the firing rate of gastric-related neurons in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). There were different effects of gastric distention in SDH and NTS in 46 male Sprague-Dawley rats. In 10 excitatory neurons in SDH, most of the neurons were inhibited by homolateral EA. The firing rates decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in 10 excitatory gastric-related neurons in NTS; the firing rates of 6 neurons were further excited by homolateral EA, with a significant increase of the firing rates (P < 0.05); all inhibitory gastric-related neurons in NTS were excited by EA. The inhibition rate of homolateral EA was significantly increased in comparison with contralateral EA in gastric-related neurons of SDH (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between homolateral and contralateral EA in gastric-related neurons of NTS. EA at ST36 changes the firing rate of gastric-related neurons in SDH and NTS. However, there are some differences in responsive mode in these neurons. The existence of these differences could be one of the physiological foundations of diversity and complexity in EA effects.
A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND Adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently experience interference with everyday activities. Mind-body approaches such as yoga have been recommended as interventions for patients with IBS. Despite promising results among adult samples, there have been limited studies exploring the efficacy of yoga with pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE To conduct a preliminary randomized study of yoga as treatment for adolescents with IBS. METHODS Twenty-five adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with IBS were randomly assigned to either a yoga or wait list control group. Before the intervention, both groups completed questionnaires assessing gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, functional disability, coping, anxiety and depression. The yoga intervention consisted of a 1 h instructional session, demonstration and practice, followed by four weeks of daily home practice guided by a video. After four weeks, adolescents repeated the baseline questionnaires. The wait list control group then received the yoga intervention and four weeks later completed an additional set of questionnaires. RESULTS Adolescents in the yoga group reported lower levels of functional disability, less use of emotion-focused avoidance and lower anxiety following the intervention than adolescents in the control group. When the pre- and postintervention data for the two groups were combined, adolescents had significantly lower scores for gastrointestinal symptoms and emotion-focused avoidance following the yoga intervention. Adolescents found the yoga to be helpful and indicated they would continue to use it to manage their IBS. CONCLUSIONS Yoga holds promise as an intervention for adolescents with IBS.
Activity of the descending noradrenergic pathway after surgery in rats

Background: Previous studies have shown that activation of the descending noradrenergic inhibition pathway results in analgesia after surgery. However, the time course of activity of the descending noradrenergic pathway after surgery has not been examined previously. Here, we investigated the spinal release of noradrenaline (NA) in the post‐operative period in a freely moving rat model of incisional pain.
Children’s Non-symbolic, Symbolic Addition and Their Mapping Capacity at 4–7 Years Old

The study aimed to examine the developmental trajectories of non-symbolic and symbolic addition capacities in children and the mapping ability between these two. We assessed 106 4- to 7-year-old children and found that 4-year-olds were able to do non-symbolic addition but not symbolic addition. Five-year-olds and older were able to do symbolic addition and their performance in symbolic addition exceeded non-symbolic addition in grade 1 (approximate age 7). These results suggested non-symbolic addition ability emerges earlier and is less affected by formal mathematical education than symbolic addition. Meanwhile, we tested children’s bi-directional mapping ability using a novel task and found that children were able to map between symbolic and non-symbolic representations of number at age 5. Their ability in mapping non-symbolic to symbolic number became more proficient in grade 1 (approximate age 7). This suggests children at age 7 have developed a relatively mature symbolic representation system.
The Yellowstone magmatic system from the mantle plume to the upper crust

Yellowstone's missing magmatic link Yellowstone is an extensively studied “supervolcano” that has a large supply of heat coming from a pool of magma near the surface and the mantle below. A link between these two features has long been suspected. Huang et al. imaged the lower crust using seismic tomography (see the Perspective by Shapiro and Koulakov). Their findings provide an estimate of the total amount of molten rock beneath Yellowstone and help to explain the large amount of volcanic gases escaping from the region. Science, this issue p. 773; see also p. 758 The Yellowstone supervolcano has a large magma body between the mantle hot spot and the upper crustal magmatic reservoir. [Also see Perspective by Shapiro and Koulakov] The Yellowstone supervolcano is one of the largest active continental silicic volcanic fields in the world. An understanding of its properties is key to enhancing our knowledge of volcanic mechanisms and corresponding risk. Using a joint local and teleseismic earthquake P-wave seismic inversion, we revealed a basaltic lower-crustal magma body that provides a magmatic link between the Yellowstone mantle plume and the previously imaged upper-crustal magma reservoir. This lower-crustal magma body has a volume of 46,000 cubic kilometers, ~4.5 times that of the upper-crustal magma reservoir, and contains a melt fraction of ~2%. These estimates are critical to understanding the evolution of bimodal basaltic-rhyolitic volcanism, explaining the magnitude of CO2 discharge, and constraining dynamic models of the magmatic system for volcanic hazard assessment.
Review of Motion Sickness Evaluation Methods and their Application to Simulation Technology

