Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormalities in functional development of the Sertoli cells in rats treated neonatally with diethylstilbestrol: a possible role for estrogens in Sertoli cell development.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was administered neonatally (Days 2-12; 10 microg on alternate days) to rats, and developmental changes in Sertoli cell function were evaluated at 18, 25, and 35 days of age and compared to those observed in rats administered a GnRH antagonist (GnRHa; Days 2 and 5; 10 mg/kg) or a vehicle (controls). DES and GnRHa treatments resulted in similar reductions in both Sertoli cell numbers (40% for DES, 48% for GnRHa) and suppression of testicular growth at 18 and 25 days, though by 35 days the suppression was more pronounced (p < 0.001) in DES-treated animals. Plasma FSH levels were suppressed markedly at 18 and 25 days, but not at 35 days, in GnRHa-treated rats, whereas in DES-treated rats the FSH levels were suppressed significantly only at 35 days. Both treatments suppressed plasma levels of inhibin B, though this was more pronounced (p < 0.05) in DES- than in GnRHa-treated rats. In controls, Sertoli cell immunoexpression of inhibin alpha, sulfated glycoprotein-1 (SGP-1), and androgen receptor (AR) increased in intensity and changed to an adult, stage-dependent pattern by 25 days. In GnRHa-treated rats these changes were reduced in intensity but were similar to those in controls at 35 days. In DES-treated rats, the increase in intensity and stage-dependent pattern of immunoexpression of inhibin alpha, SGP-1, and AR were virtually absent at 25 days but were present by 35 days. Germ cell volume per Sertoli cell was reduced in GnRHa- and DES-treated rats compared with controls at 18 and 25 days but was significantly greater (p < 0. 001) in DES- than in GnRHa-treated rats at 35 days. The proportion of apoptotic to viable germ cells was increased (p < 0.01) in GnRHa- and DES-treated rats compared with controls at 18 and 25 days; but at 35 days, values in GnRHa-treated rats had declined to control values whereas those for DES-treated rats remained 10-fold elevated (p < 0.001). In adulthood, testis weight and daily sperm production were reduced by 43% and 44%, respectively, in GnRHa-treated rats, but spermatogenesis was grossly normal. Comparable changes were observed in approximately 25% of DES-treated rats, but the majority exhibited > 60% reduction in testis weight with many Sertoli cell-only tubules and very low daily sperm production. Taken together, these data are interpreted as providing evidence for direct modulation of Sertoli cell (maturational) development by DES.
HIV‐1 transmission and cytokine‐induced expression of DC‐SIGN in human monocyte‐derived macrophages

Dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin (DC‐SIGN) has been described as an attachment molecule for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) with the potential to mediate its transmission. We examined DC‐SIGN expression in monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) and its role in viral transmission when MDM were exposed to interleukin (IL)‐13, IL‐4, or interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). We show that IL‐13 and IL‐4 increase transcripts, total protein, and cell‐surface expression of DC‐SIGN in all MDM tested, IFN‐γ results ranged from no change to up‐regulation of surface expression, and message and total protein were, respectively, induced in all and 86% of donors tested. Transmission experiments of HIV‐1 X4 between cytokine‐treated MDM to Sup‐T1 cells showed no association between total transmission and DC‐SIGN up‐regulation. IL‐4 but not IL‐13 resulted in a less than twofold increase in MDM viral transmission to CD4+ T cells in spite of a fourfold up‐regulation in DC‐SIGN expression by either cytokine. In contrast, IFN‐γ treatment induced a decrease in total transmission by at least two‐thirds, despite its induction of DC‐SIGN. Soluble mannan resulted in a greater inhibition of viral transmission to CD4+ T cells than neutralizing anti‐DC‐SIGN monoclonal antibody (67–75% vs. 39–48%), supporting the role of mannose‐binding receptors in viral transmission. Taken together, results show that DC‐SIGN regulation in MDM does not singly predict the transmission potential of this cell type.
In vitro approaches to evaluate palytoxin‐induced toxicity and cell death in intestinal cells

