Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Fate of Estrogenic Hormones in an Engineered Treatment Wetland with Dense Macrophytes

Recently, the estrogenic hormones 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 17α‐ethinyl estradiol (EE2) have been detected in municipal wastewater effluent and surface waters at concentrations sufficient to cause feminization of male fish. To evaluate the fate of steroid hormones in an engineered treatment wetland, lithium chloride, E2, and EE2 were added to a treatment wetland test cell. Comparison of hormone and tracer data indicated that 36% of the E2 and 41% of the EE2 were removed during the cell's 84‐h hydraulic retention time (HRT). The observed attenuation was most likely the result of sorption to hydrophobic surfaces in the wetland coupled with biotransformation. Sorption was indicated by the retardation of the hormones relative to the conservative tracer. Biotransformation was indicated by elevated concentrations of the E2 metabolite, estrone. It may be possible to improve the removal efficiency by increasing the HRT or the density of plant materials.
Effect of challenge with Candida albicans strains with different levels of virulence on plasma proteins in burned mice

Immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, transferrin, and fibrinogen were measured by radial immunodiffusion in plasma samples from burned versus unburned mice challenged with high-virulence Candida albicans MY 1044 or its low-virulence mutant, MY 1049. Early decreases in these proteins were found after burn and/or MY 1044 but not MY 1049 challenge. These decreases may contribute to increased susceptibility of mice that were burned and challenged by MY 1044 to lethal candidiasis.
Mindreading, Language and Simulation

Mindreading is the capacity to attribute psychological states to others and to use those attributions to explain, predict, and understand others’ behaviors. In the past thirty years, mindreading has become the topic of substantial interdisciplinary research and theorizing, with philosophers, psychologists and, more recently, neuroscientists, all contributing to the debate about the nature of the neuropsychological mechanisms that constitute the capacity for mindreading. In this thesis I push this debate forward by using recent results from developmental psychology as the basis for critiques of two prominent views of mindreading. First, I argue that the developmental studies provide evidence of infant mindreading and therefore expose a flaw in Jose Bermudez’s view that certain forms of mindreading require language possession. Second, I argue that the evidence of infant mindreading can also be used to undermine Alvin Goldman’s version of Simulation Theory. INDEX WORDS: Mindreading, Theory of mind, Social cognition, Propositional attitudes, False-belief tasks, Non-verbal false-belief tasks, Violation-of-expectation paradigm, Concept possession, Non-linguistic cognition, Second-order cognitive dynamics, Access consciousness, Metarepresentation, Simulation theory, Executive function, Inhibitory control MINDREADING, LANGUAGE AND SIMULATION
Phosphorylation of elongation factor G and ribosomal protein S6 in bacteriophage T7‐infected Escherichia coli

Bacteriophage T7 expresses a serine/threonine‐specific protein kinase activity during Infection of Its host, Escherichia coli. The protein kinase (gpO.7 PK), encoded by the T7 early gene 0.7, enhances phage reproduction under sub‐optimal growth conditions. It was previously shown that ribosomal protein S1 and translation initiation factors IF1, IF2, and IF3 are phosphoryiated in T7‐infected cells, and it was suggested that phosphorylation of these proteins may serve to stimulate translation of the phage late mRNAs. Using high‐resolution two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and specific immunoprecipitation, we show that elongation factor G and ribosomal protein S6 are phosphorylated following T7 infection. The gel electro‐phoretic data moreover indicate that elongation factor P is phosphorylated in T7‐infected cells. T7 early and late mRNAs are processed by ribonuclease III, whose activity is stimulated through phosphorylation by gp0.7 PK. Specific overexpression and phosphorylation was used to locate the RNase III polypeptide in the standard two‐dimensional gel pattern, and to confirm that serine is the phosphate‐accepting amino acid. The two‐dimensional gels show that the in vivo expression of gp0.7 PK results in the phosphorylation of over 90 proteins, which Is a significantly higher number than previous estimates. The protein kinase activities of the T7‐related phages T3 and BA14 produce essentially the same pattern of phosphorylated proteins as that of T7. Finally, several experimental variables are analysed which influence the production and pattern of phosphorylated proteins in both uninfected and T7‐rnfected cells.
Role of the receptor for bacteriophage lambda in the functioning of the maltose chemoreceptor of Escherichia coli

