Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant Virus HC-Pro Is a Determinant of Eriophyid Mite Transmission

ABSTRACT The eriophyid mite transmitted Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV; genus Tritimovirus, family Potyviridae) shares a common genome organization with aphid transmitted species of the genus Potyvirus. Although both tritimoviruses and potyviruses encode helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) homologues (required for nonpersistent aphid transmission of potyviruses), sequence conservation is low (amino acid identity, ∼16%), and a role for HC-Pro in semipersistent transmission of WSMV by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella [Keifer]) has not been investigated. Wheat curl mite transmissibility was abolished by replacement of WSMV HC-Pro with homologues of an aphid transmitted potyvirus (Turnip mosaic virus), a rymovirus (Agropyron mosaic virus) vectored by a different eriophyid mite, or a closely related tritimovirus (Oat necrotic mottle virus; ONMV) with no known vector. In contrast, both WSMV-Sidney 81 and a chimeric WSMV genome bearing HC-Pro of a divergent strain (WSMV-El Batán 3; 86% amino acid sequence identity) were efficiently transmitted by A. tosichella. Replacing portions of WSMV-Sidney 81 HC-Pro with the corresponding regions from ONMV showed that determinants of wheat curl mite transmission map to the 5′-proximal half of HC-Pro. WSMV genomes bearing HC-Pro of heterologous species retained the ability to form virions, indicating that loss of vector transmissibility was not a result of failure to encapsidate. Although titer in systemically infected leaves was reduced for all chimeric genomes relative to WSMV-Sidney 81, titer was not correlated with loss of vector transmissibility. Collectively, these results demonstrate for the first time that HC-Pro is required for virus transmission by a vector other than aphids.
Induction of unresponsiveness and impaired T cell expansion by staphylococcal enterotoxin B in CD28-deficient mice

We used CD28-deficient mice to analyze the importance of CD28 costimulation for the response against Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in vivo. CD28 was necessary for the strong expansion of V beta 8+ T cells, but not for deletion. The lack of expansion was not due to a failure of SEB to activate V beta 8+ T cells, as V beta 8+ T cells from both CD28-/- and CD28+/+ mice showed similar phenotypic changes within the first 24 h after SEB injection and cell cycle analysis showed that an equal percentage of V beta 8+ T cells started to proliferate. However, the phenotype and the state of proliferation of V beta 8+ T cells was different at later time points. Furthermore, in CD28-/- mice injection with SEB led to rapid induction of unresponsiveness in SEB responsive T cells, indicated by a drastic reduction of proliferation after secondary SEB stimulation in vitro. Unresponsiveness could also be demonstrated in vivo, as CD28-/- mice produced only marginal amounts of TNF alpha after rechallenge with SEB. In addition CD28-/- mice were protected against a lethal toxic shock induced by a second injection with SEB. Our results indicate that CD28 costimulation is crucial for the T cell-mediated toxicity of SEB and demonstrate that T cell stimulation in the absence of CD28 costimulation induces unresponsiveness in vivo.
Vocational rehabilitation and mental health employment services: True love or marriage of convenience?

There is a deep research base in the employment and mental health (MH) field that has supported the development of effective strategies for people with significant psychiatric disabilities. However, overall employment outcomes for people with serious mental illness have not increased significantly. This is true even with the recent emphases on recovery and system change or transformation. While employment continues to be stated as one of the cornerstones of recovery within mental health, vocational rehabilitation (VR) remains a crucial resource through interagency partnerships, funding, training, and policy development. The Institute for Community Inclusion’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Vocational Rehabilitation (ICI VR-RRTC) did case studies with state VR agencies examining innovations in these areas. This article describes three VR agencies in particular (Delaware, Maryland, Oregon) that served in many ways as excellent exemplars of using the multiple resources, skills, and services models that produced better employment results. It describes each state’s specific partnership strategies, then concludes with findings from each as well as an overall analysis of key issues that should be applicable more generally vis-á-vis VR-MH collaboration on employment interventions.
A hybrid algorithm for continuous optimisation

An effective particle swarm - quasi-Newton hybrid for the optimisation of continuous functions is developed, which is shown to work well on a range of test problems. This method exploits the global exploration abilities of the PSO algorithm and the fast convergence of the quasi-Newton method. New switching heuristics between the quasi-Newton and PSO methods are introduced, with the update pairs being used to generate new particles. The new hybrid, called L-PSO, is shown to be effective in obtaining the global minimum on a range of test problems, and outperforms previous hybrids with which it is compared.
Evidence for a GABAergic System in Rodent and Human Testis: Local GABA Production and GABA Receptors

