Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of ischemic‐type biliary lesions by arterial back‐table pressure perfusion

Ischemic‐type biliary lesions (ITBLs) lead to considerable morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The exact pathogenesis is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that insufficient perfusion of biliary arterial vessels might be responsible for ITBLs. This could be prevented by improved perfusion techniques. Since February 2000, we performed a controlled study using arterial back‐table pressure perfusion (AP) to achieve reliable perfusion of the biliary‐tract capillary system, which may be impaired by the high viscosity of University of Wisconsin solution. We retrospectively analyzed 190 OLTs performed between September 1997 and July 2002 with regard to ITBLs. One hundred thirty‐one grafts were preserved by in situ standard perfusion (SP), including portal perfusion, whereas in 59 cases, additional AP was performed. Donor‐related factors, recipient age, indication for OLT, OLT technique, immunosuppression, and ischemia time were similar in both groups. In the SP group, 21 of 131 patients (16%) developed ITBLs. Only 1 of 59 patients with grafts receiving AP developed ITBLs. This difference was highly significant (P = .004). Peak aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels within the first 3 days were significantly lower in the AP group (AST, P = .016; ALT, P = .007). Multivariate analysis showed a significant influence of AP (P = .010) and donor age (P = .003) on the development of ITBLs. AP is an easy and reliable method to prevent ITBLs in OLT. It therefore should be used as the standard technique in liver procurement.
Nitric oxide generation by the organic nitrate NDBP attenuates oxidative stress and angiotensin II‐mediated hypertension

NO deficiency and oxidative stress are crucially involved in the development or progression of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and stroke. We have previously demonstrated that acute treatment with the newly discovered organic nitrate, 2‐nitrate‐1,3‐dibuthoxypropan (NDBP), is associated with NO‐like effects in the vasculature. This study aimed to further characterize the mechanism(s) and to elucidate the therapeutic potential in a model of hypertension and oxidative stress.
Identification of biochemical markers linked to neonicotinoid cross resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a serious pest in many cropping systems world-wide and occurs in different biotypes. The most widespread one is the B-type, whereas the Q-biotype is nowadays still mostly restricted to Southern Spain. Neonicotinoid cross-resistance is known at a high level in Q-types from Spain and individual samples collected in Italy and Germany. Now we detected for the first time high neonicotinoid cross-resistance in a B-type from Israel. Target site resistance to imidacloprid using [(3)H]imidacloprid in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) binding assays could not be detected in any of these highly resistant strains. The impact of metabolizing enzymes such as esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases in neonicotinoid resistance was studied biochemically with artificial substrates. Monooxygenase activity was increased 2-3-fold in moderately resistant strains (RF approximately 30) and even 5-6-fold in highly resistant strains (RF approximately 1,000). Only monooxygenase activity correlated with imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid resistance and, therefore, monooxygenases seem to be the only enzyme system responsible for neonicotinoid resistance in B. tabaci Q- and B-types. The oxidative degradation of imidacloprid in resistant Q-type strains could be confirmed by metabolism studies of [(14)C]imidacloprid in vivo. Five-hydroxy-imidacloprid could be detected as the only main metabolite. The insecticidal activity and binding affinity to nAChR of this compound was 10 times lower than imidacloprid itself in B. tabaci.
Molecular analysis of the pathophysiological binding of the platelet aggregation‐inducing factor podoplanin to the C‐type lectin‐like receptor CLEC‐2

