Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targets of the StBEL5 Transcription Factor Include the FT Ortholog StSP6A1[OPEN]

Among the targets of a BEL1-like homeodomain transcription factor are genes involved in growth and hormone metabolism as well as two key tuberization signals. The BEL1-like family of transcription factors is ubiquitous in plants and plays important roles in regulating development. They function in tandem with KNOTTED1 types to bind to a double TTGAC motif in the upstream sequence of target genes. StBEL5 of potato (Solanum tuberosum) functions as a mobile RNA signal that is transcribed in leaves, moves down into stolons in response to short days, and induces tuber formation. Despite their importance, however, very little is known about the targets of BEL1-like transcription factors. To better understand this network, we made use of a phloem-mobile BEL5 induction model, an ethanol-inducible system coupled with RNA sequencing analysis, and a screen for tandem TTGAC cis-elements in the upstream sequence to catalog StBEL5 target genes. Induction of StBEL5 activated several genes that are also induced by StSP6A (S. tuberosum SELF-PRUNING 6A), a FLOWERING LOCUS T coregulator that functions as a signal for tuberization. Both enhancement and suppression of StBEL5 expression were also closely linked to StSP6A transcriptional activity. Site mutagenesis in tandem TTGAC motifs located in the upstream sequence of StSP6A suppressed the short day-induced activity of its promoter in both young tubers and leaves. The expression profile of StBEL5 induced in stolons from plants grown under long-day conditions revealed almost 10,000 differentially expressed genes, including important tuber marker genes and genes involved in cell growth, transcription, floral development, and hormone metabolism. In a random screen of 200 differentially expressed targets of StBEL5, 92% contained tandem TTGAC motifs in the upstream sequence within 3 kb of the transcription start site.
Protective effect of vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol) on cardiovascular damage induced by streptozocin in rats.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether Dexpanthenol (DEX) improves diabetic cardiovascular function and cardiac performance by regulating total oxidant and antioxidant status. METHODS Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozocin (50 mg/kg in 1 ml of saline) and treatment groups received DEX (300 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Endothelium (in)dependent relaxation responses were assessed in thoracic aortic rings and coronary vasculature together with alpha receptor and voltage dependant contractile responses of aorta. Myocardial contractility has been recorded by an intra ventricular latex balloon. Total oxidant and antioxidant status were measured from the serum samples. RESULTS Induction of diabetes resulted in an apparent body weight loss, high blood glucose, endothelial dysfunction and increased serum oxidant status. DEX supplementation restored the endothelial dysfunction, antioxidant status and body weight whereas decreasing blood glucose level. CONCLUSION Along with the standard therapy of diabetes, DEX can be used as a safe and economical way of adjuvant therapy to diminish the burden of the disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 30).
Pharmacological characterization of an FP prostaglandin receptor on rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5) coupled to phosphoinositide turnover and intracellular calcium mobilization.

An FP prostaglandin (PG) receptor on the A7r5 rat aorta smooth muscle cell line has been characterized by assays of phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and intracellular calcium mobilization stimulated by structurally diverse PGs. In the PI turnover assay, cloprostenol was the most potent PG tested, with a potency (EC50) of 0.84 +/- 0.06 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 34), and was a full agonist. Other known FP receptor agonists tested in this assay had efficacies > or = 85% of the cloprostenol value and high potencies: 16-phenoxy PGF2 alpha (2.05 +/- 0.19 nM), 17-phenyl PGF2 alpha (2.80 +/- 0.59 nM), fluprostenol (4.45 +/- 0.19 nM), PGF2 alpha (30.9 +/- 2.82 nM) and PhXA85 (43.5 +/- 11.4 nM). Other classes of PGs evaluated (PGD2, enprostil, 17-phenyl PGE2, PGE2, sulprostone and U-46619) were less potent and less efficacious than the FP receptor agonists, or were inactive. For a large group of standard PGs evaluated in the PI turnover assay, both potencies and efficacies correlated well with those reported for the FP receptor of Swiss mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. The potencies of fluprostenol and PGF2 alpha as stimuli of intracellular calcium mobilization matched well their potencies in the PI turnover assay, but fluprostenol had twice the efficacy of PGF2 alpha. Both signaling responses stimulated by fluprostenol were significantly inhibited by U73122, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide turnover (IC50 = 1.25 +/- 0.16 microM for PI turnover), and by chelation of calcium in the medium. Together with the PI turnover data, these studies of intracellular calcium mobilization linked to activation of the FP receptor, provide additional characterization of the pharmacological properties of this receptor.
Beautiful…but at What Cost?

