Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequence of a Candidate World Health Organization Reference Strain of Zika Virus for Nucleic Acid Testing

ABSTRACT We report here the sequence of a candidate reference strain of Zika virus (ZIKV) developed on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO). The ZIKV reference strain is intended for use in nucleic acid amplification (NAT)-based assays for the detection and quantification of ZIKV RNA.
Kcnh1 Voltage-gated Potassium Channels Are Essential for Early Zebrafish Development*

Background: Kcnh1 is a voltage-gated potassium channel that is primarily expressed in brain. Results: Knockdown of kcnh1 in zebrafish delays neural development and causes embryonic lethality. Conclusion: Kcnh1 is involved in cell proliferation during early zebrafish development. Significance: The finding that Kcnh1 has basic functions beyond neural signaling will help to elucidate its roles in physiology and cancer formation. The Kcnh1 gene encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel highly expressed in neurons and involved in tumor cell proliferation, yet its physiological roles remain unclear. We have used the zebrafish as a model to analyze Kcnh1 function in vitro and in vivo. We found that the kcnh1 gene is duplicated in teleost fish (i.e. kcnh1a and kcnh1b) and that both genes are maternally expressed during early development. In adult zebrafish, kcnh1a and kcnh1b have distinct expression patterns but share expression in brain and testis. Heterologous expression of both genes in Xenopus oocytes revealed a strong conservation of characteristic functional properties between human and fish channels, including a unique sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+/calmodulin and modulation of voltage-dependent gating by extracellular Mg2+. Using a morpholino antisense approach, we demonstrate a strong kcnh1 loss-of-function phenotype in developing zebrafish, characterized by growth retardation, delayed hindbrain formation, and embryonic lethality. This late phenotype was preceded by transcriptional up-regulation of known cell-cycle inhibitors (p21, p27, cdh2) and down-regulation of pro-proliferative factors, including cyclin D1, at 70% epiboly. These results reveal an unanticipated basic activity of kcnh1 that is crucial for early embryonic development and patterning.
Bayesian Estimation of Cerebral Perfusion Using Reduced-Contrast-Dose Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast Perfusion at 3T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: DSC perfusion has been increasingly used in conjunction with other contrast-enhanced MR applications and therefore there is need for contrast-dose reduction when feasible. The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility of reduced-contrast-dose brain DSC perfusion by using a probabilistic Bayesian method and to compare the results with the commonly used singular value decomposition technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Half-dose (0.05-mmol/kg) and full-dose (0.1-mmol/kg) DSC perfusion studies were prospectively performed in 20 patients (12 men; 34–70 years of age) by using a 3T MR imaging scanner and a gradient-EPI sequence (TR/TE, 1450/22 ms; flip angle, 90°). All DSC scans were processed with block circulant singular value decomposition and Bayesian probabilistic methods. SNR analysis was performed in both half-dose and full-dose groups. The CBF, CBV, and MTT maps from both full-dose and half-dose scans were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively in both WM and GM on coregistered perfusion maps. Statistical analysis was performed by using a t test, regression, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: The SNR was significantly (P < .0001) lower in the half-dose group with 32% and 40% reduction in GM and WM, respectively. In the half-dose group, the image-quality scores were significantly higher in Bayesian-derived CBV (P = .02) and MTT (P = .004) maps in comparison with block circulant singular value decomposition. Quantitative values of CBF, CBV, and MTT in Bayesian-processed data were comparable and without a statistically significant difference between the half-dose and full-dose groups. The block circulant singular value decomposition–derived half-dose perfusion values were significantly different from those of the full-dose group both in GM (CBF, P < .001; CBV, P = .02; MTT, P = .02) and WM (CBF, P < .001; CBV, P = .003; MTT, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced-contrast-dose (0.05-mmol/kg) DSC perfusion of the brain is feasible at 3T by using the Bayesian probabilistic method with quantitative results comparable with those of the full-dose protocol.
Influence of magnetic field strength and image registration strategy on voxel‐based morphometry in a study of Alzheimer's disease

Multi‐centre data repositories like the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) offer a unique research platform, but pose questions concerning comparability of results when using a range of imaging protocols and data processing algorithms. The variability is mainly due to the non‐quantitative character of the widely used structural T1‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Although the stability of the main effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on brain structure across platforms and field strength has been addressed in previous studies using multi‐site MR images, there are only sparse empirically‐based recommendations for processing and analysis of pooled multi‐centre structural MR data acquired at different magnetic field strengths (MFS). Aiming to minimise potential systematic bias when using ADNI data we investigate the specific contributions of spatial registration strategies and the impact of MFS on voxel‐based morphometry in AD. We perform a whole‐brain analysis within the framework of Statistical Parametric Mapping, testing for main effects of various diffeomorphic spatial registration strategies, of MFS and their interaction with disease status. Beyond the confirmation of medial temporal lobe volume loss in AD, we detect a significant impact of spatial registration strategy on estimation of AD related atrophy. Additionally, we report a significant effect of MFS on the assessment of brain anatomy (i) in the cerebellum, (ii) the precentral gyrus and (iii) the thalamus bilaterally, showing no interaction with the disease status. We provide empirical evidence in support of pooling data in multi‐centre VBM studies irrespective of disease status or MFS. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1865–1874, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure-function relationships during granulosa cell differentiation.

