Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of a dominant negative mutant innexin in identified neurons and glial cells reveals selective interactions among gap junctional proteins

Neurons and glia of the medicinal leech CNS express different subsets of the 21 innexin genes encoded in its genome. We report here that the punctal distributions of fluorescently tagged innexin transgenes varies in a stereotypical pattern depending on the innexin expressed. Furthermore, whereas certain innexins colocalize extensively (INX1 and INX14), others do not (e.g., INX1 and INX2 or INX6). We then demonstrate that the mutation of a highly conserved proline residue in the second transmembrane domain of innexins creates a gap junction protein with dominant negative properties. Coexpressing the mutated INX1 gene with its wild type blocks the formation of fluorescent puncta and decouples the expressing neuron from its normal gap junction‐coupled network of cells. Similarly, expression of an INX2 mutant transgene (a glial cell innexin), blocks endogenous INX2 puncta and wild‐type transgene puncta, and decouples the glial cell from the other glial cells in the ganglion. We show in cell culture with dye‐uptake and plasma membrane labeling experiments that the mutant innexin transgene is not expressed on the cell membrane but instead appears to accumulate in the cell's perinuclear region. Lastly, we use these mutant innexin transgenes to show that the INX1 mutant transgene blocks not only INX1 puncta formation, but also puncta of INX14, with which INX1 usually colocalizes. By contrast, the formation of INX6 puncta was unaffected by the INX1 mutant. Together, these experiments suggest that leech innexins can selectively interact with one another to form gap junction plaques, which are heterogeneously located in cellular arbors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 571–586, 2013
Conflict and cooperation in paranoia: a large-scale behavioural experiment

Abstract Background Paranoia involves thoughts and beliefs about the harmful intent of others but the social consequences have been much less studied. We investigated whether paranoia predicts maladaptive social behaviour in terms of cooperative and punitive behaviour using experimental game theory paradigms, and examined whether reduced cooperation is best explained in terms of distrust as previous studies have claimed. Methods We recruited a large population sample (N = 2132) online. All participants completed the Green et al. Paranoid Thoughts Scale and (i) a Dictator Game and (ii) an Ultimatum Game, the former with an option for costly punishment. Following distrust-based accounts, we predicted highly paranoid people would make higher offers when the outcome depended on receiving a positive response from their partner (Ultimatum Game) but no difference when the partner's response was irrelevant (Dictator Game). We also predicted paranoia would increase punitive responses. Predictions were pre-registered in advance of data collection. Data and materials are open access. Results Highly paranoid participants actually made lower offers than non-paranoid participants both in the Dictator Game and in the Ultimatum Game. Paranoia positively predicted punitive responses. Conclusions These findings suggest that distrust is not the best explanation for reduced cooperation in paranoia and alternative explanations, such as increased self-interest, may apply. However, the tendency to attribute harmful intent to partners was important in motivating punitive responses. These results highlight differing motivations underlying adverse social behaviour in paranoia and suggest that accounts based solely on the presenting features of paranoia may need to be rethought.
Energetic and Exergetic Comparison of Air to Air and Air to Water Heat Pumps According to Evaporator Conditions

This paper presents an experimental energetic and exergetic comparison for a heat pump system that can be run in different modes as air to air and air to water. Components of the heat pump do not change when the running mode changes, except for the condenser. This means that some external and internal effects (like compressor type, pipe lines) that can affect the system performance will be the same for each running mode. The comparison which was made in this study demonstrates which system leads to an efficient conversion and supply of energy and exergy. In the analysis, four balance (mass, energy, entropy and exergy) equations are applied to the system for the two modes. Exergy and energy efficiency values for both systems are given, while exergy destructions in each of the systems are determined and presented. It is seen that the heat pump unit which has the highest COP value is the air to air type (3.45-3.8); second is the air to water type (3.35-3.41). The exergy efficiency of the air to air heat pump (2932%) is higher than the exergy efficiency of the air to water type heat pump (24.1-25). Ranking of the exergy destruction rates of the two heat pump types from high to low is as follows: air to air and air to water.
Clinical and Ultrastructural Effects of Different Liners/Restorative Materials on Deep Carious Dentin: A Randomized Clinical Trial

