Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoinhibition and Recovery of Photosynthesis in psbA Gene-Inactivated Strains of Cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans.

The susceptibility of photosynthesis to photoinhibition and the rate of its recovery were studied in cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans strain R2 and its two psbA gene-inactivated mutants R2S2C3 and R2K1. Changes in the fluorescence kinetics at 77K as well as the rate of O(2) evolution were measured when cells were exposed to high photosynthetic photon flux densities in the range of 0 to 2,000 micromoles per square meter per second. The R2S2C3 mutant has an active psbAI gene highly expressed under low and normal light intensities, whereas R2K1 possesses psbAII and psbAIII genes highly expressed under very high light intensities. The level of overall susceptibility of photosynthesis to photoinhibition was more pronounced in the wild type and the mutant R2S2C3 than in the mutant R2K1, especially at higher light intensities. In constrast, all three strains showed an increased but similar sensitivity to photoinhibition after addition of the translational inhibitor streptomycin; mutant R2K1 being slightly less sensitive at lower light intensities. The result is interpreted as demonstrating similar intrinsic susceptibility to photoinhibition of the two different forms of the D1 protein, form I and form II, encoded by the psbAI and psbAII/psbAIII genes, respectively. The increased resistance to photoinhibition of the R2K1 mutant was ascribed to an approximately 3 times higher rate of recovery than the wild type and the mutant R2S2C3. On the basis of our experiments we conclude that the susceptibilities to photoinhibition of the Anacystis nidulans psbA genes mutants studied are regulated mainly by modifying the rate of repair, i.e. the rate of turnover of the D1 protein.
A comparison of treadmill walking and overground walking in independently ambulant stroke patients: A pilot study

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to compare the spatio-temporal and joint kinematic gait parameters of stroke patients walking on a treadmill and overground, to examine the assumption that patients walking on a treadmill will approximate the requirements of walking overground. Methods. Ten independently ambulant chronic stroke patients were included in the study. Vicon™ was used to collect spatio-temporal and joint kinematic data during overground walking at comfortable speed and at matched speed on the treadmill. Results. Walking on the treadmill demonstrated statistically significantly lower cadence, and longer step times of the non-hemiplegic and hemiplegic limbs. Absolute stance times of both limbs, absolute double support time, relative stance time and relative double support time were significantly longer during treadmill walking. Compared to overground walking, the inter-limb symmetries of step time, stance time, and stance/swing time ratio were significantly greater on the treadmill. During treadmill walking, joint kinematic data showed statistically significant changes with greater flexion of the nonhemiplegic knee and hip at initial contact, and less hip extension of the hemiplegic limb. Maximal ankle plantarflexion and knee extension of the hemiplegic limb occurred later in the gait cycle on the treadmill. Conclusion. These differences suggest it may be useful to use treadmill in conjunction with overground walking to focus on improving specific walking deficits in patients with stroke.
Association Between Depression and Elevated C-Reactive Protein

Objective Depression has been related to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, but the mechanism that accounts for this association is unclear. Because atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process, depression could increase the risk of coronary heart disease by inducing or promoting inflammation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between history of major depressive episode and presence of low-grade systemic inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods We analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the US population from 1988 to 1994. Participants included a total of 6149 individuals aged 17 to 39 years who were free of cardiovascular diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. The main predictor variable of interest was lifetime history of a major depressive episode as assessed by means of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The main outcome variable was the presence or absence of an elevated CRP level (≥22 mg/dl). Results Among men, history of a major depressive episode was associated with elevated CRP, particularly for recent episodes (up to 6 months before assessment). In multivariate analyses, men with a history of major depressive episode had 2.77 times higher odds of elevated CRP compared with never-depressed men (95% confidence interval, 1.43–5.26). The adjusted odds ratio was 3.81, 3.98, 1.51, and 1.52 for men who had their last major depressive episode less than 1 month before, 1 to 6 months before, 7 to 12 months before, and more than 12 months before assessment, respectively (p for trend = .004). In women, a comparable association between depression and CRP was quite weak and not significant. Conclusions A recent history of major depressive episode is strongly associated with elevated CRP in men aged 17 to 39. In this group, low-grade systemic inflammation could represent a mechanism linking depression to cardiovascular risk.
Anesthetic-induced Preconditioning Delays Opening of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore via Protein Kinase C-ϵ–mediated Pathway

