Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Severe Impairment of Leukocyte Recruitment in ppGalNAcT-1–Deficient Mice

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 plays an important role in leukocyte recruitment. Its binding affinity to selectins is modulated by posttranslational modifications. The polypeptide N-acetylgalactosamine transferase-1 (ppGalNAcT-1) initiates core-type protein O-glycosylation. To address whether the glycosylation of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 by ppGalNAcT-1 is important for leukocyte recruitment in vivo, we investigated leukocyte recruitment in untreated and TNF-α–treated cremaster muscles comparing ppGalNAcT-1–deficient mice (Galnt1−/−) and wild-type mice. In untreated and TNF-α–treated Galnt1−/− mice, leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and transmigration were significantly reduced, with markedly increased rolling velocity compared with control mice. L-selectin–dependent leukocyte rolling was completely abolished in Galnt1−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Thioglycollate-induced peritonitis experiments with chimeric mice revealed that hematopoietic ppGalNAcT-1 is important for leukocyte recruitment. These data show that the loss of ppGalNAcT-1 led to reduced leukocyte rolling and recruitment and increased rolling velocity, suggesting a predominant role for ppGalNAcT-1 in attaching functionally relevant O-linked glycans to selectin ligands.
Effects of Vitamin E on Phospholipase A2 Activity and Oxidative Damage to the Liver in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E on oxidative stress and cell membrane fluidity in the liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 100 ± 10 g were fed a vitamin E-free diet (the DM-0E group), a 40 mg vitamin E/kg diet (the DM-40E group), or a 400 mg vitamin E/kg diet (the DM-400E group). Result: Dietary vitamin E reduced the increased concentration of lipid peroxides in the liver tissues of diabetic rats through decreasing their increased phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity and phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysis. However, vitamin E reduced the accumulation of superoxide radical and decreased the generation of oxidative damage substances, such as the carbonyl value, increased membrane fluidity and lowered oxidative damage. Conclusions: Vitamin E was found to be excellent for regulating the activity of PLA2, reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species and damaging oxidative substances, and maintaining cell membrane fluidity in the liver of diabetic rats.
Floral biology of Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) and its relation with Astylus variegatus activity (Germar 1824) (Coleoptera: Melyridae)

Tropaeolum majus L. (nasturtium) is a culture popularly known by its medicinal, ornamental and culinary utility. This work aimed to evaluate the interaction between Astylus variegatus (Germar 1824) (Coleoptera: Melyridae) and the nasturtium flowers associated to the weeks of flourishing, in order to conceive the floral mechanims used by the species to attract A. variegatus. The insects collection was achieved with an entomologic net by the sweeping method, during the weekly flowering, at two hours, from 7am to 5pm. The studies of floral biology were carried out in twenty flowers by the analysis of measures and the arrangement of the floral parts. The nasturtium flower offers pollen and nectar to the insect as a compensation. However, it was observed that A. variegatus only collects pollen as a nutritious resource. Tropaeolum majus presents several flowers for each individual and, during the visits, A. variegatus walked throughout the interior of the flower, among the stamens and contacting the ventral region of its body, and while passing through the stigma it lodged the pollen. Sometimes, it uses the internal cavity for sheltering and mating. The visits occurred preferably on the second and fifth weeks of flourishing, with a populational fluctuation between 9am and 11am.
The potential impacts of climate change on the mid-Atlantic coastal region

