Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellular Localization of Gangliosides in the Developing Mouse Cerebellum: Analysis Using the Weaver Mutant

Abstract: The distribution of gangliosides was studied in the weaver (wv/wv) mutant mouse, where the vast majority of postmitotic granule cell neurons die prior to their differentiation. The wv mutation also shows a dosage effect, as granule cell migration is slowed or retarded in the +/wv heterozygotes. By correlating changes in ganglioside composition with the well‐documented histological events that occur during cerebellar development in the normal (+/+), heterozygous (+/wv), and weaver (wv/ wv) mutant mice, information was obtained on the cellular localization and function of gangliosides. Ganglioside GM1 may be enriched in granule cell growth cones and play an important role in neurite outgrowth. A striking accumulation of GM1, which may result from altered metabolism, occurred in the adult wvlwv mice. GD3 was heavily concentrated in undifferentiated granule cells, but was rapidly displaced by the more complex gangliosides during differentiation. GD1a became enriched in granule cells during formation of synaptic and dendritic membranes, whereas GT1a appeared enriched in Purkinje cell synaptic spines. A possible fucose‐containing ganglioside was quantitated only in the wvlwv mice. Ganglioside GT1b became enriched in granule cells during synaptogenesis, whereas GQ1b became enriched in these cells after synaptogenesis. The concentrations of GT1b and especially GQ1b increased continuously with age. Our results provide further evidence for a differential cellular enrichment of gangliosides in the mouse cerebellum and also suggest that certain gangliosides may be differentially distributed within the membranes of these cells at various stages of development.
Using Ecological Momentary Assessment to Investigate Associations between Ejaculatory Latency and Control in Partnered and Non-Partnered Sexual Activities

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) was used to investigate associations between, and variations in, ejaculatory control and ejaculation latency time (ELT) over repeated measurements of sexual activities. Differences between measures recorded in partnered or non-partnered settings were also investigated. The sample consisted of 21 male Finns aged 18 years or above, contributing a total of 158 reports of partnered and non-partnered sexual activities over a six-week period. In the context of non-partnered sexual activities, after controlling for within-subjects dependence, ELTs between events were predictive of one another, but ELT did not predict ejaculatory control when measured simultaneously, nor at subsequent events. Also, ejaculatory control could not predict simultaneously measured ELT or ejaculatory control at subsequent events. During partnered sexual activities, both ejaculatory control and ELT could be accurately predicted by observing ejaculatory control at prior events. In this context, ejaculatory control could also reliably predict simultaneously measured ELT. ELT or ejaculatory control during partnered sexual activity could not be predicted by observing ELT at prior events. Between-event correlations were generally low, indicating considerable variation in ejaculatory functioning over time. EMA is a thrifty assessment method for studying variations in ejaculatory function, and is likely suitable for studying sexual dysfunctions in general.
Is Coinsurance Becoming Obsolete

Evidence gathered from large personal lines insurers suggests dissatisfaction with the traditional insurance-to-value requirement. The traditional requirement may not fully remove the incentive to underinsure which is present in nearly all property insurance contracts. Underinsuring is regarded as a major problem by insurers because it adversely affects their costs. Alternatives to the traditional insurance-tovalue requirement are examined in the light of their effectiveness as loss-sharing devices and their effect on costs and incentives. Nearly 15 years ago, the vice president of a large personal lines insurer expressed a wish that coinsurance requirements one day would be eliminated. 1 Today, coinsurance clauses still are used, but important changes have taken place. Accumulating evidence suggests coinsurance clauses are becoming obsolete in personal lines insurance. However this evidence does not suggest that the coinsurance clause will vanish completely overnight. Considering that coinsurance clauses have been used in the United States for more than a century, [6, p. 1], they should not be expected to disappear rapidly. Despite widespread use, coinsurance has not been popular with insurance buyers. A few jurisdictions have passed laws restricting or prohibiting its use [12]. Yet coinsurance remains a firmly rooted tradition in some lines of insurance, particularly commercial lines. Its continued use is explained partly by its effect in reducing the insured's incentive to underinsure, as reducing the incentive is in the insurer's interest. Because coinsurance may not completely remove the insured's incentive to underinsure, alternative methods often appear attractive to insurers. The scope of this study includes coinsurance as used in property and related insurance lines. (The replacement cost clause used in Homeowner's Insur
An Integrative Review: Fatigue Among Nurses in Acute Care Settings

