Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α promotes the extracellular survival of obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii

While seeking a new host cell, obligate intracellular parasites, such as the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, must be able to endure the stress of an extracellular environment. The mechanisms Toxoplasma use to remain viable while deprived of a host cell are not understood. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of Toxoplasma eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (TgIF2α) is a conserved response to stress. Here we report the characterization of Toxoplasma harboring a point mutation (S71A) in TgIF2α that prevents phosphorylation. Results show that TgIF2α phosphorylation is critical for parasite viability because the TgIF2α-S71A mutants are ill-equipped to cope with life outside the host cell. The TgIF2α-S71A mutants also showed a significant delay in producing acute toxoplasmosis in vivo. We conclude that the phosphorylation of TgIF2α plays a crucial role during the lytic cycle by ameliorating the stress of the extracellular environment while the parasite searches for a new host cell.
Maintenance of Positional Identity of Neural Progenitors in the Embryonic and Postnatal Telencephalon

Throughout embryonic development and into postnatal life, regionally distinct populations of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) collectively generate the many different types of neurons that underlie the complex structure and function of the adult mammalian brain. At very early stages of telencephalic development, NPCs become organized into regional domains that each produce different subsets of neurons. This positional identity of NPCs relates to the regional expression of specific, fate-determining homeodomain transcription factors. As development progresses, the brain undergoes vast changes in both size and shape, yet important aspects of NPC positional identity persist even into the postnatal brain. How can NPC positional identity, which is established so early in brain development, endure the many dynamic, large-scale and complex changes that occur over a relatively long period of time? In this Perspective article, we review data and concepts derived from studies in Drosophila regarding the function of homeobox (Hox) genes, Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) chromatin regulators. We then discuss how this knowledge may contribute to our understanding of the maintenance of positional identity of NPCs in the mammalian telencephalon. Similar to the axial body plan of Drosophila larvae, there is a segmental nature to NPC positional identity, with loss of specific homeodomain transcription factors causing homeotic-like shifts in brain development. Finally, we speculate about the role of mammalian PcG and trxG factors in the long-term maintenance of NPC positional identity and certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
Assessing the Dysregulation of the Behavioral Activation System: The Hypomanic Personality Scale and the BIS–BAS Scales

We discuss the Hypomanic Personality Scale (Hyp; Eckblad & Chapman, 1986) and the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS–BAS; Carver & White, 1994) and Behavioral Activation System (BAS; Gray, 1991) Scales as risk factors for bipolar disorders. The dysregulation of the BAS is considered to be central and results in higher variability in mood. Therefore, we examined how those scales are associated with mood fluctuations. A total of 59 participants completed a diary for at least 17 days. It included a modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (Meyer & Hautzinger, 2001) assessing depression and mania and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988). Hyp and BAS predicted levels of mania and of positive affect but also fluctuations of mania. Hyp also predicted instability of negative affect. Our data also suggest that mood variability is a trait-like feature. Both scales seem not to be perfect measures of the dysregulation factor. Future research should assess this dysregulation more directly.
Timing Is Everything: The Effects of Putative Dopamine Antagonists on Metamorphosis Vary With Larval Age and Experimental Duration in the Prosobranch Gastropod Crepidula fornicata

The signal transduction pathway through which excess potassium ion stimulates the larvae of many marine invertebrates to metamorphose is incompletely understood. Recent evidence suggests that dopamine plays important roles in the metamorphic pathway of Crepidula fornicata. Therefore, we asked whether blocking dopamine receptors might prevent excess potassium ion from stimulating metamorphosis in this species. Surprisingly, the effects of the three putative dopamine antagonists tested (all at 10 μM) varied with exposure duration and the age of competent larvae. Chlorpromazine, a nonspecific dopamine antagonist known to have a number of other pharmacological effects, blocked the inductive action of excess potassium ion during the initial 5–8-h exposure periods in most assays, particularly for younger or smaller competent larvae. However, chlorpromazine in the absence of excess potassium ion also stimulated metamorphosis, particularly over the next 18 h, and worked faster on older competent larvae than on younger competent larvae. The specific D1 antagonist R(+)-Sch-23309 had similar effects, blocking potassium-stimulated metamorphosis in short-term exposures and stimulating metamorphosis in longer exposures, particularly for older competent larvae. Although the specific D2 antagonist spiperone (SPIP) blocked the inductive effects of excess potassium ion in only 1 of 6 assays during the first 6 h of exposure, it blocked metamorphosis in 2 of the assays during 24-h exposures. Our results indicate that dopamine receptors are involved in the pathway through which excess potassium ion stimulates metamorphosis in C. fornicata. In addition, the largely latent inductive effects of chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, suggest that endogenous nitric oxide may play a natural role in inhibiting metamorphosis in this species. Overall, our results would then suggest that exposing larvae of C. fornicata to excess K+ leads to a shutdown of nitric oxide synthesis via a dopaminergic pathway, a pathway that can be blocked by some dopamine antagonists. Alternatively, chlorpromazine might eventually be stimulating metamorphosis by elevating endogenous cyclic nucleotide (e.g., cAMP) concentrations, again acting downstream from the steps acted on directly by excess K+.
Metastasis of benign tumor cells in tuberous sclerosis complex

Lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM) is a life‐threatening lung disease affecting almost exclusively young women. Histologically, LAM is characterized by the diffuse, bilateral proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells and cystic degeneration of the lung parenchyma. LAM can occur as an isolated disorder (sporadic LAM), or in women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC‐LAM). Patients with both sporadic LAM and TSC‐LAM often have benign renal angiomyolipomas. The smooth muscle cells within the angiomyolipomas are very similar to the smooth muscle cells in pulmonary LAM. Genetic data suggest that pulmonary LAM is the result of a highly unusual disease mechanism: the metastasis of benign cells. If LAM is the result of metastasis, it is remarkable that the metastasis occurs in women, but not in men. In this review, I discuss the genetic data supporting this metastatic model for LAM. The implications of the model for the functions of the TSC1 and TSC2 gene products, hamartin and tuberin, respectively, will also be considered. Hamartin and tuberin may play functional roles in the suppression of cell migration and/or metastasis, possibly through their regulation of the small GTPase Rho. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aortic valve replacement for endocarditis: determinants of early and late outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY The study aim was to determine risk factors for operative mortality, recurrent infection, reoperation and long-term survival following aortic valve replacement (AVR) for infective endocarditis. METHODS Between 1973 and 1997, 109 patients (91 male, 18 female, mean age 52.6 years) underwent isolated AVR for infective endocarditis in our unit. Native valve endocarditis was present in 89 (81.6%) and prosthetic valve endocarditis in 20 (18.4%). Active culture-positive endocarditis was present in 53 (48.6%). Preoperatively, 99 patients (90.8%) were in NYHA classes III and IV. Indications for surgery included cardiac failure in 41 patients, valvular dysfunction in 38, vegetations in 18, sepsis in seven, abscess in six and embolism in four. Mechanical valves were implanted in 69 patients (63.3%) and bioprostheses in 40 (36.7%), including a homograft in 19 (17.4%). Follow up was complete (mean 5.8 years; range: 0-23.8 years; total 633.5 patient-years). RESULTS The operative mortality was 10.1% (11 deaths). At ten years, freedom from recurrent infection was 94.2%, and freedom from reoperation 83.6%. Biological valve and younger age were significant adverse parameters for freedom from reoperation (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01). There have been 21 late deaths, 15 due to cardiac causes. Kaplan-Meier survival, including operative mortality, at five and ten years was 77.4% and 68.0%, respectively. On Cox proportional hazards regression, Staphylococcus aureus infection (p = 0.008) and older age (p = 0.04) were independent adverse predictors of survival. CONCLUSION AVR for endocarditis carries a relatively high operative mortality, but can result in a satisfactory freedom from recurrent infection, reoperation and long-term survival. Analysis of our series demonstrates that implantation of a biological valve limits the freedom from reoperation and that infection by Staph. aureus reduces the probability of long-term survival.
Rare histological patterns of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Aims: Prostatic ductal adenocarcinomas account for 1% of prostate cancers. Most commonly, these lesions grow in large cribriform and/or papillary patterns or, as recently described, in a manner resembling prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (i.e., ‘PIN‐like’ prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma). This study aims to report rare variants of ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: Ten cases of rare patterns of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma that have not been formally investigated prior to this study, primarily from one author's consultation service (1987–2009), were selected. Results: Two (n = 2) cases were prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma with mucinous and goblet cell features. Three (n = 3) cases are the first described cases of foamy gland prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Other unique cases were prostatic duct adenocarcinomas with associated Paneth cell‐like neuroendocrine (n = 2), micropapillary (n = 2), and cystic papillary features (n = 1). Prostatic origin was confirmed with immunohistochemical studies for prostate specific antigen (PSA), P501S, and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). High‐grade PIN was ruled out with negative stains for high molecular weight cytokeratin (HMWCK) and p63. Four prostatic ductal adenocarcinomas had no evidence of disease at 2–8 years follow‐up: foamy gland, Paneth cell‐like, and micropapillary (two cases). One mucinous prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma resulted in the patient's death and the other mucinous case was alive at 7 years and 2 months, yet with no information as to status of disease. The remaining four cases were lost to follow‐up, died of other causes, or were recent. Conclusions: In summary, we report several rare and unique histological patterns of prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The practical importance of recognising these histological variations is that in some cases they may be misdiagnosed as non‐prostatic tumours. These unusual cases also provide further support for the relationship between acinar and ductal adenocarcinoma.
Influence of paper insulation on the prebreakdown phenomena in mineral oil under lightning impulse

