Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Signal Regulatory Protein (SIRPα), a Cellular Ligand for CD47, Regulates Neutrophil Transmigration*

Recent studies have demonstrated that CD47 plays an important role in regulating human neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis. Two ligands for CD47, thrombospondin and SIRPα, have been described. However, it is not known if SIRP-CD47 interactions play a role in regulating PMN migration. In this study, we show that SIRPα1 directly binds to the immunoglobulin variable domain loop of purified human CD47 and that such SIRP-CD47 interactions regulate PMN transmigration. Specifically, PMN migration across both human epithelial monolayers and collagen-coated filters was partially inhibited by anti-SIRP monoclonal antibodies. Similar kinetics of inhibition were observed for PMN transmigration in the presence of soluble, recombinant CD47 consisting of the SIRP-binding loop. In contrast, anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies inhibited PMN transmigration by markedly different kinetics. Results of signal transduction experiments suggested differential regulation of PMN migration by SIRPversus CD47 by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tyrosine kinases, respectively. Immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting after SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions suggested that several SIRP protein species may be present in PMN. Stimulation of PMN with fMLP resulted in increased surface expression of these SIRP proteins, consistent with the existence of intracellular pools. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PMN migration is regulated by CD47 through SIRPα-dependent and SIRPα-independent mechanisms.
Roles of cyclooxygenase‐2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 expression and β‐catenin activation in gastric carcinogenesis in N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐treated K19‐C2mE transgenic mice

K19‐C2mE transgenic (Tg) mice, simultaneously expressing cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) in the gastric mucosa under the cytokeratin 19 gene promoter, were here treated with N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU) and inoculated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to investigate gastric carcinogenesis. Wild‐type (WT) and Tg mice undergoing MNU treatment frequently developed tumors in the pyloric region (100% and 94.7%, respectively); multiplicity in Tg was higher than that in WT (P < 0.05) with H. pylori infection. Larger pyloric tumors were more frequently observed in Tg than in WT (P < 0.05). In addition, Tg developed fundic tumors, where WT did not. No gastric tumors were observed without MNU treatment. Transcripts of TNF‐α, iNOS, IL‐1β, and CXCL14 were up‐regulated with H. pylori infection in both genotypes and were also increased more in Tg than in WT within H. pylori‐inoculated animals. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significantly greater β‐catenin accumulation in pyloric tumors, compared with those in the fundus (P < 0.01) with mutations of exon 3; 18.2% and 31.6% in MNU‐alone and MNU + H. pylori‐treated WT, whereas 21.4% and 62.5% was observed in the Tg, respectively; the latter significantly higher (P < 0.05), suggesting the role of H. pylori in Wnt activation. In conclusion, K19‐C2mE mice promoted gastric cancer in both fundic and pyloric regions. Furthermore β‐catenin activation may play the important role of pyloric carcinogenesis especially in H. pylori‐infected Tg. Induction of various inflammatory cytokines in addition to overexpression of COX‐2/mPGES‐1 could be risk factors of gastric carcinogenesis and may serve as a better gastric carcinogenesis model. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2356–2364)
The Severity of Periodontal Disease is Associated with the Development of Glucose Intolerance in Non-diabetics: The Hisayama Study

