Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow Origin of Cells with Capacity for Homing and Differentiation to Esophageal Squamous Epithelium

Abstract Epperly, M. W. , Guo, H. , Shen, H. , Niu, Y. , Zhang, X. , Jefferson, M. , Sikora, C. A. and Greenberger, J. S. Bone Marrow Origin of Cells with Capacity for Homing and Differentiation to Esophageal Squamous Epithelium. Radiat. Res. 162, 233–240 (2004). Our goal was to determine whether esophageal progenitor cells could be isolated from adult mouse esophagus or bone marrow and shown to home to and proliferate in the irradiated esophagus of recipient mice. Esophageal progenitor cells were isolated from adult male C3H/HeNsd or C57BL/6J green fluorescent protein (GFP+) mice by a serial in vitro preplate technique or the technique of side population cell sorting. When injected intravenously (i.v.), these cells homed to the 30-Gy-irradiated esophagus of GFP− female recipient mice and formed donor-origin esophageal foci. GFP+ whole murine bone marrow cells injected i.v. also formed donor-origin esophageal squamous cell foci and protected recipient GFP− mice from upper-body irradiation in a cell dose-dependent manner. Marrow chimeric GFP− mice reconstituted with GFP+ cells showed migration of GFP+ marrow cells to the esophagus after 30 Gy irradiation. Purified esophageal progenitor cells isolated from first-generation preplate cell recipients engrafted after i.v. injection to the esophagus of second-generation-irradiated recipient mice. These data establish that esophageal progenitor cells can home to the irradiated esophagus and show limited differentiation capacity to squamous epithelium.
Interleukin 10 gene promoter polymorphisms are associated with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Chronic periodontitis (CP) is characterized by an inflammation in the supporting tissues of the teeth caused primarily by bacterial infection. Interleukin 10 (IL10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine whose genetic polymorphisms may influence the expression of the protein. OBJECTIVE In this study we investigated the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter of IL10 gene might be related to CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA was obtained from n=67 CP patients and n=43 control subjects. All studied individuals were non-smokers. The -1087 SNP was investigated by DNA sequencing, and the -819 and -592 SNPs by restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR products. RESULTS Frequencies of -819 and -592 SNPs showed differences between the control and CP groups. The ACC haplotype was more prevalent in the control group and the ATA haplotype more prevalent in the CP group. The ATA haplotype seemed to increase susceptibility to CP in women (odds ratio (OR)=2.57). The heterozygous haplotype GCC/ACC was predominant in the control group (OR=8.26; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Specific haplotypes and SNPs in IL10 gene are associated with susceptibility to CP in Brazilian patients.
Motivations for and barriers to Internet usage: results of a national public opinion survey

Analyzes a national random telephone survey, carried out in October 1995, on the motivations for and barriers to Internet usage. Eight percent of the random sample reported being Internet users, while surprisingly another 8 percent reported being former users. In total, 85 percent of respondents reported having heard of the Internet. The survey showed evidence of a digital divide, Internet users being generally wealthier and more highly educated, and blacks and Hispanics disproportionately unaware of the Internet. Social and work networks appear to be important for stimulating interest in the Internet and providing users with support. As to reasons for using the Internet, socio‐personal development appears to be the key driver, while nonusers have a decidedly different set of beliefs about the Internet’s value. As to the barriers to Internet usage, even experienced users find it difficult to get started, which confirms other studies of this topic. Barriers include cost and difficulties in understanding how to use the Internet. Concludes that the results of the survey indicate that people strongly desire an easier‐to‐use Internet.
Existence of Two Acetylcholinesterases in the Mosquito Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract: Two acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), AChE1 and AChE2, differing in substrate specificity and in some aspects of inhibitor sensitivity, have been characterized in the mosquito Culex pipiens. The results of ultracentrifugation in sucrose gradients and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis of AChE activity peak fractions show that each AChE is present as two molecular forms: one amphiphilic dimer possessing a glycolipid anchor and one hydrophilic dimer that does not interact with nondenaturing detergents. Treatment by phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C converts each type of amphiphilic dimer into the corresponding hydrophilic dimer. Molecular forms of AChE1 have a lower electrophoretic mobility than those of AChE2. However, amphiphilic dimers and hydrophilic dimers have similar sedimentation coefficients (5.5S and 6.5S, respectively). AChE1 and AChE2 dimers, amphiphilic or hydrophilic, resist dithiothreitol reduction under conditions that allow reduction of Drosophila AChE dimers. In the insecticide‐susceptible strain S‐LAB, AChE1 is inhibited by 5 × 10−4M propoxur (a carbamate insecticide), whereas AChE2 is resistant. All animals are killed by this concentration of propoxur, indicating that only AChE1 fulfills the physiological function of neurotransmitter hydrolysis at synapses. In the insecticide‐resistant strain, MSE, there is no mortality after exposure to 5 × 10−4M propoxur: AChE2 sensitivity to propoxur is unchanged, whereas AChE1 is now resistant to 5 × 10−4M propoxur. The possibility that AChE1 and AChE2 are products of tissue‐specific posttranslational modifications of a single gene is discussed, but we suggest, based on recent results obtained at the molecular level in mosquitoes, that they are encoded by two different genes.
Physicians', Nurses', and Medical Assistants' Perceptions of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in a Large Integrated Health Care System.