Palytoxin isolated from the genus Palythoa is the most potent marine toxin known. The aim of the present study was to quantify palytoxin‐induced cellular injury in the human intestinal cell line Caco‐2. Cellular damage was measured by evaluating cell proliferation, cell membrane permeability, cell morphology and apoptotic markers. Furthermore, changes in F‐actin were studied after exposure of cells to increasing amounts of palytoxin. The results show that cell proliferation decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner with a mean IC50 value of about 0.1 nM. A noticeable increase of cell detachment correlated with cell rounding and F‐actin depolymerization was observed in palytoxin‐treated cells. Moreover LDH was released from the cells in a dose and time dependent manner, although under these conditions there was no propidium iodide uptake. On the other hand, palytoxin impaired mitochondrial activity but other apoptotic markers, such as DNA fragmentation or caspases activation, were not observed. The results obtained in this paper suggest that the effects of palytoxin in Caco‐2 cells were very potent and unspecific, since a primary necrosis and a secondary apoptosis seem to occur under these conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The neural generation of a unified illusion in human vision

THE neural mechanisms of visual binding in humans were investigated by measuring the brain's high-frequency electric responses (36–44 Hz) to the subjective visual perception of a unified three-dimensional illusion. 40 Hz synchronization was found over occipital and right parieto-temporal areas 500–300 ms before visual awareness of the three-dimensional Gestalt was reported, but not during the viewing of the illusion. At lower frequency bands (8–13 Hz and 13–20 Hz) no corresponding synchronization was found. 40 Hz synchronization thus directly correlates with the construction and emergence of a unified visual percept and may reflect the rapid formation of transient functional connections between spatially separated cortical areas.
Pragmatic estimation of join sizes and attribute correlations

A method is presented for modeling attribute value distributions in database relations for the purpose of obtaining accurate estimates of intermediate relation sizes during query evaluation. The basic idea is that instead of keeping a single (average) value to represent the number of occurrences of each attribute value, m (typically ten) parameters are kept, each representing the number of occurrences of attribute values in a piece, or partition, corresponding to a subrange of 1/mth of the original value range. The uniformity assumption, taken as an estimation technique rather than as an assumption, holds for each partition, hence the name piecewise uniform. The distribution method is extended to the modeling of important intrarelational attribute correlations. This and other enhancements to the technique such as application to semijoin operation are suggested. The technique is being used on two multidatabase management systems. <<ETX>>
Cell-specific Behavior of P2X7 Receptors in Mouse Parotid Acinar and Duct Cells*

P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) affect many epithelial cell functions including transcellular ion transport, secretion, and cell death. Here we used parotid acinar and duct cells to reveal the unique cell-specific assembly and gating of the P2X7R channels. Immunolocalization indicated expression of P2X7Rs in the luminal membrane of both cell types. Stimulation with 5 mm ATP raised [Ca2+]i levels in a cell-specific manner and activated multiple currents. The current mediated by P2X7R was isolated by infusing the cells with high [EGTA]. The initial activation of acinar cell P2X7Rs by ATP was slow requiring ∼2.5 min. Subsequent removal and addition of ATP, however, resulted in rapid inhibition and activation (gating) of the P2X7Rs. By contrast, P2X7Rs in duct cells displayed only rapid gating by ATP. Activation of P2X7Rs in both cell types was verified by (a) low Km for ATP, (b) sensitivity to external divalent ions, (c) lack of desensitization/inactivation, (d) permeability to Na+, and (e) inhibition by Brilliant Blue G, Cu2+, and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid tetrasodium. The slow P2X7R activation in acinar cells was not affected by manipulation of exo-/endocytosis. Rather, disassembly or solidification of the actin cytoskeleton prior to incubation with ATP prevented channel assembly. Remarkably, after completion of the slow activation, manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton no longer affected gating by ATP. Accordingly, manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton had no effect on P2X7R gating by ATP in duct cells. We concluded that P2X7Rs are not active in resting acinar cells. On exposure to ATP, P2X7Rs are assembled into functional channels with the aid of the actin cytoskeleton. Once assembled, P2X7Rs are subject to rapid gating by ATP. Duct cell P2X7Rs are preassembled and therefore continually subject to rapid gating by ATP. This cell-specific behavior may reflect the specific function of P2X7Rs in the two cell types.
Development of a new type of large-size self-integrating Rogowski coils applied in TPG-series generators