Seasickness or motion sickness (kinetosis) is not only an issue at sea, but on rails as well. Unlike vibration discomfort, no clear guidelines exist for assessing motion sickness. Recent developments such as tilting technology and increased passenger demands regarding comfort have led to higher requirements for rolling stock equipment and infrastructure. This article presents a tool for assessing train design with respect to motion sickness at the engineering stage.
Porous carbon nanotube/PMMA conductive composites as a sensitive layer in vapor sensors

A novel vapor sensor was fabricated by multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) porous composite. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was used as a matrix. Porous sensing films were obtained by the dry-cast non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The experimental results showed a remarkable improvement in sensitivity and response time of conductive porous composite vapor sensors in comparison with dense composites. The response of porous films was about five times greater than dense ones with comparable thicknesses. In addition, the effect of surface modification of nanotubes on sensitivity of porous sensors was evaluated. It was observed that functionalized CNT/PMMA porous composite sensors show higher responsiveness towards a series of organic vapors. Their response was approximately ten times greater than the response of similar sensors without functionalization of CNTs, which was explained on the basis of polar interactions of vapors on the surface of CNTs and better dispersion of nanotubes in the polymer matrix.
Bimodal Protection of DNA by Mycobacterium smegmatis DNA-binding Protein from Stationary Phase Cells*

Some members of the DNA-binding protein from stationary phase cells (Dps) family of proteins have been shown to play an important role in protecting microorganisms from oxidative or nutritional stress. Dps homologs have been identified in various bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria innocua. Recently we have reported the presence of a Dps homolog, Ms-Dps, in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Ms-Dps was found to have a nonspecific DNA binding ability. Here we have detected two stable oligomeric forms of Ms-Dpsin vitro, a trimeric and a dodecameric form. Interestingly, the conversion of Dps from a trimeric to a dodecameric form takes place upon incubation at 37 °C for 12 h. These two oligomeric forms differ in their DNA binding properties. The dodecameric form is capable of DNA binding and forming large crystalline arrays with DNA, whereas the trimeric form cannot do so. However, even in the absence of DNA binding, the trimeric form has the capacity to protect the DNA against Fenton's-mediated damage. The protection is afforded by the ferroxidase activity of the trimer. However, the trimeric form cannot protect DNA from DNaseI attack, for which a direct physical shielding of DNA by the dodecamer is required. Thus we suggest that Ms-Dps provides a bimodal protection of DNA by its two different oligomeric forms.
Responding mindfully to distressing psychosis: A grounded theory analysis

Abstract This study investigates the psychological process involved when people with current distressing psychosis learned to respond mindfully to unpleasant psychotic sensations (voices, thoughts, and images). Sixteen participants were interviewed on completion of a mindfulness group program. Grounded theory methodology was used to generate a theory of the core psychological process using a systematically applied set of methods linking analysis with data collection. The theory inducted describes the experience of relating differently to psychosis through a three-stage process: centering in awareness of psychosis; allowing voices, thoughts, and images to come and go without reacting or struggle; and reclaiming power through acceptance of psychosis and the self. The conceptual and clinical applications of the theory and its limits are discussed.
Slow Adaptation of Ventricular Repolarization as a Cause of Arrhythmia?

