Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MIO‐M1 Cells and Similar Müller Glial Cell Lines Derived from Adult Human Retina Exhibit Neural Stem Cell Characteristics

Growing evidence suggests that glial cells may have a role as neural precursors in the adult central nervous system. Although it has been shown that Müller cells exhibit progenitor characteristics in the postnatal chick and rat retinae, their progenitor‐like role in developed human retina is unknown. We first reported the Müller glial characteristics of the spontaneously immortalized human cell line MIO‐M1, but recently we have derived similar cell lines from the neural retina of several adult eye donors. Since immortalization is one of the main properties of stem cells, we investigated whether these cells expressed stem cell markers. Cells were grown as adherent monolayers, responded to epidermal growth factor, and could be expanded indefinitely without growth factors under normal culture conditions. They could be frozen and thawed without losing their characteristics. In the presence of extracellular matrix and fibroblast growth factor‐2 or retinoic acid, they acquired neural morphology, formed neurospheres, and expressed neural stem cell markers including βIII tubulin, Sox2, Pax6, Chx10, and Notch 1. They also expressed markers of postmitotic retinal neurons, including peripherin, recoverin, calretinin, S‐opsin, and Brn3. When grafted into the subretinal space of dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons rats or neonatal Lister hooded rats, immortalized cells migrated into the retina, where they expressed various markers of retinal neurons. These observations indicate that adult human neural retina harbors a population of cells that express both Müller glial and stem cell markers and suggest that these cells may have potential use for cell‐based therapies to restore retinal function.
The Intergenerational Correlation Between Children'S Adult Earnings And Their Parents' Income: Results From The Michigan Panel Survey Of Income Dynamics

Intergenerational correlations between parental income and child earnings reflect the extent of intergenerational economic mobility and equality of opportunity. Previous estimates are about 0.2, but these estimates suffer from a number of problems, including the use of but one year of observations and of nonrandom samples. We present new estimates based on the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. These estimates suggest correlations over 0.5 with longer-run income and earning measures, as well as some gender and race differences and some impact of liquidity constraints. They also suggest that the intergenerational elasticity is greater as parental income increases, the opposite of the Becker-Tomes conjecture.
Bioeconomics of Sustainable Harvest of Competing Species: A Comment

We refer to Flaaten's (JEEM 1991, pp. 163-80) study on competing species. In Theorem 5 (Theorem 6), Flaaten claims that a higher price (harvesting costs) of one species yields a lower (greater) own stock-size and a greater (lower) stock-size of the competing species in the steady state. It is shown that both claims are wrong.
S-Carvone Suppresses Cellulase-Induced Capsidiol Production in Nicotiana tabacum by Interfering with Protein Isoprenylation1[C][W]

In cellulase-elicited Nicotiana tabacum leaves, a monoterpene controls the biosynthesis of capsidiol, a sesquiterpene phytoalexin, by inhibiting the modification of proteins with a geranylgeranyl group. S-Carvone has been described as a negative regulator of mevalonic acid (MVA) production by interfering with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) activity, a key player in isoprenoid biosynthesis. The impact of this monoterpene on the production of capsidiol in Nicotiana tabacum, an assumed MVA-derived sesquiterpenoid phytoalexin produced in response to elicitation by cellulase, was investigated. As expected, capsidiol production, as well as early stages of elicitation such as hydrogen peroxide production or stimulation of 5-epi-aristolochene synthase activity, were repressed. Despite the lack of capsidiol synthesis, apparent HMGR activity was boosted. Feeding experiments using (1-13C)Glc followed by analysis of labeling patterns by 13C-NMR, confirmed an MVA-dependent biosynthesis; however, treatments with fosmidomycin, an inhibitor of the MVA-independent 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) isoprenoid pathway, unexpectedly down-regulated the biosynthesis of this sesquiterpene as well. We postulated that S-carvone does not directly inhibit the production of MVA by inactivating HMGR, but possibly targets an MEP-derived isoprenoid involved in the early steps of the elicitation process. A new model is proposed in which the monoterpene blocks an MEP pathway–dependent protein geranylgeranylation necessary for the signaling cascade. The production of capsidiol was inhibited when plants were treated with some inhibitors of protein prenylation or by further monoterpenes. Moreover, S-carvone hindered isoprenylation of a prenylable GFP indicator protein expressed in N. tabacum cell lines, which can be chemically complemented with geranylgeraniol. The model was further validated using N. tabacum cell extracts or recombinant N. tabacum protein prenyltransferases expressed in Escherichia coli. Our study endorsed a reevaluation of the effect of S-carvone on plant isoprenoid metabolism.
Low affinity NGF receptor (p75 neurotrophin receptor) inhibitory antibody reduces pain behavior and CGRP expression in DRG in the mouse sciatic nerve crush model