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine current research related to nurse fatigue and identify effective prevention strategies. BACKGROUND: Work-related fatigue negatively affects patient safety and nurses’ well-being and increases employer costs. Preventing fatigue and minimizing its negative consequences require knowledge of the contributing factors if effective interventions are to be designed and implemented. METHODS: This review targeted original research (2002-2013) examining fatigue among nurses working in acute care settings. RESULTS: Nurses experience high rates of fatigue. Shifts longer than 12 hours contribute to increased fatigue and errors, but the evidence was inconsistent with regard to age and fatigue level. Individual lifestyle, unit culture, and organization policies influence the prevalence and intensity of work-related fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing work-related fatigue requires multifaceted approaches involving the organization, the clinical unit, and the individual.
Accuracy of arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion in detecting the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug‐resistant neocortical epilepsy: comparison with electrophysiological data, structural MRI, SISCOM and FDG‐PET

Locating the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients with neocortical epilepsy presents major challenges. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of arterial spin labeling (ASL), an emerging non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion technique, to locate the EZ in patients with drug‐resistant neocortical epilepsy.
Effect of Sonic Application of Universal Adhesive Systems on Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Root Canal.

PURPOSE This study evaluated the push-out bond strength (BS) of fiber posts in root canals and the nanoleakage (NL) pattern at the bonding interface when universal adhesives were applied in etch-and-rinse mode to root dentin using an oscillating sonic device. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four roots of human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into 6 experimental groups according to the main factors: adhesive system/resin cement (Ambar Universal/AllCem, Scotchbond Universal/RelyX ARC, Prime&Bond Elect/Enforce) and application mode (vigorous manual or sonic). Fiber posts were cemented and roots were transversally sectioned into six 1-mm-thick serial slices, which were subjected to BS testing (n = 7 per group) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, and the rest (n = 2 per group) were subjected to NL analysis using scanning electron microscopy after slice immersion in silver nitrate. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (α = 5%). RESULTS Sonic application significantly increased BS only on the coronal third when Ambar Universal was used. When Scotchbond Universal was used, higher BS was observed when the adhesive was manually applied than when the sonic device was used. For Prime&Bond Elect, no significant difference in BS was noted when the application methods were compared. Manual application also produced lower NL values than did sonic application when Ambar Universal was used, while no significant difference in NL was noted using the other adhesive systems. CONCLUSION Sonic application did not improve the bond strength of posts in root canals in comparison to vigorous, manual application.
Online Group-Buying of Tourism Products: Effects of Value and Trust on Site Attachment, Altruism, and Loyalty

ABSTRACT Although online group-buying is increasing rapidly, little theoretically based research has been conducted on behaviors of online group-buyers of tourism products. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a theoretical model examining the relationships among value, trust, site attachment, altruism, and loyalty in the context of online group-buying of tourism products. The results indicate that the six hypothesized relationships among value, trust, site attachment, altruism, and loyalty are significant and thus validate the theoretical model. The findings of this study provide theoretical and practical implications for academics and managers of online group-buying sites.
CTLA‐4 gene 49A/G polymorphism in Turkish patients with Behçet's disease

Genetic factors predisposing individuals to Behçet's disease (BD) are considered to play important roles in the development of the disease. Patients with BD exhibit elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and affected organs show a significant neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration. Current evidence suggests that the activated lymphocytes contribute to neutrophil and endothelial cell activation in these patients. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CTLA)‐4 molecule plays an important role in immune regulation by downregulating T‐cell activation, and the CTLA‐4 49A/G polymorphism in the exon 1 has been shown to be associated with a number of autoimmune diseases. In an attempt to demonstrate whether there is an association of the CTLA‐4 49A/G polymorphism with BD in the Turkish population, we genotyped 59 Turkish patients and 99 healthy individuals for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. For this purpose, genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of individuals and the region of interest was amplified using PCR. Genotyping was performed using the BbvI restriction endonuclease. It was shown that the distribution of the CTLA‐4 exon 1 49A/G allele and genotype frequencies did not differ between patients with BD and healthy controls. However, allele and genotype frequencies of CTLA‐4 49 A and A/A were significantly higher in patients with ocular involvement compared with patients without these symptoms (90.6% vs. 65.1%, odds ratio (OR) = 9.67, P = 0.011; and 81.25% vs. 39.5%, OR = 9.56, P = 0.015, respectively). A statistically significant difference in the A allele frequency was observed in patients with erythema nodosum‐like lesions (86.1% vs. 65.8%, OR = 6.24, P = 0.04). There was also an increase in A/A genotype frequency, but the difference was not statistically significant (72.2% vs. 41.5%, OR = 6.5, P = 0.068). Our data suggest that BD patients with ocular involvement and erythema nodosum‐like lesions have a higher frequency of both the A allele and the A/A genotype at position 49 of exon 1 of CTLA‐4. These results may also indicate that CTLA‐4 is a disease‐modifying rather than a susceptibility gene for BD.
Association of Hematological Nadirs and Survival in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome

Recombinant human interleukin-12 (rHuIL-12) mitigates the hematopoietic subsyndrome of acute radiation syndrome (HSARS) after total body irradiation (TBI) in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of HSARS. The mechanism for this effect appears to involve multiple effects of rHuIL-12 on hematopoiesis. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine hematological nadirs and survival across our three NHP completed studies. Animals were irradiated (700 cGy) and treated with a single subcutaneous injection of vehicle (n = 64) or rHuIL-12 (50–500 ng/kg; n = 108) 24–25 h after irradiation, or with daily subcutaneous injections of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF; 10 μg/kg/day) for 18 days starting 24–25 h after exposure (n = 26). Blood samples were obtained at various time points up to day 60 after TBI. Lymphocytes, neutrophils and platelets were significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors in the overall sample and in each treatment group (P < 0.001 for each comparison, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Lymphocyte nadir was the strongest and most consistent predictor of death by Spearman's rank correlation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of death and threshold hematologic nadir values (where nadir values less than or equal the threshold are predictive of death) showed that a threshold of 0.08 × 109/L for lymphocytes had the largest positive predictive value of death (97.2% and 92.5% for the control and rHuIL-12 groups, respectively) and high sensitivity (76.1% and 62.7%, respectively), consistent with human radiation victims data. The current findings suggest that enhanced early bone marrow regeneration resulting in increases in nadir values for all major blood cell types may be the main mechanism of action by which rHuIL-12 mitigates the lethality of HSARS.
Integrated Regulation of Very Low Density Lipoprotein Triglyceride and Apolipoprotein-B Kinetics in Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Turnover rates of plasma very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein-B (apo-B) were significantly increased in age- and weight-matched groups of normolipemic and hyperlipemic mild diabetics, and hyperlipemic moderately severe diabetics when compared with normolipemic controls. As in the normolipemic subjects, a significant correlation between VLDL TG and apo-B turnover rates was found in all diabetic groups, suggesting that integration of TG and apo-B production at synthetic and/or secretory sites is retained in diabetes, thus resulting in increased secretion of VLDL particles of normal composition. In normolipemic mild diabetic subjects, the fractional turnover rates of VLDL TG and apo-B were also significantly increased so that increased removal accompanied increased VLDL production. In the hyperlipemic diabetics, however, the fractional turnover rates were significantly reduced, hence the increased in VLDL removal was not sufficient to compensate for enhanced production. In normolipemic mild diabetic patients, low density lipoprotein (LDL) formation was increased, only a small fraction of VLDL apo-B being removed via a non-LDL pathway, presumably as remnant VLDL. In hyperlipemic mild diabetics, removal of VLDL apo-B via both the LDL and non-LDL pathways was increased. In hyperlipemic moderately severe diabetes, LDL formation was not increased; catabolism of VLDL apo-B through the non-LDL route was however, fivefold > normal. We conclude that increased VLDL secretion is a fundamental defect in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In hyperlipemic individuals, VLDL removal is also impaired. The increase in LDL and/or VLDL remnant formation, regardless of prevailing plasma lipid levels or the severity of diabetes, provides a source of cholesterol which may account for the atherogeneity of this disorder.
Temporal clustering analysis: what does it tell us about the resting state of the brain?

BACKGROUND Several networks of synchronous blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) oscillations have been identified in the brain during the resting state. The aim of this study was to further characterize the dynamic nature of the brain at rest by investigating the presence and distribution of coherent, transient BOLD activity in resting fMRI data using a novel method of fMRI data analysis--2dTCA. MATERIAL/METHODS High-field fMRI data were acquired in 27 subjects. The temporal clustering analysis, 2dTCA, was implemented to determine the timing of significant, spatially coherent, transient BOLD signal changes. Group maps of positive and negative coherent BOLD changes from each timing profile were created. RESULTS Spontaneous increases in BOLD activity at both 3T and 4T and decreases at 4T were found in regions of the alpha rhythm circuit including the thalamus, precuneus and the occipital cortex. Additional positive and negative oscillations at 4T and a small region of positive activity at 3T were identified in the area of the brain stem reticular formation, the control center for maintaining arousal and motivation. CONCLUSIONS These results provide additional evidence for the presence of dynamic functional networks in the resting brain that are active while the subjects appear to be at rest and that are spatially distributed in areas responsible for maintaining consciousness and vigilance including brain stem. These findings should be considered in interpreting fMRI results which use resting baseline for comparisons.
Potentiation of para-hydroxyamphetamine-induced head-twitch response by inhibition of monoamine oxidase type A in the brain.

