Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of Tolerance via the Respiratory Mucosa

Immunological tolerance is defined as a state of specific non-responsiveness to a particular antigen induced by previous exposure to that same antigen. The mucosal surfaces comprise the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenitary tract, and are a major site of antigenic challenge. The immune system associated with the mucosa has the extraordinary potential to discriminate between antigens that are harmless (e.g. inhaled and dietary antigens) and those that are associated with pathogens. Normally soluble proteins delivered through the mucosal surfaces do not elicit a strong systemic immune response but instead induce a transient local immune response that is replaced by long-term peripheral unresponsiveness – this is termed mucosal tolerance. The phenomenon of oral tolerance is well established and considerable attention has focussed on defining the underlying mechanisms. However, only comparatively recently was the induction of tolerance via the respiratory mucosa described, and it is this form of mucosal tolerance which forms the basis of this review.
Micromechanics of sea ice frictional slip from test basin scale experiments

We have conducted a series of high-resolution friction experiments on large floating saline ice floes in an environmental test basin. In these experiments, a central ice floe was pushed between two other floes, sliding along two interfacial faults. The frictional motion was predominantly stick–slip. Shear stresses, normal stresses, local strains and slip displacement were measured along the sliding faults, and acoustic emissions were monitored. High-resolution measurements during a single stick–slip cycle at several positions along the fault allowed us to identify two phases of frictional slip: a nucleation phase, where a nucleation zone begins to slip before the rest of the fault, and a propagation phase when the entire fault is slipping. This is slip-weakening behaviour. We have therefore characterized what we consider to be a key deformation mechanism in Arctic Ocean dynamics. In order to understand the micromechanics of sea ice friction, we have employed a theoretical constitutive relation (i.e. an equation for shear stress in terms of temperature, normal load, acceleration, velocity and slip displacement) derived from the physics of asperity–asperity contact and sliding (Hatton et al. 2009 Phil. Mag. 89, 2771–2799 (doi:10.1080/14786430903113769)). We find that our experimental data conform reasonably with this frictional law once slip weakening is introduced. We find that the constitutive relation follows Archard's law rather than Amontons' law, with (where τ is the shear stress and σn is the normal stress) and n = 26/27, with a fractal asperity distribution, where the frictional shear stress, τ = ffractal Tmlws, where ffractal is the fractal asperity height distribution, Tml is the shear strength for frictional melting and lubrication and ws is the slip weakening. We can therefore deduce that the interfacial faults failed in shear for these experimental conditions through processes of brittle failure of asperities in shear, and, at higher velocities, through frictional heating, localized surface melting and hydrodynamic lubrication. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’.
Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase is inhibited by ATP only at very high ATP/ADP ratios

Abstract In the past, divergent results have been reported based on different methods and conditions used for enzymatic activity measurements of cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx). Here, we analyze in detail and show comparable and reproducible polarographic activity measurements of ATP-dependent inhibition of CytOx kinetics in intact and non-intact rat heart mitochondria and mitoplasts. We found that this mechanism is always present in isolated rat heart mitochondria and mitoplasts; however, it is measurable only at high ATP/ADP ratios using optimal protein concentrations. In the kinetics assay, measurement of this mechanism is independent of presence or absence of Tween-20 and the composition of measuring buffer. Furthermore, the effect of atractyloside on intact rat heart mitochondria confirms that (i) ATP inhibition occurs under uncoupled conditions [in the presence of carbonly cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP)] when the classical respiratory control is absent and (ii) high ATP/ADP ratios in the matrix as well as in the cytosolic space are required for full ATP inhibition of CytOx. Additionally, ATP inhibition measured in intact mitochondria extends in the presence of oligomycin, thus indicating further that the problem to measure the inhibitory effect of ATP on CytOx is apparently due to the lack of very high ATP/ADP ratios in isolated mitochondria.
Comparison of Buprenorphine and Methadone Maintenance in Opiate Addicts

As a maintenance agent for opioid dependency, buprenorphine offers advantages such as a lower level of dependence and minimal withdrawal symptoms, due to its partial agonist properties at the µ-opioid receptor. Previous studies have shown 8 mg sublingual buprenorphine to be equivalent to 60 mg oral methadone in terms of retention rate and opioid-negative urine levels. In a 24-week, ongoing European study, 34 opioid-dependent subjects were assessed; 16 receiving buprenorphine and 18 methadone. A free dosing schedule was used with no upper limit for methadone dosing but with a maximum buprenorphine dose of 8 mg. Screening prior to the study excluded subjects with polysubstance dependence, somatic disease and/or HIV infection. Primary outcome measures were abstinence from other drugs, for which subjects provided weekly urine samples for analysis of opioids, cocaine and benzodiazepines, and retention in treatment. Patients in the buprenorphine group provided a greater proportion of negative urine samples, in particular cocaine-negative samples, compared with the methadone group, although this was not statistically significant. Retention in the buprenorphine group was significantly lower than in the methadone group, suggesting that the 8 mg buprenorphine limit may have biased the results in favour of methadone, and that this dose may have been too low for those subjects with high levels of dependence. However, buprenorphine is clearly effective in the more motivated subjects and further investigation in this subgroup is recommended.
Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O78:H10, the Cause of an Outbreak of Urinary Tract Infection

