Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Thymus Emigrant CD4+ T Cells Predict HIV Disease Progression in Patients With Perinatally Acquired HIV.

BACKGROUND Robust immune restoration in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients is dependent on thymic function. However, few studies have investigated thymic function and its correlation with disease progression over time in HIV-positive patients. METHODS In this longitudinal prospective study, we followed 69 HIV-positive patients who were perinatally infected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained with monoclonal anti-CD4 and anti-CD31 and recent thymic emigrants (CD4+recently emigrated from the thymus (RTE), CD4+CD31+) quantified by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, and Kaplan-Meier estimates; Cox regression models were performed for the longitudinal analysis. RESULTS Median age of HIV positive patients enrolled was 13 years (interquartile range [IQR], 8.6). CD4+RTE% decreased with age and was higher in females. Median CD4+RTE% was 53.5%, IQR, 22.9. CD4+RTE% was closely related to CD4+% and absolute counts but independent of viral load and CD8+CD38+%. Antiretroviral compliance as well as higher nadir CD4+% were associated with higher CD4+RTE%. Low CD4+RTE% predicted poor progression of VL and CD4+% over time. CONCLUSIONS CD4+RTE% predicts disease progression and may reflect history of disease in HIV-positive patients and adolescents. They are easy to measure in the clinical setting and may be helpful markers in guiding treatment decisions.
ISOLATION OF beta-GLUCAN SYNTHETASE PARTICLES FROM PLANT CELLS AND IDENTIFICATION WITH GOLGI MEMBRANES.

A variety of particle-bound synthetases that use sugar nucleotides as glycosyl donors for the formation of polysaccharides similar to those of the cell wall have been demonstrated in mung beans and other plant tissues,(1) but the particles in question have not been previously identified. (2, 3) The polysaccharide synthetase particles from peas that form mainly beta-1,4-glucan from UDPG and GDPG have now been separated from other cell particles by combinations of velocity and isopycnic density gradient centrifugation. The particles have an effective density of about 1.15 gm cm(-3), exhibit latent nucleoside diphosphatase activity upon IDP, UDP, GDP, and to a lesser extent upon ADP, and also possess acid phosphatase and weak ATPase activity. The isolated synthetase particles consist of somewhat condensed Golgi dictyosomes and free dictyosomal membranes bearing vesicles. It is concluded that the synthetase particles are Golgi membranes. The nucleoside diphosphatase activity of these particles may represent inactivated polysaccharide synthetase.
A Story of Chelatase Evolution

The cobaltochelatase required for the synthesis of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the archaeal kingdom has been identified as CbiX through similarity searching with the CbiX from Bacillus megaterium. However, the CbiX proteins in the archaea are much shorter than the CbiX proteins found in eubacteria, typically containing less than half the number of amino acids in their primary structure. For this reason the shorter CbiX proteins have been termed CbiXS and the longer versions CbiXL. The CbiXS proteins from Methanosarcina barkeri and Methanobacter thermoautotrophicum were overproduced in Escherichia coli as recombinant proteins and characterized. Through complementation studies of a defined chelatase-deficient strain of E. coli and by direct in vitro assays the function of CbiXS as a sirohydrochlorin cobaltochelatase has been demonstrated. On the basis of sequence alignments and conserved active site residues we suggest that CbiXS may represent a primordial chelatase, giving rise to larger chelatases such as CbiXL, SirB, CbiK, and HemH through gene duplication and subsequent variation and selection. A classification scheme for chelatases is proposed.
Fairness decisions in response to emotions: a functional MRI study among criminal justice-involved boys with conduct disorder.

Research suggests that individuals with conduct disorder (CD) are marked by social impairments, such as difficulties in processing the affective reactions of others. Little is known, though, about how they make decisions during social interactions in response to emotional expressions of others. In this study, we therefore investigated the neural mechanisms underlying fairness decisions in response to communicated emotions of others in aggressive, criminal justice-involved boys with CD (N = 32) compared with typically developing (TD) boys (N = 33), aged 15-19 years. Participants received written emotional responses (angry, disappointed or happy) from peers in response to a previous offer and then had to make fairness decisions in a version of the Dictator Game. Behavioral results showed that CD boys did not make differential fairness decisions in response to the emotions, whereas the TD boys did show a differentiation and also responded more unfair to happy reactions than the CD boys. Neuroimaging results revealed that when receiving happy vs disappointed and angry reactions, the CD boys showed less activation than the TD boys in the temporoparietal junction and supramarginal gyrus, regions involved in perspective taking and attention. These results suggest that boys with CD have difficulties with processing explicit emotional cues from others on behavioral and neural levels.
CD45 tyrosine phosphatase‐activated p59fyn couples the T cell antigen receptor to pathways of diacylglycerol production, protein kinase C activation and calcium influx.

