Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of mRNAs encoding the arylhydrocarbon receptor, arylhydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, and arylhydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐2 in the rat brain and brainstem

Dioxin exposure alters a variety of neural functions, most likely through activation of the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Many of the adverse effects, including disruption of circadian changes in hormone release and depressed appetite, seem to be mediated by hypothalamic and/or brainstem neurons. However, it is unclear whether these effects are direct or indirect, because there have been no comprehensive studies mapping the expression of components of the AhR pathway in the brain. Therefore, we used a sensitive in situ hybridization histochemical (ISHH) method to map the neural expression of AhR mRNA, as well as those of the mRNAs encoding the AhR dimerization partners, arylhydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and ARNT2. We found that AhR, ARNT, and ARNT2 mRNAs were widely distributed throughout the brain and brainstem. There was no neuroanatomic evidence that AhR is preferentially colocalized with ARNT or ARNT2. However, ARNT2, unlike ARNT expression, was relatively high in most regions. The most noteworthy regions in which we found AhR, ARNT, and ARNT2 mRNA were several hypothalamic and brainstem regions involved in the regulation of appetite and circadian rhythms, functions that are disrupted by dioxin exposure. These regions included the arcuate nucleus (Arc), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. This neuroanatomic information provides important clues as to the sites and mechanisms underlying the previously unexplained effects of dioxins in the central nervous system. J. Comp. Neurol. 427:428–439, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Invisible colleges. Diffusion of knowledge in scientific communities

No wonder you activities are, reading will be always needed. It is not only to fulfil the duties that you need to finish in deadline time. Reading will encourage your mind and thoughts. Of course, reading will greatly develop your experiences about everything. Reading invisible colleges diffusion of knowledge in scientific communities is also a way as one of the collective books that gives many advantages. The advantages are not only for you, but for the other peoples with those meaningful benefits.
A Study of the Effects of Social Factors and Innovation Characteristics on Search Effort and Uncertainty in Mobile App Adoption

The mobile economy is growing rapidly and creating increasingly diversified digital products available to consumers. Due to the cognitive limitation of adopters, they often face the issue of information overload. In order to cope with such issues, adopters typically utilize other information to reduce their uncertainty before adoption. This study focuses on determinants of uncertainty reduction during the adoption process. We do not study why individuals adopt mobile apps, but rather we are studying what perceptions individuals have on the innovation characteristics and social factors (such as friends who use and like the app) and how those perceptions affect their level of search effort and uncertainty. Innovation diffusion theory, herding behavior theory, information overload theory, and the theory of informational cascades are employed in the development of our research model. Findings from this study provide significant insights for developers and management in the mobile app economy.
Multiple Validated Measures of Adherence Indicate High Levels of Adherence to Generic HIV Antiretroviral Therapy in a Resource-Limited Setting

Background:There are no validated measures of adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy in resource-poor settings. Such measures are essential to understand the unique barriers to adherence as access to HIV antiretroviral therapy expands. Methods:We assessed correspondence between multiple measures of adherence and viral load suppression in 34 patients purchasing generic Triomune antiretroviral therapy (coformulated stavudine, lamivudine, and nevirapine; CIPLA, Ltd., Mumbai, India) in Kampala, Uganda. Measures included 3-day patient self-report, 30-day visual analog scale, electronic medication monitoring, and unannounced home pill count. HIV-1 load was determined at baseline and 12 weeks. Results:Mean adherence was 91%–94% by all measures. Seventy-six percent of subjects had a viral load of <400 copies/mL at 12 weeks. All measures were closely correlated with each other (R = 0.77–0.89). Each measure was also significantly associated with 12-week HIV load. There was no significant difference between patient-reported and objective measures of adherence. Conclusions:This sample of patients purchasing generic HIV antiretroviral therapy has among the highest measured adherence reported to date. Patient-reported measures were closely associated with objective measures. The relative ease of administration of the 30-day visual analog scale suggests that this may be the preferred method to assess adherence in resource-poor settings.
Needs of South African adolescents orphaned by AIDS: evidence from photography and photo-elicitation.

BACKGROUND Available evidence shows that over half of all orphans under the age of 18 years are adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years. Despite this, the needs of adolescents orphaned by AIDS are seldom recognized or adequately addressed in policy and programmes. Instead, the focus tends to be on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. However, there are several factors that render adolescent-specific programmes important. PURPOSE Using data from an urban area in South Africa, this paper illuminates the needs of adolescents orphaned by AIDS. METHOD A phenomenological study using photography and photo-elicitation was used with 15 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years orphaned by AIDS. RESULTS The study participants captured different objects that were grouped under six broad themes: symbols of death, nature, people, past life, children and hope. The photographic component of the study was followed by photo-elicitation. From the meanings the adolescents made of their images, the needs of adolescents orphaned by AIDS were discerned as love, care and acceptance, safety, and security and support. CONCLUSION Overall, the results showed that adolescents orphaned by AIDS want to feel secure, safe, wanted by caregivers and to feel that caregivers support them in their grieving journey.
The expression of the nuclear receptors NR5A1 and NR5A2 and transcription factor GATA6 correlates with steroidogenic gene expression in the bovine corpus luteum

