Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of Function of the Gene Encoding the Histone Methyltransferase KMT2D Leads to Deregulation of Mitochondrial Respiration

KMT2D encodes a methyltransferase responsible for histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) mono-/di-methylation, an epigenetic mark correlated with active transcription. Here, we tested the hypothesis that KMT2D pathogenic loss-of-function variants, which causes the Kabuki syndrome type 1, could affect the mitochondrial metabolic profile. By using Seahorse technology, we showed a significant reduction of the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate as well as a reduction of the glycolytic flux in both Kmt2d knockout MEFs and skin fibroblasts of Kabuki patients harboring heterozygous KMT2D pathogenic variants. Mass-spectrometry analysis of intermediate metabolites confirmed alterations in the glycolytic and TCA cycle pathways. The observed metabolic phenotype was accompanied by a significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. Measurements of the specific activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes revealed significant inhibition of CI (NADH dehydrogenase) and CIV (cytochrome c oxidase); this result was further supported by a decrease in the protein content of both complexes. Finally, we unveiled an impaired oxidation of glucose and larger reliance on long-chain fatty acids oxidation. Altogether, our findings clearly indicate a rewiring of the mitochondrial metabolic phenotype in the KMT2D-null or loss-of-function context that might contribute to the development of Kabuki disease, and represents metabolic reprogramming as a potential new therapeutic approach.
Relationship between Corky Root Disease and Yield of Crisphead Lettuce

The effects of corky root (CR) disease, caused by Rhizomonas suberifaciens(van Bruggen, Jochimsen, and Brown) on fresh and marketable weights of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were assessed during the 1988 and 1989 cropping seasons in several commercial lettuce fields. The resistant crisphead cultivars Raleigh and South Bay and the suscep- tible cultivars Ithaca and Shawnee produced similar yields in fields either planted in lettuce for the first time or in continuous lettuce production for three cropping cycles. Average yields of the resistant cultivars, from two fields cropped for six cycles naturally infested with CR, ranged from 875 to 1062 g/head fresh weight and 674 to 907 g/ head marketable weight. The average yields of the susceptible cultivars in these infested fields ranged from 419.8 to 668.7 g/head fresh weight (37% to 52% yield loss) and 317.5 to 488.2 g/head marketable weight (46% to 53% yield loss). CR severity ratings were highly negatively correlated with root dry matter accumulation and whole and mar- . ketable head weights of-lettuce. CR is a serious disease of lettuce. It has been reported from various North American production areas and Italy (Busch and Barron, 1963; Datnoff and Nagata, 1990; D'Ercole, 1981; van Bruggen et al., 1989). For many years, the etiology of this soilborne disease was controversial, and its presence was attrib- uted to numerous abiotic and biotic causes (Brown and Mich- elmore, 1988; Busch and Barron, 1963; Guzman, 1984; van Bruggen et al., 1988). In 1984, a slow-growing bacterium was isolated (Waters and Grogan, 1984), and van Bruggen et al. (1988) demonstrated that this bacterium was' the causal agent of the disease. Subsequently, the name Rhizomonas suberifaciens gen. nov., sp. nov. (van Bruggen et al., 1990b) was proposed for this gram-negative bacterium. A paucity of information presently exists about the biology and epidemiology of this pathogen, since a reliable selective medium for isolating this organism is not available. In addition, effective control strategies have primarily focused on fumigants or host resistance. Since fumigants are cost prohibitive, host resistance currently represents the best management strategy. Brown and Michelmore (1988) demonstrated that resistance is conferred by a single recessive gene.
Analysis of longevity in the Slovak Pinzgau population - extension to the animal model.

