Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Congenic Analysis of the NKT Cell Control Gene Nkt2 Implicates the Peroxisomal Protein Pxmp41

Type 1 NKT cells play a critical role in controlling the strength and character of adaptive and innate immune responses. We have previously reported deficiencies in the numbers and function of NKT cells in the NOD mouse strain, which is a well-validated model of type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus. Genetic control of thymic NKT cell numbers was mapped to two linkage regions: Nkt1 on distal chromosome 1 and Nkt2 on chromosome 2. Herein, we report the production and characterization of a NOD.Nkrp1b. Nkt2bb congenic mouse strain, which has increased thymic and peripheral NKT cells, a decreased incidence of type 1 diabetes, and enhanced cytokine responses in vivo and increased proliferative responses in vitro following challenge with α-galactosylceramide. The 19 highly differentially expressed candidate genes within the congenic region identified by microarray expression analyses included Pxmp4. This gene encodes a peroxisome-associated integral membrane protein whose only known binding partner is Pex19, an intracellular chaperone and component of the peroxisomal membrane insertion machinery encoded by a candidate for the NKT cell control gene Nkt1. These findings raise the possibility that peroxisomes play a role in modulating glycolipid availability for CD1d presentation, thereby influencing NKT cell function.
Feeding rates and under-ice foraging strategies of the smallest lunge filter feeder, the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)

Body size and feeding mode are two fundamental characteristics that determine foraging performance and ecological niche. As the smallest obligate lunge filter feeders, minke whales represent an ideal system for studying the physical and energetic limits of filter feeding in endotherms. We used multi-sensor suction cup tags to quantify the feeding performance of Antarctic minke whales. Foraging dives around and beneath sea ice contained up to 24 lunges per dive, the highest feeding rates for any lunge-feeding whale. Their small size allows minke whales access to krill in sea-ice environments not easily accessible to larger baleen whales. Furthermore, their ability to filter feed provides an advantage over other smaller sympatric krill predators such as penguins and seals that feed on individual prey. The unique combination of body size, feeding mechanism and sea-ice habitat of Antarctic minke whales defines a previously undocumented energetic niche that is unique among aquatic vertebrates.
What happens when national research funding is linked to differentiated publication counts? A comparison of the Australian and Norwegian publication-based funding models

The experiences from Australia where undifferentiated publication counts were linked to funding of universities in 1993 is well known. Publication activity increased, but the largest increase was in lower-impact journals, leading to a general drop in overall citation impact for Australia. The experience from Australia has been a warning for what would most likely happen if funding were linked to publication activity. Nevertheless, in 2005, a performance-based model based on differentiated publication counts was implemented in Norway. The model was specifically developed to counter adverse effects like those identified in the Australian case. In the present article, we examine ‘what happens at the aggregated level of publication and citation activity when funding is linked to differentiated publication counts’. We examine developments in Norwegian publication activity, journal publication profiles, and citation impact. We also examine developments in publication activities at the individual level and developments in research and development resource inputs. We compare experiences in Australia to those in Norway. The results show that for the Norwegian case, overall publication activity goes up, impact remains stable, and there is no indication of a deliberate displacement of journal publication activities to the lowest-impact journals. Hence, we do not see the same patterns as in Australia. We conclude that the experience in Norway with differentiated publication counts linked to funding has been different from the experience in Australia with an undifferentiated model. This is an important observation because currently the Norwegian model is being or has been adopted in several European countries.
Sex‐specific association of a common variant of the XG gene with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are much more common in males than in females. Studies using both linkage and candidate gene association approaches have identified genetic variants specific to families in which all affected cases were male, suggesting that sex may interact with or otherwise influence the expression of specific genes in association with ASD. In this study, we specifically evaluated the sex‐specific genetic effects of ASD with a family‐based genome‐wide association study approach using the data from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange repository. We evaluated the male‐specific genetic effects of ASD in 374 multiplex families of European ancestry in which all affected were male (male‐only; MO) and identified a novel genome‐wide significant association in the pseudoautosomal boundary on chromosome Xp22.33/Yp11.31 in the MO families of predominantly paternal origin (rs2535443, p = 3.8 × 10−8). Five markers that reside within a 550 kb intergenic region on chromosome 13q33.3, between the MYO16 and IRS2 genes, also showed suggestive association with ASD in the MO families (p = 3.3 × 10−5 to 5.3 × 10−7). In contrast, none of these markers appeared to be associated with ASD in the families containing any affected females. Our results suggest that the pseudoautosomal boundary on Xp22.33/Yp11.31 may harbor male‐specific genetic variants for ASD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Financial Resources Allocation and Disparity in Regional Economic Growth:An Empirical Analysis of Spatial Spillover Effect in East,Middle and West China