This paper assesses the potential impacts of climate change on the mid-Atlantic coastal (MAC) region of the United States. In order of increasing uncertainty, it is projected that sea level, tem- perature and streamflow will increase in the MAC region in response to higher levels of atmospheric CO2. A case study for Delaware based on digital elevation models suggests that, by the end of the 21st century, 1.6% of its land area and 21% of its wetlands will be lost to an encroaching sea. Sea-level rise will also result in higher storm surges, causing 100 yr floods to occur 3 or 4 times more frequently by the end of the 21st century. Increased accretion in coastal wetlands, however, which may occur in response to increases in CO2, temperature, and streamflow, could mitigate some of the flooding effect of sea-level rise. Warming alone will result in northward displacements of some mobile estuarine spe- cies and will exacerbate the already low summer oxygen levels in mid-Atlantic estuaries because of increased oxygen demand and decreased oxygen solubility. Streamflow increases could substantially degrade water quality, with significant negative consequences for submerged aquatic vegetation and birds. Though climate change may have some positive impacts on the MAC region, such as increased coastal tourism due to warming and some ecological benefits from less-frequent harsh winters, most impacts are expected to be negative. Policies designed to minimize adverse ecological impacts of human activities on coastal ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic, such as decreases in nutrient loading of watersheds, could help mitigate some of the risks associated with future climate variability and change in this region.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Occupational Disability in South African Security Force Members

South African Security Force (SASF) members have been exposed to violence and unrest for many years. However, an alarming recent increase in retirement on psychiatric grounds has coincided with sociopolitical transformation of these services. This study investigated 124 SASF members who were medically retired as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The most striking finding was the long duration of exposure to duty-related incidents (16.9 ± 7.0 years) that preceded the onset of significant symptoms. Ninety percent (N = 112) of members displayed a negative attitude toward their work, and 54% (N = 67) believed that issues related to transformation of the services had played a significant role in their disorder. These findings suggest that posttrauma factors may be as important as pretrauma and peritrauma variables in the development of PTSD.
Spatial Perception of Speech in Various Signal to Noise Ratios

Objectives: The study was designed to assess the effects of background noise level on the detection and localization of speech. Design: The phrase "Where is this? " was presented either in quiet or in a diffuse noise field, through loudspeakers arranged in a 360° azimuth array. The noise conditions included 11 signal to noise ratios (SNRs) ranging from ‐ 18 dB SNR to + 12 dB SNR in 3 dB increments. Seventeen normal‐hearing subjects, aged 18 to 29, participated in the study. Results: Results revealed that in all listening conditions the signal was most easily detected when presented through a loudspeaker positioned at 90° or 270° azimuth. Although the actual level for 50% detection varied as a function of loudspeaker location and SNR, 85% and 100% of all presentations of the signal were detected at ‐9 dB and ‐6 dB SNR, respectively. Localization accuracy improved as the SNR increased, ranging from 18% accuracy at ‐18 dB SNR to 89% at +12 dB SNR. Localization accuracy in quiet was 95%. The data are discussed in reference to patterns of responses at each loudspeaker location. Conclusions: Detection of the target signal deteriorated as background noise level increased and was dependent on the source location of the incoming signal, as expected. Localization accuracy of the target signal was highly dependent on the SNR and spatial location of the signal source. Detection and localization accuracy data were found to be repeatable across test sessions and response patterns were found to be symmetrical on the right and left sides of the horizontal plane.
Infants Recognize the Subtle Happiness Expression

Facial movement facilitates the recognition of facial expressions. While an intense expression is expressive enough to be recognized in a still image, a subtle expression can be recognized only in motion (Ambadar, Schooler, & Cohn, 2005, Psychological Science, 16, 403–410). The present study investigated whether infants recognize a subtle expression, and whether facial movement facilitates infants' recognition of a subtle expression. In experiment 1 4- to 7-month-old infants were tested for their spontaneous preference for a happy subtle expression rather than a neutral face, but they did not show a spontaneous preference. To confirm that infants did not recognize the static subtle expression, we conducted experiment 2 using the familiarization-novelty procedure. Infants were first familiarized with a static subtle happy expression. Following familiarization, they were presented with a pair of peak expressions of happiness and anger, but showed no significant novelty preference. In experiment 3 we presented the subtle expression dynamically. Infants were familiarized with a dynamic subtle expression and were tested for their novelty preference. The 6- to 7-month-olds showed a significant novelty preference, while 4- to 5-month-olds did not. These results suggest that infants can recognize the subtle expression only in dynamic presentation and that facial movement facilitates infants' recognition of facial expression.
Liver preservation with HTK: salutary effect of hypothermic aerobiosis by either gaseous oxygen or machine perfusion