Background:Cardioprotection by volatile anesthetic-induced preconditioning (APC) involves activation of protein kinase C (PKC). This study investigated the importance of APC-activated PKC in delaying mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Methods:Rat ventricular myocytes were exposed to isoflurane in the presence or absence of nonselective PKC inhibitor chelerythrine or isoform-specific inhibitors of PKC-&dgr; (rottlerin) and PKC-ϵ (myristoylated PKC-ϵ V1–2 peptide), and the mPTP opening time was measured by using confocal microscopy. Ca2+-induced mPTP opening was measured in mitochondria isolated from rats exposed to isoflurane in the presence and absence of chelerythrine or in mitochondria directly treated with isoflurane after isolation. Translocation of PKC-ϵ was assessed in APC and control cardiomyocytes by Western blotting. Results:In cardiomyocytes, APC prolonged time necessary to induce mPTP opening (261 ± 26 s APC vs. 216 ± 27 s control; P < 0.05), and chelerythrine abolished this delay to 213 ± 22 s. The effect of isoflurane was also abolished when PKC-ϵ inhibitor was applied (210 ± 22 s) but not in the presence of PKC-&dgr; inhibitor (269 ± 31 s). Western blotting revealed translocation of PKC-ϵ toward mitochondria in APC cells. The Ca2+ concentration required for mPTP opening was significantly higher in mitochondria from APC rats (45 ± 8 &mgr;m · mg−1 control vs. 64 ± 8 &mgr;m · mg−1 APC), and APC effect was reversed with chelerythrine. In contrast, isoflurane did not protect directly treated mitochondria. Conclusion:APC induces delay of mPTP opening through PKC-ϵ–mediated inhibition of mPTP opening, but not through PKC-&dgr;. These results point to the connection between cytosolic and mitochondrial components of cardioprotection by isoflurane.
Social class, gender and psychosocial predictors for early sexual debut among 16 year olds in Oslo.

BACKGROUND Variations in early sexual debut among 16 year olds were investigated by social level variables, parental occupation, gender, ethnicity, family structure, family functioning, and individual level variables, future aspirations, academic and social self-perception, and depressed moods. METHODS The variations in sexual debut were investigated by examining proportions of 16 year olds reporting their first intercourse before age 16. The data were collected by self-reporting questionnaires administered to in-school-youth, in Oslo. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. Gender interactions with all variables were tested. RESULTS Overall, 25% reported early debut. Independent effect of social class on differences in proportions in early sexual debut were found. Gender interaction with social class, ethnicity and academic self-perception as they associate to proportions having had early sexual debut, were found. For girls the pattern of social class differences was linear and the highest proportions were found among working classes. For boys the pattern was U-shaped and upper managerial and manual working class youth had similar, higher proportions of early debutants. High scores of parental monitoring, future aspirations and academic self-concept and low scores of depressed moods, are protective factors. While high social self-perception is positively associated with early debut for both genders. CONCLUSION Early sexual debut varies according to social class, following gender-specific patterns, among 16 year olds in Oslo. The negative association between early debut and academic self-perception are for boys less influenced by other social and individual level factors, than for girls.
Three‐dimensional topography of the motor endplates of the rat gastrocnemius muscle

Spatial distribution of motor endplates affects the shape of the electrical activity recorded from muscle. In order to provide information for realistic models of action potential propagation within muscles, we assembled three‐dimensional maps of the motor endplates of the rat medial gastrocnemius (MGM) and lateral gastrocnemius (MGL) muscles. The maps were assembled from histological cross sections stained for acetylcholinesterase activity. Within MGL, the motor endplates formed three columns along its longitudinal axis. Within MGM, the motor endplates were arranged in a leaf‐like body that shifted obliquely from proximal to distal. As inferred from the proximo‐distal distribution of the cross‐sectional projection area, the majority of the motor endplates were concentrated in the middle of MGL and in the distal third of MGM. Regions of maximal motor endplate concentration are considered most suitable for injections of neuroactive substances, such as neuronal tracers. The assembled maps of the gastrocnemius muscles can be used as guides for such injections within the motor endplate zones. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Nature of DNA polymorphism in the direct repeat cluster of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; application for strain differentiation by a novel typing method