Summary Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”. Background: Adaptation of the QT-interval to changes in heart rate reflects on the body-surface electrocardiogram the adaptation of action potential duration (APD) at the cellular level. The initial fast phase of APD adaptation has been shown to modulate the arrhythmia substrate. Whether the slow phase is potentially proarrhythmic remains unclear. Objectives: To analyze in-vivo human data and use computer simulations to examine effects of the slow APD adaptation phase on dispersion of repolarization and reentry in the human ventricle. Methods: Electrograms were acquired from 10 left and 10 right ventricle (LV/RV) endocardial sites in 15 patients with normal ventricles during RV pacing. Activation-recovery intervals, as a surrogate for APD, were measured during a sustained increase in heart rate. Observed dynamics were studied using computer simulations of human tissue electrophysiology. Results: Spatial heterogeneity of rate adaptation was observed in all patients. Inhomogeneity in slow APD adaptation time constants (ΔTs) was greater in LV than RV (ΔTs LV = 31.8 ± 13.2, ΔTs RV = 19.0 ± 12.8 s, P < 0.01). Simulations showed that altering local slow time constants of adaptation was sufficient to convert partial wavefront block to block with successful reentry. Conclusions: Using electrophysiological data acquired in-vivo in human and computer simulations, we identify heterogeneity in the slow phase of APD adaptation as an important component of arrhythmogenesis.
Intracellular pH transients in squid giant axons caused by CO2, NH3, and metabolic inhibitors

The intracellular pH (pHi) of squid giant axons has been measured using glass pH microelectrodes. Resting pHi in artificial seawater (ASW) (pH 7.6-7.8) at 23 degrees C was 7.32 +/- 0.02 (7.28 if corrected for liquid junction potential). Exposure of the axon to 5% CO2 at constant external pH caused a sharp decrease in pHi, while the subsequent removal of the gas caused pHi to overshoot its initial value. If the exposure to CO2 was prolonged, two additional effects were noted: (a) during the exposure, the rapid initial fall in pHi was followed by a slow rise, and (b) after the exposure, the overshoot was greatly exaggerated. Application of external NH4Cl caused pHi to rise sharply; return to normal ASW caused pHi to return to a value below its initial one. If the exposure to NH4Cl was prolonged, two additional effects were noted: (a) during the exposure, the rapid initial rise in pHi was followed by a slow fall, and (b) after the exposure, the undershoot was greatly exaggerated. Exposure to several weak acid metabolic inhibitors caused a fall in pHi whose reversibility depended upon length of exposure. Inverting the electrochemical gradient for H+ with 100 mM K- ASW had no effect on pHi changes resulting from short-term exposure to azide. A mathematical model explains the pHi changes caused by NH4Cl on the basis of passive movements of both NH3 and NH4+. The simultaneous passive movements of CO2 and HCO3-cannot explain the results of the CO2 experiments; these data require the postulation of an active proton extrusion and/or sequestration mechanism.
On the depth and scale of metabolic rate variation: scaling of oxygen consumption rates and enzymatic activity in the Class Cephalopoda (Mollusca)

SUMMARY Recent ecological theory depends, for predictive power, on the apparent similarity of metabolic rates within broad taxonomic or functional groups of organisms (e.g. invertebrates or ectotherms). Such metabolic commonality is challenged here, as I demonstrate more than 200-fold variation in metabolic rates independent of body mass and temperature in a single class of animals, the Cephalopoda, over seven orders of magnitude size range. I further demonstrate wide variation in the slopes of metabolic scaling curves. The observed variation in metabolism reflects differential selection among species for locomotory capacity rather than mass or temperature constraints. Such selection is highest among epipelagic squids (Lolignidae and Ommastrephidae) that, as adults, have temperature-corrected metabolic rates higher than mammals of similar size.
Serum visfatin concentration is elevated in pregnant women irrespectively of the presence of gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to compare serum concentrations of a recently identified namely--visfatin between pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as non-pregnant healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum visfatin concentration was measured in 61 patients with GDM, 63 pregnant subjects with NGT and 36 non-pregnant healthy women by means of an immunoassay. RESULTS Median visfatin levels did not differ in the women with GDM (14.8 [10.8-17.3] microg/l) and NGT (15.3 [11.8-19.4] microg/l), but were significantly higher than those found in the non-pregnant women (11.4 [8.6-15.2] microg/l, p=0.0008 vs NGT and p=0.008 vs GDM group). Visfatin concentrations correlated significantly with fasting insulin (R=0.20, p=0.01), HOMA-IR (R=0.19, p=0.02) and HOMA-%B (R=0.23, p=0.004). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum visfatin levels were significantly predicted only by HbA1c values (b=0.21, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Serum visfatin concentrations are elevated in pregnant women, irrespectively of their glucose tolerance status. This elevation may be caused by an additional secretion of visfatin from the placenta, however other possible sources of visfatin should also be taken into account.