Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 IE63 Protein and Cellular Protein p32

ABSTRACT The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early gene IE63 (ICP27), the only HSV-1 regulatory gene with a homologue in every mammalian and avian herpesvirus sequenced so far, is a multifunctional protein which regulates transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes. One of its posttranscriptional effects is the inhibition of splicing of viral and cellular transcripts. We previously identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K and casein kinase 2 (CK2) as two protein partners of IE63 (H. Bryant et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274:28991–28998, 1999). Here, using a yeast two-hybrid assay, we identify another partner of IE63, the cellular protein p32. Confirmation of this interaction was provided by coimmunoprecipitation from virus-infected cells and recombinant p32 binding assays. A p32-hnRNP K-CK2 complex, which required IE63 to form, was isolated from HSV-1-infected cells, and coimmunoprecipitating p32 was phosphorylated by CK2. Expression of IE63 altered the cytoplasmic distribution of p32, with some now colocalizing with IE63 in the nuclei of infected and transfected cells. As p32 copurifies with splicing factors and can inhibit splicing, we propose that IE63 together with p32, possibly with other IE63 partner proteins, acts to disrupt or regulate pre-mRNA splicing. As well as contributing to host cell shutoff, this effect could facilitate splicing-independent nuclear export of viral transcripts.
In vitro evaluation of the influence of the cortical bone on the primary stability of two implant systems.

AIMS Immediate loading has become a predictable option for treatment, while one of the main requirements for its implementation is obtaining appropriate primary stability in implants. With that aim, conical implants are commercially available, since, according to specialized literature, they provide greater stability. One of the methods to measure implant stability which has evolved to further stages is resonance frequency analysis (RFA). In the present paper we attempt to evaluate the influence of the cortical bone on the primary stability of two implants of similar diameter and length. STUDY DESIGN 15 fresh cow ribs were selected and six different implant beds were prepared in each. These preparations corresponded to two different implant systems: A Swiss Plus from Zimmer Dental and an Mk IV from Nobel Biocare. Two drilling protocols were used for soft bone, hard bone and bone without cortical. After preparing the beds, the implants were placed and implant primary stability was measured with the Osstell mentor. RESULTS Higher ISQ (Implant Stability Quotient) values were observed for both implant systems when the cortical bone is maintained than when it is eliminated, the difference being statistically significant in the case of Mk IV implants. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study show the importance of preserving cortical bone during drilling in order to obtain greater primary stability.
Fundamental limits on low frequency cavity fluctuations in optical fibre lasers

We present new experimental measurements of cavity fluctuations in short cavity fibre lasers at frequecies below 100Hz. The measured strain spectral density is less than 1 picostrain/√Hz in a 0.6cm cavity at 5Hz corresponding to an equivalent length fluctuation of less than 10fm/√Hz. We believe these results are the most sensitive measurements of free running cavity fluctuations in opical fibre yet reported.
Radiation-Induced Second Cancer Risk from External Beam Photon Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Impact on in-Field and Out-of-Field Organs

The purpose of this paper is to provide data on development of second primary cancers within or adjacent to tissue irradiated in the treatment of primary head and neck cancers using different techniques and modalities. Materials and methods: We selected five patients with HandN tumors located in base of the tongue for risk assessment. In order to examine the impact of choices of various planning techniques, numbers of beams and beam energy used in treatment plans - 7 and 9 field Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans using 6MV and 10 MV beam energies and a 6MV Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were planned. Out-of-field measurements for secondary photon doses for the treatment plans were measured using diode-dosimeters and solid water slabs. Differential dose-volume histograms (DVH) for all 5 patients and 5 techniques, were exported and used to calculate organ equivalent dose (OAR), excess absolute risk (EAR), and life-time attributable risk (LAR) for in-field organs. Results: For all treatment plans, the DVH showed clinically acceptable values; adequate clinical target coverage and dose constraints were met for all organs at risk. There was a clear advantage for the VMAT plan; it provided superior organ at risk (OAR) sparing and adequate target coverage. VMAT has relatively low monitor units at 0.93±0.034 times 7F6. The average percentage scattered to prescription doses for the five patients at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 cm from the isocenter were 0.9212 ± 0.115, 0.2621 ± 0.080, 0.1617 ± 0.057, 0.0936 ± 0.026, 0.0296 ± 0.014, for VMAT. Conclusion: Organ-specific LAR was higher with VMAT compared to 7F6 for skin. 6-MV VMAT is an acceptable alternative to IMRT for HandN cancer and offers advantages in terms of sparing adjacent OAR.
Supervised classification and prediction of fibrosis seriousness using ultrasonic images