Different meter-class, thousand-turn, self-integrating Rogowski coils for the TPG-series generators are designed. The features of this type of coils are the extremely large turn number (several thousands) and the 50-Ω characteristic impedance of the cable used as the current viewing resistor. After calibrations for these large-size coils, it is found that the experimental sensitivities are larger than the theoretical ones and that the deviations range from 4% to 20%, which cannot be accepted. The deviations are analysed in perspective of coil size and cable length. It is concluded that the sensitivity deviations are mainly due to the increased coil size and partly due to the long cables. A modified theoretical sensitivity expression of the large-size, self-integrating Rogowski coils is presented based on the transmission-line model, which embodies the factors of coil size and cable length. A method to test the key parameter in the model, the characteristic impedance of the coil, Z, is also presented. With this expression and the method, the theoretical sensitivities for the TPG-series generators are re-calculated, which agree well with the experimental ones, only with a deviation around 2%. It is suggested that the modified theoretical sensitivity expression can be used to calculate the sensitivity of the self-integrating Rogowski Coils with a large size.
Modelling the effect of fruit growth on surface conductance to water vapour diffusion.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS A model of fruit surface conductance to water vapour diffusion driven by fruit growth is proposed. It computes the total fruit conductance by integrating each of its components: stomata, cuticle and cracks. METHODS The stomatal conductance is computed from the stomatal density per fruit and the specific stomatal conductance. The cuticular component is equal to the proportion of cuticle per fruit multiplied by its specific conductance. Cracks are assumed to be generated when pulp expansion rate exceeds cuticle expansion rate. A constant percentage of cracks is assumed to heal each day. The proportion of cracks to total fruit surface area multiplied by the specific crack conductance accounts for the crack component. The model was applied to peach fruit (Prunus persica) and its parameters were estimated from field experiments with various crop load and irrigation regimes. KEY RESULTS The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental measurements and for the different conditions (irrigation and crop load). Total fruit surface conductance decreased during early growth as stomatal density, and hence the contribution of the stomatal conductance, decreased from 80 to 20 % with fruit expansion. Cracks were generated for fruits exhibiting high growth rates during late growth and the crack component could account for up to 60 % of the total conductance during the rapid fruit growth. The cuticular contribution was slightly variable (around 20 %). Sensitivity analysis revealed that simulated conductance was highly affected by stomatal parameters during the early period of growth and by both crack and stomatal parameters during the late period. Large fruit growth rate leads to earlier and greater increase of conductance due to higher crack occurrence. Conversely, low fruit growth rate accounts for a delayed and lower increase of conductance. CONCLUSIONS By predicting crack occurrence during fruit growth, this model could be helpful in managing cropping practices for integrated plant protection.
Casein Kinase 1-dependent Phosphorylation of Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome-associated Residues Controls PERIOD 2 Stability*

The mammalian circadian clock component PERIOD2 (PER2) plays a critical role in circadian rhythm entrainment. Recently, a missense mutation at a putative phosphorylation site in hPER2, Ser-662, was identified in patients that suffer from familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS). Patients with FASPS display abnormal sleep-wake patterns characterized by a lifelong pattern of sleep onset in the early evening and offset in the early morning. Although the phosphorylation of PER2 is strongly implied from functional studies, it has not been possible to study the site-specific phosphorylation of PER2 on Ser-662, and the biochemical functions of this residue are unclear. Here, we used phospho-specific antibodies to show that PER2 is phosphorylated on Ser-662 and flanking casein kinase (CK) sites in vivo. The phosphorylation of PER2 was carried out by the combined activities of casein kinase 1δ (CK1 δ) and casein kinase 1ϵ (CK1ϵ) and was antagonized by protein phosphatase 1. PER2 phosphorylation was rapidly induced in response to circadian entrainment of mammalian cell lines and occurred in both cytosolic and nuclear compartments. Importantly, we found that the pool of Ser-662-phosphorylated PER2 proteins was more stable than the pool of total PER2 molecules, implying that the FASPS phosphorylation cluster antagonizes PER2 degradation. Consistent with this idea, a Ser-662 → Ala mutation that abrogated PER2 phosphorylation significantly reduced its half-life, whereas a phosphomimetic Ser-662 → Asp substitution led to an elevation in half-life. Our combined findings provide new insights into PER2 regulation and the biochemical basis of FASPS.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: a "cardiac stem cell disease" involving p66Shc, an attractive novel molecular target for heart failure therapy.