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its low‐affinity receptor, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), are important mediators of pain. To explore further the mechanisms involved, we examined suppression of pain behavior and expression of neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) using a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody, in a mouse sciatic nerve crush model. In the nerve‐injured model, 150 µg of a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody or 10 µl of saline were applied. The sciatic nerve in the sham‐operated group was uninjured. Mechanical allodynia was measured for 2 weeks. CGRP and p75NTR expression in L5 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) was examined immunohistochemically. Mechanical allodynia was found in the two nerve injured groups, but not in the sham‐operated group (p < 0.05). However, the magnitude of the mechanical allodynia was significantly decreased after application of p75 NTR inhibitory antibody (p < 0.05). CGRP and p75NTR immunoreactivity in the L5 DRG neurons was upregulated in the injured nerve groups compared with the sham‐operated group; however, p75 NTR inhibitory antibody decreased the CGRP and p75NTR expression (p < 0.01). Application of the p75 NTR inhibitory antibody to the pinched sciatic nerve suppressed CGRP and p75NTR expression and pain behavior. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:279–283, 2010
National Pilot Program Integrated Modeling System: Environmental Baseline Assumptions and Results for the APEX Model. Livestock Series Report 9, The

This paper presents the underlying assumptions and results for the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model, which was applied within an integrated modeling system for the National Polio Program (NPP) environmental baseline simulations for the Upper North Bosque River Watershed area in Texas. The system consists of an economic model linked to an environmental component comprising the field-scale APEX and watershed-scale Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models. The results are edge-of-field environmental indicators obtained from the APEX model.
Radiation‐induced sarcoma of bone

During the period 1931 to 1970, 50 cases of radiation‐induced osteogenic sarcoma were seen at the Memorial and James Ewing Hospitals. Twenty‐two of these cases had previously been described; the present paper adds an additional 28 cases to the existing series and reviews those factors related to the development of neoplastic changes. In 35 patients, there was evidence of preexisting bone pathology in the form of benign osseous growths. Fifteen patients had soft‐part and visceral neoplasms, such as retinoblastoma, seminoma, and breast carcinoma, the involved bone lying in the pathway of the radiation beam. Symptoms ranged from a palpable tender mass in the involved bone to intestinal obstruction secondary to metastatic radiation‐induced osteogenic sarcoma. Essentially all bones in the skeletal system appear to have been vulnerable. The radiation dosages ranged from 1,200 rads given in a few weeks to 24,000 rads given in 2 years. Induction time covered a period of 4 through 30 years with a mean of 9 years. Thirty‐two of the patients developing this neoplasm have since died of their disease.
MRx as a participatory platform

Abstract Facilitating and supporting various modes of social interaction has been part of Mixed Reality (MRx)1 design experiments and discourse over the past twenty years. But what vision of social interaction is sought and advanced through Mixed Reality environments? In this paper, I identify two dominant ways that social interaction is envisioned in MRx designs, broadly construed as material and political, and illustrated through a series of examples. I further draw on them to highlight the potentials, boundaries, and limitations of each with regards to the kinds of social interactions that are sought and cultivated through the integration of digital media on physical space. I suggest that as MR becomes mainstream, it is important to go beyond these visions to consider whether and how MRx environments might connect with the economic, social, and cultural specificity of local sites to meaningfully serve the always evolving social needs and purposes of their communities.
An Econometric Investigation into the Macroeconomic Relationship between Investment and Saving: Evidence from the EU Region

Within the EU region, the emerging policy orientation of pursuing balanced or in-surplus budgets as a means of revitalising investment has dominated economic policy. Nonetheless, the notion that saving must be boosted in order to expand investment, is a contention that has to be taken with a ‘pinch of salt’. This study, by elaborating on the causal dimension between investment and saving, provides econometric evidence on the basis of which investment is a variable of the utmost importance.
Role of Tribulus terrestris in Male Infertility: Is It Real or Fiction?

ABSTRACT Tribulus terrestris is an annual herb of the Zygophyllaceae family and is commonly known as Gokshur, Gokharu, or puncturevine. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, lignin, amides, and glycosides are the main active phytoconstituents of this plant. Infertility is defined by the failure to conceive a child after one year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility affects society at large and has a negative impact on the social and emotional aspects of the patient. This in-depth review presents several studies that evaluate the role of Tribulus terrestris in a chronological order to help us better understand the exact mechanism by which this herbal medicine acts in male infertility. In conclusion, the exact role of Tribulus terrestris in male infertility is still controversial and needs future double-blind placebo-controlled studies that deploy larger cohorts.
Non-Coplanar PCB-Mediated Modulation of Human Leukocyte Phagocytosis: A New Mechanism for Immunotoxicity

