Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell Fusion-Induced Activation of Interferon-Stimulated Genes Is Not Required for Restriction of a Herpes Simplex Virus VP16/ICP0 Mutant in Heterokarya Formed between Permissive and Restrictive Cells

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus VP16 and ICP0 mutants replicate efficiently in U2OS osteosarcoma cells but are restricted in other cell types. We previously showed that the restrictive phenotype is dominant in a transient cell fusion assay, suggesting that U2OS cells lack an antiviral mechanism present in other cells. Recent data indicate that unscheduled membrane fusion events can activate the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in fibroblasts, raising the possibility that our earlier results were due to a fusion-induced antiviral state. However, we show here that the permissive phenotype is also extinguished following fusion with Vero cells in the absence of ISG induction.
Hydroxy derivatives of tamoxifen.

In the exploration of the structural features that affect the RBA (binding affinity for the estrogen receptor of rat uterus relative to that of estradiol) in the tamoxifen [trans-(Z)-1-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl ]-1,2-diphenyl-1-butene] series, several derivatives variously substituted in the 1-phenyl group have been synthesized. [In the tamoxifen series, the descriptors E and Z, which define the configuration of the geometrical isomers and depend on the location and nature of substituents in the aromatic moieties and the ethyl group, may vary, although the relative configuration (cis or trans) does not. In order to avoid confusion the terms cis and trans will be used in this paper to refer to the relative positions of the 4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]phenyl and ethyl (or hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, or bromo) substituents attached to the ethene moiety. ] The final stage of each synthesis involved acid-catalyzed dehydration of a tertiary alcohol, and, in contrast to the known 3- and 4-hydroxy derivatives which were obtained as near-equimolar cis,trans mixtures, only the trans forms of the 2-hydroxy, 2-methyl, 2,4-dihydroxy, and 4-hydroxy-2-methyl derivatives were obtained. Also, in contrast to the trans forms of the 3- and 4-hydroxy derivatives, which are readily equilibrated to cis,trans mixtures, the trans 2-hydroxy derivative could not be isomerized. Tamoxifen and 2-methyltamoxifen had similar RBA's (approximately 1% of that of E2), but that of 2-hydroxytamoxifen was much lower (0.1%). Introduction of a second hydroxyl group (2,4-dihydroxy derivative) enhanced the RBA, and for the 4-hydroxy-2-methyl derivative, the RBA and growth inhibitory activity against the MCF-7 mammary tumor cell line in vitro were high and comparable to those of 4-hydroxytamoxifen, a metabolite of the parent drug. Tamoxifen derivatives hydroxylated at positions 3 or 4 of the 1-butene moiety and the 5-hydroxy-1-pentene analogue were also synthesized, but they had very low RBA values.
Effect of platelet count on platelet aggregation measured with impedance aggregometry (Multiplate™ analyzer) and with light transmission aggregometry