See related article, pages 42–52 Diabetes, as well as hypertension and aging, have similar effects on heart dysfunction, resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy and stiffness. These three pathological states share two common points of no return: oxidative stress and ROS formation. Research in this area is not new. For the past 30 to 40 years, basic and pharmacological research has focused on efforts to block the production or counteract the effects of these highly reactive, unstable molecules. It is only in the last few years that, their direct toxic role in cellular structures notwithstanding, ROS has been regarded as a second messenger.1 This represents a more subtle and insidious mechanism of action, because their byproduct and amplified effects may depend on activated cascades leading to persistent consequences (apoptosis, necrosis), even if ROS are naturally or pharmacologically contrasted. In this regard the adaptor protein p66Shc, which along with p46Shc and p52Shc, is encoded by the ShcA gene, has been demonstrated to be a target of ROS.2 p46Shc and p52Shc are ubiquitous isoforms, derived from the same mRNA through alternative start sites.3 In contrast, p66Shc expression is restricted to certain cell types and stimulatory conditions through epigenetic modifications of its distinct promoter.4–5 Shc is tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to growth factors and Ang II.2–6 Once phosphorylated, Shc forms a complex with Grb2, recruiting the Son-of-sevenless (SOS) exchange protein to the plasma membrane for activation of Ras. The three Shc isoforms have distinct …
Probing protein-DNA interactions at the long terminal repeat of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by in vivo footprinting

We have analyzed protein-DNA interactions at the long terminal repeat of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in a productively infected T-cell line by in vivo dimethyl sulfate footprinting. Major footprints are evident at the basal promoter and enhancer elements. In particular, proteins appear to occupy the TATA box, the Sp1 sites, and the two repeats of the enhancer region. In the negative regulatory element, protections are detected over the USF/MLTF and NFAT-1 sites. Furthermore, two previously unrecognized sites, from nucleotides -260 to -275 and from nucleotides -205 to -216, respectively, appear to be involved in protein-DNA interactions. These two sites are purine rich and share a common sequence motif.
Enaction, Embodiment, Evolutionary Robotics - Simulation Models for a Post-Cognitivist Science of Mind

The book Enaction, Embodiment, Evolutionary Robotics proposes how a particular kind of simulation model, i.e. Evolutionary Robotics simulations, can help to solve several problems in Cognitive Science. Examples discussed in the book ranges from motor control, neuroscientific theory, social contingency and time perception. It is argued that methodological minimalism can be a merit, not a shortcoming, even when studying something as complex as the human mind. The book concludes by proposing a new minimalist interdisciplinary framework for the study of perception, combining simulation modeling, experimental methods and accounts of subjective experience. This book endorses an enactive and constructivist view on the human mind, in opposition to the traditional information-processing view. Furthermore, the book discusses and presents the enactive approach, clarifies the assets of this view and how it differs from other proposed alternatives to the computationalist paradigm in AI and Cognitive Science, crucial and missing in the ongoing embodied turn. The book also presents new experimental results on a number of topics and points out connections between them. Finally, the book proposes a novel framework for the study of perception that combines a number of methods, including computational modeling, in a previously unseen and promising way.
Epstein–barr virus in diffuse large B‐Cell lymphoma in immunocompetent patients in Japan is as low as in Western Countries

