Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plaque Fluid and Diffusion: Study of the Cariogenic Challenge by Computer Modeling

Every cariogenic challenge involves a mixture of convective transport, diffusive transport, and biochemical reactions, plus physico-chemical reactions (including charge-coupling of diffusion), all of which together require numerical methods for their analysis. This presentation describes a one-dimensional finite-difference computer model of the cariogenic process, and some conclusions obtained from it. Sugar clearance from the mouth, together with site-dependent exchange between the bulk saliva and plaque surface via a salivary film, is combined with a finite-difference model of events occurring within the dental plaque. The latter includes: sugar diffusion and pH-dependent acid production; diffusion and dissociation equilibria for two acid end-products of fermentation and their anions (acetate and lactate); diffusion and dissociation equilibria of phosphate buffer; diffusion of potassium and chloride; diffusion of protons and simultaneous equilibration with fixed and mobile buffers. So that proper concentration distributions consistent with local charge neutrality can be ensured, an algorithm called Q-couple is used to impose charge-coupling between the fluxes of different ions including fixed charges. Mineral dissolution and precipitation are modeled as part of the same equilibrium calculations. The predictions of the model are compared with those of an earlier, much simpler one, in which fixed buffers were not included. It is shown that the known concentration of fixed buffer greatly extends the low pH of a Stephan curve. The isoelectric point of the plaque bacteria also appears to be of importance. The effects of various concentrations of mobile buffers, including acetate, are investigated. It is also shown that varying plaque/saliva contact over the known range derived from published studies has a profound effect on the modeled cariogenic challenge.
Transduction of Pancreatic Islets with Pseudotyped Adeno-Associated Virus: Effect of Viral Capsid and Genome Conversion

Background. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors currently show promise for islet gene therapy. In the presence of complementing AAV2 Rep proteins, AAV2 genomes can be packaged with other serotype capsids to assemble infectious virions. During transduction, the ssDNA to dsDNA conversion is one of the major rate-limiting steps that contribute to the slow onset of transgene expression. Methods. Using pseudotyping strategy, we produced double-stranded (dsAAV) and single-stranded (ssAAV) rAAV2 genomes carrying the GFP reporter gene packaged into AAV1, AAV2, and AAV5 capsids. The ability of cross-packaged AAV1, AAV2, and AAV5 at the same genome containing particle (gcp) concentration to transduce murine and human pancreatic islets was evaluated by GFP positive cell percentage. Transgenic expression was also determined by transplant transduced human islet into SCID mice. Results. Pseudotyped rAAV2/1 based vectors transduced murine islets at greater efficiency than either rAAV2/2 or rAAV2/5 vectors. For human islets transduction, the rAAV2/2 vector was more efficient than rAAV2/1 or rAAV2/5 vectors. rAAV2/2 transduced human islets more efficiently than murine islets, while rAAV2/1 transducted murine islets more efficiently than human islets. dsAAV, which do not require second strand synthesis and thus are potentially more efficient, evidenced 5 fold higher transduction ability than ssAAV vectors. Pseudotyped rAAV transduced islet grafts maintained normal function, expressed transgenic product persistently in vivo, and reversed diabetes. Conclusions. The transduction efficiency of rAAV vectors was dependent on the cross-packaged capsid. The vector capsids permit species-specific transduction. For human islets, dsAAV2/2 vectors may be the most efficient vector for clinical development.
Relationship Between Subclinical Cardiac Troponin I Elevation and Culprit Lesion Characteristics Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background—The prevalence of subclinical, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) elevation in stable patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention and its relationship to culprit lesion characteristics assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) are unknown. Methods and Results—We studied 206 native de novo culprit coronary lesions from 206 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent OCT before elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (cTnI group; n=47; 22.8%) or absence (non-cTnI group; n=159; 77.2%) of cTnI ≥0.03 ng/mL at admission. The clinical and OCT findings were compared between these 2 groups. No significant difference was found in the clinical presentation between the groups except for the serum C-reactive protein levels and presence of multivessel disease. By OCT, cTnI elevation was associated with the presence of thin-cap fibroatheromas, a greater lipid arc, and a longer lipid length. In a multivariable analysis, the presence of positive C-reactive protein levels (odds ratio, 4.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.90–10.08; P=0.001) and OCT-derived thin-cap fibroatheromas (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–6.86; P=0.016) were independent predictors of cTnI elevation. Periprocedural myocardial injury, defined as postpercutaneous coronary intervention peak cTnI levels >1.0 ng/mL (5× the upper reference limit), occurred more often in patients with cTnI elevation at admission (cTnI group: 41% versus non-cTnI group: 18%; P=0.001). Conclusions—The presence of subclinical cTnI elevation at admission was not uncommon and was associated with OCT-derived unstable plaque morphology in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, and may help to identify patients with stable angina pectoris at high risk for periprocedural myocardial injury.
MULTISTEP PREDICTION IN AUTOREGRESSIVE PROCESSES