ABSTRACT In 1991, multiresistant Escherichia coli O78:H10 strains caused an outbreak of urinary tract infections in Copenhagen, Denmark. The phylogenetic origin, clonal background, and virulence characteristics of the outbreak isolates, and their relationship to nonoutbreak O78:H10 strains according to these traits and resistance profiles, are unknown. Accordingly, we extensively characterized 51 archived E. coli O78:H10 isolates (48 human isolates from seven countries, including 19 Copenhagen outbreak isolates, and 1 each of calf, avian, and unknown-source isolates), collected from 1956 through 2000. E. coli O78:H10 was clonally heterogeneous, comprising one dominant clonal group (61% of isolates, including all 19 outbreak isolates) from ST10 (phylogenetic group A) plus several minor clonal groups (phylogenetic groups A and D). All ST10 isolates, versus 25% of non-ST10 isolates, were identified by molecular methods as enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (P < 0.001). Genes present in >90% of outbreak isolates included fimH (type 1 fimbriae; ubiquitous in E. coli); fyuA, traT, and iutA (associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli [ExPEC]); and sat, pic, aatA, aggR, aggA, ORF61, aaiC, aap, and ORF3 (associated with EAEC). An outbreak isolate was lethal in a murine subcutaneous sepsis model and exhibited characteristic EAEC “stacked brick” adherence to cultured epithelial cells. Thus, the 1991 Copenhagen outbreak was caused by a tight, non-animal-associated subset within a broadly disseminated O78:H10 clonal group (ST10; phylogenetic group A), members of which exhibit both ExPEC and EAEC characteristics, whereas O78:H10 isolates overall are phylogenetically diverse. Whether ST10 O78:H10 EAEC strains are both uropathogenic and diarrheagenic warrants further investigation.
An event-semantic account of spatial modification in the acquisition of Mandarin

Abstract This study investigates Mandarin-speaking children's knowledge of event semantics in interpreting spatial modifiers with zai ‘at’ after a posture verb or before a placement verb. The event-semantic principles investigated include subevent modification (Parsons, 1990) and aspect shift (Fong, 1997). We conducted an experimental study using modified forced choice, video choice, and elicited production techniques with five groups of children (two- to six-year-olds) and an adult control group. Three-year-olds were sensitive to the ambiguity of zai-PPs with placement verbs and posture verbs, suggesting guidance from principles of aspect shift and subevent modification. On the other hand, distributional properties of the input play a role in acquiring the interpretation and word order of zai: e.g., four-year-olds significantly differed from adults in accepting non-target V-zai sentences, as some verb classes can take postverbal prepositional phrases with zai while others cannot in adult usage.
Respiratory pauses in normal prematurely born infants. A comparison with full-term newborns.

To assess the influence of gestational age (GA) and sleep states on respiratory pauses (RP), apnea index (AI) and periodic breathing (PB), we made polygraphic recordings on 40 normal newborns with GA of 31-41 weeks. Only 2 out of a total of 2,406 RP were obstructive. We never recorded greater than 15-second duration central RP. 10-15 s RP were rare, 2% of the total number observed in newborns with a GA of 31-38 weeks. Selective flattening of thoracic respiratory movements (while abdominal and nasal respirations persisted) were observed in all age-groups. In all GA groups, RP frequency, AI and percent of PB were significantly higher in active sleep, compared to quiet sleep. In indeterminate sleep, values were intermediate. RP frequency and AI were high in newborns with GA of up to 38 weeks; they decreased significantly only at GA of 39-41 weeks; i.e. according to RP criteria, newborns with a GA of 37-38 weeks were similar to prematures, but not to 39- to 41-week GA newborns. There were no significant differences between twins and singletons. We did not find significant correlations between RP incidence on one hand and respiratory rate or out-of-phase occurrence of thoracic and abdominal respiratory movements in the other. 17% of RP occurred after gross body movements.
Comparison of predicted intrinsic hepatic clearance of 30 pharmaceuticals in canine and feline liver microsomes