Chemotaxis towards maltose is specifically defective in many strains of Escherichia coli carrying mutations affecting lamB, the gene coding for the outer membrane receptor for bacteriophage lambda. However, with one exception, the most extreme effect of lamB mutants on the maltose response as determined in the capillary assay is a shift to higher sugar concentrations and a reduction in the number of bacteria accumulated to about 25% of the wild-type level. The severity of the taxis defect is strongly correlated with reduced ability of the cells to take up the maltose present at 1 and 10 muM. Evidence presented here and in the accompanying paper indicates that the lambda receptor is involved in the transport of maltose at these concentrations. The effects of lamB mutations on maltose taxis can be explained by postulating that the high-affinity maltose transport system in which the lambda receptor participates transfers maltose from the surrounding medium across the outer membrane and into the periplasmic space. If the maltose chemoreceptor detects sugar present in the periplasmic space, and not molecules external to the outer membrane, then defective transport of low concentrations of maltose into the periplasm would result in the observed apparent reduction in the sensitivity of the maltose receptor. Thus, the lambda receptor protein would participate in maltose chemorecepton only indirectly through its role in maltose transport.
The cellular transcription factor SP1 and an unknown cellular protein are required to mediate Rep protein activation of the adeno-associated virus p19 promoter

Control of adeno-associated virus (AAV) transcription from the three AAV promoters (p5, p19, and p40) requires the adenovirus E1a protein and the AAV nonstructural (Rep) proteins. The Rep proteins have been shown to repress the AAV p5 promoter yet facilitate activation of the p19 and p40 promoters during a productive infection. To elucidate the mechanism of promoter regulation by the AAV Rep proteins, the cellular factors involved in mediating Rep activation of the p19 promoter were characterized. A series of protein-DNA binding experiments using extracts derived from uninfected HeLa cells was performed to identify cellular factors that bind to the p19 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, DNase I protection analyses, and UV cross-linking experiments demonstrated specific interactions with the cellular factor SP1 (or an SP1-like protein) at positions -50 and -130 relative to the start of p19 transcription. Additionally, an unknown cellular protein (cellular AAV activating protein [cAAP]) with an approximate molecular mass of 34 kDa was found to interact with a CArG-like element at position -140. Mutational analysis of the p19 promoter suggested that the SP1 site at -50 and the cAAP site at -140 were necessary to mediate Rep activation of p19. Antibody precipitation experiments demonstrated that Rep-SP1 protein complexes can exist in vivo. Although Rep was demonstrated to interact with p19 DNA directly, the affinity of Rep binding was much lower than that seen for the Rep binding elements within the terminal repeat and the p5 promoter. Furthermore, the interaction of purified Rep68 with the p19 promoter in vitro was negligible unless purified SP1 was also added to the reaction. Thus, the ability of Rep to transactivate the p19 promoter is likely to involve SP1-Rep protein contacts that facilitate Rep interaction with p19 DNA.
Characterization of commissural interneurons in the lumbar region of the neonatal rat spinal cord

