Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamical effects of subducting ridges: insights from 3-D laboratory models

SUMMARY We model using analogue experiments the subduction of buoyant ridges and plateaus to study their effect on slab dynamics. Experiments show that simple local (1-D) isostatic considerations are not appropriate to predict slab behaviour during the subduction of a buoyant ridge perpendicular to the trench, because the rigidity of the plate forces the ridge to subduct with the dense oceanic lithosphere. Oceanic ridges parallel to the trench have a stronger effect on the process of subduction because they simultaneously affect a longer trench segment. Large buoyant slab segments sink more slowly into the asthenosphere, and their subduction result in a diminution of the velocity of subduction of the plate. We observe a steeping of the slab below those buoyant anomalies, resulting in smaller radius of curvature of the slab that augments the energy dissipated in folding the plate and further diminishes the velocity of subduction. When the 3-D geometry of a buoyant plateau is modelled, the dip of the slab above the plateau decreases, as a result of the larger velocity of subduction of the dense ‘normal’ oceanic plate on both sides of the plateau. Such a perturbation of the dip of the slab maintains long time after the plateau has been entirely incorporated into the subduction zone. We compare experiments with the present-day subduction zone below South America. Experiments suggest that a modest ridge perpendicular to the trench such as the present-day Juan Fernandez ridge is not buoyant enough to modify the slab geometry. Already subducted buoyant anomalies within the oceanic plate, in contrast, may be responsible for some aspects of the present-day geometry of the Nazca slab at depth.
Functional Limitations as Potential Mediators of the Effects of Self-Reported Vision Status on Fall Risk of Older Adults

Objective: To test whether limitations in mobility and large-muscle functioning mediate self-reported vision status to increase fall risk among respondents age 65 and above. Method: This study used two waves from the Health and Retirement Study. We conducted binary logistic and negative binomial regression analyses to test indirect paths leading from self-reported vision status to falls, via indices of mobility and large-muscle functioning. Results: Limited evidence was found for a mediating effect among women; however, large-muscle groups were implicated as partially mediating risk factors for falls among men with fair self-reported vision status. Discussion: Implications of these findings are discussed including the need for prioritizing improved muscle strength of older men and women with poor vision as a preventive measure against falls.
States of Theory and States of Asia: Regional Perspectives on States in Asia

Les etats d'Asie ont longtemps ete percus comme etant fondamentalement differents de ceux entrant dans le systeme de developpement de la civilisation europeenne (Mesopotamie, monde mediteraneen, Europe). Afin de developper des shemas de construction des societes complexes plus realistes et mieux appropries, les types d'etats asiatiques doivent etre integres dans des modeles archeologiques plus generaux.
The application and testing of diatom-based indices of stream water quality in Chinhoyi Town, Zimbabwe

Aquatic ecosystem biomonitoring tools are largely lacking for many developing countries, resulting in adoption of tools developed from other countries/regions. In many instances, however, the applicability of adopted tools to the new system has not been explicitly evaluated. The objective of this study was to test the applicability of foreign diatom-based water quality assessment indices to urban streams in Zimbabwe, with the view of stimulating research to develop improved approaches for assessing ecological integrity of lotic systems in the country. The study evaluated the relationship between measured water quality variables and diatom index scores. The study found a high degree of concordance between water quality variables and diatom index scores. Thus, the indices proved useful in providing an indication of the quality of the investigated waters. This could be attributed to the occurrence of many widely distributed diatom species that have similar environmental tolerances to those recorded elsewhere. Diatom indices which exhibited consistent classifications and strong correlations with water quality variables such as Trophic Index, Saprobic Index, Pampean Diatom Index, Biological Index of Water Quality and Leclercq Index are recommended for use in the country. However, ecological requirements of some diatom species from Zimbabwe need to be clarified and incorporated in a diatom-based water quality assessment protocol unique to the country. Keywords : biological monitoring, pollution, benthic diatoms, biotic indices
Immunomodulation of the antibody response to lipopolysaccharide in C3H/HeJ mice by complexing with heterologous ribosomes

We show that formaldehyde fixation of Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to ribosomes purified from Brucella abortus induced a primary immunoglobulin M (IgM) response to LPS in C3H/HeJ mice and upon revaccination resulted in elevated titers of IgM and induction of IgG antibody to the O antigens of LPS, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A similar LPS-Aspergillus fumigatus ribosomal complex yielded IgM and IgG antibody to LPS only after secondary stimulation. These results demonstrate that the hyporesponsiveness of C3H/HeJ mice with respect to antibody formation to LPS can be overcome by complexing this molecule to ribosomal particles and provide a theoretical mechanism for the action of some "ribosomal" vaccines. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that LPS in complex with the ribosomes is converted to a T-dependent form of the antigen to which the C3H/HeJ mice can respond.
Maximum Static Respiratory Pressures in Healthy Elderly Men and Women: Issues of Reproducibility and Interpretation