CONTEXT Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) decreases risks of cancer and genital warts and the need for gynecologic procedures, yet nationwide vaccination rates are low. Previous surveys exploring this phenomenon have not included input from nurses and medical assistants, who play integral roles in HPV vaccine delivery. OBJECTIVE To understand perceptions of HPV vaccine delivery among physicians, nurses, and medical assistants in a large integrated health care system in Southern California. DESIGN Online surveys were sent to 13 nurse administrators and 75 physicians. Physicians were instructed to forward the survey to nurses and medical assistants with whom they work. RESULTS A total of 76 surveys were completed, consisting of 52 physicians, 16 clinical nurses and medical assistants, and 8 nurse administrators. Physicians' perceptions of vaccine safety or strength of recommendation did not differ by specialty department. Physicians reportedly perceived the HPV vaccine as safer than did clinical nurses and medical assistants (p < 0.001), who indicated they wanted more education on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine before being comfortable strongly recommending it. Respondents advised that all clinicians could improve in their roles as HPV vaccine advocates through patient counseling and providing informational literature and that workflow standardization was needed to minimize missed vaccination opportunities. CONCLUSION Physicians reportedly perceive the HPV vaccine as safer compared with nurses and medical assistants. Both groups think that more education of nonphysician staff is needed. Having proper systems in place is also vital to improving vaccination compliance.
A Single-Stage LED Driver Based on Double LLC Resonant Tanks for Automobile Headlight With Digital Control

A novel single-stage light-emitting diode (LED) driver with high voltage gain for LED automobile headlight is proposed in the paper. The converter is made up of two parts, which are the boost cell and double LLC cell, and the two parts are integrated by sharing the switch. Since the number of the system components is reduced by integrating the switches, the cost decreases. The boost circuit works in the continuous conduction mode with double voltage gain, and the double LLC cell connected in series can decrease the peak current and increase the efficiency of the system. A 30-W prototype is proposed in the lab, with 30 high-brightness LEDs connected in series. The experimental results well confirm the theoretical prediction, and the efficiency of the system for the full load is higher than 92%.
Enhanced Recoveryafter Colorectal Surgery. Results from Aprospective Observational Two-Centre Study

Background and Aims: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has reduced the median hospital stay from 8–10 days with traditional peri-operative routines to four days. The aim of the present study was to introduce the principles of ERAS in our hospital and measure the effect on hospital stay, complications and quality of life after discharge from hospital. Material and Methods: 94 consecutive patients, 40 males, 54 females, median age 66 years, were included in a prospective non-randomised observational study at Haukeland University Hospital and Haugesund Hospital from October 2000 until February 2003. After a three-month preparation period, the principles of ERAS were implemented. The results were evaluated with questionnaires and by follow-ups 8–10 and 30 days after surgery. The results were compared to the results of colorectal surgery before introduction of accelerated recovery. Results: 45 (48%) and 73 (78%) patients were discharged within three and five days after surgery with ERAS, compared to zero and seven (5%) patients with traditional recovery. The complication rate with ERAS was 31%, and the readmission rate was 15%. After one week, 57% had resumed their daily activities at home. After 30 days, 65% of the patients had resumed their normal and leisure activities. Conclusion: After a proper preparation period, ERAS principles may be implemented in surgical department, and is followed by a reduced median hospital stay and rapid return to normal daily activities for most patients after colorectal surgery.
Gene inactivation in the oral spirochete Treponema denticola: construction of an flgE mutant

Treponema denticola is implicated in the etiology of periodontal diseases. We now report the construction of a specific flgE mutant of T. denticola ATCC 35405 following electroporation utilizing an erythromycin resistance cassette inserted into an flgE DNA fragment. The resulting mutant displays no visible motility and lacks periplasmic flagella as would be predicted from inactivation of the gene for the flagellar hook protein.
CYP2B6 genotype-directed dosing is required for optimal efavirenz exposure in children 3–36 months with HIV infection