Millions of people use platforms such as Google Maps to search for routes to their desired destinations. Recently, researchers and mapping platforms have shown growing interest in optimizing routes for criteria other than travel time, e.g. simplicity, safety, and beauty. However, despite the ubiquity of algorithmic routing and its potential to define how millions of people move around the world, very little is known about the externalities that arise when adopting these new optimization criteria, e.g. potential redistribution of traffic to certain neighborhoods and increased route complexity (with its associated risks). In this paper, we undertake the first controlled examination of these externalities, doing so across multiple mapping platforms, alternative optimizations, and cities. We find, for example, that scenic routing (i.e. “beauty”-optimized routing) would remove vehicles from highways, greatly increase traffic around parks, and, in certain cases, do the same for high-income areas. Our results also highlight that the interaction between routing criteria and urban structure is complex and effects vary from city to city, an important consideration for the growing literature on alternative routing strategies. Finally, to address the lack of open implementations of alternative routing algorithms and controlled routing evaluation frameworks, we are releasing our alternative routing and evaluation platform with this paper.
Adaptive immune responses in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm–associated chronic rhinosinusitis

To cite this article: Foreman A. , Holtappels G. , Psaltis A.J., Jervis‐Bardy J., Field J., Wormald P.‐J., Bachert C. Adaptive immune responses in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm–associated chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergy 2011; 66: 1449–1456.
The Thymus Is Similar to the Testis in Its Pattern of Circadian Clock Gene Expression

The molecular basis for the circadian clock in mammals consists of a number of genes and proteins that form transcription-translation feedback loops. These loops result in a 24-h rhythm in the expression of mRNA and protein levels. Although the anatomical site of the central circadian clock is the SCN of the hypothalamus, all of the circadian clock genes are expressed in tissues other than the brain. Moreover, cyclic gene and protein expression occurs in mostof these tissues. The best known exception to this rule is the testis, which shows constant rather than cyclic expression of circadian clock genes. Indeed, the testis of multiple animal species displays constant circadian clock gene expression. In recent work, the authors showed that the thymus is similar to the testis in that expression of circadian clock genes is either constant over a 24-h period or cycles with a dampened amplitude, depending on which gene is examined. In the current study, they extend and confirm their findings regarding noncyclic circadian clock gene and protein expression in the testis and the thymus. More important, they also show that expression of these genes in both testis and thymus does not depend on the transcriptional activator, CLOCK, which is necessary for cyclic gene expression in the SCN and in other tissues. These results extend the molecular similarities between the thymus and the testis and suggest that similar mechanisms are at work for regulating expression of circadian clock genes in both tissues. One commonality between these 2 organs is that they are composed primarily of differentiating cells. The authors hypothesize that the circadian clock is not operational in immature, differentiating cells. Possibly, the clock starts in mature cells upon receipt of an initiating signal.
Pilots' Visual Scan Patterns and Attention Distribution During the Pursuit of a Dynamic Target.

INTRODUCTION The current research was to investigate pilots' visual scan patterns in order to assess attention distribution during air-to-air maneuvers. METHODS A total of 30 qualified mission-ready fighter pilots participated in this research. Eye movement data were collected by a portable head-mounted eye-tracking device, combined with a jet fighter simulator. To complete the task, pilots had to search for, pursue, and lock on a moving target while performing air-to-air tasks. RESULTS There were significant differences in pilots' saccade duration (ms) in three operating phases, including searching (M = 241, SD = 332), pursuing (M = 311, SD = 392), and lock-on (M = 191, SD = 226). Also, there were significant differences in pilots' pupil sizes (pixel(2)), of which the lock-on phase was the largest (M = 27,237, SD = 6457), followed by pursuit (M = 26,232, SD = 6070), then searching (M = 25,858, SD = 6137). Furthermore, there were significant differences between expert and novice pilots in the percentage of fixation on the head-up display (HUD), time spent looking outside the cockpit, and the performance of situational awareness (SA). DISCUSSION Experienced pilots have better SA performance and paid more attention to the HUD, but focused less outside the cockpit when compared with novice pilots. Furthermore, pilots with better SA performance exhibited a smaller pupil size during the operational phase of lock on while pursuing a dynamic target. Understanding pilots' visual scan patterns and attention distribution are beneficial to the design of interface displays in the cockpit and in developing human factors training syllabi to improve the safety of flight operations.
Similarities in the Metabolic Reprogramming of Immune System and Endothelium