The aim of the present study was to improve the viability of marginal livers from non‐heart beating donors upon cold preservation using two different techniques for the provision of tissue aerobiosis. Livers from male Wistar rats (250–300 g bw) were harvested after 60 min of cardiac arrest, flushed via the portal vein with 20 mL of heparinized Ringer's solution and 60 mL of histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) preservation solution. Control livers were then stored submerged in HTK for 24 h at 4°C while other organs were subjected to aerobic conditions by either insufflation of gaseous oxygen via the venous vascular system of the cold stored organ (VSOP) or pulsatile machine perfusion (MP) with oxygenated HTK at 5 mL/min at 4°C. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (7500 IU) was added to the last 10 mL of HTK in order to prevent adverse effects of high oxygen tensions at hypothermia. Viability of the livers was assessed upon isolated perfusion in vitro with oxygenated Krebs–Henseleit buffer at constant flow. VSOP or MP, both significantly improved vascular conductivity upon reperfusion as evaluated by portal venous pressure, reduced hepatic enzyme release and led to a rise in hepatic bile production upon reperfusion. Induction of apoptosis was also looked for in tissue homogenates by Western analysis for cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP). Expression of cleaved PARP fragment could be found in reperfused control livers but also, though to a lesser extend, after VSOP or MP. In conclusion, provision of oxygen during cold preservation significantly contributes to improve organ viability upon reperfusion and must be regarded as a useful adjunct for marginal or pre‐damaged livers. HTK has been shown for the first time to be also suitable for long‐term MP preservation of the liver, but, as inferred from these data, simple insufflation of gaseous O2 may be considered a feasible alternative.
The increase in incidence of cancer of the tongue in the Nordic countries continues into the twenty-first century

Abstract Conclusion: This study shows a persistent trend of an increase in the incidence of carcinoma of the tongue into the twenty-first century for both sexes and all age groups except for young males. Objectives: During the last decades increased incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue in young adults has been reported. We previously showed an increased incidence in SCC of the tongue in Scandinavia in 1960–1994, most pronounced in patients aged 20–39 years. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the trend of increased incidence of tongue cancer continued into the twenty-first century in a population-based study in the Nordic countries. Methods: Data for all reported SCCs of the tongue and base of tongue in patients aged 20–79 years during 1960–2008 were extracted from the NORDCAN registry, based on the National Cancer registries in the Nordic countries. Data from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland were analyzed. The age groups 20–39, 40–64, and 65–79 years were studied separately as well as male and female figures. Results: In all, 12 280 cases were reported, of which 673 were diagnosed in patients aged 20–39 years. The trend of an increase persisted after 1994 in both sexes and all three age groups except in young males.
Upper-mantle seismic anisotropy from SKS splitting in the South American stable platform: A test of asthenospheric flow models beneath the lithosphere

Upper-mantle seismic anisotropy has been extensively used to infer both present and past deformation processes at lithospheric and asthenospheric depths. Analysis of shear-wave splitting (mainly from core-refracted SKS phases) provides information regarding upper-mantle anisotropy. We present average measurements of fast-polarization directions at 21 new sites in poorly sampled regions of intraplate South America, such as northern and northeastern Brazil. Despite sparse data coverage for the South American stable platform, consistent orientations are observed over hundreds of kilometers. Over most of the continent, the fast-polarization direction tends to be close to the absolute plate motion direction given by the hotspot reference model HS3-NUVEL-1A. A previous global comparison of the SKS fast-polarization directions with flow models of the upper mantle showed relatively poor correlation on the continents, which was interpreted as evidence for a large contribution of "frozen" anisotropy in the lithosphere. For the South American plate, our data indicate that one of the reasons for the poor correlation may have been the relatively coarse model of lithospheric thicknesses. We suggest that improved models of upper-mantle flow that are based on more detailed lithospheric thicknesses in South America may help to explain most of the observed anisotropy patterns.
Comparison of Chevron and Distal Oblique Osteotomy for Bunion Correction.