The corpus luteum (CL) is the major site of progesterone (P4) production during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in cattle. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying P4 production, we compared the mRNA and protein expression profiles of key components of the steroidogenic pathway (StAR, CYP11A, and 3β‐HSD) during the bovine CL luteal phase with that of several transcription factors (NR5A1, NR5A2, GATA4, GATA6) known for their roles in the control of steroidogenic gene expression. In the bovine CL, StAR, CYP11A, and 3β‐HSD mRNA and protein levels remained constant at the mid and late luteal phases but markedly declined at the regressed luteal stage. NR5A1 and NR5A2 exhibited a similar pattern with a significant decrease in expression at the regressed luteal stage. Both GATA4 and GATA6 mRNA and proteins could be detected in bovine CL; GATA6 levels, however, were generally higher. Although GATA4 expression did not change during the luteal phase, GATA6 showed a marked decrease at the regressed luteal stage, like NR5A1, NR5A2, and the other steroidogenic markers. Thus, we suggest that NR5A1, NR5A2, and GATA6, but not GATA4, contribute to the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic gene expression, and hence P4 production, in the bovine CL. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the association of NR5A1 and NR5A2 with the bovine StAR promoter in the mid‐luteal CL using chromatin immunoprecipitation, suggesting that these factors have definitive roles in the regulation of StAR gene transcription in vivo. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 873–880, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stiffness modulation for Haptic Augmented Reality: Extension to 3D interaction

Haptic Augmented Reality (AR) allows a user to touch a real environment augmented with synthetic haptic stimuli. For example, medical students can palpate a virtual tumor inside a real mannequin using a haptic AR system to practice cancer detection. To realize such functionality, we need to alter the haptic attributes of a real object by means of virtual haptic feedback. Previously, we presented a haptic AR system with stiffness as a goal modulation property, and demonstrated its competent physical and perceptual performances for 1D interaction. In this paper, we extend the system so that a user can interact with a real object in any 3D exploratory pattern while perceiving its augmented stiffness. A series of algorithms are developed for contact detection, deformation estimation, force rendering, and force control. Their performances are thoroughly evaluated with real samples. A particular focus has been on minimizing the amount of preprocessing such as geometry modeling. Our haptic AR system can provide convincing stiffness modulation for real objects of relatively homogeneous deformation properties. The limitations of our AR system are also discussed along with a plan for future work.
Pathological 43-kDa transactivation response DNA-binding protein in older adults with and without severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND Major psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and mood disorders have not been linked to a specific pathology, but their clinical features overlap with some aspects of the behavioral variant of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Although the significance of pathological 43-kDa (transactivation response) DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) for frontotemporal lobar degeneration was appreciated only recently, the prevalence of TDP-43 pathology in patients with severe mental illness vs controls has not been systematically addressed. OBJECTIVE To examine patients with chronic psychiatric diseases, mainly schizophrenia, for evidence of neurodegenerative TDP-43 pathology in comparison with controls. DESIGN Prospective longitudinal clinical evaluation and retrospective medical record review, immunohistochemical identification of pathological TDP-43 in the central nervous system, and genotyping for gene alterations known to cause TDP-43 proteinopathies including the TDP-43 (TARDBP) and progranulin (GRN) genes. SETTING University health system. PARTICIPANTS One hundred fifty-one subjects including 91 patients with severe mental illness (mainly schizophrenia) and 60 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical medical record review, neuronal and glial TDP-43 pathology, and TARDP and GRN genotyping status. RESULTS Significant TDP-43 pathology in the amygdala/periamygdaloid region or the hippocampus/transentorhinal cortex was absent in both groups in subjects younger than 65 years but present in elderly subjects (29% [25 of 86] of the psychiatric patients and 29% [10 of 34] of control subjects). Twenty-three percent (8 of 35) of the positive cases showed significant TDP-43 pathology in extended brain scans. There were no evident differences between the 2 groups in the frequency, degree, or morphological pattern of TDP-43 pathology. The latter included (1) subpial and subependymal, (2) focal, or (3) diffuse lesions in deep brain parenchyma and (4) perivascular pathology. A new GRN variant of unknown significance (c.620T>C, p.Met207Thr) was found in 1 patient with schizophrenia with TDP-43 pathology. No known TARDBP mutations or other variants were found in any of the subjects studied herein. CONCLUSIONS The similar findings of TDP-43 pathology in elderly patients with severe mental illness and controls suggest common age-dependent TDP-43 changes in limbic brain areas that may signify that these regions are affected early in the course of a cerebral TDP-43 multisystem proteinopathy. Finally, our data provide an age-related baseline for the development of whole-brain pathological TDP-43 evolution schemata.
Effect of Invasive Plant Species on Temperate Wetland Plant Diversity

