Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ratings of Perceived Exertion by a Group of Women: Does Type A Behavior Act as a Modifier?

It has previously been suggested that individuals displaying the Type A behavior pattern underestimate their perceived exertion during physical exercise. Most research pertaining to these results has been performed with male participants. In the present study, 70 women (mean age 26.8 yr.) varying in scores on the Bortner scale participated in a standardized cycle ergometer test performed individually in a laboratory setting. Analysis showed small but nonsignificant differences in ratings by participants. This held over the whole range from light to heavy exercise intensity. Less than 1% of the explained variance in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) could be traced back to the scores for behavior of the individuals. Thus, contrary to some prior reports of RPE suppression associated with the Type A behavior pattern, the results present instead a null finding. Possible causes for the equivocal results are the environment (laboratory vs field), the question whether a laboratory test performed individually is perceived as challenging enough to trigger the competitive urge, type of exercise, the individual's sex, the measure used for assessing Type A behavior pattern, and whether gender-based schematic/aschematic processing is involved.
Robust Production of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) from Stably HCV cDNA-Transfected Human Hepatoma Cells

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects approximately 170 million people worldwide, with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study of HCV replication and pathogenesis has been hampered by the lack of an efficient stable cell culture system and small-animal models of HCV infection and propagation. In an effort to develop a robust HCV infection system, we constructed stable human hepatoma cell lines that contain a chromosomally integrated genotype 2a HCV cDNA and constitutively produce infectious virus. Transcriptional expression of the full-length HCV RNA genome is under the control of a cellular Pol II polymerase promoter at the 5′ end and a hepatitis delta virus ribozyme at the 3′ end. The resulting HCV RNA was expressed and replicated efficiently, as shown by the presence of high levels of HCV proteins as well as both positive- and negative-strand RNAs in the stable Huh7 cell lines. Stable cell lines robustly produce HCV virions with up to 108 copies of HCV viral RNA per milliliter (ml) of the culture medium. Subsequent infection of naïve Huh7.5 cells with HCV released from the stable cell lines resulted in high levels of HCV proteins and RNAs. Additionally, HCV infection was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies specific to CD81 and the HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, and HCV replication was suppressed by alpha interferon. Collectively, these results demonstrate the establishment of a stable HCV culture system that robustly produces infectious virus, which will allow the study of each aspect of the entire HCV life cycle.
Cancer and non-cancer controls in studies on the effect of tobacco and alcohol consumption.

A comparison of risk estimates using controls with other cancers versus controls with acute diseases unrelated to tobacco and alcohol consumption in the study of the effect of these two factors has been performed using data on tumours of the oral cavity and pharynx from an ongoing case-control surveillance programme in Northeastern Italy. Similar results were obtained using either type of controls: as compared to never smokers, moderate smokers (less than or equal to 14 cigarettes/day) showed age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9-9.2) when using cancer controls and 5.8 (95% CI: 3.3-10.1) when using non-cancer controls. Similarly, those who had smoked for 40 years or longer showed ORs of 7.4 (95% CI: 4.0-13.6) and 8.8 (95% CI: 4.9-15.6), respectively, using cancer and non-cancer controls. For moderate drinkers of alcoholic beverages (21-34 drinks/week) and heavy drinkers (greater than or equal to 84 drinks/week) the ORs, as compared to individuals who drank less than 21 drinks/week, were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0-3.6) and 2.2 (95% CI: 1.2-4.0) and 10.6 (95% CI: 5.5-20.6) and 11.4 (95% CI: 6.0-21.4) using cancer and non-cancer controls, respectively. The same comparability of ORs for tobacco- and alcohol-related variables using either type of controls was observed when separate analyses of the two sexes were performed. The close similarity between cancer and non-cancer controls in studies on tobacco- and alcohol-related risks may be exploited when the choice of other types of controls would increase the costs and the feasibility of the study, and thus hamper its statistical power. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sistema de Medición del Rendimiento aplicado a la cadena de suministro.