Breeding values for length of productive life in Slovak Pinzgau cattle were estimated using sur - vival analysis. As the results were corrected for milk production, the final breeding values represented the abil - ity of cows to avoid culling from reasons other than milk production. In addition to the relative milk yield, the risk of culling was also studied in connection with the herd and year of calving, parity and stage of lactation, herd size change and age at the first calving. Among the fixed effects, the low milk production, high age at the first calving, and decreasing herd size were associated with increased risk of culling. The risk was non-linear for parity × stage of lactation classes, decreasing within the first parity and increasing during later parities. Two genetic random effects were considered in separate models: the sire of the cow and the animal itself, both with the corresponding pedigree records up to the third generation. The genetic effects were estimated in separate runs, but the rest of the model remained unchanged. Heritability was h 2 = 0.08 for sire model, confirming the results of an earlier study in the Slovak Pinzgau population. The computational feasibility of the animal model for estimation of breeding values for cows was confirmed in this study. The new breeding values could be com - puted for each cow, accounting for all relationships within the population. The estimated heritability for the animal model was h 2 = 0.11, which should be used later on for animal breeding purposes.
“Foreseeing” Marketing

These are interesting times. On the one hand, the world is experiencing one of the most bountiful eras of industrial productivity. Across the world, media convergence leads to a bringing together of peoples of different colors, communities, and creeds. Increasingly, barriers to free trade are crumbling, and organizations are becoming more effective in global logistics. Much of this bounty comes from an extremely sophisticated understanding and use of marketing concepts and tools. But on the other hand, inequity in income distribution persists across countries and even, tragically, within some of the most highly developed economies, such as the United States. Religious and sectarian fundamentalism is rife and frequently directed at the symbols of corporate munificence, which are perceived as hallmarks of an evolved form of technocultural imperialism. In academia, postmodern writing often is directed at the pu-
Mistaking an Intention for a Behavior: The Case of Enacting Behavioral Decisions Versus Simply Intending to Enact Them

Five experiments investigated a previously unrecognized phenomenon—remembering that one enacted a mundane behavioral decision when one only intended to do so—and its psychological mechanisms. The theoretical conceptualization advanced in this research proposes that this error stems from a misattribution when an intention and a behavior are similar. Intentions and behaviors are similar when the physical aspects of the behavior resemble the intention (e.g., both require similar keystrokes) and when the behavior and the intention share mental contents (e.g., both rely on the same criterion). Experiments 1 and 2 introduced a paradigm with similar intentions and enactments and showed misreports and subsequent performance errors even when controlling for guessing. Experiments 3 and 4 demonstrated greater confusion when the physical involvement and mental criteria for intention and behavior were similar. Finally, Experiment 5 indicated that monitoring enactment is highly effective at reducing this error and more effective than monitoring intention.
The relationship between neuropsychological function and responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation using artificial neural networks

Background: Vitamin D has recently attracted interest for its pleiotropic effects. Vitamin D supplements are a potentially important public health intervention, but the response to supplementation varies between individuals. Aim: We aimed to assess the association between several neuropsychological parameters and the magnitude of response to vitamin D supplementation using an artificial neural network method. Methods: Neuropsychological function was assessed in 619 participants using standard questionnaires. The study participants received vitamin D capsules containing 50,000 IU vitamin D per week over 9 weeks. To assess the relationship between responsiveness to vitamin D supplements and the impact on these neuropsychological parameters, the best-performing artificial neural network algorithms were selected from a combination of different transfer functions in hidden and output layers and variable numbers of hidden layers (between two and 50). The performance of the artificial neural network algorithm was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis and variables of importance were identified. Results: The artificial neural network algorithm with sigmoid transfer function in both hidden and output layers could predict responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation effectively. The sensitivity and specificity were between 0.60 and 0.70 and 0.66 and 0.70, respectively. Cognitive abilities (42.5%), basal vitamin D (21.3%), body mass index (9.5%), and daytime sleepiness (8%) are the most widely used variables to predict changes in serum vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Cognitive abilities status and baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D are important novel modifiers of the enhancement in circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D after vitamin D supplementation.
CCR2 of Tumor Microenvironmental Cells Is a Relevant Modulator of Glioma Biology