Introduction THE CYCLIC nature of the female reproductive process is largely dependent upon the unique capability of the ovarian follicle to change in structure and function. A finely tuned process of differentiation occurs in all constituents of the follicle during folliculogenesis. Granulosa cells (GCs) display a high degree of structural change and play a key role in the functional maturation of the entire follicle. These changes in response to endocrine and paracrine stimuli create the unique environment for oocyte growth and ovulation by virtue of their biochemical activity and intimate anatomical relationship. Moreover, the maintenance of early pregnancy depends on transformation of GCs into highly differentiated luteal cells (for review see Refs. 1–3). Our understanding of GC maturation and luteinization has substantially improved in the last 15 yr largely due to the extensive use of the cell culture approach. In vitro induction of differentiation in serum-free media allowed for identification of t.
Schizoid personality in childhood: a comparative study of schizoid, autistic and normal children.

SUMMARY Schizoid children (clinically resembling Asperger's autistic psychopaths), high-grade, speaking autistic children and normal children individually matched for age, sex and intelligence were compared on a variety of tests. The results suggest that children with schizoid personality disorder are distinct from autistic children on the one hand and from normal children on the other. In all cognitive, language and memory tests the schizoid children were more distractable than, the normal group. In language function they showed similar disabilities to the autistic group, though to a lesser extent. Unlike autistic children, they were not perseverative. On two tests of affect, the schizoid group used even fewer emotional constructs when describing people than did the autistics.
TGF-{beta}2 induces senescence-associated changes in human trabecular meshwork cells.

PURPOSE Recent studies have revealed an accumulation of senescent cells in the outflow pathways in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 is thought to be involved in the pathologic changes of the trabecular meshwork (TM) of POAG eyes. The goal of this study was to determine whether TGF-β2 triggers senescence-associated changes in human TM cells in vitro. METHODS Cultured human TM cells were exposed to 1.0 ng/mL TGF-β2 for 12, 24, and 48 hours. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity was investigated by histochemical staining. Lipid peroxidation was assessed after TGF-β2 treatment. Levels of apolipoprotein J (Apo J), SM22, and osteonectin (SPARC) mRNA were determined by real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, the effects of antioxidants on these TGF-β2-mediated changes were tested. Induction of senescence-related signal transduction proteins (p16, p21, and pRb) was examined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS TGF-β2 increased SA-β-Gal activity, lipid peroxidation, and the mRNA expressions of Apo J, SM22, and SPARC. These TGF-β2-induced changes were attenuated by antioxidants. TGF-β2 increased p16 mRNA and protein expression, which was paralleled by a downregulation of pRb protein. There was no effect on p21 mRNA and protein expression after exposure to TGF-β2. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β2 induces senescence-associated TM changes and activates the senescence-related p16-pRb signal transduction pathway in vitro. Thus, minimizing TGF-β2 levels may help to prevent the ageing process in the TM as seen in POAG.
Dietary relations between Moniliformis (Acanthocephala) and laboratory rats

Aspects of the course of infection of Moniliformis dubius in male rats fed on four purified, isocaloric diets (A, B, C and D) were investigated. Diet A contained no digestible carbohydrate, diet B contained glycerol as a potential source of glucose, diet C contained 3.6 % starch and diet D contained about 59 % starch. After a rat had been adapted to one of the diets, it was infected orally with 20 cystacanths of Moniliformis and allowed to continue feeding on the same diet for periods varying from 1 to 18 weeks. A group of 4 rats was studied in this way on each of the diets for 11 weeks and on diets C and D for a further 7 weeks. The effects of the dietary treatments on the rats were studied by measuring their food intake, growth rate and liver glycogen. At the end of each experimental period, the rats were killed and the numbers, location, dry masses and state of reproduction of the worms were recorded. The composition of the diet appeared to have no effect on the establishment of Moniliformis in the small intestine and the populations of worms emigrated against the direction of gastrointestinal flow during the first month of the course of infection irrespective of the diet of the host. Worms from the rats fed on diets A and B hardly grew, their survival in their hosts did not appear to continue after 11 weeks and they showed no evidence of reproductive activity. Worms from rats fed on the low starch diet (C) did not grow as rapidly as those from rats fed on the high starch diet (D) during the first few weeks of the infection, but eventually they grew much larger and lived longer than worms from the hosts feeding on the high starch diet. Worms in the rats fed on diet C appeared to remain in a precise location in the anterior part of the small intestine from 4 weeks after infection of the host until the end of the experimental period. Worms in the rats fed on diet D had begun to move posteriorly in the small intestine from about 7 weeks after the infection of the host. The results of an experiment involving the transfer of rats with established infections of Moniliformis from a standard laboratory diet to diets A, B, C and D supported the conclusion that the survival, growth and reproduction of Moniliformis are dependent on the availability of glucose liberated during digestion in the host. Another experiment demonstrated that Moniliformis can survive periods of at least 14 days during which the host is deprived of an essential amino acid.
On the Potential of Galinstan-Based Minichannel and Minigap Cooling