Based on the data of 31 provinces during the periods of 2001-2012,this paper makes empirical analyses on the relationship between financial resources allocation and regional economic growth disparity in eastern,middle and western China by using spatial econometric model.The results show that there exists different levels of spatial spillover effects between financial resources allocation and regional economic growth disparity.On the one hand,local financial resources have positive effects on local economic growth which decline gradually in the eastern region and increase in central and western regions.On the other hand,Foreign financial resources have negative effects on local economic growth which increase substantially in central and eastern regions,and decreases in the western region.Therefore,China should implement differential financial policy,strengthen the reform of interest rate liberation and financial institutions,promote the combination of financial resources allocation and regional industrial policy,and formulate reasonable policy on the transfer of financial resources in order to achieve the coordinated development of financial resource allocation and regional economic growth.
The President's Legislative Influence from Public Appeals

Despite scholars' long-standing appreciation of modern American presidents' plebiscitary powers, no study offers evidence that public appeals systematically facilitate influence, and some research indicates they can actually decrease presidential bargaining power. Our analysis resolves this disparity, developing a theoretical perspective of plebiscitary appeals and testing it on data from the nationally televised addresses of Presidents Eisenhower through Clinton. The perspective suggests that appeals should generate influence, but that this influence depends on presidents strategically choosing issues to promote to the public. In particular, a president will promote issues on which his position is popular, but for which Congress would not otherwise enact his preferred policy. To test this perspective, we analyze a simultaneous-equations model of the causes and policy consequences of presidential appeals over budgetary policy. The results support the hypotheses, establishing the effectiveness of public strategies and conditions to which this effectiveness is limited. n July 27, 1981, less than forty-eight hours before the House was scheduled to vote on President Reagan's proposed income tax reduction of over 25 percent, the president promoted his proposal in a nationally televised address. Speaker of the House Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill, Jr. surmised that prior to the address, "we [the Democrats] had this won. "' Yet following Reagan's speech, a number of Democrats switched positions, opting to vote with the president. Why did these members abandon their party? As described by an aide to Representative Beverly Byron, one of the Democrats that switched positions, Byron's office was "inundated with calls" in support of Reagan's proposal the morning after his speech. Offices across the Hill gave similar reports.2 In the end, the tax cut won by a vote of 238 to 195. Fifteen years later, with the partisanship of the presidency and House reversed (the Senate was again Republican), President Clinton promoted his budget proposals to the public following a breakdown in negotiations with Congress. Ultimately, these efforts helped enable Clinton to achieve his policy goals. As recounted by a Chief Clerk of the House Appropriations Committee, "The Republicans pushed their agenda too far, and Clinton was able to capitalize on the situation with the public . the next
Measurement of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) Activity

The human soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH; EC 3.3.3.2) is the product of the EXPH2 gene. The sEH catalyzes the addition of a water molecule to an epoxide, resulting in the corresponding diol. Early work suggested a role of sEH in detoxifying a wide array of xenobiotic epoxides; however, recent findings clearly implicate the sEH in the regulation of blood pressure, pain, and inflammation through the hydrolysis of endogenous epoxy fatty acids such as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Both expression and activity of sEH are influenced by a wide array of xenobiotics, underlying how environmental contaminants could influence human health through sEH. This unit describes radiometric, fluorimetric, and mass spectrometric assays for measuring the activity of sEH and its inhibition. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 33:4.23. 1‐4.23. 18. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluating vertical localization performance of 3D sound rendering models with a perceptual metric

The head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) describe individual acoustic transformation that sound sources undergo due to human anatomy before arriving at the left and right tympanic membranes. The resulting spectral modifications are the main localization cues for elevation detection in space. In this paper, synthetic HRTF mod- els able to render the vertical spatial dimension in virtual auditory displays, are evaluated via auditory models. Perceptually-motivated metrics describe the output of 4 virtual experiments that numeri- cally simulate real listening experiments for 20 virtual subjects. The current implementation considers a limited set of parameters for a structural model of the pinna acting as a proof-of-concept of such approach. Accordingly, results confirm that the research framework is a flexible tool for systematic evaluation of different instances of structural model.
Radiolabeling Rhesus Monkey CD34+ Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells with 64Cu-Pyruvaldehyde-Bis(N4-Methylthiosemicarbazone) for MicroPET Imaging

Noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) provides a potential method for in vivo tracking of radiolabeled cells. The goal of this study was to assess the potential toxicity of 64Cu-pyruvaldehyde-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (PTSM) on rhesus monkey CD34+ hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in vitro in preparation for developing imaging protocols posttransplantation. CD34+ hematopoietic cells were radiolabeled with 0 to 40 μCi/mL 64Cu-PTSM and viability and colony formation were assessed. Rhesus monkey mesenchymal stem cells (rhMSCs) were placed in culture postradiolabeling for assessments of growth and differentiation toward adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. The results indicated that CD34+ cells radiolabeled with 20 μCi/mL and rhMSCs radiolabeled with 10 μCi/mL 64Cu-PTSM did not result in adverse effects on growth or differentiation. Nonradioactive copper was also evaluated and showed that the presence of copper was not harmful to the cells. CD34+ cells and rhMSCs radiolabeled with the optimized concentrations of 20 and 10 μCi/mL, respectively, were also assessed using the microPET scanner. Studies showed that a minimum of 2.50 × 104 CD34+ cells (1.1 pCi/cell) and 6.25 × 103 rhMSCs (4.4 pCi/cell) could be detected. These studies indicate that CD34+ hematopoietic cells and rhMSCs can be safely radiolabeled with 64Cu-PTSM without adverse cellular effects.
A disease causing deletion of 29 base pairs in intron 15 in the MKS1 gene is highly associated with the campomelic variant of the Meckel–Gruber syndrome

Meckel–Gruber syndrome (MKS) is an autosomal recessive disorder causing severe defects in the developing central nervous system and other organs. Recently, mutations in the MKS1 gene have been identified as disease causing in individuals of Finnish MKS families. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of the ‘Finnish founder mutation’ (29 bp IVS15‐7_35) in the MKS1 gene in 20 aborted fetuses with a diagnosis of MKS. The secondary aim was to screen for novel mutations in the coding sequence of the MKS1 gene of MKS fetuses and to obtain genotype–phenotype correlations where possible. Furthermore, we evaluated the carrier rate of a deletion of 29 bp in intron 15 of the MKS1 gene in a German population. To identify and characterize mutations in the MKS1 gene, sequence analyses and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction studies were performed. We could identify the same type of mutation, a deletion of 29 bp in intron 15 of the MKS1 gene, in 8 out of the 20 cases studied. Six out of the eight cases with such a mutation displayed the campomelic variant of MKS. The carrier frequency among 519 healthy German individuals was 1:260. This deletion in the MKS1 gene is highly associated with a distinct subtype of the MKS, namely the campomelic variant. In individuals of European origin suffering from the campomelic MKS variant, the described deletion is highly likely to be causative. Regarding the results of our study, the incidence of MKS in Germany can be estimated as 1:135,000. In families with a known mutation in the MKS1 gene, it is now possible to offer an early prenatal testing, for example with chorionic villus sampling and mutation analysis.
The stigma of identifying as having a lived experience runs before me: challenges for lived experience roles

Abstract Background: Lived experience practitioners can contribute to improved outcomes for people with mental illness, supplementing traditional mental health services and reducing health care costs. However, lived experience practitioners frequently face stigma and discrimination within their work roles. Aim: To understand the impact of stigma and discrimination on the effectiveness of lived experience roles from the perspective of lived experience practitioners. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 lived experience practitioners within a grounded theory study. Results: Issues of stigma and discrimination were identified as a core category of this study. Participants described stigma and discrimination so prevalent as to be considered a “normal” part of their working life. Professional isolation and attitudinal barriers from colleagues were seen to inhibit the effectiveness of lived experience roles. Conclusions: Lived experience practitioners can provide a vital contribution to stigma reduction broadly, however, the stigma and discrimination they face within work roles must be addressed to allow this contribution to be effective.
Courtship behaviour in the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the New World vector of visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract Courtship behaviour in Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz and Neiva (Diptera: Psychodidae) was examined to determine the sequence of behaviours that occur prior to copulation. Courtship consisted of a series of male and female touching and wing‐flapping behaviours, with males performing a greater variety of wing‐flapping behaviours than previously described. Occurrence of male approach‐flapping, semi‐circling and female stationary‐flapping were all predictors of eventual copulation, and may coincide with the dispersal of pheromones or the production of auditory signals important to courtship. Touching occurred in the majority of observations, with contact most often made with the tips of the legs and antennae. This behaviour, not previously described in sandflies, was initiated by males and females, and may indicate the use of contact pheromones, a form of communication previously overlooked in L. longipalpis. Future studies are required to separate the auditory and chemical signals associated with wing‐flapping, and to confirm whether L. longipalpis possesses cuticular hydrocarbons capable of inducing behavioural responses. The identification of signals that inhibit sexual behaviour during courtship may be particularly relevant to developing mating disruption techniques against L. longipalpis.
From Rags to Ries: The Economics of Deprivation, Conict and Welfare State