M, Chen CY, Xu B, Lu MM, Zhou D, Sebzda E, Santore MT, Merianos DJ, Stadtfeld M, Flake AW, Graf T, Skoda R, Maltzman JS, Koretzky GA, Kahn ML. Platelets regulate lymphatic vascular development through CLEC-2-SLP-76 signaling. Blood 2010; 116: 661–70. 10 Uhrin P, Zaujec J, Breuss JM, Olcaydu D, Chrenek P, Stockinger H, Fuertbauer E, Moser M, Haiko P, Fassler R, Alitalo K, Binder BR, Kerjaschki D. Novel function for blood platelets and podoplanin in developmental separation of blood and lymphatic circulation. Blood 2010; 115: 3997–4005. 11 Shin Y, Morita T. Rhodocytin, a functional novel platelet agonist belonging to the heterodimeric C-type lectin family, induces platelet aggregation independently of glycoprotein Ib. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 245: 741–5. 12 Love CA, Harlos K, Mavaddat N, Davis SJ, Stuart DI, Jones EY, Esnouf RM. The ligand-binding face of the semaphorins revealed by the high-resolution crystal structure of SEMA4D. Nat Struct Biol 2003; 10: 843–8. 13 Shi W, Kumanogoh A, Watanabe C, Uchida J, Wang X, Yasui T, Yukawa K, Ikawa M, Okabe M, Parnes JR, Yoshida K, Kikutani H. The class IV semaphorin CD100 plays nonredundant roles in the immune system: defective B and T cell activation in CD100-deficient mice. Immunity 2000; 13: 633–42. 14 Severin S, Pollitt AY, Navarro-Nunez L, Nash CA, Mourao-Sa D, Eble JA, Senis YA, Watson SP. Syk-dependent phosphorylation of CLEC-2: a novel mechanism of hem-immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif signaling. J Biol Chem 2011; 286: 4107–16. 15 Ezumi Y, Shindoh K, Tsuji M, Takayama H. Physical and functional association of the Src family kinases Fyn and Lyn with the collagen receptor glycoprotein VI-Fc receptor gamma chain complex on human platelets. J Exp Med 1998; 188: 267– 76. 16 Spalton JC, Mori J, Pollitt AY, Hughes CE, Eble JA, Watson SP. The novel Syk inhibitor R406 reveals mechanistic differences in the initiation of GPVI and CLEC-2 signaling in platelets. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7: 1192–9.
The effects of Acacia arabica gum on the in vitro growth and protease activities of periodontopathic bacteria.

The antibacterial activity of acacia gum was assessed using fresh isolates and reference strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Capnocytophaga spp. , Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola. A fine aqueous suspension of gum was produced by sonication and then a soluble fraction isolated by centrifugation and membrane filtration. These preparations were incorporated into columbia agar at doubling concentrations. Growth of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia cultures on the agar was inhibited by whole gum sonicate at concentrations of 0.5-1.0% w/v. Both species showed reduced susceptibility when horse blood was present in the agar. The gum soluble fraction did not inhibit growth of any bacterial culture. The effect of acacia on bacterial proteases was examined with cell sonicates from log phase broth cultures. Enzyme activities were determined by fluorimetric assay with various synthetic peptide substrates. Most protease activities reduced in the presence of 0.5% w/v gum sonicate, with the trypsin-like activities of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia proving most sensitive. The gum soluble fraction was nearly always less inhibitory than the sonicate. The action of acacia gum against suspected periodontal pathogens and their enzymes suggests that it may be of clinical value.
Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human physical working capacity.

Ethanol extract of ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS Maxim, was discreetly examined as regards its effect on the maximal working capacity of man, using six male adolescents. Single, blind, cross-over studies were conducted where the extract treatment was compared with no treatment and with placebo treatment. Significant increase was noted in all four parameters recorded in the tests due to extract administration. Especially striking was 23.3% increase in total work due to the extract compared with only 7.5% rise due to the placebo. This increase in total work seemed to be partially attributable to the improvement of subject's bodily oxygen metabolism that was reflected in the increase in maximal oxygen uptake and that in maximal oxygen pulse.
A study of the effect of envelope impedance on intermodulation asymmetry using a two-tone time domain measurement system