Liver fibrosis is the natural wound healing response to parenchymal injury in chronic liver diseases and may eventually result in liver cirrhosis. Noninvasive imaging methods widely used for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed tomography (CT), Ultrasound and Elastography. This work aims to extract texture features from ultrasonic liver images. The Artificial Neural Networks(ANN), Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers were used to classify degree of the liver fibrosis seriousness (F0-F1/F2-F4). The output of the three classifiers were compared so as to evaluate the classification, detection and prediction of liver diseases. The experimental results suggest the effectiveness of the proposed method, as it achieves better total accuracy than those of the other methods.
Distinct Pathways Regulate Expression of Cardiac Electrical and Mechanical Junction Proteins in Response to Stretch

To define mechanisms regulating expression of cell–cell junction proteins, we have developed an in vitro system in which neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were subjected to pulsatile stretch. Previously, we showed that expression of the gap junction protein, connexin (Cx) 43, is increased by ≈2-fold after 1 hour of stretch, and this response is mediated by stretch-induced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we report that the mechanical junction proteins plakoglobin, desmoplakin, and N-cadherin are also upregulated by pulsatile stretch but by a mechanism independent of VEGF or other secreted chemical signals. Stretch-induced upregulation of mechanical junction proteins was blocked by anti–β1 and anti–β3 integrin antibodies. Transfection of cells with adenovirus expressing GFP-FRNK, a dominant-negative inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent signaling, blocked stretch-induced upregulation of Cx43 and mechanical junction proteins but did not block the ability of exogenous VEGF to upregulate Cx43 expression. Conditioned medium removed from uninfected cells after stretch increased Cx43 expression when added to nonstretched cells, and this effect was blocked by anti-VEGF antibodies, but stretch-conditioned medium from GFP-FRNK cells had no effect on Cx43 expression. The src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolol[3,4-d]pyrimidine blocked stretch-induced upregulation of mechanical junction proteins but not Cx43. Thus, stretch upregulates expression of both electrical and mechanical junction proteins via integrin-dependent activation of FAK. Stretch-induced upregulation of Cx43 expression is mediated by FAK-dependent secretion of VEGF. In contrast, stretch-induced upregulation of adhesion junction proteins involves intracellular mechanotransduction pathways initiated via integrin signaling and acting downstream of src kinase.
Progress Toward Understanding the Structure and Determinants of Job Performance: A Focus on Task and Citizenship Performance

Job performance criterion models have become more popular and more often investigated. The current research adds to this literature by testing performance models focusing on ability and personality predictors of task and citizenship job performance. Air traffic controllers (N = 928) completed cognitive ability and personality predictor measures, were administered a performance test assessing two possible mediators, and were evaluated using supervisor and peer ratings of two task performance, one citizenship performance, and an overall performance dimension. Path analyses largely confirmed that ability predicts primarily task performance and personality predicts primarily citizenship performance. The mediation related to task knowledge and skill on the task performance side was confirmed, and the overall fit of the performance models was quite good. Discussion focuses on how the present research furthers progress toward mapping relations among individual differences and individual performance constructs, beyond using overall performance as the endogenous performance variable.
Interactions between Axon Cytoskeleton Proteins and Oligodendrocytes during Remyelination