In this paper, two competing types of multistep predictors, i.e., plug-in and direct predictors, are considered in autoregressive (AR) processes. When a working model AR(k) is used for the h-step prediction with h > 1, the plug-in predictor is obtained from repeatedly using the fitted (by least squares) AR(k) model with an unknown future value replaced by their own forecasts, and the direct predictor is obtained by estimating the h-step prediction model's coefficients directly by linear least squares. Under rather mild conditions, asymptotic expressions for the mean-squared prediction errors (MSPEs) of these two predictors are obtained in stationary cases. In addition, we also extend these results to models with deterministic time trends. Based on these expressions, performances of the plug-in and direct predictors are compared. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate that some stationary case results on these MSPEs can not be generalized to the nonstationary case.The author is deeply grateful to the co-editor Pentti Saikkonen and two referees for their helpful suggestions and comments on a previous version of this paper.
The Quansys multiplex immunoassay for serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, and α-1-acid glycoprotein showed good comparability with reference-type assays but not for soluble transferrin receptor and retinol-binding protein

The Quansys multiplex (Q-Plex) measures ferritin (Fer), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), C-reactive protein (CRP), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and retinol-binding protein (RBP). We compared Q-Plex results with reference-type assays and evaluated Q-Plex performance. Pearson correlation and Lin’s concordance coefficients between the Q-Plex and reference assay were: Fer 0.98 and 0.91, sTfR 0.88 and 0.35, CRP 0.98 and 0.98, AGP 0.82 and 0.81, and RBP 0.68 and 0.31, respectively. The median relative difference between the Q-Plex and reference assay were: Fer -2.4%, sTfR 107%, CRP 0.03%, AGP -1.3%, and RBP 51%. The Q-Plex intra-assay CVs were <5%; the inter-assay CVs were higher: Fer 11%, sTfR 14%, CRP 9.3%, AGP 7.5%, and RBP 19%. EDTA plasma produced 74% higher Q-Plex sTfR concentrations compared to serum. Analyte stability was good for ≤5 freeze-thaw cycles. After adjusting Q-Plex data to the reference assays, sensitivity and specificity were >85% for Fer and CRP; specificity was >85% for sTfR, AGP, and RBP. Using performance criteria derived from biologic variation, Fer, CRP, and AGP met the minimum allowable imprecision (<10.7%, <31.7%, and <8.5%, respectively) and difference from the reference assay (<±7.7%, <±32.7%, and <±10.3%, respectively), while sTfR and RBP exceeded these thresholds (<8.5% and <7.8% for imprecision and <±7.7% and <±12% for difference, respectively). The Q-Plex measures multiple biomarkers simultaneously, is easy to perform, and uses small sample volumes. With some improvements in accuracy and precision (i.e., sTfR and RBP), this assay could be a useful tool for low-resource laboratories conducting micronutrient surveys for epidemiologic screening applications. These findings need to be verified using other populations, particularly those with inadequate micronutrient status.
3.6-7.9 μm Photometry of L and T Dwarfs and the Prevalence of Vertical Mixing in their Atmospheres

