Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Naturalistic assessment of everyday functioning in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: the day-out task.

OBJECTIVE The day-out task (DOT), a naturalistic task that requires multitasking in a real-world setting, was used to examine everyday functioning in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHOD Thirty-eight participants with MCI and 38 cognitively healthy older adult controls prioritized, organized, initiated, and completed a number of subtasks in a campus apartment to prepare for a day out (e.g., determine and gather change for bus, bring a magazine). Participants also completed tests assessing cognitive constructs important in multitasking (i.e., retrospective memory, prospective memory, planning). RESULTS As compared with controls, the MCI group required more time to complete the DOT and demonstrated poorer task accuracy, performing more subtasks incompletely and inaccurately. Despite poorer DOT task accuracy, the MCI and control groups approached completion of the DOT in a similar manner. For the MCI group, retrospective memory was a unique predictor of the number of subtasks left incomplete and inaccurate, while prospective memory was a unique predictor of DOT sequencing. The DOT measures, but not the cognitive tests, were predictive of knowledgeable informant report of everyday functioning. CONCLUSIONS THESE findings suggest that difficulty remembering and keeping track of multiple goals and subgoals may contribute to the poorer performance of individuals with MCI in complex everyday situations.
Enhanced Tolerance to Oxidative Stress in Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants Expressing Proteins of Unknown Function1[C][W][OA]

Over one-quarter of all plant genes encode proteins of unknown function that can be further classified as proteins with obscure features (POFs), which lack currently defined motifs or domains, or proteins with defined features, which contain at least one previously defined domain or motif. Although empirical data in the form of transcriptome and proteome profiling suggest that many of these proteins play important roles in plants, their functional characterization remains one of the main challenges in modern biology. To begin the functional annotation of proteins with unknown function, which are involved in the oxidative stress response of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that constitutively expressed 23 different POFs (four of which were specific to Arabidopsis) and 18 different proteins with defined features. All were previously found to be expressed in response to oxidative stress in Arabidopsis. Transgenic plants were tested for their tolerance to oxidative stress imposed by paraquat or t-butyl hydroperoxide, or were subjected to osmotic, salinity, cold, and heat stresses. More than 70% of all expressed proteins conferred tolerance to oxidative stress. In contrast, >90% of the expressed proteins did not confer enhanced tolerance to the other abiotic stresses tested, and approximately 50% rendered plants more susceptible to osmotic or salinity stress. Two Arabidopsis-specific POFs, and an Arabidopsis and Brassica-specific protein of unknown function, conferred enhanced tolerance to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that tolerance to oxidative stress involves mechanisms and pathways that are unknown at present, including some that are specific to Arabidopsis or the Brassicaceae.
Load absorption force-time characteristics following the second pull of weightlifting derivatives.

The purpose of this study was to compare the load absorption force-time characteristics of weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives. Twelve resistance-trained men performed repetitions of the hang power clean (HPC), jump shrug (JS), and hang high pull (HHP) on a force platform with 30, 45, 65, and 80% of their one repetition maximum (1RM) HPC. Load absorption phase duration, mean force, and work were calculated from the force-time data. The HHP produced a significantly longer load absorption phase duration compared to the HPC (p < 0.001, d = 3.77) and JS (p < 0.001, d = 5.48), while no difference existed between the HPC and JS (p = 0.573, d = 0.51). The JS produced significantly greater load absorption mean forces compared to the HPC (p < 0.001, d = 2.85) and HHP (p < 0.001, d = 3.75), while no difference existed between the HPC and HHP (p = 0.253, d = 0.37). Significantly more load absorption work was performed during the JS compared to the HPC (p < 0.001, d = 5.03) and HHP (p < 0.001, d = 1.69), while HHP load absorption work was also significantly greater compared to the HPC (p < 0.001, d = 4.81). The weightlifting pulling derivatives examined in the current study (JS and HHP) produced greater load absorption demands following the second pull compared to the weightlifting catching derivative (HPC). The JS and HHP may be used as effective training stimuli for load absorption during impact tasks such as jumping.
Survey of the Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions in Kurdish Women

This study evaluates the prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions among Kurdish women. Participants in the study were 196 women between 15 and 55 years of age who attended the gynecological clinic of Be'sat Hospital in Sanandaj Province, Iran. The authors collected relevant data using the Female Sexual Function Index. The mean score was 22.71 (SD = 5). Using a cutoff score of 26.55, the authors found that 151 women (77%) had some sexual dysfunction. Scores declined as patients’ age increased; further, an older age at marriage was associated with a higher score. This study, the first about sexual dysfunctions in Kurdish society, shows that sexual dysfunctions are prevalent among women of this ethnicity. Clinicians should complete further studies to assess the factors contributing to this phenomenon.
A Structural Change Occurs upon Binding of Syntaxin to SNAP-25*