Objectives: To determine safety-specific, efficacy-specific and genotypic-specific dose requirements of efavirenz (EFV) in children aged 3 to less than 36 months with HIV infection. Design: IMPAACT P1070 was a 24-week prospective cohort trial of EFV (as open capsules) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in children with HIV infection 3 to less than 36 months without tuberculosis (Cohort 1). Methods: CYP2B6 G516T genotype was determined, and intensive pharmacokinetics was performed at week 2. EFV dose was adjusted if outside the target area under the curve (AUC) 35–180 &mgr;g*h/ml. Pharmacokinetic and CYP2B6 G516T genotype data were used to model EFV exposures based on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved doses. Results: Forty-seven participants, median age 19 months, initiated the study regimen with 24 weeks median follow-up; 38 516GG/GT and 9 516TT genotypes. Initially, median EFV AUC was higher in 516TT vs. 516GG/GT (median 490 vs. 107 &mgr;g*h/ml; P = 0.0001) with all 516TT above AUC target. Following an amendment that reduced the 516TT EFV dose by 75%, pharmacokinetic modeling predicted that 83% of participants met the AUC target (31/38 516GG/GT, 8/9 516TT). In contrast, modeling using P1070 data predicted that FDA-approved doses would produce subtherapeutic AUCs in almost one-third of participants with 516GG/GT and excessive AUCs in more than 50% with 516TT genotypes. Conclusion: CYP2B6 G516T genotype strongly influences EFV exposures in this age group. Genotype-directed dosing yields therapeutic EFV concentrations and appears to outperform other dosing approaches.
Factors Influencing Oxygen Concentration Gradients in the Intervertebral Disc: A Theoretical Analysis

Oxygen concentration gradients in the intervertebral disc were calculated to examine the effects of exchange area and disc thickness on oxygen concentrations and oxygen flux into the disc. The concentration gradients were determined using the two-dimensional Poisson equation with experimental values for oxygen consumption rate and oxygen diffusion. The calculated gradients were steep, and the oxygen concentrations in the center of thick discs were low, in agreement with experimental gradients. The results support the hypothesis that maximum cell density in the disc is determined by nutrient supply and that exchange area and disc thickness are critical parameters.
Age-dependent changes in the pituitary-gonadal relationship. V. Effects of unilateral and bilateral ovariectomy and of progesterone treatment on pituitary gonadotrophin content in aged rats.

An earlier study indicated that the ovarian compensatory hypertrophy which follows unilateral ovariectomy of adult rats does not occur in aged animals, although the gonads at this age remain responsive to pmsg (Labhsetwar, 1969b). Bilateral ovariectomy (Parlow, 1964; Labhsetwar, 1969a) or proges¬ terone treatment (Rothchild, 1965; Labhsetwar, 1969c) of adult rats is known to result in an increased accumulation of fsh and lh in the pituitary gland while unilateral ovariectomy has no detectable effects as judged by conven¬ tional assay methods (for reference see Labhsetwar, 1970). It was, therefore, of interest to determine if unilateral or bilateral ovariectomy or progesterone treatment would result in modifications of these already high levels of hypophysial gonadotrophins in aged animals. In an additional experiment, the capacity of the aged rat to form deciduomata was examined. All rats, including those used for bioassays, were of the Holtzman strain. The adult rats were 2 to 3 months old (200 to 250 g) while multiparous rats weighing
Acute carbohydrate ingestion affects lactate response in highly trained swimmers.

PURPOSE Effects of acute carbohydrate ingestion on blood lactate (BLa) response to graded exercise was examined in highly trained male and female swimmers. METHODS Twenty-three swimmers performed the United States Swimming Lactate Protocol, a graded interval test (5x200 on 5 min), following ingestion of carbohydrate sports drink (CHO) and placebo (PLA). RESULTS There was no difference in heart rate (P=.55), swim velocity (P=.95), or ratings of perceived exertion (P=.58) between beverages. There was a significant main effect for gender (P=.002) on BLa during all swim stages and recovery. In females, BLa was 27% to 50% higher for CHO during the first (P=.009) and second (P=.04) swim stages. Predicted BLa at selected swim velocity was higher (P=.048) for CHO versus PLA in females at 1.27 mxs(-1) and higher (P<.02) for men at 1.4 mxs(-1). Mean (+/-SD) BLa was significantly (P=.004) greater for CHO (2.7+/-1.2) compared with PLA (2.0+/-1.1 mmolxL(-1)) during the second test stage and when normalized relative to velocity (P=.004). Peak BLa after the final swim (9.6+/-3.1 vs. 9.0+/-3.2 mmolxL(-1), P=. 36) was not different between CHO and PLA. CONCLUSIONS Acute CHO ingestion alters the BLa: swim velocity relationship during moderate intensity swims of an incremental swim test, particularly for females. Therefore, pretest beverage ingestion should be standardized during the administration of BLa testing to prevent potential erroneous interpretations regarding athlete's training status.
Error analysis of a class of constrained iterative restoration algorithms