According to previous reports, the frequency of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is higher in East Asia (approximately 9%) than in Western countries. The presence of the EBV genome was examined in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients registered with the Osaka Lymphoma Study Group (OLSG) in Osaka, Japan, situated in East Asia. The EBV‐positive rate was examined with in situ hybridization (ISH) in 484 immunocompetent diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients registered with OLSG. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.29, with ages ranging from 16 to 95 (median, 68) years. ISH with EBV‐encoded small RNAs (EBER) probes revealed positive signals in the nuclei of tumor cells: the frequency of positively stained cells among all tumor cells was almost none in 458 cases, 5–10% in 5, 10–20% in 5, 20–50% in 11, and >50% in 5. When the frequency was >20% or >50%, the EBV‐positive rate in the present series (3.3% or 1.0%) was rather similar to that reported in Western cases. Careful evaluation of patient backgrounds, including age distribution, type of lymphomas, exclusion of immunocompromised patients, and establishment of definite criteria for EBV positivity (>20%, >50%, or almost all tumor cells) are essential in comparing geographical differences. J. Med. Virol. 83:317–321, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytokines Involved in Toxoplasmic encephalitis

Reactivation of cerebral toxoplasmosis occurs in approximately 30% of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients who are seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii and a change in the levels of cytokines during this relapse is observed. Several cytokines are able to initiate meningeal inflammation and may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. The induction of a type 1 inflammatory cytokine response is a key event in the initiation of immunity to T. gondii. Interleukin (IL)‐10 production in infected brain facilitates the persistence of parasites by down‐regulating the intracerebral immune response. The in vivo and in vitro models are very numerous and this may explain the heterogeneity of the results. The role of gamma interferon is important because it is the principal mediator inducing a host resistance against T. gondii. Several cytokines stimulating or decreasing interferon (IFN)‐γ levels are reported. The particular case of AIDS patients whose humoral response is altered, is studied.
Cardiorespiratory and immune response to physical activity following exposure to a typical smoking environment

Objective Millions of non-smokers suffer daily passive smoking (PS) at home or at work, many of whom then have to walk fast for several minutes or climb a few sets of stairs. We conducted a randomised single-blind crossover experiment to assess the cardiorespiratory and immune response to physical activity following PS. Design Data were obtained from 17 (eight women) non-smoking adults during and following 30 minutes of moderate cycling administered at baseline and at 0 hour, 1 hour and 3 hours following a 1-hour PS exposure set at bar/restaurant PS levels. Results We found that PS was associated with a 36% and 38.7% decrease in mean power output in men and women, respectively, and that this effect persisted up to 3 hours (p<0.05). Moreover, at 0 hour almost all cardiorespiratory and immune variables measured were markedly reduced (p<0.05). For instance, FEV1 values at 0 hour dropped by 10.2% in men and 10.8% in women, while IL-5 increased by 59.2% in men and 44% in women, respectively (p<0.05). At 3-hour mean values of respiratory quotient, mean power, perceived exertion, cotinine, FEV1, IL-5, IL-6 and INFγ in both sexes, recovery diastolic and mean arterial pressure, IL-4 and TNFα in men, as well as percentage predicted FEV1 in women remained different compared to baseline (p<0.05). Also, some of the PS effects were exacerbated in less fit individuals. Conclusion It is concluded that 1 hour of PS at bar/restaurant levels adversely affects the response to moderate physical activity in healthy non-smokers for at least 3 hours following PS.
Selective Growth of the Silicon-Oxide Nanodot Array Using Nanosphere Lithography and Liquid-Phase Deposition

In this paper, we demonstrated that a well-ordered array of silicon oxide dots with diameter of 50-60 nm can be easily formed at low temperature using a newly developed technique. Specifically, silicon oxide dots were selectively deposited at temperatures of 50°C or less using a liquid-phase deposition (LPD) technique on the Si/Pt/Au substrates, which have a well-ordered array of nanoholes formed by photoresist ashing of the self-organized polystyrene bead and the deposition/liftoff of metal films (i.e., Pt/Au). Since the Si layer was exposed only at the bottom of nanoholes and silicon oxide was selectively deposited only on Si during the LPD process, silicon oxide was deposited in the form of a dot array in nanometer scale.