The mucin‐type sialoglycoprotein podoplanin (aggrus) is involved in tumor cell‐induced platelet aggregation and tumor metastasis. C‐type lectin‐like receptor‐2 (CLEC‐2) was recently identified as an endogenous receptor of podoplanin on platelets. However, the pathophysiological importance and function of CLEC‐2 have not been elucidated. Here we clarified the pathophysiological interaction between podoplanin and CLEC‐2 in vitro and in vivo. Using several deletion mutants of CLEC‐2 expressed as Fc chimeras, we first identified an important podoplanin‐recognition domain in CLEC‐2. Furthermore, the podoplanin–CLEC‐2 interaction was confirmed using several deletion mutants of podoplanin expressed as Fc chimeras. Not only the disialyl‐core1‐attached glycopeptide but also the stereostructure of the podoplanin protein was found to be critical for the CLEC‐2‐binding activity of podoplanin. We next synthesized various glycopeptides of podoplanin that included both the platelet aggregation‐stimulating domain and O‐glycan on Thr52. Interestingly, a disialyl‐core1‐attached glycopeptide was recognized specifically by CLEC‐2. Moreover, the anti‐podoplanin monoclonal antibody NZ‐1 suppressed both the podoplanin–CLEC‐2 interaction and podoplanin‐induced pulmonary metastasis, suggesting that CLEC‐2 is the first pathophysiological receptor of podoplanin to be identified. In summary, we clarified the molecular interaction in vitro and in vivo between a platelet aggregation‐inducing factor, podoplanin, and its specific pathophysiological receptor on platelets, CLEC‐2. Podoplanin and CLEC‐2 might represent promising therapeutic targets in cancer metastasis. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 54–61)
Dysregulation of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The tightly controlled homeostatic mechanisms between cell growth and apoptosis that exist in normal liver tissue are disrupted during hepatocarcinogenesis. The TGF (transforming growth factor)-beta signaling system is a central component of the mechanisms by which cell growth and apoptosis are controlled in the liver. The recent delineation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway has provided a unique framework for analysis of the impact that disruption of individual components of this signaling pathway can have on apoptosis during hepatocarcinogenesis. Here we review recent data on involvement of the TGF-beta signaling pathway in the dysregulation of apoptosis frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinomas. The data indicate that disruption of the TGF-beta pathway at the pre-receptor, receptor, and post-receptor levels occurs in hepatocellular carcinomas and can cause dysregulation of apoptosis. Also, substantial evidence now exists that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) may function as an important negative regulator of the TGF-beta 1-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinomas. Taken together, the available evidence indicates that disruption of the TGF-beta 1-induced apoptosis as well as growth inhibition is an important and integral part of the multistage process of liver carcinogenesis.
Recent ecological responses to climate change support predictions of high extinction risk

Predicted effects of climate change include high extinction risk for many species, but confidence in these predictions is undermined by a perceived lack of empirical support. Many studies have now documented ecological responses to recent climate change, providing the opportunity to test whether the magnitude and nature of recent responses match predictions. Here, we perform a global and multitaxon metaanalysis to show that empirical evidence for the realized effects of climate change supports predictions of future extinction risk. We use International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria as a common scale to estimate extinction risks from a wide range of climate impacts, ecological responses, and methods of analysis, and we compare predictions with observations. Mean extinction probability across studies making predictions of the future effects of climate change was 7% by 2100 compared with 15% based on observed responses. After taking account of possible bias in the type of climate change impact analyzed and the parts of the world and taxa studied, there was less discrepancy between the two approaches: predictions suggested a mean extinction probability of 10% across taxa and regions, whereas empirical evidence gave a mean probability of 14%. As well as mean overall extinction probability, observations also supported predictions in terms of variability in extinction risk and the relative risk associated with broad taxonomic groups and geographic regions. These results suggest that predictions are robust to methodological assumptions and provide strong empirical support for the assertion that anthropogenic climate change is now a major threat to global biodiversity.
Effect of sampling rate on transient based RF fingerprinting

In this paper, effect of sampling rate on the performance of transmitter identification system using transient-based RF fingerprints is considered. Two different existing RF fingerprinting techniques have been employed to investigate the performance of a transmitter identification system by using experimental data collected at a high sampling rate. Decimation was carried out to analyze the effect of lower sampling rates. It has been shown that transient-based RF fingerprinting methods can be effectively used for identification of wireless transmitters at low sampling rates.
Clonal integration affects growth, photosynthetic efficiency and biomass allocation, but not the competitive ability, of the alien invasive Alternanthera philoxeroides under severe stress.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many notorious alien invasive plants are clonal, but little is known about some roles and aspects of clonal integration. Here, the hypothesis is tested that clonal integration affects growth, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass allocation and competitive ability of the exotic invasive weed Alternanthera philoxeroides (Amaranthaceae). METHODS The apical parts of Alternanthera were grown either with or without the lawn grass Schedonorus phoenix (tall fescue) and their stolon connections to the basal parts grown without competitors were either severed or left intact. KEY RESULTS Competition greatly reduced the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (F(v)/F(m)) and growth (biomass, number of ramets and leaves, total stolon length and total leaf area) of the apical Alternanthera, but not the biomass of S. phoenix. Stolon connections significantly increased F(v)/F(m) and growth of Alternanthera. However, such effects on growth were smaller with than without competition and stolon connections did not alter the relative neighbour effect of Alternanthera. Stolon connections increased Alternanthera's biomass allocation to roots without competition, but decreased it with competition. CONCLUSIONS Clonal integration contributed little to Alternanthera's competitive ability, but was very important for Alternanthera to explore open space. The results suggest that the invasiveness of Alternanthera may be closely related to clonal integration.
Family management and deviant peer association as mediators of the impact of treatment condition on youth antisocial behavior.