Organochlorine (OC) contaminants, notably polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are ubiquitous in all ecosystems and found in the tissues of humans and wildlife. Although the immunotoxicity of coplanar, dioxinlike PCBs is well documented, the adverse effects exerted by non-coplanar, non-dioxinlike PCBs have received little attention. Direct causal relationship between PCB and dioxin exposure and the observed detrimental effects on the immune system has yet to be fully established in humans. The immunomodulatory potential of toxic coplanar PCB 169 and TCDD and abundant non-coplanar PCBs 138, 153, and 180 on human leukocyte phagocytosis, an important innate immune function that initiates the clearance of pathogens, was tested upon in vitro exposure. Mixture and concentration-response experiments demonstrated a suppression of phagocytosis by non-coplanar PCBs suggesting a previously unrecognized aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-independent pathway. Regression analysis revealed that reduction of phagocytosis was mostly explained by the non-coplanar congeners. The effects on phagocytosis could not be accurately predicted by either the currently used toxic equivalence (TEQ) approach or the mouse model, thus undermining the use of the traditional models in the risk assessment for OC mixtures containing non-coplanar congeners. Our results are cause for concern as they suggest an AhR-independent pathway through which non-coplanar PCBs modulate phagocytosis, the immune system's first line of defense, possibly increasing the risk to developing infectious disease.
Paracrine effect of canine allogenic umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells mixed with beta-tricalcium phosphate on bone regeneration in ectopic implantations.

BACKGROUND AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the paracrine effects of canine umbilical cord blood (cUCB) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) mixed with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) on bone regeneration in ectopic implantation. METHODS beta-TCP mixed with cUCB MSC (UCB-MSC group), cell lysates (cell lysate group) or a control (control group) were respectively implanted in a subcutaneous pouches in the back of beagle dogs . The implants were harvested 1, 4, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84 days after implantation. Histological findings and stain analyzes of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) and assays of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and TRACP were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were analyzed using semi-quantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to confirm the protein expression levels of IL-6, COX-2, VEGF and TGF-beta. RESULTS TRACP-positive cells were observed in all groups 7 days after implantation. ALP and TRACP activities in the UCB-MSC group 84 days after implantation were significantly higher than those of the control (P>0.05). Histologic findings after 84 days showed that the osteoid matrix area in the UCB-MSC group was significantly larger than that of the control (P<0.05). The mRNAs levels of IL-1, IL-6 and VEGF in UCB-MSC and cell lysate groups on day 1 were up-regulated compared with the control. The protein levels of IL-6 and VEGF in the UCB-MSC group at day 1 were significantly higher than that of the other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that a significant release of cytokines by cUCB MSC, 1 day following implantation, could enhance bone regeneration.
Better practices in managing layoffs

This article presents eight case studies that illustrate “better practices” in how layoffs are managed in organizations. These examples incorporate such policies and programs as early notification of layoffs, provisions for severance pay and extended benefits, education and retraining for displaced workers, outplacement assistance, clear and direct communication of layoff information, and support services for “survivors” of layoffs. These examples highlight the benefits of collaboration among downsizing businesses, public sector organizations, and unions in helping laid-off employees adjust to unemployment and obtain satisfactory reemployment.
Productivity bias hypothesis: evidence from South Asia

Most existing studies have attempted to test the productivity bias hypothesis by making use of the cross-section data. This article utilizes country-level time series data from Penn World Tables to examine the productivity bias hypothesis for five South Asian economies (namely, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). We make use of Johansen’s cointegration approach and vector error correction modelling. The empirical analysis presented in this article shows that purchasing power parity theory holds for all countries considered. However, the productivity bias hypothesis appears to hold only in the case of Bangladesh and Nepal.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Death of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Requires the Intrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis*

Members of the caspase family are essential for many apoptotic programs. We studied mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in caspases 3 and 7 and in caspase 9 to determine the role of these proteases in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. Both caspase 3–/–/caspase 7–/– and caspase 9–/– MEFs were resistant to cytotoxicity induced via ER stress and failed to exhibit apoptotic morphology. Specifically, apoptosis induced by increased intracellular calcium was shown to depend only on caspases 3 and 9, whereas apoptosis induced by disruption of ER function depended additionally on caspase 7. Caspase 3–/–/caspase 7–/– and caspase 9–/– MEFs also exhibited decreased loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which correlated with altered caspase 9 processing, increased induction of procaspase 11, and decreased processing of caspase 12 in caspase 3–/–/caspase 7–/– cells. Furthermore, disruption of ER function was sufficient to induce accumulation of cleaved caspase 3 and 7 in a heavy membrane compartment, suggesting a potential mechanism for caspase 12 processing and its role as an amplifier in the death pathway. Caspase 8–/– MEFs were not resistant to ER stress-induced cytotoxicity, and processing of caspase 8 was not observed upon induction of ER stress. This study thus demonstrates a requirement for caspases 3 and 9 and a key role for the intrinsic pathway in ER stress-induced apoptosis.
The world of biologics

