Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid Regulation of GLT-1 Glutamate Transporter Isoform Expression in the Rat Hippocampus

Background: In the rat hippocampus, the predominate glutamate transporters are GLT-1 and its recently identified isoform, GLT-1b. Chronic restraint stress increases GLT-1b expression throughout the hippocampus while more selectively increasing GLT-1 expression in the CA3 region. These studies suggest that GLT-1b expression is regulated by stress levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) and GLT-1 expression is regulated by stress-induced increases in extracellular glutamate levels in the CA3 region. Methods: In order to differentiate between the actions of GCs and glutamate, we examined GLT-1 isoform expression in adrenalectomized (ADX) rats and rats exposed to stress levels of GCs. Results: ADX rats revealed no significant differences in GLT-1b mRNA or protein levels compared to sham-operated controls or ADX rats given GC replacement. However, rats exposed to stress levels of GCs exhibited increases in GLT-1b protein expression in the CA3 region and the dentate gyrus. GLT-1 mRNA expression was increased by ADX, increases that were inhibited by GC replacement. Similarly, stress levels of GCs increased GLT-1 protein expression throughout the hippocampus. Conclusions: Taken together, these data indicate that GLT-1b protein expression is regulated by stress levels of GCs while the regulation of GLT-1 mRNA and protein expression provides another example of the biphasic actions of GCs in the central nervous system.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and response of methionine cycle intermediates to vitamin treatment in renal patients

Abstract The role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) as a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases in renal patients is a matter of controversy. The remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine in the kidneys is of great importance for Hcy clearance. Hcy remethylation is markedly decreased in patients on hemodialysis, but transsulfuration remains mostly unaffected. Markedly increased concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA), as a metabolic marker of vitamin B12 deficiency, have been found in approximately 70% of renal patients. This is in contrast to normal concentrations of vitamin B12 usually reported in such patients. We demonstrated in cell culture experiments that the uptake of vitamin B12 by mononuclear cells from renal patients was lower than that taken up by cells from controls. The lowering of MMA and Hcy concentrations in renal patients after B12 administration may indicate the presence of intracellular pre-treatment deficiency. We administered folic acid (5mg) plus vitamin B6 (50mg) and B12 (0.7mg) three times per week intravenously to hyperhomocysteinemic dialysis patients. Hcy decreased after 4weeks by 51%. Hcy was normalized in almost all patients, while serum concentrations of MMA and cystathionine were reduced by 28% and 26%, respectively. Cystathionine, an indicator for the transsulfuration pathway, showed a drastic increase in renal disease and was only slightly lowered by B-vitamin treatment. The increased cystathionine/cysteine ratio in renal patients indicates possible impairment of the catabolism of cystathionine by cystathionase. Moreover, renal failure is associated with severe abnormalities in plasma concentrations of S-adenosyl Hcy (SAH) and S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), as well as the SAM/SAH ratio. This ratio is an indicator of the availability of methyl groups from SAM. Therapeutic doses of B-vitamins in dialysis patients led to a limited improvement in the biomarkers of methylation and probably did not have a significant effect on transmethylation potential in the cells. Furthermore, elevated serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in renal patients, which are associated with a poor outcome for such patients, could be lowered, but this effect was confined to patients who had no anemia. Future studies may consider extending the duration of vitamin treatment, as well as agents that may enhance the hydrolysis of SAH and cystathionine.
Prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in Oppland County – a cross‐sectional population‐based study in a landlocked county of Eastern Norway

Risberg G, Aarseth JH, Nyland H, Lauer K, Myhr K‐M, MidgardR. Prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in Oppland County – a cross‐sectional population‐based study in a landlocked county of Eastern Norway. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 250–257. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Comparison of the Qwiklite™ algal bioluminescence test with marine algal growth rate inhibition bioassays

