Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Longitudinal Imaging of Experimental Human Papillomavirus Infection in Mice with a Multicolor Fluorescence Mini-Endoscopy System

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Vaccines for HPV infection can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. To further improve such vaccines and to explore other methods of preventing or treating viral infection, longitudinal studies in experimental animals are desirable. Here, we describe a newly developed multicolor endoscopic fluorescence imaging system to visualize early HPV infection with fluorescent protein–encoded pseudoviruses (PsV) in the female genital tract of living mice. With this imaging method, the course of HPV PsV infection and the effects of intervention to prevent infection can be monitored in a single mouse over time. Female immunocompetent or athymic mice were pretreated with a vaginal spermicide and then HPV PsV composed of an authentic viral capsid and encapsidating green or red fluorescent protein (GFP or RFP) reporter gene was intravaginally instilled. Expression of GFP or RFP was detected 1 day after PsV challenge, which peaked after 2 or 3 days and decreasing thereafter. No fluorescence was detected in vaccine-treated immunocompetent mice. By using serial infection of the same PsV type (HPV16) encoding either GFP or RFP, different infection patterns of repeated exposure can be monitored. This method offers the ability to monitor experimental virus infections before and after intervention, thereby accelerating the development of appropriate prevention and therapy. Cancer Prev Res; 4(5); 767–73. ©2011 AACR.
A Family Impact Analysis: The Deinstitutionalization of the Mentally Ill

Since the mid-1960's mental health policy has dictated several major changes in the structure and delivery of long-term care for the chronically mentally ill. Legislation encouraging a decreased reliance on hospitals has prompted the use of alternative community based treatment. The goal of this study was to assess the impact of the behavior of a chronically mentally ill relative on family stress. Fifty-seven families were surveyed concerning their current living and care arrangement with the mentally ill relative and the related stress factors. The results suggest frequency of family and mentally ill relative interaction is directly related to the stress these families experience.
No Evidence for Sex Differences in the Electrophysiological Properties and Excitatory Synaptic Input onto Nucleus Accumbens Shell Medium Spiny Neurons123

Visual Overview Sex differences exist in how the brain regulates motivated behavior and reward, both in normal and pathological contexts. Investigations into the underlying neural mechanisms have targeted the striatal brain regions, including the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens core and shell. Sex differences exist in how the brain regulates motivated behavior and reward, both in normal and pathological contexts. Investigations into the underlying neural mechanisms have targeted the striatal brain regions, including the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens core and shell. These investigations yield accumulating evidence of sexually different electrophysiological properties, excitatory synaptic input, and sensitivity to neuromodulator/hormone action in select striatal regions both before and after puberty. It is unknown whether the electrical properties of neurons in the nucleus accumbens shell differ by sex, and whether sex differences in excitatory synaptic input are present before puberty. To test the hypothesis that these properties differ by sex, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on male and female medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in acute brain slices obtained from prepubertal rat nucleus accumbens shell. We analyzed passive and active electrophysiological properties, and miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). No sex differences were detected; this includes those properties, such as intrinsic excitability, action potential afterhyperpolarization, threshold, and mEPSC frequency, that have been found to differ by sex in other striatal regions and/or developmental periods. These findings indicate that, unlike other striatal brain regions, the electrophysiological properties of nucleus accumbens shell MSNs do not differ by sex. Overall, it appears that sex differences in striatal function, including motivated behavior and reward, are likely mediated by other factors and striatal regions.
microRNA-155 Regulates Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Models of Parkinson Disease

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a chief mediator of Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and widespread aggregates of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). Recently, microRNAs, small, noncoding RNAs involved in regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, have been recognized as important regulators of the inflammatory environment. Using an array approach, we found significant upregulation of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in an in vivo model of PD produced by adeno-associated-virus-mediated expression of α-syn. Using a mouse with a complete deletion of miR-155, we found that loss of miR-155 reduced proinflammatory responses to α-syn and blocked α-syn-induced neurodegeneration. In primary microglia from miR-155−/− mice, we observed a markedly reduced inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils, with attenuation of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Treatment of these microglia with a synthetic mimic of miR-155 restored the inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils. Our results suggest that miR-155 has a central role in the inflammatory response to α-syn in the brain and in α-syn-related neurodegeneration. These effects are at least in part due to a direct role of miR-155 on the microglial response to α-syn. These data implicate miR-155 as a potential therapeutic target for regulating the inflammatory response in PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The main feature associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) is the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain accompanied by signs of inflammation and immune activation. Our studies suggest that microRNA-155 is a key inflammation-initiating molecule that could be a viable target for PD therapeutics.
Learning Faces: Similar Comparator Faces Do Not Improve Performance