In March 2002 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines for the use of anti-TNF therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The guidelines recommended that all RA patients treated with these drugs should be enrolled on a national register which had been established by the British Society for Rheumatology (the BSRBR). A comparison cohort of RA patients treated with traditional disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) is also being recruited. The main role of the BSRBR is to study the long-term safety of biologic drugs. Up to the end of March 2005, 9508 patients with RA had been enrolled on the BSRBR. Four thousand, three-hundred and six had been treated with etanercept, 3561 with infliximab, 1500 with adalimumab and 141 with anakinra. With regards to anti-TNF drugs, 79% remained on their original drug at six months, 65% of whom could be classified as responders. Co-prescription with methotrexate was associated with a 70% response rate. Patients with a high baseline level of disability were less likely to respond. Overall the rates of serious infection were not increased in the anti-TNF versus the comparison cohort. However the rates of skin and soft tissue infection and of intracellular infections (eg, salmonella, listeria, legionella) were increased. There were 11 cases of tuberculosis (seven extra-pulmonary). There was concern about the high mortality rates among patients with baseline pulmonary fibrosis treated with anti-TNF therapy. It is unclear whether this is related to the drug or to the underlying disease. The rates of malignancy and mortality were not increased compared to the DMARD treated group in the short term. Further follow-up is needed to determine the long term safety of these drugs.
Balanced scorecard: theoretical perspectives and public management implications

In this study it is argued that positive agency theory is a relevant theoretical perspective in studies of the balanced scorecard in business management because agency theory addresses implementation and organizational control issues. If the balanced scorecard is to be applied also in public management, then positive agency theory should be complemented with political economy to incorporate possible implementation and organizational control issues related to political uncertainty, common agency and implementation ambiguity. It is argued that uncritical application of the balanced scorecard in public management could result in dysfunctions common in Soviet‐type, central planning. However, such dysfunctions could be reduced with certain modifications of the balanced scorecard in order to facilitate political competition to a relatively larger extent.
Quantitative study of the developmental changes in calcium‐permeable AMPA receptor‐expressing neurons in the rat somatosensory cortex

The distribution of cells expressing calcium‐permeable α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (CP‐AMPARs) in the somatosensory cortex of rats at different developmental stages was studied using a kainate‐stimulated Co2+‐labeling assay in a quantitative manner. The applicability of this assay for identifying CP‐AMPAR‐expressing cells was first verified using cultured rat cortical neurons by means of fluorescence Ca2+ imaging and pharmacological tools. Cells positively identified by the Co2+‐labelinig assay resided primarily in the marginal zone and subplate of young fetuses and became more widely distributed throughout the cortex as the fetus matured. The majority, >80%, of these Co2+‐positive cells were neurons, exhibiting immunoreactivity with the neuronal marker NeuN. The proportion of neurons that were Co2+‐positive increased from ≈25% to ≈60% as the rat fetus grew into adulthood. In contrast, less than 20% of nonneuronal cells were Co2+‐positive. Of the Co2+‐positive neurons, 15%–31% exhibited GABA immunoreactivity and nonpyramidal‐shaped cell bodies; these were presumably GABAergic neurons. Most of the remaining non‐GABAergic/Co2+‐positive neurons had pyramidal‐shaped cell bodies and were presumably excitatory principle neurons. Around 70% of GABAergic neurons in the cortex were Co2+‐positive. Furthermore, in the cortex of neonatal rats the Co2+‐positive neurons were found to be more susceptible to kainate toxicity than the Co2+‐negative cells. The Co2+‐positive neurons in the subplate of neonatal rats were more vulnerable to kainate toxicity than their counterparts in the remaining cortical areas. Together, the widespread distribution and distinct susceptibility to excitotoxicity of CP‐AMPAR‐expressing neurons suggest that they play various important roles in the development and physiology of the rat cerebral cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:75–91, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
After conditionality: post-accession compliance with EU law in East Central Europe

The European Union's pre-accession conditionality was very effective in prompting the alignment of the post-communist candidate countries with EU law. As the conditional membership incentive was the main factor driving alignment, the changing incentive structure after accession suggests that – ceteris paribus – post-accession compliance with EU law will deteriorate. Data on infringements of EU law allow us a first insight into whether this negative scenario has materialized. The data suggest that, far from constituting an ‘eastern problem’, virtually all of the new member states outperformed virtually all of the old members during the first four years of membership. To explain this unexpectedly good performance, further research should focus on two factors, both related to the experience of pre-accession conditionality: a greater susceptibility of the new member states to shaming and an institutional investment in legislative capacity.