An error corrected two-tone time domain measurement system has been developed and combined with a low frequency active source and load-pull system to investigate the effects of all impedance terminations, IF and RF, on the linearity and efficiency of power transistors. Measured data is presented on a HBT biased in class B stimulated by-a two-tone signal while actively load pulling the low frequency IF component.
Dietary Practices and Beliefs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:An epidemiological association implicating diet in IBD risk or protection is widely accepted. Patients with IBD often make links to diet, but there is a dearth of literature exploring dietary perceptions and practices in this population. Our objective was to evaluate dietary beliefs and behaviors in IBD patients. Methods:We developed a questionnaire assessing demographics, dietary beliefs and habits in IBD patients. This was prospectively administered to 400 consecutive patients attending our IBD clinics. Results:Mean patient age was 48.4 years; 55% were female, 88% white, 39% had Crohn's disease and 51% had ulcerative colitis. Around 48% felt that diet could be the initiating factor in IBD and 57% felt it could trigger a flare. Worsening symptoms with certain foods was reported by 60%. About 66% deprived themselves of their favorite foods in order to prevent relapse. Three-fourth of patients believed that IBD affects appetite, more so during a relapse. Nearly half had never received any formal dietary advice, and two-thirds requested for further dietary advice. After adjusting for other predictors, the IBD subtype and ethnicity of the patients remained as significant factors for influencing beliefs held by patients. Conclusions:Our study showed that patients hold beliefs pertaining to the role of diet in IBD, with a high level of consistency around key perceived triggers. Whether all the symptoms reported are due to active inflammation cannot be ascertained, but the potential exists for dietary components triggering active disease and perpetuating gut injury, impacting on quality of life and health care costs.
The relationship of childhood abuse to impulsivity and suicidal behavior in adults with major depression.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether a higher frequency of reported childhood trauma would be found in depressed adults with higher levels of trait impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior. METHOD In 136 depressed adult inpatients, the authors assessed trait impulsivity, aggression history, and number of lifetime suicide attempts as well as the medical lethality and the intent to die associated with the most lethal attempt. These variables were then compared between those with and those without a reported history of childhood physical or sexual abuse. RESULTS Subjects who reported an abuse history were more likely to have made a suicide attempt and had significantly higher impulsivity and aggression scores than those who did not report an abuse history. Impulsivity and aggression scores were significantly higher in subjects with a history of at least one suicide attempt. A logistic regression analysis revealed that abuse history remained significantly associated with suicide attempt status after adjustment for impulsivity, aggression history, and presence of borderline personality disorder. Among those who attempted suicide, there were no significant differences in severity of suicidal behavior between those with and without a childhood history of abuse. CONCLUSIONS Abuse in childhood may constitute an environmental risk factor for the development of trait impulsivity and aggression as well as suicide attempts in depressed adults. Alternatively, impulsivity and aggression may be inherited traits underlying both childhood abuse and suicidal behavior in adulthood disorders. Additional research is needed to estimate the relative contributions of heredity and environmental experience to the development of impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—INTERSEX AND GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS Subcutaneous Mastectomy in Female-to-Male Transsexuals: A Retrospective Cohort-Analysis of 202 Patients

Introduction. Subcutaneous mastectomy is the first surgical procedure to be completed by female to male trans- sexuals after appropriate mental health and endocrine therapy. Objectives of subcutaneous mastectomy in this group are to masculinize the chest by the removal of breast tissue and skin excess, reduction and proper positioning of the nipple-areola complex, obliteration of the infra-mammary fold, and ideally with a minimal of chest wall scars. In this study, the largest series of subcutaneous mastectomies in female-to-male transsexuals to date is presented. Aims. Our aim was to determine relations between surgical technique, risk factors, complications, reoperations and secondary corrections in female-to-male transsexuals. Methods. We performed a retrospective survey study on 404 mastectomies in 202 female-to-male transsexuals during the period of 2000-2011. Main Outcome Measures. Primary outcomes for this study were complication rate, acute reoperations, secondary corrections, surgical time, and length of hospital stay in relation to the surgical technique used. Results. The average age of these patients at time of the intervention was 31 years (10) with an average BMI of 25 kg/m 2 (4). The chosen technique depended strongly on breast volume, which, in turn, was strongly related to BMI and age. The number of acute reoperations and secondary corrections depended on the surgical technique. The total rate of acute complications was 5.0%. This percentage was highest in surgeries without skin resection (10.5%). To improve overall aesthetic results, the following secondary corrections were performed: nipple and/or areola corrections (8.9%), scar revisions (12.6%), and chest contouring (17.8%). Conclusion. This study shows a correlation between the surgical technique, complication rate, and length of hospital stay. In general, the larger the breast, the larger the scars that remain after the operation. On the other hand, the smaller the scars resulting from the operation, the higher the risk of hematoma. Cregten-Escobar P, Bouman MB, Buncamper ME, and Mullender MG. Subcutaneous mastectomy in female-to-male transsexuals: A retro- spective cohort-analysis of 202 patients. J Sex Med 2012;9:3148-3153.
Discovery of the spectroscopic binary nature of the Cepheids X Puppis and XX Sagittarii

