Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viral Infection Main Infected Population and Can Transmit Extrafollicular Plasmablasts Represent the B Cell Response After MMTV Infection:

The immune response to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) relies on the presentation of an MMTV-encoded superantigen by infected B cells to superantigen-speciﬁc T cells. The initial extrafollicular B cell differentiation involved the generation of B cells expressing low levels of B220. These B220 low B cells corresponded to plasmablasts that expressed high levels of CD43 and syndecan-1 and were CD62 ligand 2 and IgD 2 . Viral DNA was detected nearly exclusively in these B220 low B cells by PCR, and retroviral type-A particles were observed in their cytoplasm by electron microscopy. An MMTV transmission to the offspring was also achieved after transfer of B220 low CD62 ligand 2 CD43 1 plasmablasts into noninfected females. These data suggest that B220 low plasmablasts, representing the bulk of infected B cells, are capable of sustaining viral replication and may be involved in the transmission of MMTV. The Journal of Immunology, 1999, 162: 2538–2545.
Isoprene emission from aspen leaves : influence of environment and relation to photosynthesis and photorespiration.

Isoprene emission rates from quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) leaves were measured simultaneously with photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO(2) partial pressure. Isoprene emission required the presence of CO(2) or O(2), but not both. The light response of isoprene emission rate paralleled that of photosynthesis. Isoprene emission was inhibited by decreasing ambient O(2) from 21% to 2%, only when there was oxygen insensitive photosynthesis. Mannose (10 millimolar) fed through cut stems resulted in strong inhibition of isoprene emission rate and is interpreted as evidence that isoprene biosynthesis requires either the export of triose phosphates from the chloroplast, or the continued synthesis of ATP. Light response experiments suggest that photosynthetically generated reductant or ATP is required for isoprene biosynthesis. Isoprene biosynthesis and emission are not directly linked to glycolate production through photorespiration, contrary to previous reports. Isoprene emission rate was inhibited by above-ambient CO(2) partial pressures (640 microbar outside and 425 microbar inside the leaf). The inhibition was not due to stomatal closure. This was established by varying ambient humidity at normal and elevated CO(2) partial pressures to measure isoprene emission rates over a range of stomatal conductances. Isoprene emission rates were inhibited at elevated CO(2) despite no change in stomatal conductance. Addition of abscisic acid to the transpiration stream dramatically inhibited stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate, with a slight increase in isoprene emission rate. Thus, isoprene emission is independent of stomatal conductance, and may occur through the cuticle. Temperature had an influence on isoprene emission rate, with the Q(10) being 1.8 to 2.4 between 35 and 45 degrees C. At these high temperatures the amount of carbon lost through isoprene emission was between 2.5 and 8% of that assimilated through photosynthesis. This represents a significant carbon cost that should be taken into account in determining midsummer carbon budgets for plants that are isoprene emitters.
FIAT inhibition increases osteoblast activity by modulating Atf4‐dependent functions

The ATF4 transcription factor is a key regulator of osteoblast differentiation that controls osteocalcin gene transcription and type I collagen protein synthesis. We have characterized factor‐inhibiting ATF4‐mediated transcription (FIAT), a leucine zipper protein that dimerizes with ATF4 to form inactive dimers that cannot bind DNA. Overexpression of FIAT in osteoblasts of transgenic mice inhibited osteocalcin gene transcription and reduced osteoblastic activity, leading to osteopenia (Yu et al. [2005] J Cell Biol 169:591–601). We therefore hypothesized that inhibition of FIAT would enhance ATF4 activity, leading to increased osteocalcin transcription, type I collagen synthesis, and mineralization. We used small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to knockdown FIAT in pools of MC3T3‐E1 cells stably transfected with 1.3 kb of the mouse osteocalcin gene promoter driving expression of luciferase. Stable expression of the FIAT siRNA sequence inhibited FIAT expression without significantly affecting the level of total or Ribosomal S6 Kinase‐2‐phosphorylated ATF4 protein. Occupancy of the osteocalcin proximal promoter by ATF4 was increased and transcription of the osteocalcin‐promoter‐dependent luciferase reporter showed earlier onset and increased levels. Similarly, endogenous osteocalcin gene expression was enhanced in primary osteoblasts transfected with the FIAT siRNA. FIAT knockdown cells also displayed higher expression of bone sialoprotein, increased type I collagen protein synthesis, and enhanced mineralization. These data suggest that inhibition of FIAT expression increases ATF4 activity and confirm the important role of FIAT in osteoblast function. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 186–192, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MEK/ERK-Mediated Phosphorylation of Bim Is Required to Ensure Survival of T and B Lymphocytes during Mitogenic Stimulation