We present new L′ (3.75 μm) photometry of six L and T dwarfs, and M′ (4.70 μm) photometry of 10 L and T dwarfs, observed at the Gemini (North) Observatory, and new 3.55, 4.49, 5.73, and 7.87 μm photometry of nine L and T dwarfs, obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. The sample includes unusually blue and red dwarfs selected from our near-infrared studies. The data are combined with previously published L′, M′, and Spitzer photometry of L and T dwarfs, and trends of colors with spectral type and other colors are examined. Recent model atmospheres by Marley and Saumon are used to generate synthetic colors for ranges of effective temperature, gravity, grain sedimentation efficiency, metallicity, and vertical mixing efficiency. We explore how these parameters affect the mid-infrared colors of L and T dwarfs and find that the data are modeled satisfactorily only if substantial vertical mixing occurs in both L and T dwarf atmospheres. The location and range of the L and T dwarf sequences in IRAC color-color and color-magnitude diagrams is also only reproduced if this mixing occurs, with a range of efficiency described by Kzz ~ 102-106 cm2 s-1. The colors of the unusually red dwarfs are best reproduced by nonequilibrium models with low sedimentation efficiency, i.e., thick cloud decks, and the colors of the unusually blue dwarfs by nonequilibrium models with high sedimentation efficiency, i.e., thin cloud decks. The K - L′ and Spitzer [3.55] - [4.49] colors can be used as indicators of effective temperature for L and T dwarfs, but care must be taken to include gravity and metallicity effects for late-T dwarfs and vertical mixing for both late-L and T dwarfs.
Profile of estrogen‐responsive genes in an estrogen‐specific mammary gland outgrowth model

Both ovarian and pituitary hormones are required for the pubertal development of the mouse mammary gland. Estradiol directs ductal elongation and branching, while progesterone leads to tertiary branching and alveolar development. The purpose of this investigation was to identify estrogen‐responsive genes associated with pubertal ductal growth in the mouse mammary gland in the absence of other ovarian hormones and at different stages of development. We hypothesized that the estrogen‐induced genes and their associated functions at early stages of ductal elongation would be distinct from those induced after significant ductal elongation had occurred. Therefore, ovariectomized prepubertal mice were exposed to 17β‐estradiol from two to 28 days, and mammary gland global gene expression analyzed by microarray analysis at various times during this period. We found that: (a) gene expression changes in our estrogen‐only model mimic those changes that occur in normal pubertal development in intact mice, (b) both distinct and overlapping gene profiles were observed at varying extents of ductal elongation, and (c) cell proliferation, the immune response, and metabolism/catabolism were the most common functional categories associated with mammary ductal growth. Particularly striking was the novel observation that genes active during carbohydrate metabolism were rapidly and robustly decreased in response to estradiol. Lastly, we identified mammary estradiol‐responsive genes that are also co‐expressed with estrogen receptor α in human breast cancer. In conclusion, our genomic data support the physiological observation that estradiol is one of the primary hormonal signals driving ductal elongation during pubertal mammary development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 733–750, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon-Inducible Mechanism of Dendritic Cell-Mediated HIV-1 Dissemination Is Dependent on Siglec-1/CD169

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) interactions with myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) can result in virus dissemination to CD4+ T cells via a trans infection pathway dependent on virion incorporation of the host cell derived glycosphingolipid (GSL), GM3. The mechanism of DC-mediated trans infection is extremely efficacious and can result in infection of multiple CD4+ T cells as these cells make exploratory contacts on the DC surface. While it has long been appreciated that activation of DCs with ligands that induce type I IFN signaling pathway dramatically enhances DC-mediated T cell trans infection, the mechanism by which this occurs has remained unclear until now. Here, we demonstrate that the type I IFN-inducible Siglec-1, CD169, is the DC receptor that captures HIV in a GM3-dependent manner. Selective downregulation of CD169 expression, neutralizing CD169 function, or depletion of GSLs from virions, abrogated DC-mediated HIV-1 capture and trans infection, while exogenous expression of CD169 in receptor-naïve cells rescued GSL-dependent capture and trans infection. HIV-1 particles co-localized with CD169 on DC surface immediately following capture and subsequently within non-lysosomal compartments that redistributed to the DC – T cell infectious synapses upon initiation of T cell contact. Together, these findings describe a novel mechanism of pathogen parasitization of host encoded cellular recognition machinery (GM3 – CD169 interaction) for DC-dependent HIV dissemination.
Factors Influencing the Central Nervous System Distribution of a Novel Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor GSK2126458: Implications for Overcoming Resistance with Combination Therapy for Melanoma Brain Metastases