We evaluated the effect of calcium hydroxide cement (CHC) and glass ionomer cement (GIC) on carious dentin and bacterial infections after partial caries removal and sealing. Sixty permanent teeth with deep lesions underwent partial caries removal, the application of CHC, GIC or wax, i.e. negative control (NC), and were then sealed for 3–4 months. After the partial caries removal and the sealing period, the dentin was clinically assessed (colour and consistency) and analysed by scanning electron microscopy to assess dentin organization and bacterial infections. The effect of the treatment in each group was assessed by the Wilcoxon and χ2 tests, differences among groups by the Kruskal-Wallis test and the correlations between variables by Spearman correlation. No clinical symptoms or radiographic signals of pulpits or pulp necrosis were observed during the study. Dentin darkening was observed after the sealing period in the CHC and NC groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the colour after treatment among the 3 groups (p > 0.05). Dentin hardening occurred in all groups after treatment (p < 0.05), also with no differences (p > 0.05). Dentin samples showed better organization after the sealing period than after partial caries removal, with total or partial obliteration of dentinal tubules (CHC p < 0.03, GIC p < 0.05, NC p < 0.01) and a reduction of bacterial infections (CHC p < 0.03, GIC p < 0.05, NC p < 0.03). No differences were observed. Correlations between the different criteria, except for colour and bacterial infection, were detected in all cases. Partial caries removal and sealing resulted in dentin hardening, decreased bacterial numbers and dentin reorganization, irrespective of the dentin protection used.
Susceptibility to Fluconazole and Ketoconazole of Candida spp. Isolated from Primary and Episodic Vulvovaginites by E-Test (São Paulo, SP, Brazil)

Purpose: To evaluate the profile of in vitro susceptibility of yeasts isolated from cases of primary and espisodic vulvovaginitis to two antifungal agents. Methods: 40 Candida isolates from episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were identified by classic methodologies. The susceptibility testing of the in vitro fluconazole and ketoconazole activity against the isolates was accessed by E-test. Results: C. albicans was the most common species identified in 70% of the occurrences followed by C. glabrata (20%), C. tropicalis (7.5%), and C. guilliermondii (2.5%). In the susceptibility profile to antifungal agents, 12.5% and 16.7% of the isolates obtained from primary and episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis were resistant to fluconazole, respectively. To ketoconazole, we found that 6.25% and 12.5% of the isolates respectively from primary vulvovaginal candidiasis (PVVC) and episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis (EVVC) had high MIC values. Conclusions: E-test is a reliable method for the susceptibility testing of Candida spp. due to its simplicity, reproducibility, and lack of specialized equipment. Resistant strains and non-albicans species were verified more in cases of EVVC than in PVVC. Clinical and mycological cure of patients with episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis or complicated cases occurred after prolonged treatment and sometimes with multiple antifungals use.
Inactivation Effect of Surface Microdischarge Plasma on Bacillus cereus

A kind of nonequilibrium air plasma based on surface microdischarge is developed, behaving as per editing aspect. Please confirm the change. as large homogeneous scalable discharge area. Its inactivation effect on Bacillus cereus is investigated and 5.3-log reduction in cell viability is achieved within 150-s exposure. The pH value, hydroxyl (OH), and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the extracellular solution after plasma treatments are detected. In addition, a transmission electron microscope is utilized to observe the cell damage from the morphology. Some potential chemical and biomedical processes involved are discussed. It is considered that the oxidation effect of reactive oxygen species plays a crucial role, and the nitration effect as well as the synergistic effect in the acid milieu, jointly contribute to the NAP-induced bactericidal process.
Cloning and Characterization of a Transmembrane-Type Serine Protease from Rat Kidney, a New Sodium Channel Activator

Abstract We have cloned the gene of a new transmembranetype serine protease from rat kidney, which activates sodium channels. The amino acid sequence deduced from a full-length cDNA revealed that transmembrane serine protease-1 (TMSP-1) is a member of the clan SA/family S1 of serine proteases, comprising a 30 amino acid prepropeptide, a mature form sequence of 274 amino acids starting with the Ile-Val-Gly-Gly-Gln motif, and a common catalytic triad of serine proteases. The hydrophobic amino acid sequence in the carboxyterminus of this enzyme suggests that it is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein. As revealed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, it is highly expressed in kidney, small intestine, and stomach, and moderately expressed in lung, thymus, spleen and skin. The recombinant protease had an optimal pH at 9.0, selectively cleaved synthetic peptide substrates of trypsin, and was inhibited by aprotinin, leupeptin and benzamidine. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that this protease is predominantly expressed in cells from collecting ducts of the renal medulla. We also demonstrate that a C-terminally truncated variant of TMSP-1 significantly activates the epithelial sodium channel, and that its mRNA levels are upregulated by aldosterone. These observations suggest that it is a new member of the trypsin-type transmembrane proteases, which regulate sodium balance by activating the epithelial sodium channel.
Activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein arc is targeted to dendrites and coexpressed with mu‐opioid receptors in postnatal rat caudate‐putamen nucleus