Inflammation is hypothesized to play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes; however, reports on clinical inflammatory conditions are limited. Studies have suggested that periodontitis affects glucose control in diabetics. This community-based study examined the relationship between periodontitis and glucose tolerance status, including changes in status. The relationship between periodontal condition and the results of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was examined in 961 adults in 1998. Deep pockets (mean pocket depth > 2.0 mm) were significantly associated with impaired glucose tolerance and with diabetes as compared with shallow pockets (< 1.3 mm). In the subgroup with normal glucose tolerance 10 years previously, subjects who subsequently developed impaired glucose tolerance were significantly more likely to have deep pockets. Deep pockets were closely related to current glucose tolerance status and the development of glucose intolerance.
Sonographic findings of the neopharynx after total laryngectomy: comparison with CT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To our knowledge, sonographic findings in the neopharynx have not been well characterized. We describe our results and assess the role of sonography versus CT in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. METHODS We examined 25 patients (24 men and one woman; 44-78 years old) who had had a total laryngectomy. Sonography (with a 10-MHz transducer) and contrast-enhanced CT were performed in all patients. We evaluated the normal shape of the neopharynx and assessed the accuracy of sonography versus CT in detecting tumor recurrence in the neck. RESULTS The neopharynx appears as a round or ovoid structure on imaging studies. On sonograms, the neopharyngeal wall has five layers of alternating echogenicity: an innermost hyperechoic layer of superficial mucosa, an inner hypoechoic layer of deep mucosa, a middle hyperechoic layer of submucosa, an outer hypoechoic layer of muscle, and an outermost hyperechoic layer of adventitia. On CT scans, the neopharynx appears as a three-layered structure, with an inner hyperdense layer of mucosa, a middle hypodense layer of submucosa, and an outer isodense layer of pharyngeal constrictor muscles. Nine pathologically proved recurrences were found: three local recurrences, one local recurrence with lymph node metastasis, and five cases of lymph node metastasis only. One instance of false-negative lymph node metastasis was seen at sonography and one case of false-positive local recurrence was seen at CT. CONCLUSION The neopharynx has a unique sonographic appearance, and this imaging technique is useful for detecting local tumor recurrence in the neopharynx in patients who have had a total laryngectomy.
Feedback from each retinal neuron population drives expression of subsequent fate determinant genes without influencing the cell cycle exit timing

During neurogenesis, progenitors balance proliferation and cell cycle exit together with expression of fate determinant genes to ensure that the correct number of each of these neuron types is generated. Although intrinsic gene expression acting cell autonomously within each progenitor drives these processes, the final number of neurons generated is also influenced by extrinsic cues, representing a potential avenue to direct neurogenesis in developmental disorders or regenerative settings without the requirement to change intrinsic gene expression. Thus, it is important to understand which of these stages of neurogenesis are amenable to such extrinsic influences. Additionally, all types of neurons are specified in a highly conserved histogenic order, although its significance is unknown. This study makes use of conserved patterns of neurogenesis in the relatively simple yet highly organized zebrafish retina model, in which such histogenic birth order is well characterized. We directly visualize and quantify birth dates and cell fate determinant expression in WT vs. environments lacking different neuronal populations. This study shows that extrinsic feedback from developing retinal neurons is important for the temporal expression of intrinsic fate determinants but not for the timing of birth dates. We found no changes in cell cycle exit timing but did find a significant delay in the expression of genes driving the generation only of later‐ but not earlier‐born cells, suggesting that the robustness of this process depends on continuous feedback from earlier‐formed cell types. Thus, extrinsic cues selectively influence cell fate determinant progression, which may explain the function of the retinal histogenic order observed. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2553–2566, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of relevant four genes in 49 patients with Marfan syndrome or Marfan‐related phenotypes

In order to evaluate the contribution of FBN1, FBN2, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2 mutations to the Marfan syndrome (MFS) phenotype, the four genes were analyzed by direct sequencing in 49 patients with MFS or suspected MFS as a cohort study. A total of 27 FBN1 mutations (22 novel) in 27 patients (55%, 27/49), 1 novel TGFBR1 mutation in 1 (2%, 1/49), and 2 recurrent TGFBR2 mutations in 2 (4%, 2/49) were identified. No FBN2 mutation was found. Three patients with either TGFBR1 or TGFBR2 abnormality did not fulfill the Ghent criteria, but expressed some overlapping features of MFS and Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS). In the remaining 19 patients, either of the genes did not show any abnormalities. This study indicated that FBN1 mutations were predominant in MFS but TGFBRs defects may account for approximately 5–10% of patients with the syndrome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normative Data for the Rappel libre/Rappel indicé à 16 items (16-item Free and Cued Recall) in the Elderly Quebec-French Population