The highly conserved proteins syntaxin and SNAP-25 are part of a protein complex that is thought to play a key role in exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Previous work demonstrated that syntaxin and SNAP-25 bind to each other with high affinity and that their binding regions are predicted to form coiled coils. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used here to study the α-helicity of the individual proteins and to gain insight into structural changes associated with complex formation. Syntaxin displayed approximately 43% α-helical content. In contrast, the α-helical content of SNAP-25 was low under physiological conditions. Formation of the SNAP-25-syntaxin complex was associated with a dramatic increase in α-helicity. Interaction of a 90-residue NH2-terminal fragment of SNAP-25 comprising the minimal syntaxin binding domain lead to a similar but less pronounced increase in α-helicity. Single amino acid replacements in the putative hydrophobic core of this fragment with hydrophilic amino acids abolished the induced structural change and disrupted the interaction monitored by binding assays. Replacements with hydrophobic residues had no effect. Our findings are consistent with induced coiled coil formation upon binding of syntaxin and SNAP-25.
Longitudinal study on the relationship between cat allergen and endotoxin exposure, sensitization, cat‐specific IgG and development of asthma in childhood – report of the German Multicentre Allergy Study (MAS 90)

Background: Controversial data have emerged regarding the question whether cat exposure in childhood favours or decreases the risk of sensitization and allergic airway disease. In a prospective birth‐cohort study, we assessed the association between longitudinal cat allergen exposure, sensitization (immunoglobulin E, IgE), IgG antibody (ab) levels to cat and the development of asthma in children up to the age of 10 years.
Novel Single Chain cAMP Sensors for Receptor-induced Signal Propagation*♦

cAMP is a universal second messenger of many G-protein-coupled receptors and regulates a wide variety of cellular events. cAMP exerts its effects via cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), cAMP-gated ion channels, and two isoforms of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac). Here we report the development of novel fluorescent indicators for cAMP based on the cAMP-binding domains of Epac and PKA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between variants of green fluorescent protein (enhanced cyan fluorescent protein and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein) fused directly to the cAMP-binding domains was used to analyze spatial and temporal aspects of cAMP-signaling in different cells. In contrast to previously developed PKA-based indicators, these probes are comprised of only a single binding site lacking cooperativity, catalytic properties, and interactions with other proteins and thereby allow us to easily image free intracellular cAMP and rapid signaling events. Rapid β-adrenergic receptor-induced cAMP signals were observed to travel with high speed (≈40 μm/s) throughout the entire cell body of hippocampal neurons and peritoneal macrophages. The developed indicators could be ubiquitously applied to studying cAMP, its physiological role and spatio-temporal regulation.
Case‐matched analysis of outcome after open retropubic radical prostatectomy in patients with previous preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

The impact of preperitoneal mesh repair for inguinal hernia on future pelvic surgery is debatable. This retrospective study investigated the impact of previous preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (PIHR) on outcome after open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) for prostatic cancer.
Augmentation of macrophage complement receptor function in vitro. II. Characterization of the effects of a unique lymphokine upon the phagocytic capabilities of macrophages.

The means by which a unique lymphokine imparts to macrophages the capacity to ingest complement- (C) coated particles was explored. In contrast to other previously described lymphokines that influence macrophage behavior, the T cell product that enhances macrophage C receptor function was found to act immediately upon contact with macrophages and to be of substantially lower apparent m.w. than either MIF, MAF, lymphotoxin, or interferon. Evidence is presented that indicates that the lymphokine does not act by causing a generalized increase in plasma membrane phagocytic activity or by enhancing phagocytosis mediated by other immunologic receptors. Nor does the lymphokine act by inducing the synthesis of new protein receptors. Our findings suggest that the more likely possibilities by which the lymphokine acts include induction of an increased rate of insertion of C receptors into the macrophage plasma membrane, induction of a rearrangement of C receptors within the macrophage plasma membrane, or a qualitative alteration of the function of existing macrophage C receptors in their relationship with the intracellular machinery involved in phagocytosis.
A Conserved DNA Damage Response Pathway Responsible for Coupling the Cell Division Cycle to the Circadian and Metabolic Cycles