Desde hace ya un tiempo distintos autores coinciden en comentar que la competitividad entre las companias esta pasando de ser un problema local o particular a ser un problema global de todas las organizaciones que participan en la cadena de valor de un producto o servicio. Asi, la gestion del rendimiento tradicionalmente disenada para atender la problematica de las organizaciones individuales tiene que cubrir, hoy en dia, un ambito de actuacion mas amplio: cadena de suministro, empresa extendida, red de empresas. En este trabajo se describe un Sistema de Medicion del Rendimiento (PMS-SC)que cubre el contexto de la cadena de suministro. Dicho sistema de medicion se deriva de la participacion de sus autores en el proyecto de investigacion ECOSELL (Extended Collaborative Seling Chain), financiado por la Comision Europea (GI RGCT-2002-00753).
Controlling WiFi Direct Group Formation for Non-Critical Applications in C-V2X Network

The fifth-generation (5G) networks are expected to meet various communication requirements for vehicles. C-V2X, introduced in LTE V2X in Release 14, is designed to provide ultra-high reliability and ultra-low latency performance required by the most demanding V2X applications. In the literature, research interests are primarily focused on safety-critical applications in a dynamic environment. Therefore, in most communication models, both safety and non-safety critical applications operate through the same radio access technology. This is the case of both C-V2X Direct Communication and IEEE 802.11p. However, in an urban environment characterized by high traffic density, the availability of resources can be problematic. In that case, it would be best to propose new communication strategies because different use cases will have different sets of requirements. In this paper, we propose to increase the capacity of C-V2X Direct Communication by introducing WiFi Direct as a second connection alternative. Indeed, several works have shown that WiFi offloading can alleviate the congestion of cellular networks. Thus, an SDN-based P2P Group Formation is proposed by extending OpenFlow to manage the WiFi Direct control plane. This solution also allows establishing multi-hop communication, something that is not possible in the standard version of WiFi Direct. The performance evaluation of the P2P Group Formation procedure is proposed via simulations in an urban environment. The results show that our proposed procedure performs better compared to those proposed in the literature. To demonstrate the implementation feasibility of the proposed solution in real hardware, we also performed prototyping.
ATP potentiates neurotransmission in the rat trigeminal subnucleus caudalis

Ionotropic purine receptors (P2X) have been implicated in nociceptive neurotransmission. In this study, we examine the actions of the P2X receptor agonist &agr;,&bgr; methylene adenosine 5′-triphosphate on excitatory neurotransmission in neurons in the deep and superficial laminae of the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), which receives nociceptive inputs from the craniofacial region. Alpha, beta methylene adenosine 5′-triphosphate caused an increase in spontaneous excitatory neurotransmission (miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents) in neurons in deep but not superficial laminae of Vc; this effect could be inhibited by the P2X receptor antagonist 2,3-O-2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-ATP. Conversely, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin caused an increase in miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in neurons in the superficial but not deep laminae. These data suggest that &agr;,&bgr; methylene adenosine 5′-triphosphate acts on presynaptic terminals to increase glutamatergic neurotransmission in deep Vc neurons.
Identification of Two Novel Endoplasmic Reticulum Body-Specific Integral Membrane Proteins1[W][OA]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) body, a large compartment specific to the Brassicales, accumulates β-glucosidase and possibly plays a role in the defense against pathogens and herbivores. Although the ER body is a subdomain of the ER, it is unclear whether any ER body-specific membrane protein exists. In this study, we identified two integral membrane proteins of the ER body in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and termed them MEMBRANE PROTEIN OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM BODY1 (MEB1) and MEB2. In Arabidopsis, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, NAI1, and an ER body component, NAI2, regulate ER body formation. The expression profiles of MEB1 and MEB2 are similar to those of NAI1, NAI2, and ER body β-glucosidase PYK10 in Arabidopsis. The expression of MEB1 and MEB2 was reduced in the nai1 mutant, indicating that NAI1 regulates the expression of MEB1 and MEB2 genes. MEB1 and MEB2 proteins localize to the ER body membrane but not to the ER network, suggesting that these proteins are specifically recruited to the ER body membrane. MEB1 and MEB2 physically interacted with ER body component NAI2, and they were diffused throughout the ER network in the nai2 mutant, which has no ER body. Heterologous expression of MEB1 and MEB2 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) suppresses iron and manganese toxicity, suggesting that MEB1 and MEB2 are metal transporters. These results indicate that the membrane of ER bodies has specific membrane proteins and suggest that the ER body is involved in defense against metal stress as well as pathogens and herbivores.
Mutations in the Amino Terminus of Foamy Virus Gag Disrupt Morphology and Infectivity but Do Not Target Assembly