Abstract: Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity and an important cause of biotic homogenization of ecosystems. Exotic plants have been identified as a particular concern because of the widely held belief that they competitively exclude native plant species. We examined the correlation between native and invasive species richness in 58 Ontario inland wetlands. The relationship between exotic and native species richness was positive even when we controlled for important covarying factors. In addition, we examined the relationship between the abundance of four native species ( Typha latifolia, T. angustifolia, Salix petiolaris, Nuphar variegatum) and four invasive species ( Lythrum salicaria, Hydrocharis morsus‐ranae, Phalaris arundinacea, Rhamnus frangula) that often dominate temperate wetlands and native and rare native species richness. Exotic species were no more likely to dominate a wetland than native species, and the proportion of dominant exotic species that had a significant negative effect on the native plant community was the same as the proportion of native species with a significant negative effect. We conclude that the key to conservation of inland wetland biodiversity is to discourage the spread of community dominants, regardless of geographical origin.
MICRONUCLEI INDUCED BY SULFUR DIOXIDE INHALATION IN MOUSE BONE-MARROW CELLS IN VIVO

Induction effects of sulfur dioxide (SO 2) inhalation on micronuclei (MN) formation in the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) of mouse bone marrow were studied in vivo. It was shown that SO 2 inhalation caused an increase of MN frequencies in the PCE cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results from male and female mice were very similar; no sex difference was observed. These results imply that SO 2 is a clastogenic and genotoxic agent.
New perspective for the treatment of Alzheimer diseases: Liposomal rivastigmine formulations

The aim of this study was to determine the transportations of rivastigmine containing from various liposome formulations through Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells monolayer and to compare the in vitro test results with in vivo. There is no other liposome formulation of rivastigmine and the transportations of rivastigmine through MDCK cell monolayers or related study available in the literature. Cytotoxicity (MTT) test was used to determine cell viabilities. The effect of sodium-taurocholate or dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrine as penetration enhancer was also investigated. Characterization and stability studies for liposome formulations were performed. Permeation experiments of rivastigmine were performed through MDCK cells and dialysis membrane. The kinetic of release from liposomes was also investigated. The highest apparent permeability coefficient (log. values) was obtained with sodium-taurocholate liposomes for −1.15 ± 0.16 for MDCK cell. Rivastigmine liposomes and solutions were also administered to mice orally and intraperitonally. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was determined by Ellman method. AChE% inhibition values were calculated for both blood and brain after administration of rivastigmine solution and liposomes. The highest AChE inhibition was observed for rivastigmine-sodium-taurocholate liposomes. Histological observations of the mice’ brains were performed under transmission electron microscope (TEM). The histological results were also indicated and supported all these findings.
Characteristics, Drug Use, and Sex Partners of a Sample of Male Sex Workers

Some male sex workers (MSWs) are also engaging in a significant amount of illicit drug use and other high risk behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine demographic characteristics, HIV risk behaviors, and sex partner characteristics in a sample of MSW. Data were collected from 179 men who were trading sex for money in Houston, TX. In the past 30 days they reported an average of 56 male partners and 5 female partners. Of the 179 men, 152 had been tested for HIV and knew their status. Twenty-six percent of those tested had tested positive.
T1-Weighted Brain Imaging With a 32-Channel Coil at 3T Using TurboFLASH BLADE Compared With Standard Cartesian k-Space Sampling