The chevron osteotomy is a standard procedure by which bunions are corrected. One of us routinely performs a distal oblique osteotomy, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described for the correction of bunion deformities. The purpose of the present study was to compare the short- and medium-term results of the distal oblique and chevron osteotomies for bunion correction. We performed a retrospective clinical and radiographic comparison of patients who had undergone a distal oblique or chevron osteotomy for the correction of bunion deformity. In addition, a prospective patient satisfaction survey was undertaken. A total of 55 patients were included in the present study and were treated from January 2012 to November 2014. Of the 55 patients, 27 (49.2%) were in the chevron group and 28 (50.8%) in the distal oblique group. Radiographically, no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative first intermetatarsal angle (p < .0001) and hallux valgus angle (p < .0001), but a greater change was found in the intermetatarsal angle in the distal oblique group (p = .467). Prospective patient satisfaction scores were available for 33 patients (60%), 16 (29%) in the chevron group and 17 (31%) in the distal oblique group. When converting the satisfaction score to a numerical score, the chevron group scored 3.3 ± 1.1 and the distal oblique group scored 3.2 ± 0.8 (p = .812). We found that the distal oblique osteotomy used in the present study is simple and reliable and showed radiographic correction and patient satisfaction equivalent to those in the chevron osteotomy.
Effect of different heat transfer models on a diesel homogeneous charge compression ignition engine

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine technology is relatively new and has not matured sufficiently to be commercialized compared with conventional engines. It can use spark ignition (SI) or compression ignition (CI) engine configurations, capitalizing on the advantages of both: high engine efficiency with low emissions levels. However, the combustion behavior in an HCCI engine is difficult to predict because it has no spark plug or injector. The chemical kinetics mechanism influences the combustion with some heat losses to the cylinder wall. The effect of different heat loss models in a diesel HCCI engine has to be investigated further. A single-zone thermodynamics model was used in this study along with three different heat loss models: Woshcni, modified Woschni, and Hohenberg correlations. The results will be validated against experiments, and a good heat loss model will be used for further investigation of combustion behavior.
Zebrafish as a model for hearing and deafness.

The zebrafish is an especially attractive model for the study of the development and function of the vertebrate inner ear. It combines rapid and accessible embryogenesis with a host of genetic and genomic tools for systematic gene discovery and analysis. A large collection of mutations affecting development and function of the ear and a related sensory system, the lateral line, have been isolated; several of these have now been cloned, and at least five provide models for human deafness disorders. Disruption of multiple genes, using both forward and reverse genetic approaches, has established key players--both signaling molecules and autonomous factors--responsible for induction and specification of the otic placode. Vestibular and auditory defects have been detected in adult animals, making the zebrafish a useful system in which to tackle the genetic causes of late onset deafness and vestibular disease.
Dopamine receptors and the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia

The discovery of neuroleptic drugs in 1952 provided a new strategy for seeking a biological basis of schizophrenia. This entailed a search for a primary site of neuroleptic action. The Parkinsonian effects caused by neuroleptics suggested that dopamine transmission may be disrupted by these drugs. In 1963 it was proposed that neuroleptics blocked “monoamine receptors” or impeded the release of monoamine metabolites. The neuroleptic concentration in plasma water or cerebrospinal fluid was of the order of 2 nM for haloperidol in clinical therapy. A systematic research was made between 1963 and 1974 for a primary site of neuroleptic action which would be sensitive to 2 nM haloperidol and stereoselective for (+)‐butaclamol. Direct evidence that neuroleptics selectively blocked dopamine receptors occurred in 1974 with the finding that nanomolar concentrations of these drugs stereoselectively inhibited the binding of [3H]‐dopamine or [3H]‐haloperidol. These binding sites, now termed D2 dopamine receptors (which inhibit adenylate cyclase), are blocked by neuroleptics in direct relation to the antipsychotic potencies of the neuroleptics. No such correlation exists for D1 receptors (which stimulate adenylate cyclase).
Differences in Patient Selection and Outcomes Between SilverHawk Atherectomy and Laser Ablation in the Treatment of Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis: A Retrospective Analysis From a Single Center