The role of the CD45 phosphotyrosine phosphatase in coupling the T cell antigen receptor complex (TCR) to intracellular signals was investigated. CD45‐ HPB‐ALL T cells were transfected with cDNA encoding the CD45RA+B+C‐ isoform. The tyrosine kinase activity of p59fyn was found to be 65% less in CD45‐ cells than in CD45+ cells, whereas p56lck kinase activity was comparable in both sub‐clones. In CD45‐ cells the TCR was uncoupled from protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phospholipase C gamma 1 regulation, inositol phosphate production, calcium signals, diacylglycerol production and protein kinase C activation. Restoration of TCR coupling to all these pathways correlated with the increased p59fyn activity observed in CD45‐transfected cells. Co‐aggregation of CD4‐ or CD8‐p56lck kinase with the TCR in CD45‐ cells restored TCR‐induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phospholipase C gamma 1 regulation and calcium signals. Receptor‐mediated calcium signals were largely due (60–90%) to Ca2+ influx, and only a minor component (10–40%) was caused by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Maximal CD3‐mediated Ca2+ influx occurred at CD3 mAb concentrations at which inositol phosphate production was non‐detectable. These results indicate that CD45‐regulated p59fyn plays a critical role in coupling the TCR to specific intracellular signalling pathways and that CD4‐ or CD8‐p56lck can only restore signal transduction coupling in CD45‐ cells when brought into close association with the TCR.
Novel Methods for Analyzing Multifaceted Personality Scales: Sense of Coherence and Depression as an Example

Abstract Multifaceted personality scales assess multiple related facets or dimensions and, as such, they are typically made up of correlated subscales. In some cases, the degree of correlation among subscales can be so high as to render the use of standard procedures for evaluating a subscale's relative importance (e.g., beta weights or bivariate correlations) dubious. In such cases of high predictor multicollinearity, researchers are faced with few viable options and, in response, many turn to multiple regression when examining predictor-criterion associations (for example, interpreting semipartial correlations and incremental variance estimates). In an effort to broaden researchers' options and thereby allow for greater interpretive clarity, z tests for comparing dependent zero-order correlations and R. G. Malgady's (1987) methods for comparing two dependent semipartial correlations and for comparing dependent semipartial and zero-order correlations are proposed as additional techniques for analyzing predictor (or subscale) criterion associations in the context of predictor collinearity. Worked examples of both techniques are provided, using a dataset on sense of coherence and depression. Finally, relevant computer programs for implementing the aforementioned techniques are noted.
Finding Equilibrium: On the Relation between Exchange Rates and Monetary Policy

This paper deals with the relationship between exchange rates and monetary policy in small open economies. I also discuss the connection between policy rates in small countries and in major advanced economies. A main point is that central bankers need to know whether the currency is (approximately) close to its long-run equilibrium value. However, in the last 25 years there has been very little progress on finding the long-run exchange rate equilibrium. I argue that the economics profession needs to make a major effort to improve the relevant models. The historical situations discussed include the US abandonment of the gold standard in 1933, the East Asian crisis of 1997, and the recent fluctuations of the Mexican peso.
The relationship between psychosocial correlates and physical activity in underserved adolescent boys and girls in the ACT trial.

BACKGROUND Previous research suggests motivation, enjoyment, and self-efficacy may be important psychosocial factors for understanding physical activity (PA) in youth. While previous studies have shown mixed results, emerging evidence indicates relationships between psychosocial factors and PA may be stronger in boys than girls. This study expands on previous research by examining the effects of motivation, enjoyment and self-efficacy on PA in underserved adolescent (low income, ethnic minorities) boys and girls. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized the effects of motivation, enjoyment and self-efficacy on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) would be stronger in boys than in girls. METHODS Baseline cross-sectional data were obtained from a randomized, school-based trial (Active by Choice Today; ACT) in underserved 6th graders (N=771 girls, 651 boys). Intrapersonal variables for PA were assessed via self-report and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted for each predictor. MVPA was assessed with 7-day accelerometry estimates. RESULTS Multivariate regression analyses stratified by sex demonstrated a significant positive main effect of self-efficacy and motivation on MVPA for girls. Boys also showed a positive trend for the effect of motivation on MVPA. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study suggest motivation and self-efficacy should be better integrated to facilitate the development of more effective interventions for increasing PA in underserved adolescents.
Effect of Dialysate Sodium Reduction on Body Water Volume, Blood Pressure, and Inflammatory Markers in Hemodialysis Patients — A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Accumulating evidence suggests an association between body volume overload and inflammation in chronic kidney diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dialysate sodium concentration reduction on extracellular water volume, blood pressure (BP), and inflammatory state in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this prospective controlled study, adult patients on HD for at least 90 days and those with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥ 0.7 mg/dL were randomly allocated into two groups: group A, which included 29 patients treated with reduction of dialysate sodium concentration from 138 to 135 mEq/L; and group B, which included 23 HD patients not receiving dialysate sodium reduction (controls). Of these, 20 patients in group A and 18 in group B completed the protocol study. Inflammatory, biochemical, hematological, and nutritional markers were assessed at baseline and after 8 and 16 weeks. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Group A showed a significant reduction in serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 over the study period, while the BP and extracellular water (ECW) did not change. In Group B, there were no changes in serum concentrations of inflammatory markers, BP, and ECW. Dialysate sodium reduction is associated with attenuation of the inflammatory state, without changes in the BP and ECW, suggesting inhibition of a salt-induced inflammatory response.
The spectator in the interval: Corneliu Porumboiu's The Second Game (2014) and Marta Popivoda's Mass Ornament #1 (2013)