ABSTRACT Foamy viruses (FVs) assemble using pathways distinct from those of orthoretroviruses. FV capsid assembly takes place near the host microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). Assembled capsids then migrate by an unknown mechanism to the trans-Golgi network to colocalize with the FV glycoprotein, Env. Interaction with Env is required for FV capsid egress from cells; the amino terminus of FV Gag contains a cytoplasmic targeting/retention signal that is responsible for targeting assembly to the MTOC. A mutant Gag was constructed by addition of a myristylation (M) signal in an attempt to target assembly to the plasma membrane and potentially overcome the dependence upon Env for budding (S. W. Eastman and M. L. Linial, J. Virol. 75:6857-6864, 2001). Using this and additional mutants, we now show that assembly is not redirected to the plasma membrane. Addition of an M signal leads to gross morphological defects. The aberrant particles still assemble near the MTOC but do not produce infectious virus. Although extracellular Gag can be detected in a pelletable form in the absence of Env, the mutant particles contain very little genomic RNA and are less dense. Our analyses indicate that the amino terminus of Gag contains an Env interaction domain that is critical for bona fide egress of assembled capsids.
Impaired GATA3-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling and Th2 Cell Differentiation Leading to Attenuated Allergic Airway Inflammation in Aging Mice1

Age-related changes in lymphocytes are most prominent in the T cell compartment. There have been substantial numbers of reports on T cell function in aged mice and humans, such as on the production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, but the results show considerable variation and contradictions. In the present study, we used 8- to 12-mo-old aging mice and a well-established in vitro Th1/Th2 cell differentiation culture system to identify molecular defects in Th1/Th2 cell differentiation that can be detected in the relatively early stages of aging. The capability to differentiate into Th2 cells is reduced in aging mouse CD4+ T cells. Decreased activation of the ERK MAPK cascade upon TCR stimulation, but normal intracellular-free calcium ion concentration mobilization and normal IL-4-induced STAT6 activation were observed in aging mouse CD4+ T cells. In addition, reduced expression of GATA3 was detected in developing Th2 cells. Chromatin remodeling of the Th2 cytokine gene locus was found to be impaired. Th2-dependent allergic airway inflammation was milder in aging mice compared with in young adult mice. These results suggest that the levels of Th2 cell differentiation and resulting Th2-dependent immune responses, including allergic airway inflammation, decline during aging through defects in the activation of the ERK MAPK cascade, expression of GATA3 protein and GATA3-dependent chromatin remodeling of the Th2 cytokine gene locus. In the present study, we provide the first evidence indicating that a chromatin-remodeling event in T cells is impaired by aging.
Envelope Versus Fine Structure Speech Coding Strategy: A Crossover Study

Objective: The transmission of fine structure information to cochlear implant users is an expanding area of research. Previous studies comparing the fine structure processing (FSP) speech coding strategy to the envelope-based continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) strategy indicated improved speech perception when using the fine structure strategy. Those investigations were performed with an extended frequency spectrum in the low frequencies together with the fine structure strategy. The current study addresses the question whether these improvements are due to the presentation of fine structure per se or rather the extended frequency spectrum. Hence, this cross over study compares the two strategies using an identical frequency spectrum. Study Design: Randomized crossover study. Patients: 31 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Interventions: One group was fitted with a CIS map for 4 weeks, tested and subsequently fitted with a FSP map for 4 weeks. The other group followed the same pattern in reverse. Main Outcome Measures: Test material consisted of sentence tests in noise, monosyllables in quiet and melody recognition. Results: No statistical significance was noted between the different speech coding strategies at an identical frequency spectrum. Conclusion: This study shows that there is no difference in speech perception with FSP compared to CIS at an extended frequency spectrum. Therefore, the extended frequency spectrum in the low frequencies might explain a benefit of FSP observed in previous studies.
An Object-Based Approach for Mapping Crop Coverage Using Multiscale Weighted and Machine Learning Methods

Accurate mapping of crop distribution on Earth's surface aids in predicting grain production. Pattern classification along with remote sensing imagery can facilitate traditional manual field measurement techniques using machine learning. With the rapid increase in satellite sensor resolution, the object-based classification paradigm has increasingly been applied. However, scale parameter selection is always a difficult part of the object-based classification. Based on ensemble learning, this study proposes a classification method using the multiscale object-based weighted method which includes manual digitizing of crop distribution in the southern region of Jishan County, Shanxi Province, China, applying Gaofen-2 (GF-2) images. This method initially uses estimations of the scale parameter (ESP) tool to select “good” scales, defined here as “preferred” scales, after which feature subsets are screened by each preferred scale as the input of multiple classifiers and classifies. Finally, all classification results are then fused. Our research results indicate that: 1) Feature importance values are sorted differently at different preferred scales; 2) accuracy differences become clear when different preferred scales are combined with different classifiers, and determining the “best” single appropriate scale is generally difficult; 3) accuracy of the multiscale weighted classification method is higher compared to the single preferred scale approach. Furthermore, ensemble learning can be achieved using this method on multiple scales and on multiple classifiers. With this method, procedures that necessitate the selection of segmentation scales and the selection and optimization of classifiers can be skipped altogether.
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of the Intracellular Activity of Antibiotics towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 in a Model of THP-1 Human Monocytes