Cellular metabolism has been known for its role in bioenergetics. In recent years, much light has been shed on the reprogrammable cellular metabolism underlying many vital cellular processes, such as cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Metabolic reprogramming in immune and endothelial cells (ECs) is being studied extensively. These cell compartments are implicated in inflammation and pathogenesis of many diseases but their similarities in metabolic reprogramming have not been analyzed in detail. One of the most notable metabolic reprogramming is the Warburg-like effect, famously described as one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Immune cells and ECs can display this phenotype that is characterized by a metabolic switch favoring glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in aerobic conditions. Though energy-inefficient, aerobic glycolysis confers many benefits to the respiring cells ranging from higher rate of adenosine triphosphate production to maintaining redox homeostasis. Chemical and biological regulators either promote or perturb this effect. In this review, nitric oxide, hypoxia-inducible factor, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase have been discussed for their common involvement in metabolic reprogramming of both systems. From in vitro and animal studies, various discrepancies exist regarding the effects of those regulators on metabolic switch. However, it is generally accepted that glycolysis favors inflammatory reactions while OXPHOS favors anti-inflammatory processes. The reasons for such observation are currently subject of intense studies and not completely understood. Finally, metabolic reprogramming in immune cells and ECs does not limit to the physiological state in health but can also be observed in pathological states, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. These new insights provide us with a better understanding of the similarities in metabolic reprogramming across a number of cell types, which could pave the way for future research and possible metabolic-based therapeutics.
Production Constraints and Farmers-Preferred Traits of Pigeonpea Varieties: Implications for Breeding in Tanzania

Understanding production constraints and farmers preferred traits of crop varieties is crucial for uptake and sustainable use of production technologies. The aim of this study was to identify major production constraints; farming systems, control strategies of fusarium wilt disease and farmers’ preferred traits of breeding priorities of pigeonpea in Tanzania. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and structured survey were conducted at three selected districts viz. Babati, Karatu and Kilosa districts with total of 240 individuals for semi-structured survey and 108 individuals for focus group discussion. Results indicate that maize intercropping with pigeonpea is the most common production system across all three districts. Maize, beans and pigeonpea are the main crops grown for household consumption, while pigeonpea is primarily grown for cash income. Other crops such as Dolichos lablab, barley, wheat, tomatoes, simsim, sunflower, millet and horticultural crops are grown for both cash income and household consumption. The major production constraints perceived by farmers were insects and diseases. Fusarium was the major disease spread in all three districts. Both field and storage pest were considered limiting factors. Other constraints are drought, cultivation of late maturing varieties, high input price and limited access to improved cultivars. Farmers have demonstrated the awareness of disease symptoms and control options. Farmers showed strong preference on high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, early maturity, short cooking time varieties, indeterminate (bush) growth habit and white/cream large sized seed Farmers expressed their needs towards improved production system, supply and distribution of high yielding varieties resistance to fusarium wilt.
Effects of Milnacipran on the Multidimensional Aspects of Fatigue and the Relationship of Fatigue to Pain and Function: Pooled Analysis of 3 Fibromyalgia Trials

BackgroundFatigue is a core symptom in fibromyalgia that can negatively affect a patient’s quality of life. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze fatigue-related data from 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of milnacipran (n = 3109) in fibromyalgia patients. MethodsFatigue was assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Treatment effects were evaluated by changes in MFI total scores and identifying patients with improvement of 30% or greater from baseline. Path analyses were conducted to evaluate direct and indirect effects of treatment on fatigue. ResultsPatients had high levels of baseline fatigue; mean MFI total score was 68.1 (of 100). After 3 months of stable-dose treatment, patients receiving milnacipran 100 and/or 200 mg/d had significant improvement in MFI total and subscale scores (P < 0.05 vs placebo). The largest treatment effect was found in patients with equal to or greater than 20% to 40% fatigue improvement. Significantly more patients met the threshold of 30% or greater with milnacipran (100 mg/d, 17.6%; 200 mg/d, 15.2%) than with placebo (9.9%); odds ratios for this responder status were 1.93 and 1.63, respectively (P < 0.05 for both doses). Path analyses indicated that up to 28% of fatigue improvement may be attributed to direct milnacipran effects (ie, not indirectly through effects on pain or other symptoms). ConclusionsFibromyalgia patients in the milnacipran studies had high levels of baseline fatigue. Patients receiving milnacipran had statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in fatigue that were not completely attributable to indirect treatment effects through pain reduction. Evaluating and managing fatigue are an important clinical concern when treating patients with fibromyalgia.
Alteration of Cytokines and Chemokines During Febrile Episodes Associated With Endothelial Cell Damage and Plasma Leakage in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Background: The leakage of plasma during febrile episodes in dengue-infected patients is a severe condition leading to dengue shock syndrome. Alteration of cytokines/chemokines is suspected to be a major cause of endothelial cell damage in these patients. The study was designed to demonstrate the alteration of cytokines and chemokines in dengue-infected patients during febrile episodes. Methods: The blood samples from 164 patients with dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and other febrile illnesses were collected daily from the day of hospitalization until discharge and also in the convalescent stage. The levels of cytokines/chemokines were determined using a sandwich chemiluminescent immunoassay, and the hematological parameters were examined by the ADVIA hematological analyzer. Results: Two patterns of cytokines/chemokines alteration were detected at different time points during the febrile episode. The increased factors included interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, interferon-&ggr; and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 whereas IL-1&bgr;, IL-2, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor were decreased. Several cytokines were correlated with disease severity especially in dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome patients. Conclusions: The alteration in the cytokine/chemokine kinetics during a febrile episode can be used as a predictor for severe dengue infection. The increased and decreased levels at different time points can indicate the disease progression related to vascular leakage in dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome patients.
Light and electron microscopy of the ground squirrel retina: Functional considerations