Neurons with axons that extend to the contralateral side of the spinal cord—commissural interneurons (CINs)—coordinate left/right alternation during locomotion. Little is known about the organization of CINs in the mammalian spinal cord. To determine the numbers, distribution, dendritic morphologies, axonal trajectories, and termination patterns of CINs located in the lumbar spinal cord of the neonatal rat, several different retrograde and anterograde axonal tracing paradigms were performed with fluorescent dextran amines and the lipophilic tracer 1,1′‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI). CINs with ascending (aCINs) and descending (dCINs) axons were labeled independently. The aCINs and dCINs occupied different but overlapping domains within the transverse plane. The aCINs were clustered into four recognizable groups, and the dCINs were clustered into two recognizable groups. All dCINs and most aCINs were located within the gray matter, with somata ranging from 10–30 μm in diameter and with large, multipolar dendritic trees. One group of aCINs was located outside the gray matter along the dorsal and dorsolateral margin and had dendrites that were nearly confined to the dorsolateral surface. All CIN axons traversed the ventral commissure at right angles to the midline. CIN axons coursed up to six or seven segments rostrally and/or caudally in the ventral and ventrolateral white matter and gave off collaterals over a shorter range, predominantly to the ventral gray matter. These findings show that the lumbar spinal cord of the neonatal rat contains substantial numbers of CINs with axon projections and collateral ranges spanning several segments and that CINs projecting rostrally vs. caudally have different distributions in the transverse plane. The study provides an anatomical framework for future electrophysiological studies of the spinal neuronal circuits underlying locomotion in mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 403:332–345, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum renin activity during exposure to hypoxia.

Changes of serum renin activity, heart rate, blood pressure, renal sodium, potassium and metadrenaline excretion and alveolar gas tensions were recorded during two 2\p=n-\3 h exposures to 446 mmHg barometric pressure (simulated altitude of 4279 m or 14000 ft). Serum renin activity rose considerably during the first exposure and only slightly during the second. This effect was positively correlated with the changes of heart rate. There was little change in blood pressure or in the rate of renal excretion of sodium, potassium or the metadrenalines. It is suggested that the change of serum renin activity cannot be explained by a direct effect of hypoxaemia, emotion, posture or the diurnal rhythm of renin secretion but that it may be correlated with changes of cardiovascular function.
3D integration by Cu-Cu thermo-compression bonding of extremely thinned bulk-Si die containing 10 μm pitch through-Si vias

Using standard single damascene type techniques on bulk-Si, combined on one hand with extreme wafer thinning and on the other with Cu-Cu thermo-compression bonding technology, the paper demonstrate yielding 10k through-wafer 3D-via chains with a via pitch of 10μm for a via diameter of 5μm. The bonded contacts exhibit shear strengths exceeding 40MPa. Measurements indicate there is no significant contact resistance at the Cu-Cu bonded interface: within measurement accuracy, the 4-point via chain resistance is consistent with bulk Cu resistivity
Analysis of carrier mobility in triple gate SOI nFinFET combining rotated substrate and strain

This paper studies the carrier mobility of triple gate SOI nFinFETs, fabricated on standard and rotated substrates, varying the fin width. The effective mobility results were extracted using the Split CV method, where FinFETs fabricated with rotated substrate show a higher maximum mobility than devices fabricated with a standard substrate. The effects of biaxial strain were also analyzed for the maximum mobility and it is shown that the strain increases the mobility for standard and rotated substrates. The mobility degradation was analyzed and compared for all devices. The results show that for standard devices the strain decreases the degradation of the mobility, whereas for the rotated devices strain results in an increase in this degradation for small fin width.
Circadian and weekly variations in pain onset of acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND A seasonal variation with more myocardial infarctions in the winter months due to cold weather has been reported. Other reports have described excess numbers of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the summer in Southern USA due to hot temperatures. To determine whether circadian and seasonal variations affect the incidence of AMI in the subtropical area of Taiwan, 480 consecutive patients with AMI admitted to our coronary care units were analyzed. METHODS Six-hourly intervals over 24 hours (4 periods), daily intervals in a week (7 days) and monthly intervals in a year (12 months) were respectively studied. The distributions of the numbers of AMI occurring in the six-hour intervals were tested for differences among the four periods using the chi-squared test for goodness of fit. RESULTS We found that there was a circadian variation in the onset of AMI with a morning peak (6 am to noon) (35%, chi 2 = 28.52, df = 3, p < 0.01) but no secondary late evening peak. The incidence of AMI was significantly lower on Sundays (9%) than on the other weekdays (chi 2 = 16.37, df = 6, p = 0.012). However, no seasonal variation (no winter or summer peaks) occurred in the incidence of AMI in this study (chi 2 = 0.77, df = 3, p = 0.99). CONCLUSION Our results showed that there was a predominant morning peak in the onset of AMI. The low incidence of AMI cases on Sunday compared with other weekdays suggested that relief from tension or workload on Sundays might have an important role in this low percentage of AMI. Differing from other reports, there was no seasonal variation in the occurrence of AMI in our study, suggesting that the warm climate of a subtropical region does not provide an environment that is likely to increase the frequency of AMI.
Changes in Outdoor Workers' Sun-Related Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors: A Pre–Post Workplace Intervention