Although marine algal bioassays based on growth rate inhibition over 72–96 h have been widely used to assess the toxicity of contaminants in waters and sediments, changes in pH over the test duration can lead to changes in contaminant speciation and consequently an under‐ or over‐estimation of toxicity. In addition, high cell densities are used in order to obtain a detectable response, further reducing the tests' environmental relevance in marine waters. There is a need for rapid acute tests with ecologically relevant test endpoints that may be used as surrogates for longer‐term chronic tests. This study compares the sensitivity and reproducibility of a rapid marine dinoflagellate (Pyrocystis lunula) bioluminescence test (QwikLite™) with standard algal growth rate bioassays (Nitzschia closterium and Entomoneis c.f. punctulata) using ammonia and several antifouling agents (tributyltin [TBT], copper, and diuron) as reference toxicants. QwikLite was of similar sensitivity to ammonia as standard algal growth rate tests, but was less sensitive to copper, diuron and TBT, with 24‐h EC50 values of 10 ± 1.1 mg N/L, 0.128 ± 0.021 mg Cu/L, 19 ± 13 mg diuron/L, and 0.226 ± 0.028 mg TBT/L. Inter‐test precision using different batches of P. lunula was generally acceptable. On the basis of NOEC values, QwikLite™ was more sensitive to copper and ammonia at 25°C than at 21°C. QwikLite™ shows promise as a rapid, inexpensive screening test for acute toxicity of contaminants in marine environments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Combining Self-Affirmation With the Extended Parallel Process Model: The Consequences for Motivation to Eat More Fruit and Vegetables

There is potential for fruitful integration of research using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) with research using Self-affirmation Theory. However, to date no studies have attempted to do this. This article reports an experiment that tests whether (a) the effects of a self-affirmation manipulation add to those of EPPM variables in predicting intentions to improve a health behavior and (b) self-affirmation moderates the relationship between EPPM variables and intentions. Participants (N = 80) were randomized to either a self-affirmation or control condition prior to receiving personally relevant health information about the risks of not eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. A hierarchical regression model revealed that efficacy, threat × efficacy, self-affirmation, and self-affirmation × efficacy all uniquely contributed to the prediction of intentions to eat at least five portions per day. Self-affirmed participants and those with higher efficacy reported greater motivation to change. Threat predicted intentions at low levels of efficacy, but not at high levels. Efficacy had a stronger relationship with intentions in the nonaffirmed condition than in the self-affirmed condition. The findings indicate that self-affirmation processes can moderate the impact of variables in the EPPM and also add to the variance explained. We argue that there is potential for integration of the two traditions of research, to the benefit of both.
The effect of grain angle and species on thermal conductivity of some selected wood species

In this study the thermal conductivity of different wood materials was determined. For this purpose, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Uludag fir (Abies Bornmülleriana Matff), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L), Oak (Quercus robur L.), and Chestnut of Anatolia (Castanea sativa Mill.) woods were used. In the test, the thermal conductivity of the woods was measured according to procedure of ASTM C 1113-99 standards. The lowest thermal conductivity was obtained in the perpendicular direction of Scots pine samples as 0.156 Kcal/mh°C. The highest thermal conductivity was obtained from perpendicular direction of samples in Oriental beech as 0.331 Kcal/mh°C.
Toxicity and potency evaluation of pertussis vaccines

Current methods for determining the potency and toxicity of pertussis vaccines are outdated and require improvement. The intracerebral challenge test is effective for determining the potency of whole-cell vaccines but is objectionable on animal welfare and technical grounds. The same applies to its modification for assaying acellular pertussis vaccines. Respiratory challenge methods offer an interim solution pending establishment of validated in vitro correlates of protection, for example nitric oxide induction. Their evaluation is being promoted by the World Health Organization through the Pertussis Vaccines Working Group. Current toxicity assays based on weight gain and histamine sensitization of mice are imprecise and need replacement. Limits need to be established for specific toxin content of both acellular and whole-cell vaccines and should be supported by specific assays. More precise methods based on determination of ribosyltransferase activity in tandem with receptor-binding assays are under evaluation. Genome sequence data and the use of gene microarrays to screen responses triggered by vaccine components may also provide leads to improved methods for assessing both toxicity and immunogenicity.
Estimating the impact of unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene on the global burden of disease: evolving and alternative methods