Abstract 1. Known cytochrome P450 (CYP) substrates in humans are used in veterinary medicine, with limited knowledge of the similarity or variation in CYP metabolism. Comparison of canine and feline CYP metabolism via liver microsomes report that human CYP probes and inhibitors demonstrate differing rates of intrinsic clearance (CLint). 2. The purpose of this study was to utilize a high-throughput liver microsome substrate depletion assay, combined with microsomal and plasma protein binding to compare the predicted hepatic clearance (CLhep) of thirty therapeutic agents used off-label in canines and felines, using both the well-stirred and parallel tube models. 3. In canine liver microsomes, 3/30 substrates did not have quantifiable CLint, while midazolam and amitriptyline CLint was too rapid for accurate determination. A CLhep was calculated for 29/30 substrates in feline microsomes. Overall, canine CLhep was faster compared to the feline, with fold differences ranging from 2–20-fold. 4. A comparison between the well-stirred and parallel tube model indicates that the parallel tube model reports a slighter higher CLhep in both species. 5. The differences in CYP metabolism between canine and feline highlight the need for additional research into CYP expression and specificity.
[Prognostic significance of leukocyte count in the venous blood in the acute stage of cerebral aneurism rupture].

AIM To determine a prognostic role of leukocyte count in the venous blood in the acute stage of cerebral aneurysm (CA) rupture. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-one patients with CA rupture, aged from 20 to 65 years, hospitalized in the first 72 h over the period from 01.10. 12 to 01.02. 16 were examined. The severity of disease and anatomical form of hemorrhage was corresponded to III-IV degree on the W. Hunt - R. Hess scale and Fisher scale. All patients underwent surgery. Outcomes after open and endovascular surgeries were similar. RESULTS Normal leukocyte number in the venous blood at admission was identified in 12 (24%) of patients (on average 7.3±1.4·109/L), leukocytosis in 39 (76%) (14.3±3.1·109/L) (p<0.0001). Leukocyte number in the acute stage of CA rupture was correlated with the frequency and severity of the vessel spasm. In 28 (55%) of patients with ischemic lesions of the brain matter, mean leukocyte number in the first 72 h after hemorrhage was higher by 2-24% (3±4.8·109/L) compared to patients without ischemia (11.9±2.5·109/L) (p=0.06). The level of leukocytes in survivors was lower by 3 - 28% (122±3.4·109/L) compared to patients with fatal outcome and patients with severe neurological deficit after the surgery (14.5±3.9·109/L) (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The increase in leukocyte number in the venous blood in the first 72 h after CA rupture ≥10,1·109/L is a reliable risk factor of marked vessel spasm. The level of leukocytes in patients with cerebral ischemia and poor prognosis in the first 72h after aneurysmal hemorrhage was higher by 2-28% compared to survivors without neurological impairment or mild neurological deficit.
Differences in Diabetes Self-care Activities by Race/Ethnicity and Insulin Use

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine differences in diabetes self-care activities by race/ethnicity and insulin use. Methods Data were from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for adults with diabetes. Outcomes included 5 diabetes self-care activities (blood glucose monitoring, foot checks, nonsmoking, physical activity, healthy eating) and 3 levels of diabetes self-care (high, moderate, low). Logistic regression models stratified by insulin use were used to estimate the odds of each self-care activity by race/ethnicity. Results Only 20% of adults had high levels of diabetes self-care, while 64% had moderate and 16% had low self-care. Racial/ethnic differences were apparent for every self-care activity among non–insulin users but only for glucose monitoring and foot checks among insulin users. Overall, American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of glucose monitoring; blacks had higher odds of foot checks; and Hispanics had higher odds of not smoking compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Non-insulin-using American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of foot checks, and non-insulin-using Hispanics had higher odds of fruit/vegetable consumption. Conclusions Participation in specific diabetes self-care behaviors differs by race/ethnicity and by insulin use. Yet, few adults with diabetes of any race/ethnicity engage in high levels of self-care. Findings suggest that culturally tailored messages about diabetes self-care may be needed, in addition to more effective population promotion of healthy lifestyles and risk reduction behaviors to improve diabetes control and overall health. Diabetes educators can be a catalyst for adopting a population approach to diabetes management, which requires addressing both prevention and management of diabetes for all patients.
Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Economically Disadvantaged African-American Adolescents: Preliminary Findings