Survival and death of lymphocytes are regulated by the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family; this is coordinated with the control of cell cycling and differentiation. Bim, a proapoptotic BH3-only member of the Bcl-2 family, can be regulated by MEK/ERK-mediated phosphorylation, which affects its binding to pro–survival Bcl-2 family members and its turnover. We investigated Bim modifications in mouse B and T lymphoid cells after exposure to apoptotic stimuli and during mitogenic activation. Treatment with ionomycin or cytokine withdrawal caused an elevation in BimEL, the most abundant Bim isoform. In contrast, in mitogenically stimulated T and B cells, BimEL was rapidly phosphorylated, and its levels declined. Pharmacological inhibitors of MEK/ERK signaling prevented both of these changes in Bim, reduced proliferation, and triggered apoptosis of mitogen-stimulated T and B cells. Loss of Bim prevented this cell killing but did not restore cell cycling. These results show that during mitogenic stimulation of T and B lymphocytes MEK/ERK signaling is critical for two distinct processes, cell survival, mediated (at least in part) through phosphorylation and consequent inhibition of Bim, and cell cycling, which proceeds independently of Bim inactivation.
The peristomatic structures of Lithobiomorpha (Myriapoda, Chilopoda): Comparative morphology and phylogenetic significance

A comparative survey of the epipharynx and hypopharynx of lithobiomorph centipedes by light and scanning electron microscopy examines 18 species that sample the major groups of both families, the Lithobiidae and Henicopidae. Cladistic analysis of 11 characters of the peristomatic structures together with 29 additional morphological characters serves as a basis for interpreting the evolution of the lithobiomorph peristomatic structures. Scutigeromorpha is used for outgroup comparison in the framework of a homology scheme for the basic components of the epi‐ and hypopharynx. Compared to other chilopods, the monophyly of Lithobiomorpha is supported by a row of distinctive bottle‐shaped gland openings at the border between the labral and clypeal parts of the epipharynx, as well as by a distinctive shape of the hypopharynx. Paired rows of elongate spines on the clypeal part of the epipharynx are an apomorphic character of Lithobiidae. The transformation of these spine rows into a few groups of branching spines is characteristic for the Monotarsobius group sensu Verhoeff. Similar groups of branching clypeal spines characterize the Anopsobiinae within Henicopidae, whereas Henicopinae possess a dense cluster of short, simple spines instead. The recently described genus Dzhungaria is resolved closer to Henicopinae than to Anopsobiinae, a hypothesis supported by a field of grooves on the medial labral part of the epipharynx. Monophyly of Henicopidae does not receive unique support from the peristomatic structures although two homoplastic characters contribute to this node; among these, the reduction of a median spine field between clypeal and labral parts of the epipharynx to a narrow transverse band also supports a close relationship between the Ezembius group and Hessebius within Lithobiidae. An Ezembius + Hessebius clade is additionally supported by the absence of a transverse bulge between the clypeal and labral parts of the epipharynx, a character otherwise present in all lithobiomorph species studied so far. Lithobius is resolved as polyphyletic, with different species being most closely related to such genera as Australobius, Hessebius and Pleurolithobius. J. Morphol. , 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Will insured citizens give up benefit coverage to include the uninsured?

AbstractOBJECTIVE: To describe the willingness of insured citizens to trade off their own health benefits to cover the uninsured. DESIGN: Descriptive study of individual and group decisions and decision making using quantitative and qualitative methods. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine groups of citizens (N=282) residing throughout Minnesota. INTERVENTIONS: Groups participated in Choosing Health-plans All Together (CHAT), a simulation exercise in which participants choose whether and how extensively to cover health services in a hypothetical health plan constrained by limited resources. We describe individual and group decisions, and group dialogue concerning whether to allocate 2% of their premium to cover uninsured children in Minnesota, or 4% of their premium to cover uninsured children and adults. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: While discussing coverage for the uninsured, groups presented arguments about personal responsibility, community benefit, caring for the vulnerable, social impact, and perceptions of personal risk. All groups chose to insure children; 22 of 29 groups also insured adults. More individuals chose to cover the uninsured at the end of the exercise, after group deliberation, than before (66% vs 54%; P<.001). Individual selections differed from group selections more often for the uninsured category than any other. Nevertheless, 89% of participants were willing to abide by the health plan developed by their group. CONCLUSION: In the context of tradeoffs with their own health insurance benefits, groups of Minnesotans presented value-based arguments about covering the uninsured. All 29 groups and two thirds of individuals chose to contribute a portion of their premium to insure all children and most groups chose also to insure uninsured adults.
Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue

The aim of this study was to assess physical fitness, match performance and development of fatigue during competitive matches at two high standards of professional soccer. Computerized time-motion analyses were performed 2-7 times during the competitive season on 18 top-class and 24 moderate professional soccer players. In addition, the players performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The top-class players performed 28 and 58% more (P < 0.05) high-intensity running and sprinting, respectively, than the moderate players (2.43 ± 0.14 vs 1.90 ± 0.12 km and 0.65 ± 0.06 vs 0.41 ± 0.03 km, respectively). The top-class players were better (11%; P < 0.05) on the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test than the moderate players (2.26 ± 0.08 vs 2.04 ± 0.06 km, respectively). The amount of high-intensity running, independent of competitive standard and playing position, was lower (35-45%; P < 0.05) in the last than in the first 15 min of the game. After the 5-min period during which the amount of high-intensity running peaked, performance was reduced (P < 0.05) by 12% in the following 5 min compared with the game average. Substitute players (n = 13) covered 25% more (P < 0.05) ground during the final 15 min of high-intensity running than the other players. The coefficient of variation in high-intensity running was 9.2% between successive matches, whereas it was 24.8% between different stages of the season. Total distance covered and the distance covered in high-intensity running were higher (P < 0.05) for midfield players, full-backs and attackers than for defenders. Attackers and full-backs covered a greater (P < 0.05) distance in sprinting than midfield players and defenders. The midfield players and full-backs covered a greater (P < 0.05) distance than attackers and defenders in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (2.23 ± 0.10 and 2.21 ± 0.04 vs 1.99 ± 0.11 and 1.91 ± 0.12 km, respectively). The results show that: (1) top-class soccer players performed more high-intensity running during a game and were better at the Yo-Yo test than moderate professional players; (2) fatigue occurred towards the end of matches as well as temporarily during the game, independently of competitive standard and of team position; (3) defenders covered a shorter distance in high-intensity running than players in other playing positions; (4) defenders and attackers had a poorer Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance than midfielders and full-backs; and (5) large seasonal changes were observed in physical performance during matches.
Ziprasidone treatment of children and adolescents with Tourette's syndrome: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ziprasidone in children and adolescents with Tourette's syndrome and chronic tic disorders. METHOD Twenty-eight patients aged 7 to 17 years were randomly assigned to ziprasidone or placebo for 56 days. Ziprasidone was initiated at a dose of 5 mg/day and flexibly titrated to a maximum of 40 mg/day. RESULTS Ziprasidone was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the Global Severity (p = .016) and Total Tic (p = .008) scores on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Compared with placebo, ziprasidone significantly reduced tic frequencies as determined by blind videotape tic counts (p = .039). The mean (+/- SD) daily dose of ziprasidone during the last 4 weeks of the trial was 28.2 +/- 9.6 mg. Mild transient somnolence was the most common adverse event. No clinically significant effects were observed on specific ratings of extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, or tardive dyskinesia. CONCLUSIONS In this limited sample, ziprasidone (5-40 mg/day) appears to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of Tourette's syndrome. Ziprasidone may be associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects in children. However, additional studies are necessary to evaluate more fully its safety and efficacy in children with tic disorders.
The Impact of Price and Spending Subsidies on U.S. Postsecondary Attainment

The rising price of college is seen as a major barrier to increasing U.S. postsecondary attainment. Most Federal and state policy eﬀorts focus on reducing college costs, yet declining state funding has also led to sharp cuts in per-student spending at public institutions. This paper investigates the impacts of changes in tuition and spending on enrollment and degree completion at non-selective public postsecondary institutions between 1990 and 2013. We estimate these impacts using a newly assembled data set of legislative tuition caps and freezes combined with variation in exposure to state budget shocks driven by diﬀerences in historical reliance on state appropriations. We ﬁnd large causal impacts of spending on enrollment and degree completion. In contrast, we ﬁnd limited impacts of price changes. Our results suggest that spending increases are more eﬀective per-dollar than price cuts as a means of increasing postsecondary attainment.
Mycosis fungoides--a retrospective study of 40 cases in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND Mycosis fungoides is rare in Hong Kong and oriental data on the disease are lacking. METHODS This is a multiclinic, 13-year, retrospective study to determine the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and disease outcomes of 40 patients with mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome seen in the Social Hygiene Service, Hong Kong. RESULTS There were 27 males and 13 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 56.4 years. Based on figures in the Social Hygiene Service alone, the incidence in Hong Kong was estimated to be 0.044 per 100,000. Eighty-five per cent of patients presented with skin-limited disease, and pruritus was absent in 40% of patients. A mean of 1.48 biopsies was needed to establish the diagnosis, and only 58% of the mycosis fungoides skin biopsies were reported to be histologically diagnostic of the disease. Atypical lymphocytes, epidermotropism, interface changes, and Pautrier's microabscesses were the four most frequently encountered features that attained statistical significance. Sixty-nine per cent of patients were treated with psoralen-UVA as their initial therapy, and the complete response and relapse rates were 78.3% and 66.6%, respectively. Disease progression to more advanced stages was only seen in 15% of patients. The 5-year survival rates for the whole group and for stage IA and IB patients were 88.8% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION Mycosis fungoides is rare amongst Hong Kong Chinese and the majority present with skin-limited nonprogressive disease.
Loss of MyD88 leads to more aggressive TRAMP prostate cancer and influences tumor infiltrating lymphocytes