Performance on verbal memory tests is generally associated with socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, and education level. Performance also varies between different cultural groups. The present study aimed to establish normative data for the Rappel libre/Rappel indicé à 16 items (16-item Free and Cued Recall; RL/RI-16), a French adaptation of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (Buschke, 1984; Grober, Buschke, Crystal, Bang, & Dresner, 1988). The sample consisted of 566 healthy French-speaking older adults (50–88 years old) from the province of Quebec, Canada. Normative data for the RL/RI-16 were derived from 80% of the total sample (normative sample) and cross-validated using the remaining participants (20%; validation sample). The effects of participants’ age, sex, and education level were assessed on different indices of memory performance. Results indicated that these variables were independently associated with performance. Normative data are presented as regression equations with standard deviations (symmetric distributions) and percentiles (asymmetric distributions).
Reliability of three measures of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND A variety of methods exist to measure ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM). Few studies have examined the reliability of a novice rater. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of ankle ROM measurements using three different techniques in a novice rater. METHODS Twenty healthy subjects (mean±SD, age=24±3 years, height=173.2±8.1 cm, mass=72.6±15.2 kg) participated in this study. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM measures were obtained in a weight-bearing lunge position using a standard goniometer, digital inclinometer, and a tape measure using the distance-to-wall technique. All measures were obtained three times per side, with 10 minutes of rest between the first and second set of measures. Intrarater reliability was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(2,3)) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) for each measurement technique were also calculated. RESULTS The within-session intrarater reliability (ICC(2,3)) estimates for each measure are as follows: tape measure (right 0.98, left 0.99), digital inclinometer (right 0.96; left 0.97), and goniometer (right 0.85; left 0.96). The SEM for the tape measure method ranged from 0.4-0.6 cm and the MDC was between 1.1-1.5 cm. The SEM for the inclinometer was between 1.3-1.4° and the MDC was 3.7-3.8°. The SEM for the goniometer ranged from 1.8-2.8° with an MDC of 5.0-7.7°. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that reliable measures of weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM can be obtained from a novice rater. All three techniques had good reliability and low measurement error, with the distance-to-wall technique using a tape measure and inclinometer methods resulting in higher reliability coefficients (ICC(2,3)=0.96 to 0.99) and a lower SEM compared to the goniometer (ICC(2,3)=0.85 to 0.96). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
Decentralized Multi-Agent System-Based Cooperative Frequency Control for Autonomous Microgrids With Communication Constraints

Based on power line carrier communication technology, a decentralized multi-agent system (DMAS)-based frequency control strategy is proposed and investigated in this study on an autonomous microgrid with communication constraints, where each agent can only communicate with its neighboring agents. Using the optimized average consensus algorithm, the global information (i.e., total active power deficiency of the microgrid) can be accurately shared in a decentralized way. Depending on the discovered global information, the cooperative frequency control strategy, which involves primary and secondary frequency control and multi-stage load shedding, is executed to achieve a cooperative frequency recovery. Simulation results indicate that the proposed frequency control approach can guarantee the consensus and coordination of the distributed agents and maintain the frequency stability of islanded microgrids even in emergency conditions.
Mueller polarimetric imaging for surgical and diagnostic applications: a review

Polarization is a fundamental property of light and a powerful sensing tool that has been applied to many areas. A Mueller matrix is a complete mathematical description of the polarization characteristics of objects that interact with light, and is known as a transfer function of Stokes vectors which characterise the state of polarization of light. Mueller polarimetric imaging measures Mueller matrices over a field of view and thus allows for visualising the polarization characteristics of the objects. It has emerged as a promising technique in recent years for tissue imaging, improving image contrast and providing a unique perspective to reveal additional information that cannot be resolved by other optical imaging modalities. This review introduces the basis of the Stokes‐Mueller formulism, interpretation methods of Mueller matrices into fundamental polarization properties, polarization properties of biological tissues, and considerations in the construction of Mueller polarimetric imaging devices for surgical and diagnostic applications, including primary configurations, optimization procedures, calibration methods as well as the instrument polarization properties of several widely‐used biomedical optical devices. The paper also reviews recent progress in Mueller polarimetric endoscopes and fibre Mueller polarimeters, followed by the future outlook in applying the technique to surgery and diagnostics. Tissue polarization properties convey morphological, micro‐structural and compositional information of tissue with great potential for label free characterization of tissue pathological changes. Recent progress in tissue polarimetric imaging and polarization resolved endoscopy paved the way for translation of polarimetric imaging to surgery and tissue diagnosis.
Improvement of the energy method for strongly non resonant dispersive equations and applications