This paper presents the results of experimental studies about the prebreakdown phenomena in mineral oil under lightning impulse. Experiments were carried out in a non-uniform field setup with HV electrode covered by crepe paper. The results of the experiments were compared with the results of research performed for bare HV electrodes. The onset voltage, propagation velocity, time to initiation, shadowgraph photos of discharges and light emission were respectively measured or recorded during the experiments. Analysis of the research outcomes indicates that the fundamental role of paper insulation is to raise the onset voltage by shoving away the onset sites out of the region of high field stress. The insulation wrapping does not have an influence on the shape of discharge patterns and on the propagation velocity. Some of the results connected with the times to initiation points that the mechanism of discharge initiation at the HV electrode surface does not depend on the fact it is insulated. The source of "weak points" of the paper-oil insulation system is the oil, not the surface of insulation wrapping or metal of electrode. Observation of the oscillograms of light emitted by discharge channels indicates the difference in the mechanism of discharge propagation. The surface and space charge carriers left in the interelectrode space after discharge flash play an important role. In the case of insulated electrodes, the surface charge remains longer on the surface of electrode, reducing the electric field stress which is responsible for reignition. Simultaneously, the space charge reduces the degree of channel ramification. Both the observations are clearly visible on the oscillograms of light as differences in the frequency of light impulses and their peak values.
Cycling of Synaptic Vesicles: How Far? How Fast!

Synaptic transmission is based on the regulated exocytotic fusion of synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitter. In order to sustain neurotransmitter release, these vesicles need to be recycled locally. Recent data suggest that two tracks for the cycling of synaptic vesicles coexist: a slow track in which vesicles fuse completely with the presynaptic plasma membrane, followed by clathrin-mediated recycling of the vesicular components, and a fast track that may correspond to the transient opening and closing of a fusion pore. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of the components involved in both tracks of vesicle cycling, as well as to identify possible mechanistic links between these two pathways. Synaptic vesicles are the major secretory organelles within the nervous system that store and secrete nonpeptide neurotransmitters. Upon electrical stimulation and the consequent influx of calcium into the presynaptic nerve terminal, a fraction of the synaptic vesicles fuses with the plasma membrane and releases its neurotransmitter content into the synaptic cleft. Because the nerve terminal can be far away from the protein synthesis machinery, which is located in the somatodendritic part of a neuron, synaptic vesicles are regenerated locally by recycling. Physiological experiments indicate that in addition to the well-established slow mode for the cycling of vesicles, many synapses have the capacity to regenerate fusion-competent synaptic vesicles by a much faster pathway within seconds. Although the same fusion machinery appears to be utilized by both the fast and slow tracks of vesicle cycling, a number of unique components are involved in the slow reformation of synaptic vesicles by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We describe here the unique and the shared components of each track and attempt to identify common mechanisms that could serve as a link between these pathways.
The Peritoneal Microcirculation in Peritoneal Dialysis

This paper deals with the peritoneal microcirculation and with peritoneal exchange occurring in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The capillary wall is a major barrier to solute and water exchange across the peritoneal membrane. There is a bimodal size‐selectivity of solute transport between blood and the peritoneal cavity, through pores of radius ∼40–50 Å as well as through a very low number of large pores of radius ∼250 Å. Furthermore, during glucose‐induced osmosis during PD, nearly 40% of the total osmotic water flow occurs through molecular water channels, termed “aquaporin‐1. ” This causes an inequality between 1−σ and the sieving coefficient for small solutes, which is a key feature of the “threepore model” of peritoneal transport. The peritoneal interstitium, coupled in series with the capillary walls, markedly modifies small‐solute transport and makes large‐solute transport asymmetric. Thus, although severely restricted in the blood‐to‐peritoneal direction, the absorption of large solutes from the peritoneal cavity occurs at a high clearance rate (∼1 mL/min), largely independent of molecular radius. True absorption of macromolecules to the blood via lymphatics, however, seems to be occurring at a rate of ∼0.2 mL/min. Several controversial issues regarding transcapillary and transperitoneal exchange mechanisms are discussed in this paper.
Large-Scale Analysis of Group-Specific Music Genre Taste from Collaborative Tags