The influence of family management skills (i.e., supervision, discipline, and positive adult-youth relationship) and deviant peer association on youth antisocial behavior was examined within the context of a randomized clinical trial contrasting multidimensional treatment foster care and services-as-usual group care. Participants were male adolescents with histories of chronic and serious juvenile delinquency who were mandated into residential care by the juvenile court. As hypothesized, family management skills and deviant peer association mediated the effect of treatment condition and accounted for 32% of the variance in subsequent antisocial behavior.
Radio-products of thymine in the presence of ethanol.

SummaryIrradiation of neutral aqueous solutions of thymine in the presence of ethanol leads to the formation of addition products with an α-hydroxyethyl substituent on C64 of thymine. These products account for about 25 per cent of total radio-products.One of the products, 6-(α-hydroxyethyl)-6-hydro-5-hydroxythymine, can undergo photochemical conversion to the parent thymine with concomitant elimination of acetaldehyde, on irradiation at 254 nm in aqueous medium.An additional radio-product, which probably arises as a result of secondary reactions, is 6-ethylthymine.The mechanisms of formation of the foregoing are formulated, some of the properties of the various products presented, and the possible radiobiological significance of these processes discussed.
Timed action of the gene products required for septum formation in the cell cycle of Bacillus subtilis

Four isogenic strains of temperature-sensitive septationless mutants, whose mutations are located on different genes, were used to study the periods of action of the gene products required for the initiation of septum formation during the cell cycle of Bacillus subtilis. The shift-up experiments, in which portions of a synchronous culture of each mutant were transferred to the nonpermissive temperature, showed that the transition point, at which cells attained the ability to divide at the nonpermissive temperature in the cell cycle, was strain specific. Furthermore, the heat shock experiments, in which portions of a synchronous culture were subjected to the nonpermissive temperature before the transition point for a fixed period and shifted back to the permissive temperature, showed that the time interval between the shift-back and the subsequent cell division was specific to each strain but was independent of the age of heat shock. These results led us to the idea that the initiation of septum formation in B. subtilis requires the timed action of the four gene products, each of which functions at a specific stage in the cell cycle. In addition, the result with DNA elongation mutant MK-526, which is also septation defective, supported our previous findings that the initiation of septum formation requires the termination of DNA replication in the previous cell cycle.
Sexual dimorphism in head structures of the weevil Rhopalapion longirostre (Olivier 1807) (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea): a response to ecological demands of egg deposition

Extreme sexually dimorphic phenotypes are frequently attributed to strong sexual selection but they can also arise as a consequence of different ecological demands. The evolutionary emergence of elongated rostra was a key event in the adaptive radiation of weevils. Exaggerated female rostra evolved in numerous weevil taxa, enabling females to bore long channels for egg deposition into various parts of host plants. The investigated ecological scenario involves three species of brentid weevils, all associated with the same host plant, Alcea rosea. The present study reveals that: (1) Rhopalapion longirostre bores egg channels into the buds, and the female rostrum is twice as long and its surface is smoother than in the male; (2) Alocentron curvirostre and Aspidapion validum live on the same host plant but use the stems for egg deposition; in these species, female rostra are not exaggerated; (3) the females of all three species possess a stronger mandible musculature than males; (4) the elongated female snout of R. longirostre is a response to the requirements of boring egg channels of maximal depth into the buds of the host plant; and (5) female muscle strength is an adaptation to boring into hard plant tissues, irrespective of rostrum length. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 104, 642–660.
Tensile stress patterns predicted in the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint

The direction of the first principal stress in the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint was predicted with a biomechanical model of the human masticatory system. The results were compared with the orientation of its collagen fibers. Furthermore, the effect of an active pull of the superior lateral pterygoid muscle, which is directly attached to the articular disc, was studied. It was hypothesized that the markedly antero‐posterior direction of the collagen fibers would be reflected in the direction of the tensile stresses in the disc and that active pull of the superior lateral pterygoid muscle would augment these tensions. It was found that the tensile patterns were extremely dependent on the stage of movement and on the mandibular position. They differed between the superior and inferior layers of the disc. The hypothesis could only be confirmed for the anterior and middle portions of the disc. The predicted tensile principal stresses in the posterior part of the disc alternated between antero‐posterior and medio‐lateral directions.
Higher-order critical pairs

A subclass of lambda -terms, called patterns, which have unification properties resembling those of first-order terms, is introduced. Higher-order rewrite systems are defined to be rewrite systems over lambda -terms whose left-hand sides are patterns: this guarantees that the rewrite relation is easily computable. The notion of critical pair is generalized to higher-order rewrite systems, and the analog of the critical pair lemma is proved. The restricted nature of patterns is instrumental in obtaining these results. The critical pair lemma is applied to a number of lambda -calculi and some first-order logic formalized by higher-order rewrite systems. <<ETX>>
Predispositions and Public Support for the President During the War on Terrorism