In the central nervous system (CNS) oligodendrocytes (OL) synthesize myelin sheaths around large diameter axons. This allows the saltatory conduction of action potentials, and increases considerably the velocity of neural conduction. These cellular structures are altered during Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most frequent demyelinating disease of the CNS. Actually its lesions are characterized by inflammation, demyelination and death of some OL, as well as by axonal damage. Experimentally, saltatory conduction is restored by axon remyelination [1], whereas remyelination fails in MS for partially unknown reasons. Four main factors might be involved in the repair defect in MS: I) astrocytic gliosis [2], II) axon degeneration [3, 4], III) and/or OL alterations [5], IV) and finally the coexistence of these parameters with inflammatory cells and molecules in the lesions [6] which renders the clarification of their respective involvement in the persistency of lesions difficult.
Prognostic Value of 18F-FDG Uptake on Positron Emission Tomography in Patients with Pathologic Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: The intensity of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in positron emission tomography could be of prognostic significance for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the FDG uptake in patients with resected pathologic stage I NSCLC according to histologic types of the tumors. Methods: For each patient, a maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and a partial volume corrected (PVC) SUVmax were calculated for the primary lesion on positron emission tomography. To find optimal cutoff values for cancer recurrences, receiver operating characteristic curves were used. Results: Among 145 study patients, the mean values of SUVmax were 7.7 in those with adenocarcinoma (n = 70) and 16.0 in those with other histologies (n = 75; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values of SUVmax to predict cancer recurrences were identified as 5.2 in patients with adenocarcinoma and 13.8 in those with other histologies. In whole patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC, SUVmax (p = 0.025), PVC SUVmax (p = 0.014), tumor size (p = 0.048), and weight loss (p = 0.041) were significantly associated with disease-free survival (DFS). Moreover, PVC SUVmax (p = 0.034) and SUVmax (p = 0.012) were significantly associated with DFS in the multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The intensity of FDG uptake for the primary tumor was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in whole patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC. However, caution is needed for the interpretation of optimal cutoff values of SUVmax according to tumor histologies.
Characterization of low density lipoprotein receptor ligand interactions by fluorescence resonance energy transfer Published, JLR Papers in Press, February 8, 2006.

The low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is the prototype of a family of cell surface receptors involved in a wide range of biological processes. A soluble low density lipoprotein receptor (sLDLR) and a tryptophan (Trp)-deficient variant human apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) N-terminal domain (NT) were used in binding studies. The sole cysteine in apoE3-NT was covalently modified with an extrinsic fluorescence probe, N-(iodoacetyl)-N′-(5-sulfo-1-napthyl)ethylenediamine (AEDANS), and the protein was complexed with lipid. Incubation of sLDLR with AEDANS-Trp-null apoE3-NT dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) disks, but not lipid-free AEDANS-apoE, induced an enhancement in AEDANS fluorescence emission intensity (excitation, 280 nm) consistent with intermolecular energy transfer from excited Trp in sLDLR to receptor-bound apoE. Ligand binding to sLDLR required calcium and was saturable. In competition binding assays, unlabeled apoE3-NT DMPC inhibited AEDANS-apoE DMPC binding to sLDLR more effectively than low density lipoprotein. Fluorescence changes in this system reflected pH-dependent ligand binding and release from sLDLR consistent with models derived from the X-ray crystal structure of the receptor at endosomal pH. Intermolecular energy transfer from excited Trp in LDLR family members to fluorescently tagged ligands represents a sensitive and convenient assay for the characterization of the myriad molecular interactions ascribed to this family of receptor.
Polymorphic Sites at the 3’ Untranslated Region of the HLA-G Gene Are Associated with Differential hla-g Soluble Levels in the Brazilian and French Population