Background: Respiratory muscle strength is assessed using the static pressure generated at the mouth during a maximal inspiratory or expiratory effort [PImax and PEmax, respectively (MSRPs)]. Interpretation of MSRPs relies upon comparison with ‘normal’ values, but MSRPs show very weak associations with predictors such as physical characteristics. The influence of habitual physical activity upon MSRPs remains undefined. Objectives: We examined measurement reproducibility, as well as the influence of physical characteristics and habitual physical activity upon MSRPs in healthy elderly people. Methods: MSRPs were assessed in 41 healthy subjects using a portable mouth pressure meter on two occasions, 1 week apart. Physical activity was assessed in 10 subjects by diary record. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to assess the association of MSRPs with other measured variables. Results: There was good measurement reproducibility of MSRPs, with coefficients of reproducibility of 10.2 and 12.8% for PImax and PEmax, respectively. MSRPs showed statistically significant negative correlations with age, but correlations with physical characteristics were poor. In contrast, MSRPs were highly correlated with physical activity. Conclusions: We conclude that MSRPs can be measured reproducibly and that they decline with advancing age. Physical characteristics are not good predictors of MSRPs; this may be due to a strong confounding influence of physical activity making interpretation of measurements problematic. We suggest that the poor predictive power of physical characteristics indicate that reference to ‘normal’ values be made with caution and that it may be more appropriate to consider functional interpretations of MSRPs based upon factors such as lung and chest wall elastance.
Evolutionary Dynamics of the Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (LRR-RLK) Subfamily in Angiosperms1[OPEN]

Phylogenetic analysis of leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor-like kinases demonstrates the dynamic nature of gene duplication, loss, and selection in this family. Gene duplications are an important factor in plant evolution, and lineage-specific expanded (LSE) genes are of particular interest. Receptor-like kinases expanded massively in land plants, and leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLK) constitute the largest receptor-like kinases family. Based on the phylogeny of 7,554 LRR-RLK genes from 31 fully sequenced flowering plant genomes, the complex evolutionary dynamics of this family was characterized in depth. We studied the involvement of selection during the expansion of this family among angiosperms. LRR-RLK subgroups harbor extremely contrasting rates of duplication, retention, or loss, and LSE copies are predominantly found in subgroups involved in environmental interactions. Expansion rates also differ significantly depending on the time when rounds of expansion or loss occurred on the angiosperm phylogenetic tree. Finally, using a dN/dS-based test in a phylogenetic framework, we searched for selection footprints on LSE and single-copy LRR-RLK genes. Selective constraint appeared to be globally relaxed at LSE genes, and codons under positive selection were detected in 50% of them. Moreover, the leucine-rich repeat domains, and specifically four amino acids in them, were found to be the main targets of positive selection. Here, we provide an extensive overview of the expansion and evolution of this very large gene family.
Functions to Inhibit NK Cell Lysis Class I-Like Molecule (UL142) That Human Cytomegalovirus Encodes an MHC

Clinical and low passage strains of human CMV (HCMV) encode an additional MHC class I-related molecule UL142, in addition to the previously described UL18. The UL142 open reading frame is encoded within the ULb (cid:1) region which is missing from a number of common high passage laboratory strains. Cells expressing UL142 following transfection, and ﬁbroblasts infected with a recombinant adenovirus-expressing UL142, were used to screen both polyclonal NK cells and NK cell clones, in a completely autologous system. Analysis of 100 NK cell clones derived from ﬁve donors, revealed 23 clones that were inhibited by ﬁbroblasts expressing UL142 alone. Small-interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of UL142 mRNA expression in HCMV-infected cells resulted in increased sensitivity to lysis. From these data we conclude that UL142 is a novel HCMV-encoded MHC class I-related molecule which inhibits NK cell killing in a clonally dependent manner. The Journal of Immunology, 2005, 175: 7457–7465. RNAeasy columns, according to the manufacturer’s proto-cols. First-strand cDNA was produced using the Promega RT system. was performed using forward primer 5 (cid:1) -ATTGAATGGGTGTGGTGGTT and reverse primer 5 (cid:1) -TGAGGTCGCAAGTGTGATTC, which yields a 385-bp product (45 cycles of 94°C, 30 s; 60°C, 30 s; 72°C, 30 s).
Pulmonary function in man after short-term exposure to ozone.