Light and electron microscopy of Golgi‐impregnated ground squirrel retinas have revealed a range of morphological subtypes of bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. There are at least seven subtypes of bipolar cells. Those subtypes in which the somata were high (sclerad) in the inner nuclear layer (3 subtypes) had axon terminals low (vitread) in the inner plexiform layer, and those with somata low in the inner nuclear layer (4 subtypes) had axon terminals high in the inner plexiform layer. The bipolar subtypes with high axon terminals made flat contacts with receptor cells, whereas all but one of the bipolar subtypes with low axon terminals made ribbon‐related contacts with receptor cells. There are at least five subtypes of amacrine cells. The two subtypes which the Golgi method revealed most frequently were a broad‐field, unistratified neuron with a dendritic spread in excess of 1,000 m̈m and a narrow‐field, diffuse neuron with a dendritic spread of about 30 m̈m. The broad‐field, unistratified cell had the lowest proportion of amacrine vs. bipolar cell synaptic input of the amacrine subtypes (43%), whereas the narrow‐field, diffuse cell had one of the greatest proportions of amacrine cell input (96%). There are at least 15 subtypes of ganglion cells. The proportion of synaptic inputs to these cells ranged from 21% to 100% amacrine cell synapses. An attempt has been made to relate this new knowledge of retinal circuitry to the physiological output of the ganglion cells.
Equivalent recognition of free and act‐complexed PSA in a monoclonal‐polyclonal sandwich assay is conferred by binding specificity of the monoclonal antibody

The Bayer Immuno 1TM PSA Assay measures free and ACT‐complexed PSA on an equimolar basis, although it uses a monoclonal antibody (MM1) for capture and polyclonal antibodies for detection. Competitive inhibition studies using antibodies directed at various epitopes on PSA and PSA‐ACT demonstrated that the capture antibody, MM1, does not bind to free PSA simultaneously with antibodies against Epitope E which is exposed only in free PSA. Affinity studies showed that the affinity constants of MM1 for both free PSA and PSA‐ACT are similar. One explanation for the properties of MM1 is that it precludes the binding of antibodies to Epitope E due to steric hindrance. Alternatively, the binding of MM1 causes a conformation change within the free PSA molecule, so that Epitope E is altered in a way that causes a loss of binding affinity. The unusual properties of MM1 are responsible for the equimolar response of this monoclonal‐polyclonal sandwich assay for free and ACT‐complexed PSA. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 12:242–249, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecosystem functioning impacts of the invasive seaweed Sargassum muticum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae)

Ongoing changes in natural diversity due to anthropogenic activities can alter ecosystem functioning. Particular attention has been given to research on biodiversity loss and how those changes can affect the functioning of ecosystems, and, by extension, human welfare. Few studies, however, have addressed how increased diversity due to establishment of nonindigenous species (NIS) may affect ecosystem function in the recipient communities. Marine algae have a highly important role in sustaining nearshore marine ecosystems and are considered a significant component of marine bioinvasions. Here, we examined the patterns of respiration and light‐use efficiency across macroalgal assemblages with different levels of species richness and evenness. Additionally, we compared our results between native and invaded macroalgal assemblages, using the invasive brown macroalga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt as a model species. Results showed that the presence of the invader increased the rates of respiration and production, most likely as a result of the high biomass of the invader. This effect disappeared when S. muticum lost most of its biomass after senescence. Moreover, predictability–diversity relationships of macroalgal assemblages varied between native and invaded assemblages. Hence, the introduction of high‐impact invasive species may trigger major changes in ecosystem functioning. The impact of S. muticum may be related to its greater biomass in the invaded assemblages, although species interactions and seasonality influenced the magnitude of the impact.