Purpose. To examine the application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. Methods. Scales for measuring decisional balance, situational self-efficacy, and processes of change for fruit and vegetable consumption were developed and pretested with 57 economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. The scales and measures for assessing stages of change, demographic variables, and fruit and vegetable consumption were administered to a separate sample of 262 participants. t-tests for independent samples and analysis of variance were used to examine differences in TTM variables and fruit and vegetable consumption across stages of change. Results. Two-factor solutions for decisional balance and processes of change and a three-factor solution for situational self-efficacy provided the best fit to the data. Alpha coefficients of reliability for the scales ranged from . 77 (experiential change processes) to . 91 (pros). Participants in action-maintenance stages evidenced higher pros, self-efficacy, and fruit and vegetable consumption and significantly lower cons than did participants in precontemplation and contemplation-preparation stages. Also, participants in action-maintenance stages used processes of change more frequently than did those in precontemplation-contemplation-preparation stages. The use of experiential and behavioral processes within these stages did not differ significantly, as posited. Discussion. Observed differences in TTM variables and fruit and vegetable consumption by stage of change in this sample of economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents were consistent with theory and previous applications of the model to fruit and vegetable consumption in adults. With replication studies, the TTM may be appropriate for designing interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among this population.
On an enhanced rank‐preserving structural failure time model to handle treatment switch, crossover, and dropout

It is very challenging to estimate the comparative treatment effect between a treatment therapy and a control therapy on overall survival in the presence of treatment crossover, switch to an alternative non‐study therapy, and non‐random patient dropout. Existing methods (e.g., intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol) are known to be biased. We proposed two new estimators to address these analytical challenges and evaluated their performance via a comprehensive simulation study. The new estimators were constructed by combining an enhanced rank‐preserving structural failure time model and the inverse probability censoring weighting approach. In the simulation study, we assessed and compared the performance of the two new estimators with four estimators from existing methods. The simulation results show that the new estimators have much better performance in almost all considered settings compared with the existing estimators. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel Processing in the Auditory Cortex of Primates

Evidence from anatomical tracer studies as well as lesions of the primary auditory cortex (AI) indicate that the principal relay nucleus of the auditory thalamus, the ventral part of the medial geniculate (MGv), projects in parallel to AI and the rostral area on the supratemporal plane of the macaque monkey. The caudomedial area, by contrast, receives input from MGv only indirectly via AI, and neurons in this area are often tuned to the spatial location of a complex sound. The belt areas on the lateral surface of the superior temporal gyrus receive input from the primary areas. Neurons in these areas respond better to more complex stimuli, such as band-pass noise pulses of frequency-modulated sweeps, than to pure tones. Often neurons in the lateral belt respond well to species-specific communication calls. The hypothesis is put forward that the central auditory pathways in the macaque monkey are organized into parallel streams, similar to the visual system, one for the processing of spatial information, the other for the processing of auditory ‘patterns’. Evidence from neuroimaging studies in humans with MRI and PET are consistent with this hypothesis. Virtual auditory space stimuli lead to selective activation of an inferior parietal region, whereas speech-like stimuli activate superior temporal regions.
Effect of Nitric Oxide on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Damage in Isolated Rabbit Gastric Glands

The present study aims at investigating the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced damage in isolated rabbit gastric glands. NO synthesis modulators such as L-arginine and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and an NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, were added to isolated rabbit gastric glands exposed to H2O2, generated by glucose oxidase acting on β-D-glucose. As a result, glucose/glucose oxidase caused an increase in lipid peroxide production and decreases in reduced glutathione (GSH) content, GSH peroxidase activity, nitrite release, and mucus secretion in gastric glands. The alterations in lipid peroxide production, GSH content, and mucus secretion were prevented by pretreatment with L-arginine, a substrate for NO synthase and sodium nitroprusside, but not by L-NAME. In conclusion, NO protects gastric glands from H2O2 by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and maintaining cellular GSH content and mucus secretion.
A moderate financial incentive can increase effort, but not intelligence test performance in adult volunteers

A positive correlation between self-reported test-taking motivation and intelligence test performance has been reported. Additionally, some financial incentive experimental evidence suggests that intelligence test performance can be improved, based on the provision of financial incentives. However, only a small percentage of the experimental research has been conducted with adults. Furthermore, virtually none of the intelligence experimental research has measured the impact of financial incentives on test-taking motivation. Consequently, we conducted an experiment with 99 adult volunteers who completed a battery of intelligence tests under two conditions: no financial incentive and financial incentive (counterbalanced). We also measured self-reported test-taking importance and effort at time 1 and time 2. The financial incentive was observed to impact test-taking effort statistically significantly. By contrast, no statistically significant effects were observed for the intelligence test performance scores. Finally, the intelligence test scores were found to correlate positively with both test-taking importance (rc = .28) and effort (rc = .37), although only effort correlated uniquely with intelligence (partial rc = .26). In conjunction with other empirical research, it is concluded that a financial incentive can increase test-taking effort. However, the potential effects on intelligence test performance in adult volunteers seem limited.