Dendritic expression of the activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) is dramatically enhanced by increased synaptic activity in adult brain. We used immunocytochemical electron microscopy to determine whether the subcellular localization of Arc in developing dendrites corresponds to the peak period of synaptogenesis in the postnatal rat caudate‐putamen nucleus (CPN). The distribution was compared with that of mu‐opioid receptors (MORs), whose localization in dendritic spines closely parallels excitatory synapse formation during postnatal development (Wang et al. [2003] Neuroscience 118:695–708). Sections were processed for immunocytochemical detection of antisera against Arc or MORs at the beginning (postnatal day 15; P15) and the end (P30) of the peak period of synaptogenesis in rat CPN. At P15, immunolabeling for Arc showed a punctate distribution in the cytoplasm of dendritic shafts, some of which was associated with polyribosomes. In some spiny dendrites, Arc immunoreactivity was more intensely localized in putative spines than in their parental dendrites, whereas, in other spiny dendrites, Arc labeling was restricted in the shafts. Many dendritic shafts and spines also showed immunoreactivity for MORs, although dually labeled spines were less numerous than the shafts. At P30, the proportion of singly and dually labeled spines significantly increased from 2.0% to 7.5% and from 9.5% to 21%, respectively. Arc labeling in spines was more detectable beneath the postsynaptic density or at extrasynaptic sites on the plasma membrane. Our results suggest a correlation between Arc expression in dendritic spines during postnatal development and the onset of synaptogenesis in opioid‐responsive neurons in the rat CPN. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the Effect of Min on Dialectal Variations of Mandarin Tonal Realization

This paper investigated the effect of Min on dialectal variations of Mandarin tonal realization. Experiment 1 recruited 12 females, 7 from China and 5 from Taiwan. Results showed that tones in Taiwan had lower pitch register than those in China. Experiment 2 tested 20 subjects, half from Taipei and half from Taichung. Results showed that Taichung had lower pitch register than Taipei. It is surmised that Min plays a major role in forming these dialectal variants.
Search engines and their search strategies: the effective use by Indian academics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of various search engines and meta search engines by Indian academics for retrieving information on the web. It also aims to know whether the academics use search strategy of various search engines for retrieval of information or not, and how the Indian academics learn the various search strategies for using search engines. Design/methodology/approach – The data collection instruments used for this study were a questionnaire and follow-up interviews with students and faculty members. The questionnaire consisted of various questions which were designed to elicit the use of search engines, search strategies and method of leaning the search strategies of search engines. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 300 duly filled copies were returned, constituting a 66.66 percent response rate. The data thus collected were analysed with the help of the SPSS (version 19.0) statistical package to present the findings in percentage and te.
Immunoglobulin leakiness in scid mice with CD4(+) T-cell-induced chronic colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease in scid mice is initiated by transplantation of CD4(+) T-cells from immunocompetent syngenic donor mice. As the disease progresses, immunoglobulin (Ig)-containing cells appear in the gut lamina propria, suggesting that locally accumulating Ig may play a role in disease development. In the present work we have investigated the relationship between disease progression and patterns or levels of Ig isotypes in the feces of scid mice suffering from an ongoing colitis. The data clearly showed that the severity or progression of the disease did not influence the levels of IgA, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3, whereas the level of fecal IgM increased during the course of colitis. The presence of the serum protein alpha-1-antitrypsin in fecal extracts from diseased mice suggests that some of the fecal Ig has leaked through the inflamed epithelial membrane into the gut lumen. Finally, Ig-containing cells were observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and in the spleen, suggesting that the fecal Ig is produced both systemically and locally in the gut wall. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that the level of IgM increases as colitis progresses. Also, the five remaining major Ig isotypes are increased in the gut lumen of scid mice with colitis, but the individual Ig types vary randomly during the course of the disease. Thus, it is unlikely that immunoglobulins are involved in the immunopathogenesis of this model of colitis.
Subcellular distribution and function of Rab3A-D in pancreatic acinar AR42J cells.

Members of the Rab3 subfamily have been linked to the regulation of exocytosis in secretory cells. We have recently shown by Northern blot analysis that pancreatic acinar-like AR42J cells express all four Rab3 isoforms (Rab3A-D). In the present study, we examined the subcellular distribution of endogenously expressed Rab3 proteins and their relation to the amylase-containing secretory compartment in dexamethasone-differentiated AR42J cells. Rab3A and Rab3C were enriched in the cytosol, Rab3B and Rab3D in the membrane fraction. Accordingly, confocal immunocytochemistry revealed that Rab3B and Rab3D were located in a compartment close to the plasma membrane, whereas anti-Rab3A and Rab3C mainly stained the cytosol. Sucrose density gradient centrifugation showed overlapping, but distinct localization of each Rab3 isoform. The order of banding from lighter to more dense fractions was Rab3C < Rab3A < Rab3B < Rab3D. All Rab3 proteins at least partially colocalized with amylase immunoreactivity. Transient overexpression of Rab3 proteins showed that Rab3A inhibited cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced amylase secretion, whereas overexpression of other Rab3 isoforms had no significant effect. In conclusion, our data indicate that the different Rab3 proteins show distinct subcellular distribution, suggesting different impact on exocrine secretory response in dexamethasone-differentiated AR42J cells.
KKR-ASA method in exact exchange-potential band-structure calculations.