Objective:To evaluate changes in outdoor workers' sun-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in response to a health promotion intervention using a participatory action research process. Methods:Fourteen workplaces across four outdoor industry types worked collaboratively with the project team to develop tailored sun protection action plans. Workers were assessed before and after the 18-month intervention. Results:Outdoor workers reported increases in workplace support for sun protection (P < 0.01) and personal use of sun protection (P < 0.01). More workers reported seeking natural shade (+20%) and wearing more personal protective equipment, including broad-brimmed hats (+25%), long-sleeved collared shirts (+19%), and long trousers (+16%). The proportion of workers reporting sunburn over the past 12 months was lower at postintervention (−14%) (P = 0.03); however, the intensity of reported sunburn increased. Conclusions:This intervention was successful in increasing workers' sun protective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
MAT1A variants are associated with hypertension, stroke, and markers of DNA damage and are modulated by plasma vitamin B-6 and folate.

BACKGROUND The S-adenosylmethionine synthetase type 1 (MAT1A) gene encodes a key enzyme in one-carbon nutrient metabolism. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the association of MAT1A variants with homocysteine, DNA damage, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). DESIGN Eight variants of MAT1A were examined for associations with hypertension, stroke, CVD, homocysteine, and DNA damage in 1006 participants of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Two variants were replicated in 1147 participants of the Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders Study. RESULTS Two variants and haplotypes were strongly associated with hypertension and stroke, independent of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variants. Homozygotes of the MAT1A d18777A (rs3851059) allele had a significantly greater likelihood of stroke (odds ratio: 4.30; 95% CI: 1.34, 12.19; P = 0.006), whereas 3U1510A (rs7087728) homozygotes had a lower likelihood of hypertension (odds ratio: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.95; P = 0.022) and stroke (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.82; P = 0.015). A similar trend of association was observed in a second elderly population. Furthermore, strong interactions between MAT1A genotypes and vitamin B-6 status were found. Carriers of the nonrisk allele 3U1510A had a lower 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration--a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage--when plasma vitamin B-6 was high, whereas homozygotes for the risk-allele 3U1510G had higher 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentrations, regardless of vitamin B-6 status. CONCLUSIONS MAT1A variants were strongly associated with hypertension and stroke. Improving folate and vitamin B-6 status might decrease the CVD risk of only a subset of the population, depending on genotype. These findings suggest that impairments in methylation activity, independent of homocysteine, have an effect on CVD risk.
Simultaneous quantification of DNA damage and mitochondrial copy number by long-run DNA-damage quantification (LORD-Q)

DNA damage and changes in the mitochondrial DNA content have been implicated in ageing and cancer development. To prevent genomic instability and tumorigenesis, cells must maintain the integrity of their nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Advances in the research of DNA damage protection and genomic stability, however, also depend on the availability of techniques that can reliably quantify alterations of mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and DNA lesions in an accurate high-throughput manner. Unfortunately, no such method has been established yet. Here, we describe the high-sensitivity long-run real-time PCR technique for DNA-damage quantification (LORD-Q) and its suitability to simultaneously measure DNA damage rates and mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in cultured cells and tissue samples. Using the LORD-Q multiplex assay, we exemplarily show that the mitochondrial DNA content does not directly affect DNA damage susceptibility, but influences the efficacy of certain anticancer drugs. Hence, LORD-Q provides a fast and precise method to assess DNA lesions, DNA repair and mtDNA replication as well as their role in a variety of pathological settings.
Patients' satisfaction in two long-term clinical studies on resin-bonded bridges.