Galinstan, a gallium, indium, and tin eutectic, may be exploited for enhanced cooling of microelectronics because of its favorable thermophysical properties. A careful evaluation of its cooling potential, however, has not been undertaken. Provided here is a first-order model to compute the total (i.e., caloric plus conjugate conduction and convection) thermal resistance of galinstan-based heat sinks. Geometrically optimized minichannel heat sinks with rectangular channels for surface area enhancement and minigap, i.e., single parallel-plate channel, heat sinks are considered. Direct liquid cooling of a microprocessor die is envisioned. Therefore, the flow channels within the heat sinks are 302- μm tall, the pressure drop prescribed across them is 214 kPa, and their streamwise length is varied from 5 to 20 mm. The calculations suggest that galinstan is a better coolant than water in such configurations, reducing thermal resistance by about 40%.
Fault set partition for efficient width compression

In this paper, we present a technique for reducing the test length of counter-based pseudo-exhaustive built-in self-testing (BIST) using a width compression method and a divide-and-conquer strategy. More formally, the target faults are divided into K groups such that a binary counter can generate a test set for each group. By selecting the size of the binary counter, this technique allows a trade-off between test application time and area overhead. The experimental results for the ISCAS'85 and ISCAS'89 benchmark circuits demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed technique. In all cases, this low-overhead BIST technique achieves complete fault coverage of the stuck-at faults in reasonable test application time.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Alterations of Cardiac Muscle Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Associated to the Ageing Process.

The incidence of cardiac disease is age and sex dependent, but the mechanisms governing these associations remain poorly understood. Mitochondria are the organelles in charge of producing energy for the cells, and their malfunction has been linked to cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Interestingly, heart mitochondrial content and functionality are also age and sex dependent. Here we investigated the combinatory effects of age and sex in mitochondrial bioenergetics that could help to understand their role on cardiac disease. Cardiac mitochondria from 6- and 24-month-old male and female Wistar rats were isolated, and the enzymatic activities of the oxidative-phosphorylative complexes I, III, and IV and ATPase, as well as the protein levels of complex IV, β-ATPase, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), were measured. Furthermore, heart DNA content, citrate synthase activity, mitochondrial protein content, oxygen consumption, and H2O2 generation were also determined. Results showed a reduction in heart mitochondrial mass and functionality with age that correlated with increased H2O2 generation. Moreover, sex-dependent differences were found in several of these parameters. In particular, old females exhibited a significant loss of mitochondrial function and increased relative H2O2 production compared with their male counterparts. The results demonstrate a sex dimorphism in the age-associated defects on cardiac mitochondrial function.
Examining the Contours of Workplace Diversity: Concepts, Contexts and Challenges

Few social phenomena have attracted as much attention in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries as that of diversity and multiculturalism. Debates and policies regarding both diversity and multiculturalism are to be found in many different social sectors including education, health, government, the media and the workplace. While the United States is often regarded as a pioneer in the diversity movement, its preoccupation with diversity is now echoed across the world in countries ranging from Australia and France to Israel and Jamaica. What was once a concern mainly for so-called ‘new’ immigrant nations such as Canada, Brazil, the United States and New Zealand has increasingly become an issue for ‘older’ countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East as well. Recent large-scale population movements across the globe (Appadurai, 1990) in the form of refugees, guestworkers and immigrants have changed the erstwhile homogeneous face of many countries, and have triggered a range of cultural tensions and visible exclusionary practices within them. Not surprisingly perhaps, an interest in diversity can now be found across the world. This handbook focuses exclusively on workplace diversity and all its attendant problems, tensions and achievements. Before entering into a detailed discussion of our project, we feel that the term ‘diversity’ is in need of some unpacking. The dictionary definition of diversity is of little practical value because, in the material world of workplaces, the term holds multiple overlapping and conflicting meanings (Hays-Thomas, 2004; Prasad & Mills, 1997). One reason is that so many stakeholder groups – managers, consultants, activists, unions and academics – all claim ownership over the term and offer their own interpretations of it. To
Acid Phosphatase Activity in Secretory Granules of Pancreatic Beta Cells of Normal Rats