The 2010 global burden of disease (GBD) study represents the latest effort to estimate the global burden of disease and injuries and the associated risk factors. Like previous GBD studies, this latest iteration reflects a continuing evolution in methods, scope and evidence base. Since the first GBD Study in 1990, the burden of diarrhoeal disease and the burden attributable to inadequate water and sanitation have fallen dramatically. While this is consistent with trends in communicable disease and child mortality, the change in attributable risk is also due to new interpretations of the epidemiological evidence from studies of interventions to improve water quality. To provide context for a series of companion papers proposing alternative assumptions and methods concerning the disease burden and risks from inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene, we summarise evolving methods over previous GBD studies. We also describe an alternative approach using population intervention modelling. We conclude by emphasising the important role of GBD studies and the need to ensure that policy on interventions such as water and sanitation be grounded on methods that are transparent, peer‐reviewed and widely accepted.
Spatial and demographic population genetic structure in Catasetum viridiflavum across a human‐disturbed habitat

Abstract Spatial and temporal genetic structures were examined across sites on islands and mainland (continuous forest) populations of an epiphytic orchid, Catasetum viridiflavum, using 17 polymorphic allozyme loci. I tested whether patches on islands or at mainland sites comprised small local populations or a large population. Low among population differentiation was observed across the landscape suggesting that the species‐specific pollinator and tiny wind‐dispersed seeds maintain interconnections among distant patches. Temporal genetic structure among stage classes, and among breeding individuals are important components of the maintenance of genetic variation in this orchid. The natural history of this species including small breeding populations, probable high frequency of mating among relatives, and the high rates of seed movement among sites contribute to the high FIS. These data show that physically isolated patches in this epiphytic orchid comprise a single larger genetic population, which is independent of the physical distances among sites. Although quite different in ecological and life history characteristics, the genetic structure of this orchid demonstrates a pattern similar to temperate and tropical trees in fragmented landscapes.
Activation and apoptosis of macrophages in cat scratch disease

Cat scratch disease is an infectious disease usually caused by Bartonella henselae. Within 1–3 weeks after inoculation, patients typically develop regional self‐limited lymphadenopathy. Lymph nodes reveal granulomas consisting of central necrosis, an inner rim of palisading macrophages, and an outer rim of lymphocytes and non‐palisading macrophages. In animals, cat‐scratch disease leads to an interferon‐γ (IFNγ)‐mediated T‐helper 1 immune response, resulting in macrophage recruitment, stimulation, and thereby granuloma formation. The present study has sought to find in situ evidence for macrophage migration, activation, and cell death in human cat scratch disease. By non‐radioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on serial sections, it was demonstrated that IFNγ+ T lymphocytes and S100A8+, S100A9+ macrophages embrace granulomas, which consisted of S100A8–, S100A9–, HLA‐DR+, CD40+, TNFα+ macrophages. Combination of in situ end‐labelling and immunofluorescence revealed large numbers of DNA‐fragmented CD68+ cells with intact plasma membranes corresponding to apoptotic macrophages. On the basis of these data, it was hypothesized that in human cat scratch disease, S100A8+, S100A9+ macrophages continuously migrate to the granulomas. During this process, they may be activated by IFNγ T‐helper 1 lymphocytes and be differentiated to S100A8–, S100A9–sessile, HLA‐DR+, CD40+ antigen‐presenting, TNFα+ pro‐inflammatory macrophages forming granulomas. In parallel, macrophages undergo apoptosis in the centre of granulomata, a phenomenon that may restrict the destructive potential of macrophages and contribute to self‐limitation of cat scratch disease. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From weight management goals to action planning: identification of a logical sequence from goals to actions and underlying determinants.