Normal subjects, smokers and nonsmokers, were exposed to either 0.37 or to 0.75 ppm ozone for two hours in an environmental chamber. Two hours of intermittent exercise in such atmospheres of ozone produced major changes in the lung function tests derived from the maximal expiratory flow. At higher concentrations of ozone, slightly greater effects were noted in smokers than nonsmokers, but at lower concentrations this difference was not evident. The total lung capacity was not significantly affected by the exposure, but the residual volume increased. This increase is closely related to the changes in the closing volume and indicates an early effect in the small airways. We may conclude that a concentration of 0.37 ppm ozone for a period of two hours is unacceptably high if impairment of pulmonary function is to be avoided in a normal, active population.
Copper, Zinc, Manganese, and Magnesium Status and Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To evaluate copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and other indices of peroxidative status in diabetic and nondiabetic human subjects. Research Design and Methods Convenience sample of 57 insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects recruited from the diabetes clinic of the University of California, Davis, Medical Center and 28 nondiabetic subjects recruited from the staffs of the Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition. Individuals conducting laboratory analyses were blind to subject group. A fasting blood sample was collected from all subjects and appropriately processed for future analyses. A 24-h urine collection was obtained in a subset of subjects. Results Hyperzincuria and hypermagnesuria were evident in diabetic subjects compared with control subjects. There were no differences in plasma magnesium or whole-blood manganese between groups. Plasma copper was higher and plasma zinc was lower in diabetic than in control subjects. When data were viewed with respect to specific diabetes-associated complications, diabetic subjects with retinopathy, hypertension, or microvascular disease had higher plasma copper concentrations compared with both diabetic subjects without complications and with control subjects. There were no significant differences between control and diabetic subjects in erythrocyte copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity or whole-blood glutathione peroxidase or glutathione reductase activities. Plasma peroxide concentrations were higher in diabetic than control subjects. Conclusions Diabetes can alter copper, zinc, magnesium, and lipid peroxidation status. Perturbations in mineral metabolism are more pronounced in diabetic populations with specific complications. It is not known whether differences in trace element status are a consequence of diabetes, or alternatively, whether they contribute to the expression of the disease.
TONIN IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN THE VENTRAL TIVE CRUSTACEAN ANASPIDES TASMANIAE CLOS OF CRAYFISH

behaviour. W chemical ch not known, the neurona providing ev of aspects o 1991; Paul, needed, however, because although circuits and their components do change, it is not yet clear which features are relatively well conserved and which are modified. One difficulty of using the comparative method in an evolutionary context is deriving an acceptable representation of the primitive condition by evaluating a number of related, but differently evolved, modern species. We are testing a novel approach to this problem, open to us because Australia has a relict population of the syncarid crustacean Anaspides tasmaniae. Fossil and morphological evidence from extant syncarids suggests that they have altered little in their external morphology for at least 300 million years (Schram, 1983) and probably represent a form close to the ancestral malacostracan condition. If constancy in external morphology is mirrored by a similar stability in the nervous system, a likely but unproved may strac pro us sy nform ary as use g bo behaviour and the structure and function of its nervous system (e.g. Macmillan and Field, 1994; Pasztor and Macmillan, 1990; Sandeman et al. 1988, 1993). Here we report on a comparison of serotonergic immunoreactivity in the neurones of the anterior nerve cord of Anaspides tasmaniae and Cherax destructor.
Molecular analysis of bacterial pathogens in otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect bacterial DNA in pediatric middle ear effusions that are sterile by standard cultural methods. DESIGN Single-center, blinded, comparative study of diagnostic assays. The PCR-based detection systems for Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were designed and validated using a battery of DNAs obtained from cultured bacteria. Chronic middle ear effusion specimens were collected and comparatively analyzed by culture and the PCR. SETTING Tertiary care pediatric hospital. PATIENTS A total of 97 middle ear effusions were collected from pediatric outpatients at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pa) during myringotomy and tube placement for chronic otitis media with effusion (duration > 3 months). All patients had failed multiple courses of antimicrobial therapy and were diagnosed by a combination of validated otoscopy and tympanograms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Differences in the percentage of positive test results between PCR-based assays and culture for M catarrhalis, H influenzae, and S pneumoniae. RESULTS Of the 97 specimens of otitis media with effusion, 28 (28.9%) tested positive by both culture and PCR for M catarrhalis, H influenzae, or S pneumoniae. An additional 47 specimens (48%) were PCR positive/culture negative for these three bacterial species. Thus, 75 (77.3%) of the 97 specimens tested PCR positive for one or more of the three test organisms. The minimum number of bacterial genomic equivalents present in the average culture-negative ear was estimated to be greater than 10(4) based on dilutional experiments. CONCLUSIONS The PCR-based assay systems can detect the presence of bacterial DNA in a significant percentage of culturally sterile middle ear effusions. While this finding is not proof of an active bacterial infectious process, the large number of bacterial genomic equivalents present in the ears is suggestive of an active process.
Socioeconomic status, frailty, and subjective well-being: A moderated mediation analysis in elderly Chinese

The study examined the mechanisms underlying the link between socioeconomic status and subjective well-being and explored the role of social activities using a representative sample of older adults (N = 2773) in Shanghai, China. Results show that frailty mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and subjective well-being, and social activities moderated the model, such that the mediation effect of frailty was significant only when social activities were lower. Moreover, the moderated mediation model was significant only for women, not for men. Findings highlight the importance of addressing frailty of older adults and promoting social activities (especially for elderly women) in future interventions.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and the incidence of nicotine, alcohol, and other drug disorders in persons who have experienced trauma.