Purpose: To analyze differences in the application and outcomes of SilverHawk atherectomy (SH) and excimer laser ablation (ELA) in the treatment of femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) in an unselected cohort of patients treated at a single center. Methods: Between January 2005 and June 2010, 81 consecutive patients (46 men; mean age 69.1 years, range 43–86) underwent directional atherectomy (41 SH, 40 ELA) for femoropopliteal ISR lesions. Data were reviewed retrospectively on procedural outcomes, major adverse events, and 1-year target lesion revascularization (TLR) obtained from medical records and supplemented with telephone calls. The primary endpoint was symptom-driven TLR at 1 year; secondary endpoints were death and amputation. Results: ELA was utilized more frequently than SH in longer lesions (210.4±104 vs. 126.2±79.3 mm, respectively; p=0.001), subacute presentation (55% vs. 14.6%, p=0.001), TASC D lesions (47.5% vs. 12.2%), and in patients with more angiographic thrombus (42.5% vs. 4.9%, p=0.001). Final angiographic success (<30% residual narrowing post final treatment) was similar between ELA and SH (92.5% vs. 100%, respectively, p=0.12). Bailout stenting was significantly higher with ELA vs. SH (50.0% vs. 24.4%, p=0.022). At 1 year, TLR had occurred in 48.7% of the ELA patients vs. 31.7% of the SH cases (p=0.171). Regression analysis confirmed that SH was a predictor of TLR at 1 year (hazard ratio 2.679, 95% CI 1.015 to 7.073, p=0.047). Conclusion: Both SH and ELA continue to have a high TLR rate in treating ISR of the femoral and popliteal arteries. A higher rate of delayed failure is seen with SH and an earlier, steeper loss of TLR-free survival is seen with ELA.
Dye spread through gap junctions in the corneal epithelium of the rabbit.

PURPOSE Microelectrode dye injection of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein was used to investigate gap junctional communication in the corneal epithelium. METHODS Dye injection started in the superficial layer and proceeded stepwise into the underlying epithelial layers until spread was observed. Intracellular [Ca2+] was manipulated by exposing the cornea to the calcium ionophore A23187 (global increase) or by increasing the [Ca2+] in the injection electrode (source cell increase). Intracellular pH was manipulated by exposing the cornea to nigericin in a low-pH KCI Ringer's (global decrease) or by lowering the pH in the injection electrode (source cell decrease). Heptanol was tested for its ability to uncouple gap junctions. Gap junctional communication was based on the layer at which spread was first observed and on the apparent dye travel distance from the point of injection. RESULTS Control dye spread occurred, on average, in the third layer from the surface. Increased [Ca2+] in the source cell resulted in an initial spread occurring in the second layer. Globally increasing [Ca2+] with A23187 resulted in no change in the average initial spread layer. Lowering intracellular pH of the source cell did not affect the initial dye spread layer. Globally lowering intracellular pH resulted in significant gap junctional inhibition in a time-dependent manner. Dye spread distance was not significantly affected by [Ca2+] or pH manipulations. Heptanol (2.5 mM) completely inhibited dye coupling. CONCLUSION All cell layers of the corneal epithelium contain functional gap junctions, although it appears that intercellular communication in the superficial layers does not occur under our control conditions. Intercellular communication through these junctions can be altered by various manipulations of [Ca2+] and pH.