The circadian clock drives endogenous oscillations of cellular and physiological processes with a periodicity of approximately 24 h. Progression of the cell division cycle (CDC) has been found to be coupled to the circadian clock, and it has been postulated that gating of the CDC by the circadian cycle may have evolved to protect DNA from the mutagenic effects of ultraviolet light. When grown under nutrient-limiting conditions in a chemostat, prototrophic strains of budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, adopt a robust metabolic cycle of ultradian dimensions that temporally compartmentalizes essential cellular events. The CDC is gated by this yeast metabolic cycle (YMC), with DNA replication strictly segregated away from the oxidative phase when cells are actively respiring. Mutants impaired in such gating allow DNA replication to take place during the respiratory phase of the YMC and have been found to suffer significantly elevated rates of spontaneous mutation. Analogous to the circadian cycle, the YMC also employs the conserved DNA checkpoint kinase Rad53/Chk2 to facilitate coupling with the CDC. These studies highlight an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that seems to confine cell division to particular temporal windows to prevent DNA damage. We hypothesize that DNA damage itself might constitute a “zeitgeber”, or time giver, for both the circadian cycle and the metabolic cycle. We discuss these findings in the context of a unifying theme underlying the circadian and metabolic cycles, and explore the relevance of cell cycle gating to human diseases including cancer.
Choice of an estimate of genetic variance from twin data.

To the Editor: In an article entitled "Choice of an Estimate of Genetic Variance from Twin Data," Christian et al. advocate the use of both the among-pair as well as the within-pair mean squares of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins to obtain estimates of the twin genetic variance whenever the total mean squares differ more than could be expected by chance. They recommend an a level of 0.2 as a criterion for using their combined estimate of genetic variance [ 1 ]. The validity of this approach depends critically upon the hidden assumption that the total genetic variances of MZ and DZ are equal. Ignoring dominance, epistasis, environmental effects and genetic environmental interactions, the ratio of the additive variance in the among-pair mean square of MZ twins (or2AMz) to the additive variance in the among-pair mean square of DZ twins (0-2ADZ) could be greater than, equal to, or less than 1 depending upon whether 202AMZ is greater than, equal to, or less than 3/2o-2ADz. Thus, in the absence of prior knowledge that the total genetic variances are equal, the among-pair mean squares would appear to be of little value for the estimation of genetic variance. Note that even if the total genetic variances are not equal, the ratio of the within-pair variance of DZ to MZ twins remains a valid test for the presence of a genetic effect in DZ twins. This is because the within MZ mean square does not include genetic variation. Having detected evidence for genetic variation, the investigator must then judge whether the within-pair environmental variances of MZ and DZ twins are truly comparable, whether the trait is one which may be influenced by genetic-environmental interactions or the "twin situation" [2], and whether an estimate of genetic variance in DZ twins has any relevance to singletons. Of particular concern in the interpretation of within-pair variances are potential biases arising from differences in the biology of MZ and DZ twinning. Important differences in placentation are known to exist [3] which can contribute to variation in MZ twins [4]. In DZ twins the synergistic interactions that have been documented in unlike-sexed pairs for birth weight [5] and enzyme levels [6] raise the possibility that synergism may be a more general phenomenon, affecting genetically dissimilar like-sexed DZ twins as well. Finally, if superfetation occurs with appreciable frequency in man [7, 8], it would constitute a major bias in classical twin studies. However, most if not all of these potential sources of extraneous variation would influence the among as well as the within-pair components. For this reason, it seems unlikely that a valid test for genetic effects could be salvaged from an among-pair comparison in situations where the within-pair comparison has been rejected on biologic grounds. The issues involved are readily illustrated by a hypothetical example. If the
Hydrogen sulfide as an oxygen sensor.

SIGNIFICANCE Although oxygen (O2)-sensing cells and tissues have been known for decades, the identity of the O2-sensing mechanism has remained elusive. Evidence is accumulating that O2-dependent metabolism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is this enigmatic O2 sensor. RECENT ADVANCES The elucidation of biochemical pathways involved in H2S synthesis and metabolism have shown that reciprocal H2S/O2 interactions have been inexorably linked throughout eukaryotic evolution; there are multiple foci by which O2 controls H2S inactivation, and the effects of H2S on downstream signaling events are consistent with those activated by hypoxia. H2S-mediated O2 sensing has been demonstrated in a variety of O2-sensing tissues in vertebrate cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including smooth muscle in systemic and respiratory blood vessels and airways, carotid body, adrenal medulla, and other peripheral as well as central chemoreceptors. CRITICAL ISSUES Information is now needed on the intracellular location and stoichometry of these signaling processes and how and which downstream effectors are activated by H2S and its metabolites. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Development of specific inhibitors of H2S metabolism and effector activation as well as cellular organelle-targeted compounds that release H2S in a time- or environmentally controlled way will not only enhance our understanding of this signaling process but also provide direction for future therapeutic applications.
Controlled in situ nanoscale enhancement of gold nanowire arrays with plasmonics

The controlled in situ growth of ordered gold nanoparticles and nanowire arrays has been studied by optically tracking changes in the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum. A spectrometer and custom-programmed analysis software track changes in the LSPR spectrum. The peak position, peak height (i.e. extinction intensity) and peak width (e.g. radius of curvature) were tracked over time to quantify the dynamic growth of gold as soon as the system was exposed to a commercial gold enhancement solution. This enables the controlled dynamic growth of nano-objects without the necessity of characterizing the growth and aggregation kinetics of the gold enhancement solution. The result was the successful enhancement of their electrically conductive and plasmonic properties, as well as the controlled growth and transformation of line-patterned nanoparticles into conductive particle-based nanowires.
What you see is news