Historical evidence has taught us that it is often the poorest and most deprived people in unequal societies who are recruited to ght in civil wars. The present contribution constructs a theoretical model of the choice between appropriation and production, where conict is represented as mutual stealing. Fully speci ed production functions allow for both symmetrical outcomes and for introducing inequalities in abilities and endowments. It is shown that people with lower marginal returns to productive activities due to lower ability, fewer endowments or discrimination are more likely to choose appropriative activities. Further, it is examined theoretically under what conditions welfare state policies such as redistribution of income and capital, as well as education, health and poverty-alleviation spending, can lead to less appropriative activities. Finally, the models implications are tested empirically using logit estimations. JEL Classi cation: D02, D74, H50, I30.
Interaction of nitric oxide with 2-thio-5-nitrobenzoic acid: implications for the determination of free sulfhydryl groups by Ellman's reagent.

Nitric oxide (NO) in an aerobic environment, reacts with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins to form nitroso thiols. Ellman's reagent, 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), DTNB, is widely used for the determination of -SH groups. In this procedure, DTNB, a symmetric aryl disulfide, reacts with the free thiol to give a mixed disulfide plus 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid (TNB) which is quantified by its absorbance at 412 nm. We observed that the presence of NO during the determination of SH groups in a reaction system containing glutathione (GSH) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) plus DTNB resulted in an inhibition in the detection of TNB. Addition of NO donors or NO gas after TNB was already formed led to the bleaching of yellow color and loss of absorbance at 412 nm. These interactions did not occur under anaerobic conditions. Decreased formation of TNB therefore appeared to be due not only to destruction of SH groups of BSA or GSH by NO (S-nitrosation) and consequently to lower TNB formation, but also to direct reaction of NO/O2 with TNB. The mechanism(s) of inhibition of accumulation of TNB by NO was evaluated. NO generated by DEA/NO, SNAP, or spermine/NO, as well as gaseous NO or BSA-NO, directly interacted with TNB, followed by decreased absorbance at 412 nm in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Kinetics of NO/O2 interaction with TNB were dependent on the ability of the NO donors to release NO as the donors with a short half-life bleached the yellow color of TNB faster. The requirement for O2 suggests that nitrogen oxide or higher oxides of NOx are responsible for interaction with TNB. The UV/VIS spectrum of the final product formed during the interaction of NO with TNB was identical to that of DTNB. These results suggest that interaction of NO (NOx) with TNB resulted in the formation of an unstable nitrosothiol, followed by oxidation and dimerization back to the corresponding disulfide, DTNB. Therefore, determination of SH groups in proteins by Ellman's reagent after or in the presence of NO treatment is complicated since the reduced form of DTNB, TNB, can be reoxidized by NO back to DTNB, with subsequent loss of absorbance at 412 nm.
Aggregate formation in the spinal cord of mutant SOD1 transgenic mice is reversible and mediated by proteasomes

Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutations cause one form of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by a toxic gain of function that may be related to abnormal protein folding and aggregate formation. However, the processing pathways involved in SOD1 aggregate generation within spinal cord remain unclear. We have now developed an experimental system for studying SOD1 aggregate formation and clearance in intact spinal cord tissue. Here we demonstrate that the formation of SOD1‐positive aggregates in G93A SOD1 transgenic mouse spinal cord tissue involves proteasome‐mediated proteolysis. Organotypic spinal cord slices from 9‐day‐old transgenic mice expressing G93A SOD1 develop SOD1 aggregates with proteasome inhibition. In contrast, SOD1 aggregates do not form in spinal cord slices from wild type mice or transgenic mice overexpressing wild type SOD1 following proteasome inhibition. Furthermore, SOD1 aggregate formation within G93A SOD1 spinal cord is both sensitive to small changes in overall proteasome activity and reversible with the restoration of proteasome function. Our results also establish that adult mouse spinal cord exhibits a relative deficiency in proteasome activity compared with non‐CNS tissue that may help explain the propensity of spinal cord to form SOD1‐positive aggregates.