The major neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), exerts its actions through GABAA, GABAB and GABAC receptors. GABA and GABA receptors are, however, also present in several non-neural tissues, including the endocrine organs pituitary, pancreas and testis. In the case of the rat testis, GABA appears to be linked to the regulation of steroid synthesis by Leydig cells via GABAA receptors, but neither testicular sources of GABA, nor the precise nature of testicular GABA receptors are fully known. We examined these points in rat, mouse, hamster and human testicular samples. RT-PCR followed by sequencing showed that the GABA-synthesizing enzymes glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and/or GAD67, as well as the vesicular GABA transporter vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (VIAAT/VGAT) are expressed. Testicular GAD in the rat was shown to be functionally active by using a GAD assay, and Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of GAD65 and GAD67. Interstitial cells, most of which are Leydig cells according to their location and morphological characteristics, showed positive immunoreaction for GAD and VIAAT/VGAT proteins. In addition, several GABAA receptor subunits (α1–3, β1–3, γ1–3), as well as GABAB receptor subunits R1 and R2, were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot analysis confirmed the results for GABAA receptor subunits β2/3 in the rat, and immunohistochemistry identified interstitial Leydig cells to possess immunoreactive GABAA receptor subunits β2/3 and α1. The presence of GABAA receptor subunit α1 mRNA in interstitial cells of the rat testis was further shown after laser microdissection followed by RT-PCR analysis. In summary, these results describe molecular details of the components of an intratesticular GABAergic system expressed in the endocrine compartment of rodent and human testes. While the physiological significance of this peripheral neuroendocrine system conserved throughout species remains to be elucidated, its mere presence in humans suggests the possibility that clinically used drugs might be able to interfere with testicular function.
Reserve carbohydrate metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: responses to nutrient limitation

The amounts of glycogen and trehalose have been measured in cells of a prototrophic diploid yeast strain subjected to a variety of nutrient limitations. Both glycogen and trehalose were accumulated in cells deprived specifically of nirogen, sulfur, or phosphorus, suggesting that reserve carbohydrate accumulation is a general response to nutrient limitation. The patterns of accumulation and utilization of glycogen and trehalose were not identical under these conditions, suggesting that the two carbohydrates may play distinct physiological roles. Glycogen and trehalose were also accumulated by cells undergoing carbon and energy limitation, both during diauxic growth in a relatively poor medium and during the approach to stationary phase in a rich medium. Growth in the rich medium was shown to be carbon or energy limited or both, although the interaction between carbon source limitation and oxygen limitation was complex. In both media, the pattern of glycogen accumulation and utilization was compatible with its serving as a source of energy both during respiratory adaptation and during a subsequent starvation. In contrast, the pattern of trehalose accumulation and utilization seemed compatible only with the latter role. In cultures that were depleting their supplies of exogenous glucose, the accumulation of glycogen began at glucose concentrations well above those sufficient to suppress glycogen accumulation in cultures growing with a constant concentration of exogenous glucose. The mechanism of this effect is not clear, but may involve a response to the rapid rate of change in the glucose concentration.
Genetic Variation of Mitochondrial DNA Within Domestic Yak Populations ( 4-9 Sep 2000 )

J.F Bailey1, B. Healy1, J. Han2, L. Sherchand3, S.L. Pradhan3, T. Tsendsuren4, J.M. Foggin5, C. Gaillard6, D. Steane7, I. Zakharov8, D.G. Bradley1 1Department of Genetics, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. E-mail: baileyj@tcd.ie 2Department of Animal Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China. E-mail: hanjl@public.lz. gs.cn or j.han@cgiar.org 3Livestock Production Division, Department of Livestock Services, Harihar Bhawan, Pulchowk, Nepal. 4Institute of Biology, Academy of Sciences of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. 5Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1501 USA. 6Institute of Animal Breeding, University of Berne, Bremgarten-strasse 109a, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland. 7FAO RAP, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. 8Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences, Gubkin str. , 3, 117809 GSP-1, Moscow B-333, Russia.
Molecular, Physiological, and Motor Performance Defects in DMSXL Mice Carrying >1,000 CTG Repeats from the Human DM1 Locus