Small molecule inhibitors targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (Braf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase) have had success in extending survival for patients with metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, resistance may occur via cross-activation of alternate signaling pathways. One approach to overcome resistance is to simultaneously target the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Recent reports have shown that GSK2126458 [2,4-difluoro-N-(2-methoxy-5-(4-(pyridazin-4-yl)quinolin-6-yl)pyridin-3-yl) benzenesulfonamide], a dual phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, can overcome acquired resistance to Braf and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors in vitro. These resistance mechanisms may be especially important in melanoma brain metastases because of limited drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence the brain distribution of GSK2126458 and to examine the efficacy of GSK2126458 in a novel patient-derived melanoma xenograft (PDX) model. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that GSK2126458 is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp), two dominant active efflux transporters in the blood–brain barrier. The steady-state brain distribution of GSK2126458 was 8-fold higher in the P-gp/Bcrp knockout mice compared with the wild type. We also observed that when simultaneously infused to steady state, GSK212658, dabrafenib, and trametinib, a rational combination to overcome mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor resistance, all had limited brain distribution. Coadministration of elacridar, a P-gp/Bcrp inhibitor, increased the brain distribution of GSK2126458 by approximately 7-fold in wild-type mice. In the PDX model, GSK2126458 showed efficacy in flank tumors but was ineffective in intracranial melanoma. These results show that P-gp and Bcrp are involved in limiting the brain distribution of GSK2126458 and provide a rationale for the lack of efficacy of GSK2126458 in the orthotopic PDX model.
Ultrasonographic Prevalence and Factors Predicting Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Is There a Correlation between the Grade of Diastolic Dysfunction and the Grade of Liver Disease?

Presence of cardiac dysfunction has been associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. In the present study, 92 consecutive, newly-diagnosed patients with liver cirrhosis were prospectively evaluated. Liver disease was graded according to the modified Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score whereas left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by Doppler-echocardiography and graded (Stage 0 to 4) according to current guidelines. Overall, DD was diagnosed in 55/92 (59.8%) patients [DD-stage-1: 36/92 (39.1%), DD-stage-2: 19/92 (20.6%)]. Prevalence of DD-stage-1 among the different stages of liver cirrhosis was: CTP-class A: 11/29 (37.9%), B: 15/39 (38.5%), C: 10/24 (41.6%), (P > 0.05 in all comparisons), whereas for DD-stage-2 the corresponding proportions were CTP-class A: 3/29 (10.3%), B: 5/39 (12.8%), C: 11/24 (45.8%), (P = 0.0009 between CTP-class C versus A and B). Age > 53 years (Odd's Ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–12.1) and CTP-class C (OR: 4.6; 95% CI: 1.1–20) could independently predict DD. No relation between presence of DD and the etiology of the liver disease was found. We conclude that DD is a common feature in liver cirrhosis. DD-stage-1 is fairly prevalent among all CTP-classes whereas DD-stage-2 seems to be characteristic of the advanced liver disease (CTP-class C). A high level of awareness for the presence of the syndrome is required, especially if cirrhotic patients are CTP-class C and/or of older age.
Identity Process Theory : Identity, Social Action and Social Change