ABSTRACT Based on the cutting-edge exhibit The Seductiveness of the Interval in the Romanian pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale, this essay proposes using the idea of the interval as an interdisciplinary concept to analyse common aesthetic traits in Corneliu Porumboiu's film Al doilea joc/The Second Game (2014) and Marta Popivoda's 3-channel installation Mass Ornament #1 (2013). The author claims that the interval has been employed in a series of recent films and art projects to address and visualise the social and political transformations in post-communist societies. Through a comparative analysis of the viewing positions and spatial constellations in Porumboiu's film and Marta Popivoda's installation, the article examines the aesthetic-epistemological function of the interval and the role of the viewer within it.
Uptake of Ibuprofen, Indomethacin and Ketoprofen into Isolated Rabbit Parietal Cells

In the United States and other countries, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be purchased without a prescription. Due to their widespread use, the drugs' most common side effect, gastric toxicity, becomes a more serious concern. Gastric toxicity can occur directly by contact with mucous membranes or indirectly by the inhibition of prostaglandin production in the gastric mucosa. We have studied the uptake of NSAIDs in gastric tissue, specifically parietal cells removed from the rabbit stomach.
Gratitude in Organizations: A Contribution for Healthy Organizational Contexts

This article reviews the construct of gratitude. Gratitude has been shown to be a fundamental resource for strengthening individual well-being. From a positive psychology perspective, gratitude is recognized as a promising opportunity for individuals because it can be enhanced through specific training according to a primary prevention framework. In organizations, gratitude is now thought to be crucial to employees’ efficiency, success, and productivity while also improving organizational citizenship behaviors, prosocial organizational behavior, and the organizational climate. Thus, gratitude is noteworthy because it increases positive relationships, social support, and workers’ well-being, reduces negative emotions at the workplace, and enhances organizational health and success. This perspective article concludes by suggesting new directions for gratitude research and intervention in the organizational context.
Effect of Particle Size of Intratracheally Instilled Crystalline Silica on Pulmonary Inflammation

Effect of Particle Size of Intratracheally Instilled Crystalline Silica on Pulmonary Inflammation: Takayoshi Kajiwara, et al. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—Crystalline silica, known as a causal substance of silicosis, has been carefully evaluated for its carcinogenicity and fibrogenicity. In this study, we instilled crystalline silica of two different size (S1.8 :1.80 µm (S.D. 2.0), S0.7 :0.74 µm (S.D. 1.5)) into the trachea of rats to evaluate the size effects of the particles on pulmonary inflammation. S1.8 and S0.7 samples were administered to rats by a single intratracheal instillation (2 mg/ 0.4 ml saline). At three days, 1 wk and 1, 3 and 6 months after the instillation, the blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and pulmonary tissues were analyzed. Six images per HE‐stained section were digitally captured and examined by the point counting method (PCM). Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)‐in‐blood specimens and cytospin specimens from BALF were stained immunohistochemically with BrdU. At six months after the instillation, the effects on inflammatory cells in the pulmonary tissues and BALF tended to be more marked in the rats instilled with S1.8 than those instilled with S0.7. Particularly, clear differences were observed in the number of inflammatory cells in BALF. Even if the particles are of the same chemical composition, the results suggest that, their biological effects vary depending on their particle size. Therefore, when such particles are used in workplaces, strict control systems should be established according to the risks present by different sizes of particles.
Running faster and jumping higher? Survival and growth in international manufacturing new ventures

Going international early is increasingly the choice of new ventures in manufacturing industries. However, does earliness provide a positive outcome for internationalisation? To answer this, we have longitudinally analysed 3181 manufacturing new ventures established between 2002 and 2012. Using Cox regressions, we found that the 124 late internationals had the lowest risk of failure, while the 229 early internationals could not compensate for their mortality risk with significantly higher levels of growth in the post-internationalisation period. We discuss why an early internationalisation is more perilous than beneficial and provide some suggestions for the internationalisation of new ventures in these industries.
Disruption of the salivary gland muscle in tsetse, Glossina pallidipes Austen, as a result of salivary gland hypertrophy virus infection