BACKGROUND Weight gain prevention (WGP) among adults who are overweight is an important target in the prevention of obesity. However, little is known about the process from WGP as a goal to successful weight-management. The present study aimed to: (i) gain more insight into this process; (ii) identify cognitive predictors of intention for WGP; and (iii) examine WGP as a potential predictor for the intention to change weight-related behaviours [dietary intake (DI) and physical activity (PA)] and specific action planning. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, overweight adults [n = 510; body mass index 25-30 kg m(-2); mean (SD) age 48 (9.5) years; 30.8% male] completed an online questionnaire, assessing goal intention for WGP, behavioural intention for DI and PA, planning for change in DI and PA and socio-cognitive correlates. Ordinal regression analyses were used to analyse the data. RESULTS In 89% of the sample, (parts of) the proposed sequence from goal intention (for WGP), behavioural intention (for DI/PA) and planning (for DI/PA) was observed. Attitude, social norm and perceived control towards WGP, and perceived weight status and risk perception, were associated with intention for WGP. Behaviour-specific perceived control and preferences were more strongly associated with intention to change DI or PA and planning for change than intention for WGP was. CONCLUSIONS Intention for WGP is important in the process toward weight-management because, for most people, intention for WGP precedes behavioural intention, which precedes planning. Intention for WGP is associated with behavioural intention but behaviour-specific factors are the strongest correlates of behavioural intention and planning.
High-density seeding of myocyte cells for cardiac tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering of 1- to 5-mm-thick, functional constructs based on cells that cannot tolerate hypoxia for prolonged time periods (e.g., cardiac myocytes) critically depends on our ability to seed the cells at a high and spatially uniform initial density and to maintain their viability and function. We hypothesized that rapid gel-cell inoculation in conjunction with direct medium perfusion through the seeded scaffold would increase the rate, yield, viability, and uniformity of cell seeding. Two cell types were studied: neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for feasibility studies of seeding and cultivation with direct medium perfusion, and C2C12 cells (a murine myoblast cell line) for detailed seeding studies. Cells were seeded at densities corresponding to those normally present in the adult rat heart ([0.5-1] x 10(8) cells/cm(3)), into collagen sponges (13 mm x 3 mm discs), using Matrigel as a vehicle for rapid cell delivery. Scaffolds inoculated with cell-gel suspension were seeded either in perfused cartridges with alternating medium flow or in orbitally mixed Petri dishes. The effects of seeding time (1.5 or 4.5 h), initial cell number (6 or 12 million cells per scaffold), and seeding set-up (medium perfusion at 0.5 and 1.5 mL/min; orbitally mixed dishes) were investigated using a randomized three-factor factorial experimental design with two or three levels and three replicates. The seeding cell yield was consistently high (over 80%), and it appeared to be determined by the rapid gel inoculation. The decrease in cell viability was markedly lower for perfused cartridges than for orbitally mixed dishes (e.g., 8.8 +/- 0.8% and 56.3 +/- 4%, respectively, for 12 million cells at 4.5 h post-seeding). Spatially uniform cell distributions were observed in perfused constructs, whereas cells were mainly located within a thin (100-200 microm) surface layer in dish seeded constructs. Over 7 days of cultivation, medium perfusion maintained the viability and differentiated function of cardiac myocytes, and the constructs contracted synchronously in response to electrical stimulation. Direct perfusion can thus enable seeding of hypoxia-sensitive cells at physiologically high and spatially uniform initial densities and maintain cell viability and function.
Sleep and aggression in substance-abusing adolescents: results from an integrative behavioral sleep-treatment pilot program.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine whether change in total sleep time during an integrative, behavioral sleep intervention is associated with aggression. Specifically, we tested whether adolescents who reported experiencing aggressive thoughts or actions after treatment had worse treatment trajectories (e.g., less total sleep time across treatment) than adolescents with no aggressive thoughts or actions after treatment. DESIGN Nonpharmacologic open trial with 9 weeks of weekly assessment. SETTING University of Arizona Sleep Research Laboratory PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS Twenty-three adolescents recently treated for substance abuse in outpatient community centers. INTERVENTIONS Six-week integrative, behavioral sleep intervention. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Weekly sleep-summary indexes were calculated from daily sleep diaries and entered as dependent variables in a series of growth-curve analyses. Statistically significant Session x Post-treatment Aggressive Ideation interactions emerged when predicting changes in total sleep time, gamma13 = 9.76 (SE = 4.12), p < . 05, and time spent in bed, gamma13 = 10.08, (SE = 4.33), p < . 05, even after controlling for aggressive ideation and the frequency of substance use, as assessed at baseline. A similar pattern of results was seen for self-reported aggressive actions occurring during conflicts. CONCLUSIONS These pilot data suggest that inadequate sleep in substance-abusing adolescents may contribute to the experiencing of aggressive thoughts and actions. Limitations include a small sample size and a restricted assessment of aggression. Nonetheless, these findings lend preliminary support to the breadth of therapeutic effectiveness of an integrative, behavioral sleep-therapy program for adolescents with a history of substance abuse and related behaviors.
Region-specific fMRI dictionary for decoding face verification in humans