In this paper we propose a new approach to prove the local well-posedness of the Cauchy problem associated with strongly non resonant dispersive equations. As an example we obtain unconditional well-posedness of the Cauchy problem below $ H^1 $ for a large class of one-dimensional dispersive equations with a dispersion that is greater or equal to the one of the Benjamin-Ono equation. Since this is done without using a gauge transform, this enables us to prove strong convergence results for solutions of viscous versions of these equations towards the purely dispersive solutions.
Metered-dose inhaler accessory devices in acute asthma: efficacy and comparison with nebulizers: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the current literature about the efficacy of providing inhaled medications by metered-dose inhalers and accessory devices (MDI/ADs) to children with acute asthma and to compare it with the current standard of care, small-volume nebulizers (SVNs). DATA SOURCES Online computer and manual searches in English-language journal articles published between 1980 and 1996. STUDY SELECTION Seventeen prospective clinical trials that have used MDI/ADs in the treatment of acute asthma in children were retrieved. Ten randomized controlled studies that included a comparison with SVN treatment were selected. DATA EXTRACTION Studies were assessed qualitatively by their subject characteristics, design, intervention procedures, outcome measures, and results. DATA SYNTHESIS There were marked variations in types of MDI/ADs and in doses administered between and within studies. Major outcome measures included pulmonary function measurements and clinical scores. All studies found MDI/ADs to be effective in the treatment of infants and children with acute asthma. Among those who compared this treatment with SVN, 2 found the MDI/AD superior and the rest found it as effective as the SVN. CONCLUSIONS The data support the effectiveness of MDI/ADs as first-line treatment in acute childhood asthma. In view of clinical benefit, safety, lower cost, personnel time, and speed and ease of administration of MDI/ADs compared with SVNs, MDI/ADs should be considered the preferred mode of treatment of children with acute asthma.
The development of bergmann glia in mutant mice with cerebellar malformations: Reeler, staggerer and weaver. Immunofluorescence study with antibodies to the glial fibrillary acidic protein

The development of Bergmann glia has been studied by immunofluorescence with glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein antiserum in three mouse mutants with cerebellar malformations: reeler, staggerer and weaver. In none of these mutants was astrocytic differentiation delayed. The appearance of Bergmann glia in four‐day‐old reeler, staggerer and weaver mice was normal. Abnormalities of the neuroglial framework in the cerebellar cortex were observed later in development. In reeler mice immunofluorescent astrocytic fibers formed a mesh throughout the cerebellum. Radially oriented fibers were not observed. In staggerer mice Bergmann fibers shorter and more irregular than in littermate controls were still observed on the 14th day. Bergmann fibers were no more demonstrated by immunofluorescence in staggerer mice sacrificed later in development and little immunofluorescence was observed anywhere in the cerebellum of these animals. Heterozygous weaver and normal littermates were easily recognized in cryostat sections stained with toluidine blue, but the immunofluorescent pattern of Bergmann fibers was identical throughout development. Bergmann fibers were present and apparently not decreased in number in homozygous weaver mice but they had an immature appearance, i.e., they were shorter, less straight and less evenly spaced than in normal littermates of comparable age. In one‐month‐old homozygous weaver mice a dense mesh of immunofluorescent fibers with the general orientation of Bergmann fibers was present within the molecular layer of the cerebellum.
The Promise of the Maker Movement for Education