Recent evidence indicates that comparison of two similar faces can aid subsequent discrimination between them. However, the fact that discrimination between two faces is facilitated by comparing them directly does not demonstrate that comparison produces a general improvement in the processing of faces. It remains an open question whether the opportunity to compare a “target” face to similar faces can facilitate the discrimination of the exposed target face from other nonexposed faces. In Experiment 1, selection of a target face from an array of novel foils was not facilitated by intermixed exposure to the target and comparators of the same sex. Experiment 2 also found no advantage for similar comparators (morphed towards the target) over unmorphed same sex comparators, or over repeated target exposure alone. But all repeated exposure conditions produced better performance than a single brief presentation of the target. Experiment 3 again demonstrated that repeated exposure produced equivalent learning in same sex and different sex comparator conditions, and also showed that increasing the number of same sex or different sex comparators failed to improve identification. In all three experiments, exposure to a target alongside similar comparators failed to support selection of the target from novel test stimuli to a greater degree than exposure alongside dissimilar comparators or repeated target exposure alone. The current results suggest that the facilitatory effects of comparison during exposure may be limited to improving discrimination between exposed stimuli, and thus our results do not support the idea that providing the opportunity for comparison is a practical means for improving face identification.
Age‐related reductions in the estimated numbers of motor units are minimal in the human soleus

The documented impact of contractile level on decomposition‐enhanced spike‐triggered averaging motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) in young adults demonstrates the importance of selecting an objective contraction intensity that yields the most representative MUNE for a given muscle. Whether the same contraction intensity would be ideal in an altered system (e.g., by aging or disease) has yet to be examined. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of contraction intensity on MUNEs from the soleus muscle in young (≈27 years) and old (≈75 years) men. Using decomposition‐enhanced spike‐triggered averaging, surface and intramuscular electromyographic signals were collected from the soleus during a range of submaximal isometric plantar‐flexion contractions (threshold, 10%, 20%, and 30% of maximum voluntary contraction; MVC). Five MUNEs were calculated, one for each of the four contraction intensities and an ensemble MUNE was derived from all MUs collected. Although MUNE decreased similarly with increased effort in both groups, MUNEs were not significantly reduced in the old men compared to the young men. Consequently, the ensemble MUNE was extrapolated to an intensity of ≈15% MVC in both young and old. The results suggest that, in the soleus, the use of the same contraction intensity across age groups is a valid comparison. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Merger history of galaxies and disk+bulge formation

We discuss the transitions of galaxy morphologies within the CDM paradigm under the assumption of bulge formation in mergers and disk growth via cooling of gas and subsequent star formation. Based on the relative importance of these two competing processes it is possible to make predictions on the expected morphological mix of galaxies. In particular we here discuss the generation of massive disk galaxies with low bulge-to-total mass ratios. Our results indicate that it is difficult to generate enough massive disk galaxies with B/T $< 0.2$ via major mergers and subsequent disk re-growth, if during the major merger progenitor disks get disrupted completely. On average low B/T galaxies must have had there last major merger at $z \ge 2$. The main limiting factor is the ability to re-grow massive disks at late times after the last major merger of a galaxy. Taking into account the contribution from minor mergers ($4 \ge M_1/M_2$, $M_1 \ge M_2$) to the formation of bulges, we recover the right fraction of massive low B/T disk galaxies, indicating that minor mergers play an important role in the formation of massive low B/T disk galaxies.
The Serum Antibody Response Distributed in Subclasses and Isotypes after Intranasal and Subcutaneous Immunization with Influenza Virus Immunostimulating Complexes

Immunostimulating complexes (iscoms) were prepared from influenza virus glycoproteins (A/PR8(H1N1)). Mice were inoculated with iscoms by local (oral or intranasal) as well ashy subcutaneous administration. It was shown that one subcutaneous or intranasal inoculation induced serum antibody responses of similar magnitude. The intranasal administration, however, induced somewhat higher IgA and IgM titres than that induced subcutaneous. After a second intranasal or subcutaneous inoculation a prominent increase of the IgG isotypes was found. The secondary IgA and IgM responses were of similar magnitude as those induced alter the primary inoculation. The antibody responses induced were evenly distributed within the IgG isotypes, although the highest titres recorded were of the IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes.
Population Pharmacokinetic Properties of Piperaquine in Falciparum Malaria: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