This article uses the Nexis database to explore the global media reporting of Bt maize and Bt cotton between 1996 and 2015 in terms of trends over time and how this relates to region (North America, Europe and Asia) and topic (six in total) of focus. While Bt cotton and Bt maize are ‘genetically modified’ (GM), there are differences between them in terms of the extent and pattern of media reporting. An apparent spike in media reporting of Bt maize between 1998 and 2001 is largely linked to the North America and Europe regions, and covers the period just after the first commercial release of that variety. For Bt cotton, the broad trend in media reporting mirrors the increase in Bt cotton area, and a sharp rise in press reporting as of 2008/2009 in Asia follows a rapid increase in the area of Bt cotton in India since that time. For both crops, the count of articles classified as ‘Environment and natural resources’ was significantly higher than for the other topics and for both crops, the topic ‘Safety, accidents and disasters’ had the lowest count. The media picks up on many signals within the GM crop arena, and may have a significant influence given that the public may rely heavily upon the media for its information regarding GM.
Microglia processes block the spread of damage in the brain and require functional chloride channels

Microglia cells exhibit two forms of motility, constant movement of filopodia probing surrounding brain tissue, and outgrowth of larger processes in response to nearby damage. The mechanisms and functions of filopodia sensing and process outgrowth are not well characterized but are likely critical for normal immune function in the brain. Using two photon laser scanning microscopy we investigated microglia process outgrowth in response to damage, and explored the relationship between process outgrowth and filopodia movement. Further, we examined the roles of Cl− or K+ channel activation, as well as actin polymerization in these two distinct processes, because mechanistic understanding could provide a strategy to modulate microglia function. We found that volume sensitive Cl− channel blockers (NPPB, tamoxifen, DIDS) prevented the rapid process outgrowth of microglia observed in response to damage. In contrast, filopodia extension during sensing was resistant to Cl− channel inhibitors, indicating that these motile processes have different cellular mechanisms. However, both filopodia sensing and rapid process outgrowth were blocked by inhibition of actin polymerization. Following lesion formation under control conditions, rapidly outgrowing processes contacted the damaged area and this was associated with a 37% decrease in lesion volume. Inhibition of process outgrowth by Cl− channel block, prevention of actin polymerization, or by selectively ablating microglia all allowed lesion volume to increase and spread into the surrounding tissue. Therefore, process outgrowth in response to focal brain damage is beneficial by preventing lesion expansion and suggests microglia represent a front line defence against damage in the brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of H.264/AVC error resilience in HD IPTV applications

The delivery of High Definition Television (HDTV) over IP networks, namely the HD IPTV, has emerged as one of the major distribution and access techniques for broadband multimedia services. IPTV adopts H.264/AVC as its coding standard due to its high video compression efficiency as well as powerful error resilience features. This paper presents studies on some of these features applied to HD IPTV applications. A test system is deployed to simulate the delivery of HD video over a DSL based IPTV network. Effects of error resilience of slicing and Instantaneous Decoding Refreshing (IDR) features on video quality are examined in both channel non-impaired and channel impaired with burst noise circumstances. Based on the acquired results, optimal slice size was obtained for HD video transmission over an impaired channel. The quality of experience related to the IDR interval in combating error propagation was also characterized.
Makorin ortholog LEP-2 regulates LIN-28 stability to promote the juvenile-to-adult transition in Caenorhabditis elegans

The heterochronic genes lin-28, let-7 and lin-41 regulate fundamental developmental transitions in animals, such as stemness versus differentiation and juvenile versus adult states. We identify a new heterochronic gene, lep-2, in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mutations in lep-2 cause a delay in the juvenile-to-adult transition, with adult males retaining pointed, juvenile tail tips, and displaying defective sexual behaviors. In both sexes, lep-2 mutants fail to cease molting or produce an adult cuticle. We find that LEP-2 post-translationally regulates LIN-28 by promoting LIN-28 protein degradation. lep-2 encodes the sole C. elegans ortholog of the Makorin (Mkrn) family of proteins. Like lin-28 and other heterochronic pathway members, vertebrate Mkrns are involved in developmental switches, including the timing of pubertal onset in humans. Based on shared roles, conservation and the interaction between lep-2 and lin-28 shown here, we propose that Mkrns, together with other heterochronic genes, constitute an evolutionarily ancient conserved module regulating switches in development. Highlighted article: The C. elegans Makorin homolog lep-2 is a heterochronic gene required for the proper timing of the juvenile-to-adult transition. It acts in the LIN-28/let-7 pathway.