In this paper, we investigate the problem of noise stability in a class of iterative image restoration algorithms. The algorithm is a Gerchberg-Papoulis type algorithm that utilizes incomplete information and partial constraints to specify constraint operators for the iteration. The iteration, in the absence of noise, converges to a unique solution. In the presence of noise, the restoration is considered as an ill-posed problem. In this study, noise stability of the algorithm is investigated. A general error-analysis method is derived to predict the optimum number of iterations that minimizes the mean-square error between the ideal and the restored image. The tradeoff between signal reconstruction and noise amplification has been investigated, and it has been shown that by using prior knowledge of the signal and noise statistics, it is possible to achieve optimal restoration. Simulations have been performed to verify the theoretical results.
Analysis of the intracellular barriers encountered by nonviral gene carriers in a model of spatially controlled delivery to neurons

Neuron‐specific, nonviral gene delivery vehicles are useful tools for the potential treatment of neurological disease and spinal cord injury. For minimally invasive, peripheral administration, gene carriers must efficiently mediate uptake at axon terminals, retrograde axonal transport, vesicular escape, and nuclear entry. The design of improved vehicles will benefit from an understanding of the barriers that limit nonviral delivery to neurons. Here, we demonstrate a detailed analysis of intracellular trafficking of both a lipid‐based and a polymer‐based delivery vehicle following site‐specific exposure to neuron‐like cells.
Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on initiation and promotion of GST-P-positive foci in rat liver: A quantitative analysis of experimental data using a stochastic model.

We use a stochastic model describing initiation and clonal growth of altered cells to analyze data from an initiation-promotion hepatocarcinogenesis experiment in female Wistar rats. Starting at 7 weeks of age, the animals were treated for 10 days with the initiating agent diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 10 mg/kg body wt per day). After a 10-week resting period, the animals were treated either with corn oil or with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) via biweekly sc injections of 1.4 microg/kg body wt of TCDD dissolved in corn oil. Groups of four or five animals were euthanized 3, 17, 31, 73, and 115 days after start of TCDD/corn oil treatment. The data analyzed consist of the number and sizes of GST-P-positive focal transections at various time points. By fitting the model to the data, we estimate the rates of initiation, cell division, and cell death during different time periods of the experiment. The model estimates of cell kinetic parameters are consistent with directly made experimental observations of cell division and cell death. The model predicts that DEN-induced initiation of GST-P-positive cells is highly protracted in controls and TCDD-treated animals alike. We also find that TCDD interferes with the normal rate at which cells with (DEN-inflicted) DNA damage are converted into cells expressing the GST-P-positive phenotype, suggesting a TCDD-mediated "acceleration" of the appearance of de novo GST-P-positive initiated cells from damaged precursor cells. Furthermore, the model predicts a significant reduction in the rate of apoptosis within the first 4 to 5 weeks of TCDD treatment, and after 10 weeks of TCDD treatment, but not in between.
Interested and Influential: The Role of a professional association in the development of the Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Geography

The Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) represents the views of Australian geography teachers on educational matters. AGTA also seeks to improve the capacity of geography teachers to respond to a changing teaching and learning landscape. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent authority operating in a national education context. It was established as a result of political decision-making and charged with developing a world-class national curriculum. Between 2009 and 2013, AGTA Board members and their nominees were extensively involved in the ACARA curriculum development process for the Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Geography, and the Senior Secondary Australian Curriculum: Geography. A common question asked by key stakeholders has been how much influence did AGTA actually have? To respond to this question, the Theory of Stakeholder Identification and Salience (TSIS) is applied first, to identify the attributes of AGTA as a key interest group and second, to analyse the extent of AGTA’s influence in shaping Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum: Geography content within ACARA’s curriculum development process.
Long non-coding RNA and chromatin remodeling

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of genome structure and gene expression. LncRNAs can directly interact with chromatin-modifying enzymes and nucleosome-remodeling factors to control chromatin structure and accessibility of genetic information. Moreover, lncRNA expression can be controlled by chromatin-remodeling factors, suggesting a feedback circuit of regulation. Here, we discuss the recent advances of lncRNA studies, focusing on the function and mechanism of lncRNA–chromatin interactions.
Does Reality TV Induce Real Effects? On the Questionable Association between 16 and Pregnant and Teenage Childbearing

We reassess recent and widely reported evidence that the MTV program 16 and Pregnant played a major role in reducing teen birth rates in the U.S. since it began broadcasting in 2009 (Kearney and Levine, American Economic Review 2015). We find Kearney and Levine's identification strategy to be problematic. Through a series of placebo and other tests, we show that the exclusion restriction of their instrumental variables approach is not valid and find that the assumption of common trends in birth rates between low and high MTV-watching areas is not met. We also reassess Kearney and Levine's evidence from social media and show that it is fragile and highly sensitive to the choice of included periods and to the use of weights. We conclude that Kearney and Levine's results are uninformative about the effect of 16 and Pregnant on teen birth rates.