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath offer a rare opportunity to examine how presidential approval responds to a sudden and severe national security crisis. I utilize the 2000-2002 National Election Studies panel to track change in public attitudes toward George W. Bush over the first two years of his presidency. An advantage of using panel data is that it allows me to go beyond aggregate change in presidential approval to examine how change is related to defense policy predispositions and prior political awareness. I find important differences. Over these two years, those high in political awareness experience priming of their defense predispositions but very little rally effect. In contrast, those low in political awareness experience a rally in support for Bush but very little priming. These results reaffirm that those with different levels of political awareness respond to dramatic messages in distinct ways.
Percutaneous Interventions in the Coagulopathic Patient

Interventional procedures in patients with coagulopathies carry a perceived risk of increased bleeding and complications. Acquired and inherited deficiencies of blood-clotting factors, thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction, and effect of anticoagulation are common problems encountered by practicing clinical interventional radiologists. In this article we review common coagulopathies, available data on percutaneous procedures in coagulopathic patients, and recommendations for periprocedure treatment.
Different expression of glutathione S-transferase alpha, mu and pi in childhood acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia.

Expression of three major classes of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), i.e. alpha, mu and pi class, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) were studied in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and normal peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry. In vitro cytotoxicity of 4-hydroxy-ifosfamide (IFOS), daunorubicin (DNR) and prednisolone (PRED) was assessed by the MTT assay. Expression of alpha, mu and pi class GST did not significantly differ between leukaemic cells from 100 initial and 14 unrelated relapse ALL patients (GSTalpha P=026; GSTmu P=O009; GSTpi P=0.13). The expression of GSTalpha (1.4-fold, P=0.0004), GSTpi (13-fold, P = 0001) and to a lesser extent also GSTmu (1.1-fold, P=0.03) was higher in ALL compared with normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. Expression of GSTmu and GST7pi was significantly higher in 18 AML compared with 100 ALL patients at initial diagnosis (respectively 1.3-fold, P=0.0005 and 2-fold, P<0.0001). In contrast, GSTalpha was median 2-fold lower expressed in the AML samples (P< 0.0001). Expression levels of alpha, mu and pi class GSTs were not related to the degree of resistance to IFOS, DNR and PRED nor to immunophenotype, white blood cell count or age at presentation of childhood ALL. One exception was a remarkably low expression of GSTalpha in IFOS-sensitive samples compared with a heterogenous expression in IFOS-resistant samples (P= 0.02). Expression of GSTpi, but not of GSTalpha or GSTmu, weakly correlated with the expression of MRP (Rs 0.36, P = 0.002, n = 74) but not with P-gp. However, a high expression of both GSTpi and MRP was not associated with in vitro resistance to IFOS, DNR or PRED. The present data suggest that expression of GSTs is not linked to the degree of resistance to IFOS, DNR and PRED or clinical risk factors in childhood ALL. Whether the high expression of GSTmu and GSTpi in AML cells contributes to the relative resistance to IFOS, DNR and PRED compared with ALL samples (P < or = 0.0001) warrants further study.
Growth and Physiological Adaptation of Salix matsudana Koidz. to Periodic Submergence in the Hydro-Fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir of China

Submergence-tolerant trees are essential for vegetation restoration of the hydro-fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir (TGDR) area. Thus, it is of great significance to select the submergence-tolerant plant species by conducting in situ studies. To restore degraded riparian vegetation under the circumstances of dynamic impoundment of the TGDR, Salix matsudana Koidz. , a flooding-tolerant native tree species, was introduced to conduct an in situ practical study to test its performance in re-vegetating and restoring the hydro-fluctuation zone of the TGDR. Effects of periodic moderate submergence (MS) and deep submergence (DS) on photosynthesis and growth of Salix matsudana Koidz. were investigated after three water cycles compared to a control (i.e., shallow submergence, abbreviated as SS) in order to specifically assess its application prospects in vegetation restoration under such extreme environment. Results showed that net photosynthetic rate (Pn), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) and limiting value of stomata (Ls) of S. matsudana were significantly reduced in DS. However, pigment content had no significant change in all submergence treatments. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height of S. matsudana were significantly decreased in both MS and DS when compared to that of SS, respectively. In contrast, the primary branch number of S. matsudana was significantly increased as submergence increased. In addition, relative diameter and height growth rates of S. matsudana were also reduced under submergence. Considering the sustained growth of this species, S. matsudana saplings are tolerant to long-term periodic submergence and can be applied to the vegetative restoration of the hydro-fluctuation zone of the TGDR region.