This paper focuses on decoding the process of face verification in the human brain using fMRI responses. 2400 fMRI responses are collected from different participants while they perform face verification on genuine and imposter stimuli face pairs. The first part of the paper analyzes the responses covering both cognitive and fMRI neuro-imaging results. With an average verification accuracy of 64.79% by human participants, the results of the cognitive analysis depict that the performance of female participants is significantly higher than the male participants with respect to imposter pairs. The results of the neuro-imaging analysis identifies regions of the brain such as the left fusiform gyrus, caudate nucleus, and superior frontal gyrus that are activated when participants perform face verification tasks. The second part of the paper proposes a novel two-level fMRI dictionary learning approach to predict if the stimuli observed is genuine or imposter using the brain activation data for selected regions. A comparative analysis with existing machine learning techniques illustrates that the proposed approach yields at least 4.5% higher classification accuracy than other algorithms. It is envisioned that the result of this study is the first step in designing brain-inspired automatic face verification algorithms.
Aptitude and Trait Predictors of Manned and Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Job Performance

Previous research has shown that the same aptitude and trait measures that predict success in U.S. Air Force (USAF) manned aircraft pilot training predict remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilot training outcomes with generally similar levels of validity ( Carretta, 2013; Rose, Barron, Carretta, Arnold, & Howse, 2014). However, because USAF RPA pilots initially train in manned aircraft, validation of aptitude and traits predictive of RPA pilot success has thus far been limited to RPA pilot training outcomes that actually require manned flight. Hence, thus far, there has been no basis for determining the aptitudes and traits predictive of success in environments in which pilots actually fly RPAs. To address this gap, the present study evaluated preaccession trait (Big Five personality domains) and aptitude (spatial, quantitative, and aviation knowledge) measures as predictors of manned and unmanned aircraft pilot performance on-the-job, as measured by supervisor and senior rater stratification on 3 years of Officer Performance Reports (OPRs). Results were generally consistent in showing that the same aptitudes, knowledge, and personality traits that predict successful job performance for manned aircraft pilots also predict successful job performance for RPA pilots. However, results also showed preaccession aviation knowledge to be a stronger predictor of job performance for RPA pilots than for manned aircraft pilots. These findings and their implications for attracting and selecting RPA pilots are discussed.
Influence of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy on autoantibody titres to BP Ag1 and BP Ag2 in patients with bullous pemphigoid

Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease, which is characterized by blisters on the skin. Autoantibodies to components of the basement membrane zone are usually observed in the sera of patients with BP. Autoantibodies to the bullous pemphigoid antigens (BP Ag1, 230‐kDa desmoplakin protein, and BP Ag2, 180‐kDa hemidesmosomal protein) are present in the sera of BP patients.