We present the analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data of two bright Galactic Cepheids, X Puppis and XX Sagittarii. Based on the available data in the literature as well as our own observations spanning 75 years, we conclude that both Cepheids belong to spectroscopic binary systems. However, the data are not sufficient to determine the orbital periods or other elements for the orbit. This discovery corroborates statements on the high frequency of occurrence of binaries among classical Cepheids, a fact to be taken into account when calibrating the period–luminosity relationship for Cepheids. The photometric data revealed that the pulsation period of X Pup is continuously increasing by P = 0.007 559 d century −1 , likely caused by stellar evolution. The pulsation period of XX Sgr turned out to be very stable over the last ∼100 years.
[Comparative measurement of urine specific gravity: reagent strips, refractometry and hydrometry].

INTRODUCTION The urine specific gravity is commonly used in clinical practice to measure the renal concentration/dilution ability. Measurement can be performed by three methods: hydrometry, refractometry and reagent strips. AIM To assess the accuracy of different methods to measure urine specific gravity. METHODS We analyzed 156 consecutive urine samples of pediatric patients during April and May 2007. Urine specific gravity was measured by hydrometry (UD), refractometry (RE) and reagent strips (TR), simultaneously. Urine osmolarity was considered as the gold standard and was measured by freezing point depression. Correlation between different methods was calculated by simple linear regression. RESULTS A positive and acceptable correlation was found with osmolarity for the RE as for the UD (r= 0.81 and r= 0.86, respectively). The reagent strips presented low correlation (r= 0.46). Also, we found good correlation between measurements obtained by UD and RE (r= 0.89). Measurements obtained by TR, however, had bad correlation when compared to UD (r= 0.46). Higher values of specific gravity were observed when measured with RE with respect to UD. CONCLUSIONS Reagent strips are not reliable for measuring urine specific gravity and should not be used as an usual test. However, hydrometry and refractometry are acceptable alternatives for measuring urine specific gravity, as long as the same method is used for follow-up.
Functional evaluation of TNFAIP3 (A20) in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES To determine the protein expression of TNFAIP3 in synovium and to show the capability of 6q23 intergenic SNPs, associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility, to influence TNFAIP3 gene transcription. METHODS Immunohistochemistry for TNFAIP3, NF-kB p65 and phosphorylated NF-kB p65 protein expression was performed in 6 RA knee joint synovium samples compared to 9 osteoarthritis (OA) samples. Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to examine the regulatory ability of RA associated SNP variants on TNFAIP3 promoter activity. Sense and antisense constructs were prepared for rs6920220 alleles, together with each of the 4 SNPs in r2=1 with it (rs6933404, rs2327832, rs6927172 and rs17264332), coupled to the TNFAIP3 promoter. Transient transfections were performed in a human T lymphoblastoid (CEMC7A) cell line. Bioinformatic software was utilised to prioritise SNPs for further investigation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), using CEMC7A nuclear extracts, were conducted for the rs6927172 SNP alleles. RESULTS TNFAIP3 protein expression was seen in the synovium samples and differential TNFAIP3 protein expression between RA vs. OA synoviocytes observed. Within RA synoviocytes TNFAIP3 expression is predominately cytoplasmic, whereas in OA its expression is strongly nuclear and cytoplasmic. For 3 of the 5 SNPs investigated (rs6920220, rs6933404, rs6927172) evidence of repressor activity of TNFAIP3 transcription was seen and EMSA data showed evidence of differential transcription factor binding to rs6927172 alleles. CONCLUSIONS This is the first observation of TNFAIP3 protein expression in RA and OA synovium. In vitro analysis of 6q23 intergenic SNPs supports the possibility of the functional regulation of TNFAIP3.
The distinctive role of romantic relationships in moderating the effects of early caregiving on adult anxious–depressed symptoms over 9 years