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) shows a high influx of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The CCR2/CCL2 pathway is considered a relevant signal for the recruitment of TAMs and has been suggested as a therapeutic target in malignant gliomas. We found that TAMs of human GBM specimens and of a syngeneic glioma model express CCR2 to varying extents. Using a Ccr2-deficient strain for glioma inoculation revealed a 30% reduction of TAMs intratumorally. This diminished immune cell infiltration occurred with augmented tumor volumes likely based on increased cell proliferation. Remaining TAMs in Ccr2-/- mice showed comparable surface marker expression patterns in comparison to wildtype mice, but expression levels of inflammatory transcription factors (Stat3, Irf7, Cox2) and cytokines (Ifnβ, Il1β, Il12α) were considerably affected. Furthermore, we demonstrated an impact on blood vessel integrity, while vascularization of tumors appeared similar between mouse strains. The higher stability and attenuated leakiness of the tumor vasculature imply improved sustenance of glioma tissue in Ccr2-/- mice. Additionally, despite TAMs residing in the perivascular niche in Ccr2-/- mice, their pro-angiogenic activity was reduced by the downregulation of Vegf. In conclusion, lacking CCR2 solely on tumor microenvironmental cells leads to enhanced tumor progression, whereby high numbers of TAMs infiltrate gliomas independently of the CCR2/CCL2 signal.
Alterations in primate sperm motility with maturation and during exposure to theophylline

Micropuncture was used to collect pure suspensions of sperm from the caput and cauda regions of chimpanzee epididymides, which were analyzed with a Motion Analysis VP‐110. Sperm recovered from the caput region showed no forward motility. Incubation of these sperm with cauda epididymal fluid affected motility in 62%–90% of the sperm. Dilution of cauda sperm into buffer containing >50 mM theophylline resulted in immediate initiation of progressive forward motility. Although this motility was maintained by at least 50% of the sperm for over 5 hr, these “activated” caput sperm did not penetrate zona‐free hamster ova. These data show that sperm from the caput epididymis of the chimpanzee have the capacity for normal motility but do not have the capacity to bind to and penetrate an ovum. Cauda epididymal chimpanzee sperm were motile at the time of recovery and this motility was maintained for over 5 hr. These sperm penetrated both hamster zona‐free ova and intact chimpanzee ova. These data show that sperm from the cauda epididymis of the chimpanzee have the capacity for normal motility and also have the capacity to bind to and penetrate an ovum. This is the first use of computer assisted analysis to quantify motility in maturing nonhuman primate sperm.
Repertoire characterization and validation of gB-specific human IgGs directly cloned from humanized mice vaccinated with dendritic cells and protected against HCMV

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes serious complications to immune compromised hosts. Dendritic cells (iDCgB) expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-alpha and HCMV-gB were developed to promote de novo antiviral adaptive responses. Mice reconstituted with a human immune system (HIS) were immunized with iDCgB and challenged with HCMV, resulting into 93% protection. Immunization stimulated the expansion of functional effector memory CD8+ and CD4+ T cells recognizing gB. Machine learning analyses confirmed bone marrow T/CD4+, liver B/IgA+ and spleen B/IgG+ cells as predictive biomarkers of immunization (≈87% accuracy). CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses against gB were validated. Splenic gB-binding IgM-/IgG+ B cells were sorted and analyzed at a single cell level. iDCgB immunizations elicited human-like IgG responses with a broad usage of various IgG heavy chain V gene segments harboring variable levels of somatic hypermutation. From this search, two gB-binding human monoclonal IgGs were generated that neutralized HCMV infection in vitro. Passive immunization with these antibodies provided proof-of-concept evidence of protection against HCMV infection. This HIS/HCMV in vivo model system supported the validation of novel active and passive immune therapies for future clinical translation.
Comparison of Aminocyclopyrachlor to Common Herbicides for Kudzu (Pueraria montana) Management