The Maker Movement is a community of hobbyists, tinkerers, engineers, hackers, and artists who creatively design and build projects for both playful and useful ends. There is growing interest among educators in bringing making into K-12 education to enhance opportunities to engage in the practices of engineering, specifically, and STEM more broadly. This article describes three elements of the Maker Movement, and associated research needs, necessary to understand its promise for education: 1) digital tools, including rapid prototyping tools and low-cost microcontroller platforms, that characterize many making projects; 2) community infrastructure, including online resources and in-person spaces and events; and 3) the maker mindset, aesthetic principles, and habits of mind that are commonplace within the community. It further outlines how the practices of making align with research on beneficial learning environments
Longitudinal Analyses of Early Lesions by Fluorescence

Previous caries experience correlates to future caries risk; thus, early identification of lesions has importance for risk assessment and management. In this study, we aimed to determine if Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) parameters—area (A [mm2]), fluorescence loss (∆F [%]), and ∆Q [%×mm2]—obtained by image analyses can predict lesion progression. We secured consent from 565 children (from 5-13 years old) and their parents/guardians and examined them at baseline and regular intervals over 48 months according to the International Caries Detection Assessment System (ICDAS), yearly radiographs, and QLF. QLF images from surfaces with ICDAS 0/1/2/3/4 at baseline that progressed (N = 2,191) to cavitation (ICDAS 5/6) or fillings and surfaces that did not progress to cavitation/fillings (N = 4,141) were analyzed independently for A, ∆F, and ∆Q. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare means and slopes (changes over time) between surfaces that progressed and those that did not. QLF A, ∆F, and ∆Q increased at a faster rate for surfaces that progressed than for surfaces that did not progress (p = .0001), regardless of type of surface or baseline ICDAS score. AUC for ICDAS ranged from 0.65 to 0.80, but adding QLF information improved AUC (0.82-0.87, p < .0005). We concluded that faster changes in QLF variables can indicate lesion progression toward cavitation and be more clinically relevant than actual QLF values.
Cooling of the Arctic and Antarctic Polar Stratospheres due to Ozone Depletion

Abstract Long time records of stratospheric temperatures indicate that substantial cooling has occurred during spring over polar regions of both hemispheres. These cooling patterns are coincident with observed recent ozone depletions. Time series of temperature from radiosonde, satellite, and National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data are analyzed in order to isolate the space–time structure of the observed temperature changes. The Antarctic data show strong cooling (of order 6–10 K) in the lower stratosphere (∼12–21 km) since approximately 1985. The cooling maximizes in spring (October–December), with small but significant changes extending throughout Southern Hemisphere summer. No Antarctic temperature changes are observed during midwinter. Significant warming is found during spring at the uppermost radiosonde data level (30 mb, ∼24 km). These observed temperature changes are all consistent with model predictions of the radiative response to Antarctic polar ozone depletion. Winter and.
Circulating levels of soluble CD30, a marker of cells producing Th2-type cytokines, are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and correlate with disease activity.

OBJECTIVE To measure the levels of serum soluble CD30 (sCD30), a marker of cells producing T helper 2(Th2)-type cytokines, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), and to determine its value in assessing disease activity. METHODS Serum levels of sCD30 were measured by ELISA in 21 patients with SLE, in 17 patients with UCTD and in 40 normal donors. Disease activity was evaluated according to the ECLAM scoring system. RESULTS sCD30 values were 53.84 +/- 58.24 U/mL in SLE, 22.65 +/- 9.82 U/mL in UCTD and 5.3 +/- 5.7 in normal controls (p < 0.0005 SLE vs controls; p < 0.05 SLE vs UCTD). sCD30 levels were directly related to the disease activity (p < 0.002). CONCLUSION These data support a relationship between the Th2-type immune response and the pathogenesis of SLE, and suggest that sCD30 can be used as a simple marker for the evaluation of disease activity.