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa invades epithelial and phagocytic cells, which may play an important role in the persistence of infection. We have developed a 24-h model of THP-1 monocyte infection with P. aeruginosa PAO1 in which bacteria are seen multiplying in vacuoles by electron microscopy. The model has been used to quantitatively assess antibiotic activity against intracellular and extracellular bacteria by using a pharmacodynamic approach (concentration-dependent experiments over a wide range of extracellular concentrations to calculate bacteriostatic concentrations [Cs] and maximal relative efficacies [Emax]; Hill-Langmuir equation). Using 16 antipseudomonal antibiotics (three aminoglycosides, nine β-lactams, three fluoroquinolones, and colistin), dose-response curves were found to be undistinguishable for antibiotics of the same pharmacological class if data were expressed as a function of the corresponding MICs. Extracellularly, all of the antibiotics reached a bacteriostatic effect at their MIC, and their Emax exceeded the limit of detection (−4.5 log10 CFU compared to the initial inoculum). Intracellularly, Cs values remained unchanged for β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and colistin but were approximately 10 times higher for aminoglycosides, whereas Emax values were markedly reduced (less negative), reaching −3 log10 CFU for fluoroquinolones and only −1 to −1.5 log10 CFU for all other antibiotics. The decrease in intracellular aminoglycoside potency (higher Cs) can be ascribed to the acid pH to which bacteria are exposed in vacuoles. The decrease in the Emax may reflect a reversible alteration of bacterial responsiveness to antibiotics in the intracellular milieu. The model may prove useful for comparison of antipseudomonal antibiotics to reduce the risk of persistence or relapse of pseudomonal infections.
Melancholia: definition and management

Purpose of review To overview historical ascriptions and the current nosological status of melancholia, before reporting diagnostic strategy, biological marker and treatment studies. Recent findings As melancholia has never been satisfactorily differentiated by reliance on symptoms, strategies that adopt a more prototypic approach and incorporate illness correlates in conjunction with symptoms appear to provide greater precision in differentiating melancholic and nonmelancholic depression. An early indicative biological marker – hyperactive Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis functioning – remains supported, whereas a number of other recently proposed candidate markers require clarification. Implications for treatment from recent clinical trials are also discussed. Summary We note that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) definition of melancholia [as for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV)] may be limited in its differentiating capacity and so compromise research into melancholia's causes and treatments. Clarifying melancholia's status, primary causes and differential treatment responsiveness awaits more precise definition of this depressive condition.
Prospective Isolation of Cortical Interneuron Precursors from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Despite their therapeutic potential, progress in generating fully differentiated forebrain neurons from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has lagged behind that from more caudal regions of the neuraxis. GABAergic interneuron precursors have the remarkable ability to migrate extensively and survive after transplantation into postnatal cortex, making them an attractive candidate for use in cell-based therapy for seizures or other neuropsychiatric disorders. We have modified a mouse ESC line with an Lhx6-GFP reporter construct that allows for the isolation of newly generated cortical interneuron precursors. When transplanted into postnatal cortex, these cells can migrate into the cortical parenchyma, survive for months, and display morphological, neurochemical, and electrophysiological properties characteristic of mature interneurons. This work demonstrates that forebrain neuronal subtypes with complex traits can be generated from embryonic stem cells, and provides a novel approach to the study of cortical interneuron development and to the establishment of cell-based therapies for neurological disease.
The discovery and the development of bendamustine for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies. The treatment strategy for patients with NHL had remained unchanged until the advent of the era of molecular targeting agents. Although rituximab-containing chemotherapy has improved the response rates and survival of patients with B-cell NHL (B-NHL), several subtypes of B-NHL, especially indolent B-NHL and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), remain incurable. Therefore, novel treatment modalities for B-NHL, especially for indolent B-NHL and MCL, are needed. Bendamustine is an old, but unique, multifunctional cytotoxic agent that exhibits structural similarity to alkylating agents and purine analogs. Areas covered: The basic aspects and preclinical development of bendamustine are summarized, followed by a discussion of the clinical development of bendamustine-based treatments for indolent B-NHL and MCL. Expert opinion: Bendamustine monotherapy or the use of bendamustine in combination with rituximab is highly effective against various types of hematological malignancies, especially relapsed or refractory indolent B-NHL, and exhibits an acceptable toxicity profile. Furthermore, bendamustine plus rituximab might be a promising treatment option for patients with untreated indolent B-NHL. Therefore, bendamustine has the potential to play an important role in the treatment of malignant lymphoma.