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by an unstable CTG repeat expansion in the 3′UTR of the DM protein kinase (DMPK) gene. DMPK transcripts carrying CUG expansions form nuclear foci and affect splicing regulation of various RNA transcripts. Furthermore, bidirectional transcription over the DMPK gene and non-conventional RNA translation of repeated transcripts have been described in DM1. It is clear now that this disease may involve multiple pathogenic pathways including changes in gene expression, RNA stability and splicing regulation, protein translation, and micro–RNA metabolism. We previously generated transgenic mice with 45-kb of the DM1 locus and >300 CTG repeats (DM300 mice). After successive breeding and a high level of CTG repeat instability, we obtained transgenic mice carrying >1,000 CTG (DMSXL mice). Here we described for the first time the expression pattern of the DMPK sense transcripts in DMSXL and human tissues. Interestingly, we also demonstrate that DMPK antisense transcripts are expressed in various DMSXL and human tissues, and that both sense and antisense transcripts accumulate in independent nuclear foci that do not co-localize together. Molecular features of DM1-associated RNA toxicity in DMSXL mice (such as foci accumulation and mild missplicing), were associated with high mortality, growth retardation, and muscle defects (abnormal histopathology, reduced muscle strength, and lower motor performances). We have found that lower levels of IGFBP-3 may contribute to DMSXL growth retardation, while increased proteasome activity may affect muscle function. These data demonstrate that the human DM1 locus carrying very large expansions induced a variety of molecular and physiological defects in transgenic mice, reflecting DM1 to a certain extent. As a result, DMSXL mice provide an animal tool to decipher various aspects of the disease mechanisms. In addition, these mice can be used to test the preclinical impact of systemic therapeutic strategies on molecular and physiological phenotypes.
Node Localisation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks Using Double Time Difference of Arrival

The double time difference of arrival (DTDOA)approach applying in the mobile ad hoc network can effective avoid the synchronization problem. This paper investigates the performance of techniques for DTDOA node localisation in Mobile ad hoc network by using root of quadratic equation and Gauss-Newton algorithm in NLOS environments. The validity of DTDOA method is demonstrated in an example of a simple ad hoc network.
Good Practice Guidance and Uncertainty Management in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories CH 4 Emissions from Solid Waste Disposal 419 CH 4 EMISSIONS FROM SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

The purpose of this paper is to support the development of so-called good practice guidelines for the estimation of methane (CH 4) emissions from solid waste (SW) disposal for national greenhouse gas inventories. The paper reviews and discusses the emission estimation methods given in the IPCC 1996 Revised Guidelines (IPCC Guidelines), and uncertainty and quality management issues related to the emission estimation. At solid waste disposal sites (SWDS) the degradable organic carbon in waste is decomposed by bacteria under anaerobic conditions into methane (CH 4) and other compounds. The CH 4 emissions from SWDS are important contributors of global anthropogenic CH 4 emissions. The IPCC Guidelines give two methods for estimation CH 4 emissions from solid waste disposal. The IPCC default method is a simple mass balance calculation which estimates the amount of CH 4 emitted from the SWDS assuming that all CH 4 is released the same year the waste is disposed of. The other method outlined in the IPCC Guidelines is the so-called First Order Decay (FOD) method. The FOD method takes the time factors of the degradation process into account, and produces annual emission estimates that reflect this process, which can take years, even decades. The estimates on annual emissions produced by the two methods are therefore not comparable. The FOD method produces better estimates on annual emissions, whereas the IPCC default method has merits e.g. in studies comparing the potential to reduce the CH 4 emissions by alternative waste treatment methods. The use of the IPCC default method and FOD method require as input annual SW disposal data including information on the composition of the waste and on the conditions at the SWDS. The IPCC default method requires this data only for the inventory years, whereas the FOD method requires data for also the past 20-25 or more years. In addition, the rate of degradation for waste disposed at SWDS needs to be determined in the FOD method. The IPCC Guidelines contain default values for most of the data needed in the use of the default method, whereas the guidance and default values needed in the use of the FOD method are insufficient. The uncertainties in the emission estimates produced by both the IPCC method and the FOD method are large in most countries. Even few industrialised countries have good SW disposal data based on weighing of amounts disposed and frequent sampling to determine the composition …
A Type II Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Is Stimulated via Activated Integrin in Platelets

We have observed that aggregation of human platelets, caused by activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and its consequent binding of fibrinogen, stimulates a novel pathway for synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 3,4bisphosphate, thereby activating protein kinase B/Akt. Such synthesis depends upon both the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P), which is sensitive to wortmannin (IC50 7 nm) and calpain inhibitors, and the phosphorylation of PtdIns3P by PtdIns3P 4-kinase. We now report that a recently characterized C2 domain-containing phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoform (HsC2-PI3K) is present in platelets and a leukemic cell line (CHRF-288) derived from megakaryoblasts, and is likely to be responsible for the stimulated synthesis of PtdIns3P observed in platelets. HsC2-PI3K, identifiable by Western blotting and immunoprecipitatable activity, is sensitive to wortmannin (IC50 6–10 nm), requires Mg2+, and shows strong preference for PtdIns over PtdIns4P or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as substrate. HsC2-PI3K is activated severalfold when platelets aggregate in an αIIbβ3-dependent manner or when platelet or CHRF-288 lysates are incubated with Ca2+. Activation is prevented by calpain inhibitors. CHRF-288, which cannot undergo activation of αIIbβ3 and thereby aggregate in response to platelet agonists, do not generate PtdIns3P or activate HsC2-PI3K under conditions that stimulate other phosphoinositide 3-kinases. HsC2-PI3K may thus be an important effector for integrin-dependent signaling.
Measurement of endogenous acetone and isoprene in exhaled breath during sleep

