Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ccr4 Promotes Resolution of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response during Host Temperature Adaptation in Cryptococcus neoformans

ABSTRACT Adaptation to host temperature is a prerequisite for any pathogen capable of causing deep infection in humans. Our previous studies demonstrated that a Cryptococcus neoformans ccr4Δ mutant lacking the major deadenylase involved in regulated mRNA decay was defective in host temperature adaptation and therefore virulence. In this study, the ccr4Δ mutant was found to exhibit characteristics of chronic unfolded-protein response (UPR) engagement in both the gene expression profile and phenotype. We demonstrate that host temperature adaptation in C. neoformans is accompanied by transient induction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and that Ccr4-dependent posttranscriptional gene regulation contributes to resolution of ER stress during host temperature adaptation.
Enhanced superoxide anion formation in vascular tissues from spontaneously hypertensive and desoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats

Objectives To investigate the basal and NADH-stimulated superoxide (⋅ O2−) production and inactivation by Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and from desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive (DOCA-HT) rats. Methods Tissue ⋅ O2− levels were estimated with the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence method in aorta and cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from SHR and in aorta from DOCA-HT rats treated for 4 weeks. Results The basal aortic ⋅ O2− generation was increased by 135 and 100%, and the NADH stimulated ⋅ O2− production was also increased 37 and 22% in SHR and in DOCA-HT rats compared to their normotensive controls, respectively. Although no difference existed in blood pressure as well as in basal and in NADH stimulated ⋅ O2− production between Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR rats at age of 6 weeks, O2− production and blood pressure increased concomitantly in SHR aged 9 and 12 weeks. Basal and NADH-stimulated ⋅ O2− production, in cultured SMCs, was also 80 and 64% higher, respectively, in SHR compared to WKY rats. The NADH oxidase activity was found to be increased in aorta from both SHR and DOCA-HT rats but SOD activity was reduced only in aorta from DOCA-HT rats. Conclusions An enhanced ⋅ O2− formation resulting from an increased NADH oxidase activity was found in aorta from SHR and DOCA-HT rats. Cultured arterial SMCs from SHR also generated excessive ⋅ O2− formation under basal and stimulated conditions. The age-related increase in vascular ⋅ O2− formation in association with the rise in blood pressure in SHR suggests that the oxidative stress might contribute to the development of hypertension. NADH oxidase activity was greater in aorta of both hypertension models, but a decrease of Cu/Zn SOD activity could also contribute to the high level of aortic ⋅ O2− in DOCA-HT rats.
Trial of the university assistance program for alcohol use among mandated students.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for mandated students in the context of the University Assistance Program, a Student Assistance Program developed and modeled after workplace Employee Assistance Programs. METHOD Participants were 265 (196 males and 69 females) judicially mandated college students enrolled in a large, urban university in the northeast United States. All participants were sanctioned by the university's judicial office for an alcohol- or drug-related violation. Participants were randomized to one of two intervention conditions (the University Assistance Program or services as usual) and were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after intervention. RESULTS Growth curve analyses showed that, relative to services as usual, the University Assistance Program was more efficacious in reducing past-90-day weekday alcohol consumption and the number of alcohol-related consequences while increasing past-90-day use of protective behaviors and coping skills. No significant differences in growth trajectories were found between the two intervention conditions on past-90-day blood alcohol concentration, total alcohol consumption, or weekend consumption. CONCLUSIONS The University Assistance Program may have a possible advantage over services as usual for mandated students.
LTE Uplink CoMP Trial in a HetNet Deployment

Low power remote radio units (RRU:s) are identified as one of the key components to increase the capacity of cellular networks in dense areas with high traffic demands. When the traffic is clustered in hotspots they are also feasible to, combined with high power macro RRU:s, form a heterogeneous network (HetNet). The inherited centralized architecture with RRU:s opens for advanced coordination features between sites. One such promising coordination feature is uplink CoMP (Co-ordinated Multi Point). This paper shows results from a recent full scale CoMP trial on release 8 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE). It is demonstrated that best uplink reception (in a micro node) can be decoupled from best downlink transmission (from a macro node), enabling improved uplink bitrate with maintained downlink bitrate. Furthermore, with joint reception a significant uplink reception macro diversity gain is achieved. In the tested scenario on a 10 MHz band the total improvement is in the order of 6 Mbps in the macro-micro transition area.
A Confirmation Study of Russian and Ukrainian Data on Effects of 2450 MHz Microwave Exposure on Immunological Processes and Teratology in Rats