This study aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with resin-bonded bridges and the effect of failures on the degree of satisfaction. In two clinical trials, 358 patients completed guided questionnaires at regular recalls (n=1484). In this way, data regarding 'overall function', 'colour', 'shape', 'functional changes', 'complaints' and 'recommendation to other patients' were obtained. The scores of each criterion were evaluated for the variables 'trial', 'gender', 'time after placement' and 'failure', using 4-way ANOVA. Encountered failures were rated using a 'failure severity scale'. For all combinations of measurement periods, the changes in patient's opinions were calculated and the differences tested using the paired t-test. Overall satisfaction was correlated with 'colour', 'shape' and inversely correlated with 'complaints' (r>0.34; all P<0.005). No statistical differences were found between males and females. No significant changes were observed in patient satisfaction over time. Failures influenced the failure sensitive variables 'functional changes' and 'avoidance of load'. The z-scores were independent of the severity of the failures (r<0.13; all P>0. 10). The degree of patient satisfaction with resin-bonded bridges appeared to be high and did not seem to be influenced by the occurrence of failure.
Tear functions in patients with pterygium.

PURPOSE In the etiology of pterygium abnormalities in tear functions have also been emphasized. In this study, tear function tests are evaluated in patients with pterygium. METHODS Schirmer's test 1, tear film break-up time and mucus fern patterns were evaluated in 70 eyes with pterygium and in 70 eyes of the age matched control group. Marginal tear films were also assessed. RESULTS Tear film break-up time was significantly reduced in the pterygium group. Mucus fern patterns and marginal tear films were found to be markedly abnormal in the eyes with pterygium, however, there was no significant difference in Schirmer's test 1. CONCLUSION Tear function tests disclosed disrupted tear film stability which is more likely to be due to the altered mucin. This change may either be the primary factor inducing pterygium formation or reflect an existing pathology in the cells lining the ocular surface.
Expression, subcellular localisation, and possible roles of dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) in murine macrophages

Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a peptidase of the DPPIV gene family, and its role in immune responses has been reported. In this study, we compared the messenger RNA expression profile of DPP9 to that of the related DPP8 and DPPIV in murine haematopoietic and lymphatic tissues. A similar order of expression levels was observed for all 3 peptidases: peritoneal macrophages < bone marrow < spleen ≤ lymph nodes. Also, we examined the subcellular localisation of DPP9 and its possible role(s) in J774 cell line of macrophage origin. DPP9 was dominantly expressed intracellularly. DPPIV‐like enzymatic activity was mostly present in cytoplasm, but also in cell membranes and organelles/vesicles. Decreased expression of DPP9 was observed upon activation of J774 cells by combined treatment with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Changes induced by DPP9 gene silencing in J774 cells suggest possible role of DPP9 in regulation of proliferation and activation status. The colocalisation of DPP9 with endocytosed DQ‐OVA demonstrated in endosomes of J774 cells might suggest the role of DPP9 in peptide processing within endosomal/vesicular compartment.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation

Purpose: To evaluate associations between IFN-γ +874T/A and TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism with the development of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Methods: By ARMS–PCR, a cross-sectional genetic study involving 30 patients with Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis and 87 controls was carried out. Results: IFN-γ +874: by comparing with the AA genotype, individuals with the TT genotype had a 3.4 odds ratio (OR); AT had a 1.6 OR; and the T allele had a higher OR (1.6), indicating a likely susceptibility of IFN-γ +874T to the infection, though the overall distribution was not significant (p = 0.259). For TNF-α-308G/A, individuals with both GA and AA genotypes had lower ORs when compared with the GG genotype, implying the A allele could confer protection against Toxoplasma ocular lesions. Conclusions: IFN-γ +874T allele may increase the risk of ocular lesions in Toxoplasma infection. The principle of natural selection seems to also play a role. The less common TNF-308A allelic form could be protective against the development of Toxoplasma ocular infection.