We present a method of electronic band-structure calculation which incorporates the exact Kohn-Sham density-functional exchange (EXX) potential approach with the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) method in the atomic-sphere approximation (ASA). It takes full account of the energy dependence of the radial functions, and hence, provides more accurate treatment in principle than our previous one based on the linearized muffin-tin orbital method [Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 2989 (1995)]. In this method, we treat C, Si, Ge, MgO, CaO, and MnO (Antiferro-II), which were previously studied in the framework of the linear-muffin-tin orbital method with EXX. The results are basically in agreement with the old ones, though small differences produce non-negligible effects on the results. Some numerical points as well as the strict formulation of KKR in the ASA are discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Asteroid Itokawa A Source of Ordinary Chondrites and A Laboratory for Surface Processes

The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa returned samples from the surface of an asteroid (near-Earth S-type asteroid 25143 Itokawa) for the first time in human history. This article describes the results of the initial analysis of the mineralogy, micropetrology, and elemental and isotopic compositions of regolith particles from Itokawa measuring 30–180 μm in diameter. The results show a direct link between ordinary chondrites and S-type asteroids. The regolith particles provide evidence of space-weathering rims and grain abrasion, and the information obtained has elucidated various processes on the airless surface of Itokawa, such as the impact of small objects, grain motion, and irradiation by solar wind.
Application of zigzag transformers for reducing harmonics in the neutral conductor of low voltage distribution system

The use of zigzag transformers for reducing harmonics in the neutral conductors of a three-phase, 208 V/120 V distribution system is presented. Third-harmonic currents add up in the neutral conductor of the distribution system, thereby feeding nonlinear loads. Other solutions to this problem include derating the size of the distribution transformer by 50%. Application of the zigzag transformer eliminates the need for this derating. Measurements of current draw before and after the installation of a zigzag transformer are presented. <<ETX>>
Medical Management in Patients following Stroke and Transitory Ischemic Attack: A Comparison between Men and Women

Study Objective: Differences between men and women in management and outcome following cerebrovascular events have been described. However, most of the differences observed have only been partially adjusted for baseline differences, or not at all. The objective of the present study was to compare acute and follow-up management between men and women after stroke and transitory ischemic attacks, adjusting for potential confounders. Design: Patients with symptoms of stroke were included at admission to one of four participating hospitals in the inner city of Berlin, Germany. Risk factors, clinical characteristics, and acute management were assessed from medical records. Patients were asked about socioeconomic factors and follow-up management in a baseline interview and by postal questionnaire, respectively. The follow-up was 12 months. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess odds ratios for management variables. Results: A total of 558 patients were included (55% men, mean age 65 ± 13 years; 45% women, 69 ± 14 years). Indications for admission were stroke (74%) and transitory ischemic attacks (26%). In multivariable analyses, there were no differences in diagnostic procedures performed at baseline and in follow-up management between men and women. However, women were significantly more likely to receive hypoglycemic drugs (odds ratio 2.49; 95% confidence interval 1.33–4.63) in the acute management period. Regarding the need for nursing support/a nursing home after 12 months, there were no significant differences between men and women. Conclusions: After adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics, we only found few differences in acute and long-term management between men and women following hospital admission after suffering a cerebrovascular event.
H2 norm accumulation and its impact on synchronisation of complex dynamical networks

This article addresses the H 2 norm accumulation problem of linearly coupled dynamical networks. An interesting outer-coupling relationship is constructed, under which the H 2 norm of the newly constructed network with column-input and row-output matrices increases exponentially fast in terms of the node number N: it increases generally much faster than 2 N when N is large while the H 2 norm of each node is 1. However, the H 2 norm of the network with a diffusive coupling is equal to γ2 N, i.e. increasing only linearly, when the network is stable, where γ2 is the H 2 norm of a single node. And the H 2 norm of the network with antisymmetrical coupling also increases, but rather slowly, with respect to the node number N. Other networks with block-diagonal-input and block-diagonal-output matrices behave similarly. It demonstrates that the changes of H 2 norms in different networks are very complicated, despite the fact that the network structures are linear. Finally, the influence of the H 2 norm of the locally linearised network on the output of a network with Lur'e node dynamics is discussed, demonstrating a significant effect of the H 2 norm on the network output synchronisation behaviours.