Abstract In a series of Russian and Ukrainian papers published from 1974–1986, it was reported that 30-day whole-body exposures to continuous-wave (CW) radiofrequency (RF) radiation at 2375 MHz and 5 W/m2 disrupted the antigenic structure of rat brain tissue. The authors suggested that this action caused an autoimmune response in exposed animals. Moreover, these studies reported that blood serum from exposed rats injected into intact nonexposed female rats on the 10th day of pregnancy led to increased postimplantation embryo mortality and decreased fetus size and body weight. Because the results of these studies served in part as the basis for setting exposure limits in the former USSR, it was deemed necessary to perform confirmation studies, using modern dosimetric and biological methods. In our study, a new system was constructed to expose free-moving rats under far-field conditions. Whole-body and brain-averaged specific absorption rates (SARs) were calculated. All results, using ELISA and classic teratology end points, were negative in our laboratory. On the basis of this investigation, we conclude that, under these exposure conditions (2450 MHz, CW, 7 h/day, 30 days, 0.16 W/kg whole-body SAR), RF-radiation exposure had no influence on several immune and degenerative parameters or on prenatal development.
Neural and skin cell‐specific expression pattern conferred by steel factor regulatory sequence in transgenic mice

We have produced transgenic mice expressing a lacZ reporter gene under the control of a fragment of a Steel factor (SLF). The function of this gene is essential for the development of hematopoietic cells, germ cells, melanocytes and pacemaker cells of the intestine. The expression of the transgene, containing 2 kb DNA 5′ regulatory sequence, was restricted to neural and skin tissues in appropriate spatial and temporal pattern compared with endogenous SLF mRNA expression. This indicates that the regulatory elements necessary for the neural and skin specific expression are present in this 2 kb DNA sequence, although strong position‐dependence of transgene expression was observed. As we could not detect transgene expression in hematopoietic tissues and germ cells after extending 10 kb upstream, elements important for these organs must reside in other regions. Our results indicate that neural crest derived enteric ganglion cells provide SLF to the neighboring pace maker cells expressing c‐kit, the receptor for SLF. Cells expressing the transgene in the intestine are ganglion cells derived from neural crest since homozygosity for the lethal spotting (ls) mutation results in loss of such ganglion cells in transgenic mice. We have also shown that the dermal papillae of the hair follicle expresses the transgene, suggesting its roles to support the c‐kit dependent growth and development of melanocytes in the hair follicle. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Profile Functions for General Linear Regularization Methods

The stable approximate solution of ill-posed linear operator equations in Hilbert spaces requires regularization. Tight bounds for the noise-free part of the regularization error are constitutive for bounding the overall error. Norm bounds of the noise-free part which decrease to zero along with the regularization parameter are called profile functions and are the subject of our analysis. The interplay between properties of the regularization and certain smoothness properties of solution sets, which we shall describe in terms of sourcewise representations, is crucial for the decay of associated profile functions. On the one hand, we show that a given decay rate is possible only if the underlying true solution has appropriate smoothness. On the other hand, if smoothness fits the regularization, then decay rates are easily obtained. If smoothness does not fit, then we will measure this in terms of some distance function. Tight bounds for these allow us to obtain profile functions. Finally we study the most realistic case when smoothness is measured with respect to some operator which is related to the one governing the original equation only through a link condition. In many parts the analysis is done on geometric basis, extending classical concepts of linear regularization theory in Hilbert spaces. We emphasize intrinsic features of linear ill-posed problems which are frequently hidden in the classical analysis of such problems.
Capture-Aware Estimation for the Number of RFID Tags with Lower Complexity

Capture effect is very common in wireless communication systems. In a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) system, even though multiple tags backscatter their signals to a reader simultaneously, one of the tags will be successfully identified due to the capture effect. In this letter, we propose an algorithm which will optimize the identification efficiency of a dynamic frame length ALOHA RFID protocol under capture effect. The proposed algorithm estimates the number of tags and the probability of capture effect. From these parameters, an optimal frame length can be obtained. The advantage of the algorithm is that it does not need many steps to search an extreme value for the estimation. It thus reduces the computational complexity. Computer simulation results show that the proposed method's identification efficiency is almost identical to existing algorithms, but at lower computational complexity.
In Vivo Detection of Laminar and Peripapillary Scleral Hypercompliance in Early Monkey Experimental Glaucoma