Purpose:Motion artifacts often markedly degrade image quality in clinical scans. The BLADE technique offers an alternative k-space sampling scheme reducing the effect of patient related motion on image quality. The purpose of this study is the comparison of imaging artifacts, signal-to-noise (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of a new turboFLASH BLADE k-space trajectory with the standard Cartesian k-space sampling for brain imaging, using a 32-channel coil at 3T. Methods:The results from 32 patients included after informed consent are reported. This study was performed with a 32-channel head coil on a 3T scanner. Sagittal and axial T1-weighted FLASH sequences (TR/TE 250/2.46 milliseconds, flip angle 70-degree), acquired with Cartesian k-space sampling and T1-weighted turboFLASH sequences (TR/TE/TIsag/TIax 3200/2.77/1144/1056 milliseconds, flip angle 20-degree), using PROPELLER (BLADE) k-space trajectory, were compared. SNR and CNR were evaluated using a paired student t test. The frequency of motion artifacts was assessed in a blinded read. To analyze the differences between both techniques a McNemar test was performed. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:From the blinded read, the overall preference in terms of diagnostic image quality was statistically significant in favor of the BLADE turboFLASH data sets, compared with standard FLASH for both sagittal (P < 0.0001) and axial (P < 0.0001) planes. The frequency of motion artifacts from the scalp was higher for standard FLASH sequences than for BLADE sequences on both axial (47%, P < 0.0003) and sagittal (69%, P < 0.0001) planes. BLADE was preferred in 100% (sagittal plane) and 80% (axial plane) of in-patient data sets and in 68% (sagittal plane) and 73% (axial plane) of out-patient data sets.The BLADE T1 scan did have lower SNRmean (BLADEax 179 ± 98, Cartesianax 475 ± 145, BLADEsag 171 ± 51, and Cartesiansag 697 ± 129) with P values indicating accordingly a statistically significant difference (Pax <0.0001, Psag < 0.0001), because of the fundamental difference in imaging approach (FLASH vs. turboFLASH). Differences for CNR were also statistically significant, independent of imaging plane (Pax = 0.001, Psag = 0.02). Conclusion:Results demonstrate that turboFLASH BLADE is applicable at 3T with a 32-channel head coil for T1-weighted imaging, with reduced ghost artifacts. This approach offers the first truly clinically applicable T1-weighted BLADE technique for brain imaging at 3T, with consistent excellent image quality.
Specific Inhibition of ICAM-1 Expression Mediated by Gene Targeting with Triplex-forming Oligonucleotides*

Selected sequences in the DNA double helix can be specifically recognized by oligonucleotides via hydrogen bonding interactions. The resulting triple helix can modulate DNA metabolism and especially interfere with transcription in a gene-specific manner. To explore the potential of triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) as gene repressors, a TFO was designed to target a 16-bp sequence within the third intron of the human intercellular-adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene, which plays a key role in initiating inflammation. TFO binding to its ICAM-1 target sequence was characterized in vitro and also demonstrated in cell nuclei with the set-up of a novel magnetic capture assay, which represents a general experimental approach to the detection of specific TFO binding and to the determination of the accessibility of a given genomic DNA locus. In a human keratinocyte cell line (A431), we observed that: (i) the ICAM-1 target sequence in the chromatin context within the nuclei is still available for triplex formation and (ii) TFO inhibits sequence and gene-specific interferon-γ-induced ICAM-1 surface expression. Collectively, the data demonstrate effective and specific inhibition of ICAM-1 expression by TFO treatment and support the view that triplex-mediated gene targeting might be a valuable technique for anti-inflammatory or anticancer strategies.
Modeling and Analysis of a High Pressure Operating Fuel Cell Hydrogen/Air system

This paper presents a study of the fuel cell system performance operating at high pressure and different temperature levels. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has analyzed in according with the possibility of using in transport applications. Therefore, it begin with the description of the model of the fuel cell which has been developed using a combination between empirical and theoretical modeling techniques. This model enables to simulate fuel cells V-J curves in dependences with the stack temperature and the oxygen partial pressure. In addition, it can be used to study the influence of the gases management (pressure) on the fuel cell stack performances. The study continues with the modeling and simulation of a turbo compressor as the active element for the compression air subsystem. One has used a least squares method for nonlinear curves fitting of fuel cell and compressor.
Devoicing of Phonologically Voiced Obstruents: Is European Portuguese Different from Other Romance Languages?

This paper presents results for voicing maintenance during European Portuguese (EP) stop and fricative production. Results showed that EP presented a high amount of devoicing for all phonologically voiced stops and fricatives. This is in contrast to classical literature reporting high voicing maintenance during stop closure for Romance languages, but confirms our preliminary results from previous work. Further, for the first time results are presented for the analyses of (timedependent) voicing profiles for EP. These profiles show differences in manner or place of articulation. However, a strong speaker-dependency on both devoicing percentage and voicing profiles is observed. Analysis of the effect of height of the following vowel on devoicing showed no difference for three of four speakers. However, for one speaker higher devoicing for all consonants when followed by a low vowel was observed.
The hemolysins of Staphylococcus aureus

Introduction . 317 Production and Properties of the Hemolysins . 318 Alpha Hemolysin . 318 Beta Hemolysin . 325 Delta Hemolysin . 329 Gamma Hemolysin. 332 Epsilonf Hemolysin . 334 Role of Hemolysins in Pathogenicity and Virulence of Staphylococci . 334 The Use of Staphylococcal Hemolysins in Membrane Structural Studies . 336 Conclusions . 337 Literature Cited . 337
Falcaustra sinensis sp. nov. (Nematoda, Kathlaniidae) from Indotestudo elongata in China

Falcaustra sinensis sp. nov. collected from the feces of Indotestudo elongata (Blyth) is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from the congeners by the arrangement of caudal papillae of the male (6 pairs precloacal, 4 pairs postcloacal, 1 median), length of spicules (3.84–4.74 mm) and the presence of pseudosucker.