Background Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the mainstay of the current treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but ACT resistance is spreading across Southeast Asia. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is one of the five ACTs currently recommended by the World Health Organization. Previous studies suggest that young children (<5 y) with malaria are under-dosed. This study utilised a population-based pharmacokinetic approach to optimise the antimalarial treatment regimen for piperaquine. Methods and Findings Published pharmacokinetic studies on piperaquine were identified through a systematic literature review of articles published between 1 January 1960 and 15 February 2013. Individual plasma piperaquine concentration–time data from 11 clinical studies (8,776 samples from 728 individuals) in adults and children with uncomplicated malaria and healthy volunteers were collated and standardised by the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network. Data were pooled and analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. Piperaquine pharmacokinetics were described successfully by a three-compartment disposition model with flexible absorption. Body weight influenced clearance and volume parameters significantly, resulting in lower piperaquine exposures in small children (<25 kg) compared to larger children and adults (≥25 kg) after administration of the manufacturers’ currently recommended dose regimens. Simulated median (interquartile range) day 7 plasma concentration was 29.4 (19.3–44.3) ng/ml in small children compared to 38.1 (25.8–56.3) ng/ml in larger children and adults, with the recommended dose regimen. The final model identified a mean (95% confidence interval) increase of 23.7% (15.8%–32.5%) in piperaquine bioavailability between each piperaquine dose occasion. The model also described an enzyme maturation function in very young children, resulting in 50% maturation at 0.575 (0.413–0.711) y of age. An evidence-based optimised dose regimen was constructed that would provide piperaquine exposures across all ages comparable to the exposure currently seen in a typical adult with standard treatment, without exceeding the concentration range observed with the manufacturers’ recommended regimen. Limited data were available in infants and pregnant women with malaria as well as in healthy individuals. Conclusions The derived population pharmacokinetic model was used to develop a revised dose regimen of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine that is expected to provide equivalent piperaquine exposures safely in all patients, including in small children with malaria. Use of this dose regimen is expected to prolong the useful therapeutic life of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine by increasing cure rates and thereby slowing resistance development. This work was part of the evidence that informed the World Health Organization technical guidelines development group in the development of the recently published treatment guidelines (2015).
Age diversity and team outcomes: a quantitative review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the literature on the relationship between age diversity (AD) and the essential team outcomes (i.e. performance quality, financial performance, innovation and creativity, effectiveness, satisfaction, and turnover). Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct a meta-analysis of the relationship between AD and team outcomes using a sample of 74 studies. Furthermore, the authors investigate the role of contextual factors (task complexity, type of performance evaluation, study setting, team size, age cohort) as moderators of the AD-team outcome relationship. Findings – The results show no significant overall relationships between AD and team outcomes, except for turnover (r=0.11, p < 0.05). Moderator analyses reveal significant albeit weak differences regarding task complexity, team size, and age cohort. Originality/value – The authors extend previous research by quantitatively reviewing the AD-team outcome relationship. By showing that AD is only rel.
MR Findings of the Osteofibrous Dysplasia

Objective The aim of this study was to describe MR findings of osteofibrous dysplasia. Materials and Methods MR images of 24 pathologically proven osteofibrous dysplasia cases were retrospectively analyzed for a signal intensity of the lesion, presence of intralesional fat signal, internal hypointense band, multilocular appearance, cortical expansion, intramedullary extension, cystic area, cortical breakage and extraosseous extension, abnormal signal from the adjacent bone marrow and soft tissue and patterns of contrast enhancement. Results All cases of osteofibrous dysplasia exhibited intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, 20 and 4 cases exhibited heterogeneously intermediate and high signal intensity, respectively. Intralesional fat was identified in 12% of the cases. Internal low-signal bands and multilocular appearance were observed in 91%. Cortical expansion was present in 58%. Intramedullary extension was present in all cases, and an entire intramedullary replacement was observed in 33%. Cortical breakage (n = 3) and extraosseous mass formation (n = 1) were observed in cases with pathologic fractures only. A cystic area was observed in one case. Among 21 cases without a pathologic fracture, abnormal signal intensity in the surrounding bone marrow and adjacent soft tissue was observed in 43% and 48%, respectively. All cases exhibited diffuse contrast enhancement. Conclusion Osteofibrous dysplasia exhibited diverse imaging features ranging from lesions confined to the cortex to more aggressive lesions with complete intramedullary involvement or perilesional marrow edema.
Klimawandel und Mediennutzung. Wirkungen auf Problembewusstsein und Handlungsabsichten

Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Ereignisse und einer intensiven Medienberichterstattung uber das Thema Klimawandel stellt der vorliegende Beitrag die Frage, ob die Berichterstattung der Medien einen Einfluss auf das klimabezogene Umweltbewusstsein der Bevolkerung hat. Auf der Grundlage ausgewahlter Konzepte aus dem Bereich der sozialwissenschaftlichen und psychologischen Umweltbewusstseinsforschung und dem Forschungsstand in diesem Bereich wird ein integratives Modell zur Erklarung von klimabezogenem Problembewusstsein und Handlungsabsichten entwickelt. Dieses Modell wird mit den Daten einer bundesweiten Reprasentativbefragung empirisch gepruft. Im Unterschied zu den meisten vorhergehenden Studien werden nicht die Effekte einer selektiven themenspezifischen Mediennutzung, sondern differentielle Effekte der Informationsnutzung auf mehrere abhangige Variablen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Mediennutzung durchaus Einfluss auf das klimabezogene Problembewusstsein und die Handlungsabsichten hat. Die festgestellten Ergebnisse lassen sich jedoch nicht auf eine einfache Formel bringen. Tatsachlich differieren die Befunde sowohl hinsichtlich der verschiedenen abhangigen Variablen als auch zwischen den verschiedenen Medien. Dass die Wirkung der Medien nicht immer nur mobilisierend und Bewusstsein scharfend ist, ist sicherlich eines der bemerkenswerten Ergebnisse dieser Studie.
Export Instability, Income Terms of Trade Instability and Growth: The Case of India

The study explores the causal relationship among export instability, income terms of trade instability and economic growth in India. By using the cointegration test and the vector error correction model for the period 1960 to 2008, the study demonstrates that there exists a long run equilibrium relationship among export instability, income terms of trade instability, investment and economic growth. Both in the short run and the long rum the Granger causal flow is uni-directional from export instability and income terms of trade instability to economic growth and investment. The findings of the study suggest that there is a need to build up foreign exchange reserves in India in order to smoothen out fluctuations in export earnings in the short run. A long run strategy may involve government efforts to diversify export base of the country.
Simultaneously Uncovering the Patterns of Brain Regions Involved in Different Story Reading Subprocesses

Story understanding involves many perceptual and cognitive subprocesses, from perceiving individual words, to parsing sentences, to understanding the relationships among the story characters. We present an integrated computational model of reading that incorporates these and additional subprocesses, simultaneously discovering their fMRI signatures. Our model predicts the fMRI activity associated with reading arbitrary text passages, well enough to distinguish which of two story segments is being read with 74% accuracy. This approach is the first to simultaneously track diverse reading subprocesses during complex story processing and predict the detailed neural representation of diverse story features, ranging from visual word properties to the mention of different story characters and different actions they perform. We construct brain representation maps that replicate many results from a wide range of classical studies that focus each on one aspect of language processing and offer new insights on which type of information is processed by different areas involved in language processing. Additionally, this approach is promising for studying individual differences: it can be used to create single subject maps that may potentially be used to measure reading comprehension and diagnose reading disorders.
Characterization of the interleukin-4 receptor complex in human corneal fibroblasts.

PURPOSE To characterize the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor (IL-4R) complex in human corneal fibroblasts. METHODS The presence of IL-4R subunit mRNAs and proteins in cultured human corneal fibroblasts was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry, respectively. The interaction of 125I-labeled IL-4 with specific cell surface receptors was characterized by saturation binding and Scatchard analysis. The effects of IL-4 on the tyrosine phosphorylation and subcellular localization of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) were evaluated by immunoblot and indirect immunofluorescence analyses, respectively. The concentration of eotaxin in cell culture supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Transcripts encoding the IL-4R components IL-4Ralpha, IL-2Rgammac, IL-13Ralpha1, and IL-13Ralpha2 were detected in human corneal fibroblasts; IL-4Ralpha and IL-2Rgammac proteins were also expressed on the cell surface. The maximum number of IL-4 binding sites was 2.3 x 10(4) per cell, and the dissociation constant for the interaction of IL-4 with these sites was 10.1 +/- 0.3 pM. IL-4 induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT6 as well as translocation of this protein to the nucleus. Eotaxin release from corneal fibroblasts stimulated by the combination of IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with neutralizing antibodies to IL-4R. CONCLUSIONS Cultured human corneal fibroblasts express high-affinity functional IL-4Rs on the cell surface, suggesting that these cells may contribute to the role of IL-4 as a key mediator of allergic reactions in the cornea.