The influence of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling in the prostate tumor microenvironment remains unclear. Although there may be a role for PRR agonists as adjuvants to therapy, prior evidence suggests tumor promoting as well as tumor inhibiting mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the key Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in prostate cancer development.
Suppression of Multiple Sclerosis in the Rat during Infection with Trichinella pseudospiralis

Injection of the rat with guinea pig myelin basic protein (MBP) induces an inflammatory demyelination that leads to development of a condition mimicking human multiple sclerosis (MS), including severe depressions in mobility, coordination, and strength in the affected animal. This model was used to observe and compare the anti-inflammatory effects of the intestinal and late migratory phases of infection with Trichinella pseudospiralis on development of MBP-induced, MS-like debilitation in rats. Animal performance was measured in an activity monitor and in a series of physical tests designed to assess animal coordination and strength. Uninfected animals injected with MBP showed declines in mobility, coordination, and strength typical for this model. These changes were similar in rats infected so that the intestinal phase of infection coincided with the peak of MBP-induced debilitation. Rats infected so that the late migratory phase of infection occurred during the period of peak MBP-induced debilitation showed significantly higher performance scores in mobility, coordination and strength compared to the latter 2 groups. These findings demonstrate the potency of the anti-inflammatory effects of elevations in host corticosteroids seen during the migratory phase of infection with T. pseudospiralis.
The Multimerization of Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Protein Depends on Type-Specific Epitopes

ABSTRACT Multimerization of the Hantaan virus nucleocapsid protein (NP) in Hantaan virus-infected Vero E6 cells was observed in a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Recombinant and truncated NPs of Hantaan, Seoul, and Dobrava viruses lacking the N-terminal 49 amino acids were also detected as multimers. Although truncated NPs of Hantaan virus lacking the N-terminal 154 amino acids existed as a monomer, those of Seoul and Dobrava formed multimers. The multimerized truncated NP antigens of Seoul and Dobrava viruses could detect serotype-specific antibodies, whereas the monomeric truncated NP antigen of Hantaan virus lacking the N-terminal 154 amino acids could not, suggesting that a hantavirus serotype-specific epitope on the NP results in multimerization. The NP-NP interaction was also detected by using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Two regions, amino acids 100 to 125 (region 1) and amino acids 404 to 429 (region 2), were essential for the NP-NP interaction in yeast. The NP of Seoul virus in which the tryptophan at amino acid number 119 was replaced by alanine (W119A mutation) did not multimerize in the yeast two-hybrid assay, indicating that tryptophan 119 in region 1 is important for the NP-NP interaction in yeast. However, W119A mutants expressed in mammalian cells were detected as the multimer by using competitive ELISA. Similarly, the truncated NP of Seoul virus expressing amino acids 155 to 429 showed a homologous interaction in a competitive ELISA but not in the yeast two-hybrid assay, indicating that the C-terminal region is important for the multimerization detected by competitive ELISA. Combined, the results indicate that several steps and regions are involved in multimerization of hantavirus NP.
Motor learning from virtual reality to natural environments in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract Purpose: To examine whether performance improvements in the virtual environment generalize to the natural environment. Study design: we had 64 individuals, 32 of which were individuals with DMD and 32 were typically developing individuals. Methods: The groups practiced two coincidence timing tasks. In the more tangible button-press task, the individuals were required to ‘intercept’ a falling virtual object at the moment it reached the interception point by pressing a key on the computer. In the more abstract task, they were instructed to ‘intercept’ the virtual object by making a hand movement in a virtual environment using a webcam. Results and Conclusions: For individuals with DMD, conducting a coincidence timing task in a virtual environment facilitated transfer to the real environment. However, we emphasize that a task practiced in a virtual environment should have higher rates of difficulties than a task practiced in a real environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Virtual environments can be used to promote improved performance in ? real-world? environments. Virtual environments offer the opportunity to create paradigms similar ? real-life? tasks, however task complexity and difficulty levels can be manipulated, graded and enhanced to increase likelihood of success in transfer of learning and performance. Individuals with DMD, in particular, showed immediate performance benefits after using virtual reality