HLA-G molecule has well-recognized tolerogenic properties, and the encoding gene shows lower frequency of polymorphism at the coding region but higher variability at regulatory 5’ and 3’ untranslated (3’UTR) regions. At least three 3’UTR polymorphic sites have been associated with HLA-G mRNA regulation, including the 14 base pair (14bp) Insertion/Deletion, +3142C-G and +3187A-G. We studied the association of polymorphic sites at 3’UTR (sequencing analysis, encompassing the 14bp Ins-Del/+3003T-C/+3010C-G/+3027C-A/+3035C-T/+3142C-G/+3187A-G/+3196C-G polymorphic sites) with plasma soluble HLA-G levels (sHLA-G, detected by ELISA) in 187 French and 153 Brazilian healthy individuals. Allele and genotype frequencies were closely similar in both populations; however, Brazilians showed a higher HLA-G 3’UTR haplotype diversity. Considering sHLA-G levels in both populations altogether, individuals presenting 14bp Del/Del showed higher levels compared to 14bpIns/Ins genotype (P <0.05); those presenting +3010C/G showed higher levels compared to the +3010C-C genotype (P< 0.05); those presenting +3027C-C showed higher levels than the +3027A-A genotype (P< 0.05); and those bearing +3035C-C showed higher levels compared to the +3035C-T (P < 0.01) and +3035T-T (P < 0.05) genotypes. The analyses of 3’UTR haplotypes showed that UTR-1 (DelTGCCCGC) was associated with higher expression of sHLA-G, whereas UTR-5 (InsTCCTGAC) and UTR-7 (InsTCATGAC) with lower expression and other UTRs (UTR-2/3/4/6) exhibited intermediate levels. Since the differential expression of HLA-G may be beneficial or harmful depending on the underlying condition, the identification of individuals genetically programmed to differentially express HLA-G may help on defining novel strategies to control the immune response against the underlying disorder.
Effects of abuse on attachment representations: narrative assessments of abused children

In this paper we describe research using narrative techniques to examine the effects of past abuse, and the process of subsequent recovery, in children aged 4-8. The paper examines the impact of abuse upon children's inner representations of self, others, and relationships, the role of defensive processes, and indicators of change as the child settles in a new family. The use of the narrative technique as part of a clinical assessment is also described. This study is ongoing, and is based at the Anna Freud Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Thomas Coram Adoption Service.
A transposable P vector that confers selectable G418 resistance to Drosophila larvae

Drosophila larvae are rapidly killed by food containing the antibiotic G418. The bacterial gene for neomycin resistance introduced in the genome by P‐mediated transformation renders larvae resistant to G418 and able to grow to fertile adults. The neo gene transcribed from the herpes thymidine kinase promoter gives low levels of resistance but high levels can be obtained using the hsp70 heat‐shock promoter. We have constructed a vector for P‐mediated transformation which uses this finding to allow dominant selection of transformed progeny. Features of this vector also facilitate cloning and allow the rapid recovery of the inserted transposon from transformed flies. We have also constructed a cosmid vector for P‐mediated transformation that incorporates the hsp70‐neo gene.
Higher education and social background

The United Kingdom today is a society in transition. The impact of the economic recession, changing lifestyles, an increasingly heterogeneous population and evolving family structures are just some of the elements that are contributing to significant social change.The choices people make about their lifestyles – where they live, how they bring up their children, their leisure activities, even what they choose to eat – are in turn affected by these major currents of economic and social change. Such issues are the lifeblood of society. They affect the happiness and perceived well-being of every member of the population, whether they are still at school or well into retirement. They are the lived reality of daily life for us all. This is why this next set of findings from the Understanding Society longitudinal household survey is so fascinating. Although the fourteen individual analyses presented in this collection only deal with a tiny fraction of the data that the survey has already collected, they provide a rich set of insights into how people are experiencing life in Britain today.
Comparative Physico-mechanical Characterization of New Hybrid Restorative Materials with Conventional Glass-ionomer and Resin Composite Restorative Materials