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains contain a unique chromosomal region, which consists of multiple 36bp direct repeats (DRs), which are interspersed by unique spacers 35 to 41 bp in length. In this study we investigated the nature of the DNA polymorphism of this DR cluster by sequencing part of this region in a large number of M. tuberculosis complex strains. Two types of genetic rearrangements were observed. One type consists of the variation in one or a few discrete, contiguous DRs plus spacer sequences. This variation is probably driven by homologous recombination between adjacent or distant DRs. The other type of polymorphism is probably driven by transpositional events of the insertion sequence, IS6110, which is almost invariably present in the DR cluster of M. tuberculosis complex strains. Based on the nature of the DNA polymorphism in the DR cluster, we developed a novel method of strain differentiation, direct variable repeat polymer chain reaction (DVR‐PCR), which enables typing of individual M. tuberculosis strains in a single PCR. The method allows an excellent differentiation of epidemiologically unrelated isolates and, in principle, the DVR‐PCR allows the detection of M. tuberculosis and strain differentiation at the same time.
Practical applications of cone-beam computed tomography in orthodontics.

BACKGROUND Comprehensive visualization and records of the craniofacial complex have been goals in orthodontic imaging. These tasks have been performed by means of plaster, photographs and radiographs. These approaches have evolved across time, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a comprehensive imaging modality for orthodontics. METHODS The authors provide a practical guide for applying CBCT in orthodontics, with an emphasis on situations in which conventional imaging is limited. These situations include dental development, limits of tooth movement, airway assessment, craniofacial morphology and superimposition. RESULTS Complexities of the craniofacial complex, dentition and airway present challenges in obtaining conventional images. CBCT has image-fidelity advantages over conventional imaging that can lead to improved visualization. CONCLUSIONS CBCT is changing orthodontics with respect to clinically assessing patients and is evolving with respect to diagnosis, clinical techniques and outcomes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The clinical value proposition of CBCT is to describe craniofacial anatomy accurately and provide comprehensive information regarding anatomical relationships and individual patient findings for improved diagnosis, treatment planning and prognostication.
Using MAS to determine the audience for engineering documents

Many books on preparing engineering documents tell us that the first and most important step is audience analysis. While we agree that audience analysis is important, do we have the appropriate tools and techniques for anlaysis? Surveys can be effective tools for audience analysis, but identifying the audience is a problem—not only because the audience can be drawn from a globalized and diversified society, but also because the audience often consists of people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. However, any attempt at audience identification is better than none. In this paper, I present a method to identify the audience using a multi-agent system (MAS) when preparing engineering documents.
Postnatal development of nitric oxide synthase expression in the mouse superior colliculus

Since nitric oxide has a role in the refinement of the retinal projection to the superior colliculus (SC), we studied the onset of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in the mouse SC in order to compare its development with that of the refinement process. Sections from animals at ages P1, P5, P8, P11, P15, and P21 and adults were examined with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry or immunocytochemistry using an antibody directed against nNOS. At all ages there was a wedge of labeled neurons in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray extending into the deep layers of the SC. At P1 there was also a single superficial band of labeled neurons within the region that will become the intermediate gray layer (IGL). By P5, labeled neurons were also seen in what will become the superficial gray layer. There was a ventral to dorsal progression in nNOS expression with substantial changes in the numbers of labeled neurons in the different laminae between P5 and adulthood. The number of labeled neurons in the IGL peaked at P15, whereas in the superficial layers the numbers continued to increase through P21 and then declined in adults. At all ages these neurons represented a variety of morphological cell types. The onset of nNOS expression in the different laminae is earlier than has been reported in studies using NADPHd as a marker for nNOS. The temporal and spatial patterns of nNOS expression reported here match more closely the time course of pathway refinement in the SC, providing additional evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide in this process. J. Comp. Neurol. 427:581–592, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring the Intersectionality of Bisexual, Religious/Spiritual, and Political Identities From a Feminist Perspective