A cytochemical staining method for acid phosphatase combined with electron microscopy was applied to the islets of Langerhans of adult normal rats. In addition to dense bodies, some Golgi cisternae as well as a varying number of secretory granules of β cells were found to contain acid phosphatase. In view of the paucity of the knowledge concerning the role of acid phosphatase, the possible functional significance of its presence in the secretory granules of pancreatic β cells cannot be denned at the present time.
Illumination of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum Alters Intracellular pH

Live cell fluorescence microscopy has been widely used to study physiological processes in the human malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparum, including pH homeostasis, Ca2+ signaling and protein targeting. However, the reproducibility of the data is often poor. Controversial statements exist regarding cytosolic and vacuolar baseline pH, as well as regarding the subcellular localization of some of the fluorochromes used. When trying to reproduce published baseline values, we observed an unexpected light sensitivity of P. falciparum, which manifests itself in the form of a strong cytoplasmic acidification. Even short exposure times with moderate to low light intensities caused the parasite cytosol to acidify. We show that this effect arises from the selective disruption of the parasite's acidic food vacuole, brought about by lipid peroxidation initiated by light-induced generation of hydroxyl radicals. Our data suggest that heme serves as a photosensitizer in this process. Our findings have major implications for the use of live cell microscopy in P. falciparum and add a cautionary note to previous studies where live cell fluorometry has been used to determine physiological parameters in P. falciparum.
Original Research: Capillary rarefaction in treated and untreated hypertensive subjects

This study aimed to determine if capillary rarefaction is detectable and associated with endothelial dysfunction in persons with mild systolic blood pressure (SBP) elevation. Capillary density and endothelial function were quantified for 150 nondiabetic participants, grouped by blood pressure (BP) as normotensive, untreated high BP, and treated high BP. Structural capillary rarefaction measures were not different between the three groups. Functional capillary rarefaction measures were significantly lower in both high BP groups compared to normotensives, and correlated inversely with endothelial function. The study findings indicate that the hypertensive vascular pathologic process is already underway at modest levels of blood pressure elevation.
CT26 murine colon carcinoma expressing the red fluorescent protein KillerRed as a highly immunogenic tumor model

Abstract. The development of tumor therapies based on the activation of antitumor immunity requires tumor models that are highly immunogenic. The immunologic response to fluorescent proteins, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or enhanced GFP (EGFP) was demonstrated in different cancer models. However, for live animal imaging, red and far-red fluorescent proteins are preferable, but their immunogenicity has not been studied. We assessed the immunogenicity of the red fluorescent protein, KillerRed (KR), in CT26 murine colon carcinoma. We showed a slower growth and a lower tumor incidence of KR-expressing tumors in comparison with nonexpressing ones. We found that KR-expressing lung metastases and rechallenged tumors were not formed in mice that had been surgically cured of KR-expressing primary tumors. The effect of low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY) treatment was also tested, as this is known to activate antitumor immune responses. The low-dose CY therapy of CT26-KR tumors resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and improved mouse survival. In summary, we have established a highly immunogenic tumor model that could be valuable for investigations of the mechanisms of antitumor immunity and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Susceptibility of Bollworm and Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry2Ab2 Insecticidal Protein

Abstract Susceptibilities of 82 bollworm,Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and 44 tobacco budworm,Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), populations to Cry2Ab2 protein were measured in diet incorporated assays at the University of Arkansas from 2002 to 2005. Resulting data were used to calculate overall (pooled data) estimates of species susceptibility for future benchmarks of resistance. Variabilities among populations also were studied by comparing regressions for individual populations and calculating mean susceptibilities for different subgroups of the colonies studied. Individual lethal concentration (LC50) estimates for nine laboratory, seven laboratory-cross, and 28 field populations ofH.virescens varied up to 48-fold when adjusted for the response of the most susceptible laboratory colony studied. Mean susceptibilities of all laboratory, laboratory-cross, or field colonies varied only two-fold. When grouped by host plants, populations collected on tobacco,Nicotiana tabacum (L.), seemed to be less susceptible than those collected on other host plants. Individual LC50 values for 82 laboratory, laboratory-cross and field populations ofH.zea varied up to 37-fold. Mean LC50 values of all laboratory, laboratory-cross, or field populations varied only three-fold. Susceptibilities of populations from Bollgard cotton were up to four-fold less than those fromBacillus thuringiensis corn,Zea mays L. Field populations collected during late season were generally less susceptible than those collected early in the season. Across the two species,H.zea was less sensitive to Cry2Ab2 thanH.virescens. Both species seem to be less sensitive to Cry2Ab2 than to Cry1Ac.