The recently developed hybrid restorative materials contain the essential components of conventional glass ionomers and light-cured resins. The objective of this study was to determine several physical and mechanical properties of eight such materials in comparison with two conventional glass ionomers, one micro-filled, and one ultrafine compact-filled resin composite. The two resin composites and two of the three polyacid-modified resin composites could be polished to a higher gloss than the conventional as well as the resin-modified glass ionomers. After abrasion, surface roughness increased for all materials, but not at the same extent, being the least for the conventional resin composites and one polyacid-modified resin composite, Dyract. In contrast to the latter resin composites, of which the surface roughness is principally determined by the presence of protruding filler particles above the resin matrix, roughness of conventional and resin-modified glass ionomers results from both protruding filler particles and intruding porosities. The mean particle size of the hybrid restorative materials fell between the smaller mean particle size of the resin composites and the larger one of the conventional glass ionomers. The micro-hardness and Young's modulus values varied substantially among all eight hybrid restorative materials. For all the resin-modified glass-ionomer restorative materials, the Young's modulus reached a maximum value one month after mixing and remained relatively stable thereafter. The Young's modulus of the conventional and the polyacid-modified resin composites decreased slightly after one month. The conventional glass-ionomer materials undoubtedly set the slowest, since their Young's modulus took six months to reach its maximum. The flexural fatigue limit of the hybrid restorative materials is comparable with that of the micro-filled composite. From this investigation, it can be concluded that the physico-mechanical properties vary widely among the eight hybrid restorative materials, indicating that these materials probably have yet to achieve their optimum properties. Their mechanical strength is inadequate for use in stress-bearing areas, and their appearance keeps them from use where esthetics is a primary concern.
Stochastic Resonance in a Neuronal Network from Mammalian Brain.

Stochastic resonance, a nonlinear phenomenon in which random noise optimizes a system’s response to a signal, has been postulated to provide a role for noise in information processing in the brain. In these experiments, a time varying electric field was used to deliver both signal and noise directly to a network of neurons from mammalian brain. As the magnitude of the stochastic component of the field was increased, resonance was observed in the response of the neuronal network to a weak periodic signal. This is the first demonstration of stochastic resonance in neuronal networks from the brain. [S0031-9007(96)01583-9]
On the viability of action research in education

Knowledge is centered within society and dynamism is based on the view that the world is constantly changing. Henceforth, action research offers a tool for teachers to become the agents of change rather than as the recipients of knowledge. Furthermore, for the change to be consolidated, the teachers should enter into dialogue with researchers. In fact, utterances of a single individual are barren until they are granted meaning by the other individual. By elaborating the tenets of action research, the paper is trying to confirm that the democratic nature of inquiry is per se well-appraised, but the applicability of action research in any context is under question. To the present writers, action research is not fulfilling these hopes because the teachers are not well-supported. However, besides investigating the philosophy adapted by action research, the writers suggest any attempt towards re-describing inquiry and abandoning the old terminologies inherited from traditional predecessors are worthwhile provided that the foundation of the so-called precondition—collaboration—for an action research is met.
Explaining Religious Ideas: Elements of a Cognitive Approach

This paper outlines an anthropological approach to religious representations that is grounded in recent findings and hypotheses in cognitive psychology. The argument proceeds in four points. First, the main goal of this framework is to account for the recurrence of certain types of mental representations in religious systems. Recurrent features are not necessarily universal. They are the outcome of cognitive systems that make certain representations easier to acquire than others. Second, a cognitive approach must take into account the diversity of religious representations. It is argued here that religious systems bring together ontological assumptions, causal claims, episode types and social categories. These four "repertoires" may have different functional properties, and may therefore be acquired and represented in different ways. Third, universal features of tacit, intuitive systems may impose strong constraints on the variability of religious ideas. This is illustrated on the basis of ethnographic data. Finally, the type of representations one finds in religious belief-systems consists in conjectures, the cognitive salience of which is variable and should be evaluated in precise terms.