BACKGROUND We examine whether exposure to traumatic events increases the risk for nicotine dependence or alcohol or other drug use disorders, independent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Data come from a longitudinal epidemiologic study of young adults in southeast Michigan. Prospective data covering a 10-year period and retrospective lifetime data gathered at baseline were used to estimate the risk for onset of substance use disorders in persons with PTSD and in persons exposed to trauma without PTSD, compared with persons who have not been exposed to trauma. The National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-III-R was used. Logistic regression was used to analyze the prospective data, and Cox proportional hazards survival analysis with time-dependent variables was applied to the lifetime data. RESULTS The prospective and retrospective data show an increased risk for the onset of nicotine dependence and drug abuse or dependence in persons with PTSD, but no increased risk or a significantly (P =.004) lower risk (for nicotine dependence, in the prospective data) in persons exposed to trauma in the absence of PTSD, compared with unexposed persons. Exposure to trauma in either the presence or the absence of PTSD did not predict alcohol abuse or dependence. CONCLUSIONS The findings do not support the hypothesis that exposure to traumatic events per se increases the risk for substance use disorders. A modestly elevated risk for nicotine dependence might be an exception. Posttraumatic stress disorder might be a causal risk factor for nicotine and drug use disorders or, alternatively, the co-occurrence of PTSD and these disorders might be influenced by shared risk factors other than traumatic exposure.
Epidemiology of Anxiety Disorders in the Australian General Population: Findings of the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Objective: The aims of this study were to report 12-month and lifetime prevalence for anxiety disorders in the Australian general population, identify sociodemographic and clinical correlates of anxiety disorders, and report the rates of comorbidity among anxiety, affective, and substance use disorders across the lifespan. Method: The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing was a nationally representative, face-to-face household survey of 8841 (60% response rate) community residents aged between 16 and 85 years. Diagnoses for anxiety, affective and substance use disorders were made according to the DSM-IV using the World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders were 11.8% and 20.0%, respectively. Anxiety disorders had a similar median age of onset (19 years) compared to substance use disorders (20 years), but earlier than affective disorders (34 years). Social phobia was the earliest onset anxiety disorder (median 13 years), with generalized anxiety disorder the latest (median 33 years). Significant correlates of the presence of anxiety disorders included being female, single, not in the labour force, in the middle age groups, not having post-graduate qualifications, having a comorbid physical condition, and having a family history of mental disorders. Being in the oldest age ranges and being born in another non-English speaking country were associated with lower odds of having an anxiety disorder. Body mass index was not associated with the presence of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders were highly comorbid, particularly with major depression, dysthymia, and alcohol dependence. Comorbidity with substance use disorders reduced with age. Comorbidity with affective disorders was high across the lifespan. Conclusions: Anxiety disorders are common, can have an early onset, and are highly comorbid. Prevention, early detection, and treatment of anxiety disorders should be a priority.
Explanations: What Factors Enhance Their Perceived Adequacy

Factors that enhance the perceived adequacy of explanations for bad news were examined in three studies: two cross-sectional surveys and a simulation experiment. All studies found that the specificity of the explanation's substance accounted for more variance in judgments of explanation adequacy than did the interpersonal sensitivity of the explanation's delivery. Moderators of the relationship between explanation features and perceptions of explanation adequacy were found as well: These explanation features enhanced the perceived adequacy of explanations more when outcomes of greater, rather than lesser, severity were being explained, and when the explanation was delivered verbally instead of in writing. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Pannexin hemichannels: A novel promising therapy target for oxidative stress related diseases

Pannexins, which contain three subtypes: pannexin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3, are vertebrate glycoproteins that form non‐junctional plasma membrane intracellular hemichannels via oligomerization. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance of the generation and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies have shown that elevated ROS levels are pivotal in the development of a variety of diseases. Recent studies indicate that the occurrence of these oxidative stress related diseases is associated with pannexin hemichannels. It is also reported that pannexins regulate the production of ROS which in turn may increase the opening of pannexin hemichannels. In this paper, we review recent researches about the important role of pannexin hemichannels in oxidative stress related diseases. Thus, pannexin hemichannels, novel therapeutic targets, hold promise in managing oxidative stress related diseases such as the tumor, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance (IR), and neural degeneration diseases.