Abstract Kudzu is an invasive perennial climbing vine characterized by fast growth rates and tolerance to control measures. Repeated applications with high rates of 2,4-D plus picloram provide effective kudzu control, but picloram use is not permitted in certain states due to groundwater pollution concerns. Studies were conducted in Alabama and Florida to compare kudzu control with aminocyclopyrachlor, a new herbicide, to control provided by aminopyralid, clopyralid, metsulfuron methyl, and picloram plus 2,4-D, which are common treatments for kudzu management. Two annual applications of the same herbicide treatment were evaluated for effects on kudzu cover, kudzu volume index, and cover of other vegetation. Aminocyclopyrachlor at 140 to 280 g ae ha−1 (2 to 4 oz ae ac−1) was as effective as the standard 4.48 kg ae ha−1 (4 lb ae ac−1) 2,4-D amine plus 1.2 kg ae ha−1 picloram for kudzu control. There were no differences in kudzu control among the three rates of aminocyclopyrachlor tested. Colonization by graminoids, forbs, and Rubus spp. at 2 yr was greatest for herbicides providing the best kudzu control: aminocyclopyrachlor, and 2,4-D plus picloram. Herbicide treatments were more effective in controlling kudzu at the Alabama location, but repeated annual applications for 2 yr did not completely eliminate kudzu with any treatment at either site. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; aminocyclopyrachlor; aminopyralid; clopyralid; metsulfuron methyl; picloram; kudzu, Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. , USDA code PUMOL, EPPO code PUELO. Interpretive Summary: The new herbicide, aminocyclopyrachlor, applied at 140 to 280 g ae ha−1 controlled kudzu as well as the standard treatment for kudzu management, 4.48 kg ae 2,4-D amine plus 1.21 kg ae picloram, and generally better than the other common kudzu herbicides metsulfuron methyl, aminopyralid, and clopyralid. Graminoids, Rubus spp. , and forbs recolonized plots receiving the most effective treatments for kudzu control. Graminoid (grasses, sedges) cover increased following aminocyclopyrachlor treatments, an important consideration for restoration of infestations where kudzu was planted for erosion control in the region. Annual herbicide applications for 2 yr did not eradicate kudzu, confirming the need for multiple years of treatment or more frequent applications.
Revision of Microtylopteryx Rehn 1905 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Ommatolampinae)

Abstract Rehn's (1955) two subgenera Microtylopteryx (Microtylopteryx) and Microtylopteryx (Tristanacris), each comprising several species and subspecies, are here each considered to represent a single species, M. hebardi Rehn 1905 and M. fusiformis Rehn 1905 respectively. I arrive at this conclusion on the basis of a) the genital anatomy, and b) morphometric analysis of all the previously named taxa and several previously unsampled populations. There are no differences within each of these taxa in internal or external genital structure. In the morphometric analysis, measures specifically designed to correspond to Rehn's diagnoses were used, and new material was collected from the various type localities to supplement the original material. The results show that the original diagnoses, which were based on small samples, do not adequately represent the populations from which the type series were drawn. Virtually every geographically circumscribed population which has been investigated differs from the rest, often significantly, in the average of one or more quantitative characters. However, the degree of overlap between the different populations in the range of these characters is typically very large, and often complete, and individual specimens therefore cannot be allocated reliably to particular populations on the basis of their morphology. All such overlapping populations are here considered to belong to a single taxon. Where, exceptionally, there is no overlap between populations in some character, and individuals can be reliably allocated to a specific population on its basis, subspecific ranks have been allocated. Within Microtylopteryx (Microtylopteryx), M. hebardi caligo Rehn is synonymized with M. hebardi Rehn, and M. nigrigena Hebard is relegated to subspecific rank as M. hebardi nigrigena. Within M. (Tristanacris) two species (talamancae Rehn, tristani Rehn) and one subspecies (fusiformis lamprus Rehn) are synonomized with M. fusiformis Rehn. M. worthi Rehn and M. chiapensis Rehn are relegated to subspecific rank within M. fusiformis, and one further new subspecies (M. f. fastigiata n. ssp) from Western Panama is erected. Each of Rehn's subgenera thus becomes monospecific, and it is suggested that the division into two subgenera is now redundant. A key to species and subspecies is given, and distribution maps.
Proposal of a new species Pseudomonas bathycetes