After pretreatment with either clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A-selective inhibitor, or pargyline, an MAO-B-selective inhibitor with less selectivity than l-deprenyl, i.c. v. administration of para-hydroxyamphetamine (p-OHA) significantly increased both the frequency and total number of head-twitches in mice. A typical MAO-B-selective inhibitor, l-deprenyl, however, did not change the total count of the p-OHA-induced head-twitch response (HTR). These effects were also found with fixed doses of the selective MAO inhibitors when p-OHA was varied. Administration of clorgyline (1 mg/kg) or pargyline (5 mg/kg) almost inhibited completely MAO-A in the mouse forebrain, and pargyline also almost inhibited completely MAO-B. l-Deprenyl, in contrast, almost inhibited completely MAO-B without affecting MAO-A activity. Systemic administration of l-5-hydroxytryptophan also induced HTR and the total number of twitches was enhanced by clorgyline, but not by pargyline or l-deprenyl. Chlorimipramine or cocaine significantly reduced p-OHA-induced HTR, suggesting an intraneuronal site of action. Together with the presence of considerable MAO-A in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons of various animal species, and possible accumulation and subsequent monoamine-releasing properties of p-OHA, the present results indicate that p-OHA might induce the HTR by interaction with intraneuronally increased 5-HT. This mechanism probably results in 5-HT release onto the postsynaptic 5-HT2 receptors. Taken together, different roles of MAO-B in "the hyperactivity syndrome" and the HTR are discussed.
Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Erosions

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori is considered to be the primary cause of most forms of gastritis, but its role as a causative agent in gastric erosions is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastric erosions and H. pylori infection in asymptomatic volunteers. Methods: 175 asymptomatic subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Antral biopsies were taken for bacterial cultures, histology and quick urease (CLO) test. A 13C-urea breath test was performed after endoscopy. NSAID intake, alcohol consumption and smoking habits were also recorded in each subject. Results: 33 (19%) of 175 asymptomatic volunteers had macroscopic lesions on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 7 were H. pylori positive, 26 were H. pylori negative. Gastric erosions occurred in 8% (14 subjects) of all volunteers. 10 subjects were H. pylori negative and 4 H. pylori positive. In 11 volunteers, gastric erosions were restricted to the prepyloric antrum. Only 1 of 14 subjects had a history of NSAID intake and 6 subjects were alcohol abstainers. Conclusion: We conclude that gastric erosions occur in a considerable amount of asymptomatic volunteers. They are predominantly localized in the prepyloric antrum and are most likely not associated with H. pylori infection, NSAID intake, smoking or alcohol consumption.
Discordance Between Peripheral and Colonic Markers of Inflammation During Suppressive ART

Objective:Persistent systemic inflammation is associated with the inability of some HIV-infected patients to normalize circulating CD4+ T-cell levels after years of suppressive antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we sought to understand whether such systemic inflammation is also associated with detectable signs of inflammation in biopsies from the rectosigmoid colon. Design:Immunologic and virological parameters were studied in the peripheral blood and in rectosigmoid colon biopsies from individuals with viral suppression for at least 2 years and with peripheral CD4+ T-cell levels of <350 cells per cubic millimeter (immunologic nonresponders, n = 18) or >500 cells per cubic millimeter (immunologic responders, n = 16). Methods:Peripheral blood and rectosigmoid colon biopsies were analyzed by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:Nonresponders had elevated T-cell activation and inflammatory cytokines in the circulation, but inflammatory gene expression in colon biopsies was not different as compared with responders, and there was little relationship between blood and colon markers of inflammation. Blood inflammatory markers were positively associated with soluble CD14 levels indicative of monocyte activation. Conclusions:These findings demonstrate that, in the context of treated HIV disease, it is easier to detect parameters of inflammation (including blood monocyte activation) in the peripheral blood than in isolated rectosigmoid colon biopsies. Accordingly, interventions to block such inflammation in this population might be most conveniently and accurately assessed in blood.
Input-output analysis of carbon emissions embodied in China-Japan trade

ABSTRACT Energy-related CO2 emissions embodied in international trade have been widely studied by researchers all over the world. By using the bilateral trade input–output (BTIO) approach, this study investigates the CO2 emissions embodied in China–Japan trade during 1995–2009 and attempts to identify the driving forces for the change in CO2 emissions embodied in China’s exports to Japan during that period by using structural decomposition analysis (SDA). Result shows that CO2 emissions embodied in China’s exports increased by about 100% from 1995 to 2009, whereas those embodied in China’s imports increased by about 500% during the same period. Result of this research also reveals that the scale effect had a large influence on the increase in CO2 emissions embodied in China–Japan trade. The technical effect greatly decreased CO2 emissions embodied in China’s exports to Japan, but obviously increased those embodied in imports. The influence of the structural effect was relatively small and insignificant in the change of CO2 emissions embodied in China’s exports to Japan, but was notable in the change of emissions embodied in imports.