In this paper, we describe the LFM-1b User Genre Profile dataset. It provides detailed information on musical genre preferences for more than 120,000 listeners and links to the LFM-1b dataset. We created the dataset by exploiting social tags, indexing them using two genre term sets, and aggregating the resulting annotated listening events on the user level. We foresee several applications of the dataset in music retrieval and recommendation tasks, among others to build and evaluate decent user models, to alleviate cold-start situations in music recommender systems, and to increase their performance using the additional abstraction layer of genre. We further present results of statistical analyses of the dataset, regarding genre preferences and their consistencies. We do so for the entire user population and for user groups defined by demographic similarities. Moreover, we report interesting insights about correlations between musical preferences on the genre level.
Exploring the Effect of Action Familiarity on SPTs Recall Performance in Alzheimer’s Disease

This study examined the performance of normal controls (NC) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients on free recall, semantic cued recall and object cued recall of both subject-performed tasks (SPTs) and verbal descriptions of actions, by controlling familiarity of actions associated to objects. The results showed that both groups performed better after SPT encoding than after verbal encoding, in all three types of recall. In addition, this SPT advantage was greater for AD patients than for NC in the object cued recall test, emphasizing AD patients’ sensibility to the congruence of cues between encoding and retrieval conditions. Following verbal encoding, NC showed a better recall for less familiar actions than for highly familiar actions, whereas AD patients exhibited the opposite pattern. These results reflect that AD patients did not benefit from a distinctiveness effect at encoding for improving subsequent retrieval of verbal information, probably due to a reduced level of elaboration during encoding. However, there was no effect of action familiarity on recall performance by both groups following SPT encoding. These results suggest that memory for verbal actions and SPTs is governed by different principles. In addition, they demonstrate the robustness of the SPT effect in AD patients, who were able to improve memory performance in the SPT condition not only with highly familiar actions but also with less familiar actions.
Creating the document ‘Promoting health in schools: from evidence to action’

Schools across the world have been involved in health promotion and health education for nearly a century. Do school based initiatives make any difference to the education and health outcomes of young people? This article describes the process in developing the document Promoting health in schools: from evidence to action. The document was produced primarily for the Education sector. It develops an argument about why schools should be undertaking health related initiatives. It also highlights major findings from the literature about what is possible to achieve in school health and the circumstances under which the gains will occur. Attention is focused both on the evidence from the education sector, e.g. effective schools, learning and teaching approaches, and from the health sector, e.g. a whole of school or Health Promoting School (HPS) approach, as well as identifying outcomes from topic areas such as mental and emotional health, healthy eating and nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, sexual health and relationships, substance use and misuse. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(4): pp. 69-71)
Specificity and Variability of Practice, and Contextual Interference in Acquisition and Transfer of an Underhand Volleyball Serve

The present study investigated the effects of practice composition on acquisition and transfer of the underhand volleyball serve in a standard high school physical education setting. 72 middle-school students (M age = 14.1 yr., SD = 0.7) were selected and assigned to six groups: five experimental (Random, Serial, Blocked, Constant, Specific), and one Control group all pretested. The five experimental groups received 45 acquisition trials over three class periods. Directional quantitative knowledge of results was provided to the students after each trial. After a 72-hr. retention interval, all groups performed 15 underhand volleyball serves without knowledge of results. Analyses indicated (a) better acquisition in the Specific and Constant groups relative to the Serial, Random, and Blocked groups, and (b) significantly superior transfer performance in the Specific and Random groups relative to the Serial, Blocked, Constant, and Control groups. This provides partial support for specificity of learning and contextual interference hypotheses. Practice in accord with the contextual interference hypothesis permits differentiations among varied practice schedules only during transfer.
The Normal Range of Subtalar Inversion and Eversion in Young Males as Measured by Three Different Techniques

In a prospective study, 272 males aged 18 to 20 had goniometric measurement of their subtalar inversion and eversion by three different methods. Placing the ankle in dorsiflexion while performing the measurements decreased the mean inversion from 32 to 22 degrees but had little effect on eversion. The neutral position of the subtalar joint was found to have a mean value of 3 degrees of varus from the midpoint of the tibia. The technique for measuring subtalar motion as described by the Committee for the Study of Joint Motion of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has less subjective variables than the other two methods used in this study. Its use is therefore recommended if comparisons are to be made between series.
Pseudocapacitive oxide materials for high-rate electrochemical energy storage

Electrochemical energy storage technology is based on devices capable of exhibiting high energy density (batteries) or high power density (electrochemical capacitors). There is a growing need, for current and near-future applications, where both high energy and high power densities are required in the same material. Pseudocapacitance, a faradaic process involving surface or near surface redox reactions, offers a means of achieving high energy density at high charge–discharge rates. Here, we focus on the pseudocapacitive properties of transition metal oxides. First, we introduce pseudocapacitance and describe its electrochemical features. Then, we review the most relevant pseudocapacitive materials in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. The major challenges for pseudocapacitive materials along with a future outlook are detailed at the end.