Abstract This study tests a model of young adult romantic quality as a moderator of the effects of early caregiving on anxious–depressed symptoms over a 9-year period in adulthood. Participants (n = 93) were a subsample from a longitudinal study of risk and adaptation. Quality of early caregiving was measured using observational data collected at five points in the first 4 years of life. Young adult romantic relationship quality was assessed from interviews with participants at age 23. Self-report anxious–depressed symptoms were measured at ages 23, 26, and 32. The results indicated that romantic quality moderated early caregiving to predict symptom levels across this period, with evidence for inoculation, amplification, and compensation effects. A discriminant analysis examining young adult work competence as a moderator provided further evidence for the distinctiveness of romantic relationships in changing the association between early caregiving and adult internalizing symptoms.
Separation of a cholesterol‐enriched microdomain involved in T‐cell signal transduction

We isolated a cholesterol‐enriched membrane subpopulation from the so‐called lipid raft fractions of Jurkat T‐cells by taking advantage of its selective binding to a cholesterol‐binding probe, BCθ. The BCθ‐bound membrane subpopulation has a much higher cholesterol/phospholipid (C/P) molar ratio (≈ 1.0) than the BCθ‐unbound population in raft fractions (≈ 0.3). It contains not only the raft markers GM1 and flotillin, but also some T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling molecules, including Lck, Fyn and LAT. In addition, Csk and PAG, inhibitory molecules of the TCR signalling cascade, are also contained in the BCθ‐bound membranes. On the other hand, CD3ε, CD3ζ and Zap70 are localized in the BCθ‐unbound membranes, segregated from other TCR signalling molecules under nonstimulated conditions. However, upon stimulation of TCR, portions of CD3ε, CD3ζ and Zap70 are recruited to the BCθ‐bound membranes. The Triton X‐100 concentration used for lipid raft preparation affects neither the C/P ratio nor protein composition of the BCθ‐bound membranes. These results show that our method is useful for isolating a particular cholesterol‐rich membrane domain of T‐cells, which could be a core domain controlling the TCR signalling cascade.
Heat‐shock resistance in experimental cryptorchid testis of mice

Cryptorchidism is commonly used for research on spermatogenesis. However, there are few comparative investigations about the strain differences in mice, especially in long‐term experiments. In the present study, the authors demonstrate its specific dynamics in the MRL/MpJ mouse strain, and discuss the cause of strain differences. In the mouse strains A/J BALB/c, C3H/He, and C57BL/6, after 2 weeks of experimental cryptorchidism, the ratios of the cryptorchid testis weight against the intact one were 0.38 ± 0.05, 0.43 ± 0.05, 0.38 ± 0.02, and 0.44 ± 0.14, respectively. On the other hand, in the MRL/MpJ strain it was shifted to 0.69 ± 0.08. The details of this strain difference were compared by calculation of germ cells with the Sertoli cell index at 2 weeks after operation. The indices of spermatogonia in all strains were not significantly different; however, in MRL/MpJ mice remarkable numbers of late spermatocytes and round spermatids were detected. The decrease of the testis weight ratio was similar until 10 days in the C57BL/6 and MRL/MpJ strains, but continued in C57BL/6 until 21 days, whereas in MRL/MpJ mice it plateaued after 10 days. Northern blot analysis for heat shock protein 70‐2 using total RNA prepared from the cryptorchid and intact testes at 2 weeks after operation revealed that the expression was decreased in the cryptorchid testis of C57BL/6, but not MRL/MpJ mice. The results suggested that heat‐resistant germ cells were present in MRL/MpJ, originating possibly from the genetic background. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 58:216–222, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring Stereotypes and Biased Data with the Crowd

The goal of our research is to contribute information about how useful the crowd is at anticipating stereotypes that may be biasing a data set without a researcher's knowledge. The results of the crowd's prediction can potentially be used during data collection to help prevent the suspected stereotypes from introducing bias to the dataset. We conduct our research by asking the crowd on Amazon's Mechanical Turk (AMT) to complete two similar Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs) by suggesting stereotypes relating to their personal experience. Our analysis of these responses focuses on determining the level of diversity in the workers' suggestions and their demographics. Through this process we begin a discussion on how useful the crowd can be in tackling this difficult problem within machine learning data collection.