Foreword Kay Deaux Part I. Introduction: 1. Social psychological debates about identity Rusi Jaspal 2. Identity process theory: clarifications and elaborations Glynis M. Breakwell Part II. Methodological Issues in Identity Process Theory Research: 3. Qualitative approaches to research using identity process theory Adrian Coyle and Niamh Murtagh 4. Quantitative approaches to researching identity processes and motivational principles Vivian L. Vignoles Part III. Integrating Theoretical Frameworks: 5. On the meaning, validity and importance of the distinction between personal and social identity: a social identity perspective on identity process theory Samuel Pehrson and Stephen Reicher 6. Identity and social representations Glynis M. Breakwell 7. Identity processes in culturally diverse societies: how is cultural diversity reflected in the self? Xenia Chryssochoou 8. Identity integration, psychological coherence and identity threat: linking identity process theory and notions of integration Catherine E. Amiot and Rusi Jaspal 9. Values and identity process theory: theoretical integration and empirical interactions Anat Bardi, Rusi Jaspal, Ela Polek and Shalom Schwartz Part IV. Identity Process Theory and Social Change: 10. Toward a social psychology of social change: insights from identity process theory Roxane de la Sablonniere and Esther Usborne 11. Collective identity and intractable conflict Neta Oren and Daniel Bar-Tal 12. The role of perceived threat and identity in Islamophobic prejudice Marco Cinnirella 13. Places, identities and geopolitical change: exploring the strengths and limits of identity process theory John Dixon, Kevin Durrheim and Andres Di Masso 14. Old age and its challenges to identity Dario Spini and Daniela Jopp 15. Religion, identity and mental health Kate Miriam Loewenthal 16. Identity threat and resistance to change: evidence and implications from transport-related behaviour Niamh Murtagh, Birgitta Gatersleben and David Uzzell 17. Making sense of risk: the role of social representations and identity Julie Barnett and Konstantina Vasileiou Next steps: 18. Epilogue Glynis M. Breakwell.
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF REINIOSIDE C ON VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS PROLIFERATION INDUCED BY ANGIOTENSIN II VIA INHIBITING NADPH OXIDASE-ROS-ERK1/2-NF-KB-AP-1 PATHWAY

Objectives Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the present study, the effect of reinioside C, a main active ingredient of Polygalafallax Hemsl, on proliferation of VSMCs induced by Ang II was investigated. Methods Cell proliferation was measured by two methods; the DNA synthesis and cell cycle were analysed by BrdU marking and flow cytometry. Intracellular ROS level were determined by measuring the oxidative conversion of cell permeable H2DCF to DCF in fluorospectrophotometer. NADPH oxidase subunits (p22phox, gp91phox), AP-1 subunits (c-fos, c-jun) and c-myc were evaluated by real time PCR. ERK1/2 and IkB-a were measured by western-blot. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay for determining the NF-kB DNA-binding activity. Results The results showed that reinioside C attenuated Ang II-induced NADPH oxidase mRNA expression, generation of ROS, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation of NF-kB as well as mRNA expression of AP-1 and c-myc in VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects of Ang II were also inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium (the NADPHoxidase inhibitor), PD98059 (the ERK1/2 inhibitor) and pyrollidinedithiocarbamate (the NF-kB inhibitor). Conclusions These result suggest reinoside C attenuates AngII-induced proliferation of VSMC via inhibiting NADPH oxidase- ROS- ERK1/2-NF-kB -AP-1 pathway.
Relationship Between Maximal Squat Strength and Five, Ten, and Forty Yard Sprint Times

McBride, JM, Blow, D, Kirby, TJ, Haines, TL, Dayne AM, and Triplett, NT. Relationship between maximal squat strength and five, ten, and forty yard sprint times. J Strength Cond Res 23(6): 1633-1636, 2009-The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between maximal squat strength and sprinting times. Seventeen Division I-AA male football athletes (height = 1.78 ± 0.04 m, body mass [BM] = 85.9 ± 8.8 kg, body mass index [BMI] = 27.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2, 1 repetition maximum [1RM] = 166.5 ± 34.1 kg, 1RM/BM = 1.94 ± 0.33) participated in this investigation. Height, weight, and squat strength (1RM) were assessed on day 1. Within 1 week, 5, 10, and 40 yard sprint times were assessed. Squats were performed to a 70° knee angle and values expressed relative to each subject's BM. Sprints were performed on a standard outdoor track surface with timing gates placed at the previously mentioned distances. Statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlations were found between squat 1RM/BM and 40 yard sprint times (r = −0.605, p = 0.010, power = 0.747) and 10 yard sprint times (r = −0.544, p = 0.024, power = 0.626). The correlation approached significance between 5 yard sprint times and 1RM/BM (r = −0.4502, p = 0.0698, power = 0.4421). Subjects were then divided into those above 1RM/BM of 2.10 and below 1RM/BM of 1.90. Subjects with a 1RM/BM above 2.10 had statistically significantly lower sprint times at 10 and 40 yards in comparison with those subjects with a 1RM/BM ratio below 1.90. This investigation provides additional evidence of the possible importance of maximal squat strength relative to BM concerning sprinting capabilities in competitive athletes.