The secretory region of the salivary glands in Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae) is characterized by an external muscle layer. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigations provide a detailed description of the longitudinal muscle fibres and a comparison of their structure when affected by salivary gland hypertrophy virus. The virus is responsible for hypertrophy of the salivary glands in symptomatic flies, specifically of the muscle fibres, the cytoarchitecture of which is completely altered. Although observations did not reveal viral particles in the muscle cells of either asymptomatic or symptomatic flies, muscle fibres were enlarged and detached from one another and their associated basement membrane only in symptomatic flies. A decrease in type IV collagen labelling in the basement membrane of the muscles in symptomatic flies is reported and is considered a potential cause of the salivary gland muscle alteration and, possibly, myopathy. The maintenance of an organized muscular layer is essential for the normal secretion of saliva and hence its pathology in symptomatic tsetse flies could affect the normal transmission of the trypanosome that develops inside the salivary gland epithelium. Therefore, a better understanding of the possible role of the virus is essential in order to elucidate its impact on salivary deployment in symptomatic flies.
A Qualitative Exploration of Transformative Learning within an Online Leadership Course

As the profession of occupational therapy enters its second century of existence, it is important to recognize that for continued sustainability and strength through the effects of healthcare reform, strong leadership is required. While experts agree that leadership development for occupational therapists needs to begin in the classroom setting, there is little existing research on occupational therapy leadership education. Built upon a theoretical framework of the transformative learning theory, this qualitative study sought to determine whether students in an online leadership course within a post-professional doctor of occupational therapy degree program believed they experienced a transformation in their leadership knowledge and skills as a result of the course. Additionally, the study sought to identify the teaching strategies and course materials that students perceived as the most beneficial to their leadership development. Summative course evaluations and written reflective forum discussions were used to examine students’ personal narratives regarding the experience of the leadership course and their thoughts on which components of the course were most beneficial to their leadership development process. Findings revealed that students did indeed experience transformative learning, which provided them with a new understanding of leadership and confidence to engage in leadership opportunities. Students attributed their learning to several factors including reflection, assigned readings, peer support, and meaningful TED talk videos. Insight gained from this study’s results can assist other leadership course instructors to develop a course that will facilitate a transformative learning experience.
Impact of Trade Imbalances on Domestic Trade Policy: Does Multilateral Trade Policy Matter?

It has been well demonstrated in the empirical literature that trade policy liberalization influences trade performance. However, little is known about how trade policy reacts to trade imbalances. This article aims to address this question by investigating the impact of trade imbalances on domestic trade policy liberalization, including in the context of multilateral trade policy liberalization. This analysis is particularly relevant because countries are currently having appetite for trade protectionist measures, which could ultimately undermine multilateral trade liberalization, and hurt domestic economies and the world economy. The analysis has been conducted on a panel dataset of 166 countries over the period 1998 to 2015. The take home message of the analysis is twofold: first, an improvement in trade balance induces greater domestic trade policy liberalization. However, this impact depends on countries’ development level, as the magnitude of this positive impact is higher, the higher the countries’ level of development. Second, an improvement in trade balance leads to greater domestic trade policy liberalization only if multilateral trade policy liberalization reaches a certain level.
Comparison of Single Agent Gemcitabine and Docetaxel in Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in a University Hospital in Turkey.

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine versus docetaxel in a second-line setting of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients previously treated with platin-based combination chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 57 patients treated with single agent gemcitabine or docetaxel in second-line setting of advanced NSCLC who received one prior platinum-based therapy. RESULTS The mean age was 56.7 ± 8.39 years with 55 ( 96.5%) males and two (3.5%) females. Forty of them received docetaxel and 17 gemcitabine. The mean number of chemotherapy cycles was 6.8 ± 4.0 in the gemcitabine group, while it was 4.6 ± 3.0 in the docetaxel group. Overall response rates were 8% and 12% (P=0.02) for gemcitabine and docetaxel, respectively. The median survival time was 22 versus 21 months for gemcitabine and docetaxel, respectively. The median times to progression were 8 and 5 months. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of incidence of adverse affects (40% vs 47.1%). All of the hematological side effects were grade 1/2. No major toxicity was encountered necessitating stopping the drug for either group. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with gemcitabine demonstrated clinically equivalent efficacy with a significantly improved safety profile compared with those receiving docetaxel in the second-line setting for advanced NSCLC in this study. Based on these results, treatment with gemcitabine should be considered a standard treatment option for second-line NSCLC.