Purpose To compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) detected, optic nerve head (ONH) compliance within control and experimental glaucoma (EG) eyes of 15 monkeys at EG onset. Methods Intraocular pressure (IOP) was chronically elevated in one eye of each animal using a laser. Experimental glaucoma onset was identified using confocal scanning laser tomography (CSLT). Optical coherence tomography ONH imaging (40 radial B-scans) was performed at 10 mm Hg before and after laser. At EG onset, OCT scans were obtained at IOP 10 and 30 mm Hg. Optical coherence tomography landmarks within the IOP 10/30 images were delineated to quantify IOP 10/30 differences (compliance) for anterior lamina cribrosa surface depth (ALCSD) relative to Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) (ALCSD-BMO), ALCSD relative to peripheral BM (ALCSD-BM), and BMO depth relative to peripheral BM (BMOD-BM). A linear mixed effects model assessed for acute IOP elevation effects, control versus EG eye effects, and their interaction Results Effects of IOP elevation were greater in EG versus control eyes for ALCSD-BMO (−46 ± 45 vs. −8 ± 13 μm, P = 0.0042) and ALCSD-BM (−92 ± 64 vs. −42 ± 22 μm, P = 0.0075). Experimental glaucoma eye-specific ALCSD-BMO and ALCSD-BM compliance exceeded the range of control eye compliance in 9 and 8 of the 15 EG eyes, respectively. Post-laser peak IOP (R2 = 0.798, P < 0.0001) and post-laser mean IOP (R2 = 0.634, P < 0.0004) most strongly correlated to EG versus control eye differences in ALCSD-BMO compliance. Conclusions Laminar (ALCSD-BMO) and peripapillary scleral (ALCSD-BM) hypercompliance are present in most monkey eyes at the onset of EG.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Dominate Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Practice

Objectives: Symptom-based diagnostic criteria have improved recognition and standardization of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). We used Rome 3 diagnostic criteria to determine the prevalence of FGIDs in pediatric gastroenterology clinic. In the process, we developed a diagnostic questionnaire for infants and toddlers. Methods: We enrolled new patients ⩽18 years referred during 19 months to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Subjects or parents completed a demographic survey and a the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal symptoms, Rome 3 Version (if ≥4 years, or a new infant-toddler questionnaire) before their appointment. Results: We acquired data from 976 subjects: 476 boys, 592 white. Of 332 subjects <4 years, 172 (52%) met diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Of 644 subjects ≥4 years, 486 (75%) met diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Thirty one (9%) subjects <4 years and 170 (26%) subjects ≥4 years met the criteria for ≥2 FGIDs. Of the total sample of subjects <4 years, common FGIDs included functional constipation (29%), infant regurgitation (13%), and cyclic vomiting syndrome (10%). Of the total sample of subjects ≥4 years, common FGIDs included irritable bowel syndrome (36%), abdominal migraine (19%), functional constipation (17%), cyclic vomiting syndrome (8%), functional abdominal pain syndrome (7%), aerophagia (7%), and functional dyspepsia (7%). Conclusions: More than half of new pediatric gastrointestinal clinic patients met the Rome 3 criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Satisfying the criteria may facilitate diagnosis on the first visit.
Predictive Factors for the Uptake of Coping Strategies by Spousal Dementia Caregivers: A Systematic Review

An understanding of spousal dementia caregivers’ coping strategies and their predictive factors is imperative for caregivers’ well-being. Although several reviews have explored the relationship between coping strategies and outcomes, no review has investigated factors that predict caregivers’ use of one type of coping strategy over another. The current review aimed to identify factors that predict caregivers’ coping strategies. Within this, we attempted to identify caregivers who are more likely to adopt dysfunctional coping strategies and be at risk of adverse outcomes. Several electronic databases were systematically searched. Twenty-one studies were eligible for review, describing 18 caregiver and care-recipient factors related to the 3 coping strategies. No factors were classified “predictive,” however, 16 factors were “potentially predictive. ” Younger, more highly educated caregivers with greater emotional supports and knowledge of dementia were associated with solution-focused coping. Younger, less educated caregivers were associated with emotional support/acceptance-based coping strategies. Whereas nonwhite caregivers with less emotional supports caregiving for persons with more behavioral problems were associated with dysfunctional coping strategies. Enhancing caregiver self-efficacy, knowledge of dementia, improving social supports, linking to support groups, managing behavioral problems, as well as coaching adaptive coping strategies while flagging caregivers at risk for dysfunctional coping may improve outcomes for caregivers.
Monitoring referral and treatment in soft tissue sarcoma: Study based on 1,851 patients from the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group Register

This report is based on 1.851 adult patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities or trunk wall diagnosed between 1986 and 1997 and reported from all tertiary referral centers in Norway and Sweden. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1. One third of the tumors were subcutaneous, one third deep, intramuscular and one third deep, extramuscular.The median size was 7 (1-35) cm and 75% were high grade (III-IV). Metastases at presentation were diagnosed in 8% of the patients. Two thirds of STS patients were referred before surgery and the referral practices have improved during the study. The preoperative morphologic diagnosis was made with fine-needle aspiration cytology in 81%, core-needle biopsy in 9% and incisional biopsy in 10%. The frequency of amputations has decreased from 15% in 1986-88 to 9% in 1995-1997. A wide surgical margin was achieved in 77% of subcutaneous and 60% of deep-seated lesions. Overall, 24% of operated STS patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. The use of such therapy at sarcoma centers increased from 20% 1986-88 to 30% in 1995-97. Followup has been reported in 96% of the patients. The cumulative local recurrence rate was 0.20 at 5 years and 0.24 at 10 years. The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 0.70.
Outer membrane protein profiles and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis analysis for differentiation of clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris

Outer membrane protein (MP) profiles and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MEE) analysis were used as tools for differentiating clinical isolates of Proteus spp. Fourteen distinct MP profiles were established by sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 54 clinical isolates of Proteus spp. (44 strains identified as P. mirabilis and 10 strains identified as P. vulgaris). Forty-one isolates of P. mirabilis and eight isolates of P. vulgaris were grouped within six and three MP profiles, respectively. The remaining P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris isolates had unique profiles. MEE analysis was used to further discriminate among the strains belonging to the same MP groups. Thirty-five distinct electrophoretic types (ETs) were identified among P. mirabilis isolates. The isolates of P. mirabilis from the four most common MP groups were subgrouped into 30 ETs. All of the P. vulgaris strains had unique ETs. The results suggest that upon biochemical classification of Proteus isolates as P. mirabilis or P. vulgaris, further differentiation among strains of the same species can be obtained by the initial determination of MP profiles followed by MEE analysis of strains with identical MPs.
Signals That Initiate Somatic Hypermutation of B Cells In Vitro1

Somatic hypermutation is initiated as B lymphocytes proliferate in germinal centers. The signals that switch on the mutation process are unknown. We have derived an in vitro system to define signals that will initiate mutation in normal, naive splenic B cells. We find that three signals are required to allow detection of somatic mutation in vitro; these are anti-Ig, anti-CD40, and anti-CD38. If any one of these is omitted, mutation remains off. We show that CD40 is obligatory in vivo, as CD40 knockout mice exhibit no Ag-driven mutation. In contrast, CD38 is not, as CD38 knockout mice mutate normally. We believe that, in vitro, CD38, in combination with other stimuli, drives extensive cell division, allowing the detection of mutated sequences. However, in germinal centers in vivo, proliferative activity is instigated by a different molecule. This is the first demonstration of the initiation of hypermutation in vitro with normal splenic B cells using defined stimuli.
Poor working memory and reduced blood pressure levels in concurrent users of khat and tobacco.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to examine the extent in which concurrent use of khat and tobacco was associated with decrements in working memory. We also tested whether cardiovascular activity during a cognitive task was related to performance outcomes, as research has shown linkages between maladaptive physiological adjustments and cognitive functions. METHODS Seventy-four concurrent users of khat and tobacco, 49 khat-only users, and 52 nonusers (M age ± SD: 23.8±4.8) completed a laboratory session including 10 min of a mental arithmetic challenge task. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected throughout the task. Analyses of variance and correlational analyses were conducted. RESULTS We found that concurrent users evidenced the lowest number of correct responses on the math task among these 3 groups (ps < .05). Concurrent users also showed fewer number of attempts than khat-only users (ps < .01) and lower accuracy rate than nonusers (ps < .05). The performance of khat-only users and nonusers were comparable on these 3 measures (p > .76). Overall blood pressure levels were lower in concurrent users than in nonusers (p < .05). Correlational analysis found that lower SBP during the math task was associated with fewer number of correct responses and attempts and lower accuracy rate on the task (ps < .05). Multiple regression analysis controlling for gender found that concurrent use predicted math performance (ps < .05). Reported duration and frequency of khat and tobacco use and nicotine dependence predicted performance measures (ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest potential linkages between concurrent use of khat and tobacco and impaired working memory.
Irinotecan plus temozolomide for relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE To report on an irinotecan and temozolomide regimen for neuroblastoma (NB). Quality of life and minimizing toxicity were major considerations. PATIENTS AND METHODS The plan stipulated 5-day courses of irinotecan 50 mg/m2 (1-hour infusion) and temozolomide 150 mg/m2 (oral) every 3 to 4 weeks, with a pretreatment platelet count more than 30,000/microL. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used when the absolute neutrophil count was less than 1,000/microL. RESULTS Forty-nine NB patients received 1 to 15 courses (median, 5). Gastrointestinal and myelosuppressive toxicities were readily managed. Lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin after 2 to 10 courses (median, 3.5) were normal in 10 of 10 patients treated after nonimmunosuppressive therapy, and normalized in five of seven patients first treated less than 2 months after high-dose alkylators. Of 19 patients treated for refractory NB and assessable for response, nine showed evidence of disease regression, including two complete responses and seven objective responses. Of 17 patients treated for progressive disease, three showed evidence of disease regression, including one partial response and two objective responses. Multiple courses entailed no cumulative toxicity and controlled disease for prolonged periods in many patients, including some who were unable to complete prior treatments because of hematologic, infectious, cardiac, or renal problems. CONCLUSION This regimen has anti-NB activity, spares vital organs, is feasible with poor bone marrow reserve, causes limited immunosuppression, and allows good quality of life.