ABSTRACT Twenty-three strains of bacteria isolated from mud samples taken in the Pacific Ocean at depths ranging from 9, 400 to 10, 400 meters have been found to be members of the genus Pseudomonas. From results of Adansonian analysis the strains appear to constitute a new species. Pseudomonas bathycetes n. sp. is therefore proposed and the median organism for the group, strain C2M2 (ATCC 23597), is designated as the type strain. Deoxyribonucleic acid base composition determinations and electron micrographs provide confirmatory evidence for the identification and classification of P. bathycetes.
Genetic variants of TBX6 and TBXT identified in patients with congenital scoliosis in Southern China

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a spinal deformity present at birth due to underlying congenital vertebral malformation (CVM) that occurs during embryonic development. Hemivertebrae is the most common anomaly that causes CS. Recently, compound heterozygosity in TBX6 has been identified in Northern Chinese, Japanese, and European CS patient cohorts, which explains about 7%‐10% of the affected population. In this report, we recruited 67 CS patients characterized with hemivertebrae in the Southern Chinese population and investigated the TBX6 variant and risk haplotype. We found that two patients with hemivertebrae in the thoracic spine and one patient with hemivertebrae in the lumbar spine carry the previously defined pathogenic TBX6 compound heterozygous variants. In addition, whole exome sequencing of patients with CS and their family members identified a de novo missense mutation (c.G47T: p.R16L) in another member of the T‐box family, TBXT. This rare mutation compromised the binding of TBXT to its target sequence, leading to reduced transcriptional activity, and exhibited dominant‐negative effect on wild‐type TBXT. Our findings further highlight the importance of T‐box family genes in the development of congenital scoliosis.
A Comparative Study of Online Depression Communities in China

Online communities have become a tool for researchers to understand and help individuals with depression. According to their operation mode in terms of management, communities can be divided into management depression communities (MDCs) and lacking-management depression communities (LDCs). This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and impact of LDCs in comparison with MDCs. All postings from the previous year were collected from the LDC and MDC. Keywords were extracted and coded to identify the themes, and a text classifier was built to identify the type of emotions and social support expressed in the postings. Community members were then clustered to explore their different participation patterns. We found that in the LDC, the expression of negative emotions was the most popular theme, there was a lack of information about the treatment of depression and a lack of social support providers, the level of engagement of providers was low, and support seekers did not receive attention. These results reveal the need for community management and can be used to develop more effective measures to support members of online depression communities.
Continuing to look in the mirror: A review of neuroscientific evidence for the broken mirror hypothesis, EP-M model and STORM model of autism spectrum conditions

The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for action understanding and imitation. Subsequently, mirror neuron system dysfunction has therefore been proposed to explain the social deficits manifested within autism spectrum condition, an approach referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. Despite excitement surrounding this hypothesis, extensive research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its pure form, and instead two alternative models have been formulated: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest some dysfunction regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition, be that within the mirror neuron system itself or systems that regulate the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model. Lay abstract The mirror neuron system has been argued to be a key brain system responsible for understanding the actions of others and for imitation. It has therefore been proposed that problems within this system could explain the social difficulties experienced by people with autism spectrum condition. This idea is referred to as the broken mirror hypothesis. However, research has produced insufficient evidence to support the broken mirror hypothesis in its original form. Therefore, two other models have been suggested: EP-M model and the social top-down response modulation (STORM) model. All models suggest something is different regarding the mirror neuron system in autism spectrum condition: either within the mirror neuron system itself or within the systems that control the activity of the mirror neuron system. This literature review compares these three models in regard to recent neuroscientific investigations. This review concludes that there is insufficient support for both the broken mirror hypothesis, but converging evidence supports an integrated EP-M and STORM model.