This explorative study aims at characterizing the breath behavior of two prototypic volatile organic compounds, acetone and isoprene, during normal human sleep and to possibly relate changes in the respective concentration time courses to the underlying sleep architecture. For this purpose, six normal healthy volunteers (two females, four males, age 20–29 years) were monitored over two consecutive nights (the first one being an adaption night) by combining real-time proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry measurements from end-tidal exhalation segments with laboratory-based polysomnographic data. Breath acetone concentrations increased overnight in all measurements, with an average relative change by a factor of up to 4 (median 2.5). Nighttime concentration maxima were usually recorded 2–3 h before lights on. For breath isoprene, a nocturnal increase in baseline concentrations of about 74% was observed, with individual changes ranging from 36–110%. Isoprene profiles exhibited pronounced concentration peaks, which were highly specific for leg movements as scored by tibial electromyography. Furthermore, relative to a linear trend, baseline isoprene concentrations decreased during the transition from the NREM to the REM phase of a complete sleep cycle.
Epstein-Barr virus in pediatric multiple sclerosis.

CONTEXT Infection with common viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), has been postulated to contribute to the pathobiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Detailed virological studies in pediatric MS have not been previously reported. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether children with MS are more likely to be seropositive for EBV or other common viruses than their healthy age-matched peers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Case-control study of viral samples collected from March 1994 to February 2003 from 30 pediatric MS patients, 90 emergency department controls matched 3:1 with the MS patients by year of birth, and 53 healthy control children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Archived serum samples were analyzed for the presence of IgG antibodies directed against EBV viral capsid antigens, nuclear antigens, and early antigens, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster. RESULTS Serological evidence for remote EBV infection was present in 83% of pediatric MS patients compared with 42% of emergency department and healthy controls (P<.001). Five pediatric MS patients were negative for all 3 EBV antigens. Pediatric MS patients were less likely than controls to have been exposed to herpes simplex virus (P =.003), while seropositivity for cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, and varicella zoster did not differ between MS patients and controls. CONCLUSION These results suggest an association between EBV infection and pediatric MS.
Association Between ACE Gene Polymorphism and QT Dispersion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism is associated with high renin-angiotensin system causing myocardial fibrosis and ventricular repolarization abnormality. Based on these findings, this study was designed to determine the association between ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and QT dispersion after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Objective and Methods: The study included 108 patients with acute MI. Blood samples were obtained from all the patients for genomic DNA analysis. ECGs were recorded at baseline and at the end of a 6-month follow up. The OT dispersion was manually calculated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.5 ±9.9 years (ranging from 36 to 70). The patients with DD genotype showed longer QT dispersion than patients with II or DI genotype at the baseline, while at the end of the six-month follow up the patients with DI genotype showed longer QT dispersion than patients with DD or II genotypes. However, the magnitude of the QT dispersion prolongation was higher in patients carrying the ACE D allele than patients who were not carrying it, at baseline and at the end of six-month follow up (52.5 ±2.6 msn vs. 47.5±2.1 msn at baseline, 57±3.2 msn vs. 53±2.6 msn in months, P: 0.428 and P: 0.613, respectively). Conclusion: Carriers of the D allele of ACE gene I/D polymorphism may be associated with QT dispersion prolongation in patients with MI.An interaction of QT dispersion and ACE gene polymorphism may be associated with an elevation of serum type I-C terminal pro-collagen concentration, possibly leading to myocardial fibrosis, and increased action potential duration.
Evaluation of M 2 / ANXA 5 Haplotype and P 53 Codon 72 Polymorphism in a Patient with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss , Ectopic Pregnancy and Recurrent Implantation Failure

Repeated implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss are foremost problems faced by couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Impairment of placental vascularisation often caused by thrombophilias has been the major cause for such consequences. Annexin A5 is a placental anticoagulant protein, which promotes good blood supply to the fetus throughout gestation. M2 haplotype of ANXA5 leads to reduced gene expression which may lead to hypercoaguability in inter villous space ultimately resulting in early pregnancy loss. In addition to this another gene p53 plays a vital role in inducing apoptosis as well as angiogenesis, it also regulates female reproduction besides blastocyst implantation through leukemia inhibiting factor. Here the researchers report a 25-year-old female with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss subjected to genetic testing which revealed the prevalence of M2/ANXA5 haplotype and there is no p53 codon 72 polymorphism. The case here highlights the key role of Annexin and p53 gene in reproductive outcome. *Address for correspondence: N. Laleethambika1 and Dr. V. Balachandar2 Human Molecular Genetics and Stem Cell Laboratory Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046,