Although there is a growing body of work that examines the religious/spiritual lives of bisexuals, additional research that further explores the intersectionality of these distinct identities is needed. Motivated by the feminist notions that the personal is political and individuals are experts of their own experiences, the aim of this study is to better understand intersecting identities experienced by bisexuals. Data from the Northern California Health Study was used to examine the intersection of bisexual, religious/spiritual, and political identities. Results suggest that higher lesbian, gay, and bisexual self-esteem scores and openness about sexual orientation correlate with higher levels of spirituality. Further, attraction to same-sex partners was associated with perceiving sexual orientation as a choice, identifying as bisexual at a younger age, an increased likeliness to come out, being less likely to view religion as socially important, and a higher belief statement score. The authors discuss the implications of these results.
Ultrasound imaging for the rheumatologist XLV. Ultrasound of the shoulder in psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of ultrasound (US) pathologic abnormalities in the shoulders of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and to compare them with the main clinical findings. METHODS Ninety-seven PsA patients were enrolled in the study. The subacromial/subdeltoid bursa, the sheath of the long biceps tendon, the glenohumeral joint and the acromion-clavicular joint were examined for the presence of synovial effusions and synovial hypertrophy. Rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus) were imaged for tendinosis, calcifications and total or partial tears, while deltoid enthesis were evaluated for local enthesitis and the lesser and greater tuberosity of the humerus for the presence of enthesophytes. RESULTS Tendinosis represented the most frequent abnormal finding. Supraspinatus tendinosis was detected more often than subscapularis and infraspinatus tendinosis. When considering tendon tear, supraspinatus was also the most frequently involved anatomical structure. Clinical examination frequently failed to detect abnormalities in patients in whom US examination showed pathological findings. This is particularly true for tendon involvement, i.e. effusion within the sheath of the biceps tendon was imaged in 43 shoulders but clinical assessment reported abnormalities only in 22 shoulders (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS US examination appears to be a useful and sensitive imaging technique, specifically in identifying joint and tendon involvement of the shoulder.
Elucidating Gene Regulatory Mechanisms for Sperm Function Through the Integration of Classical and Systems Approaches in C. elegans

From worms to mammals, successful spermatogenesis depends on a gene expression profile that balances activating and repressive mechanisms. Besides developmental control of specific spermatogenic genes, male fertility requires temporal shifts in global gene expression and dramatic changes in chromatin structure and condensation. Recent studies are beginning to elucidate the molecular processes that both drive these temporal changes in gene expression and underlie fertility. In this review, we provide an overview of relevant C. elegans studies that have laid the groundwork for modern approaches. Next, we highlight recent studies that investigate how gene expression in C. elegans is modulated during spermatogenesis. These studies use large-scale genomic profiling in combination with bioinformatics, genetics, biochemistry, and in vitro methods to target specific stages or processes during sperm formation. Such studies are beginning to elucidate the multiple layers of gene regulation required during spermatogenesis, i.e., transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic. Moreover, knowledge of how C. elegans coordinately regulates gene expression during spermatogenesis promises to provide key insights into parallel processes in mammals that are vital for fertility.
Neurodevelopmental effects of X monosomy: A volumetric imaging study

Thirty girls with Turner syndrome (TuS) were compared with 30 individually age‐matched controls on volumtric brain measures derived from magentic resonance imaging and on measures of psychological functioning. As expected, girls with TuS performed more poorly on visual‐spatial and intellectual measures relative to controls, and were rated by their parents as having more significant problems in attention and social behaviors. Although no group differences in overall cerebral or subcortical volumes were observed, the regional distribution of gray and white matter differed across groups in both right and left parietal regions. Differences in total tissue volume ratios were seen for both right and left parietal regions. In general, girls with TuS had a smaller proportion of tissue (gray and white) within the right and left parietal regions, and a larger proportion of tissue within the right inferior parietal‐occipital region relative to girls in the control group. These data suggest a potentially important role for X chromosome genes and/or sex steroids in the development and specialization of brain structure and function.
Onset of flowering and climate variability in an alpine landscape: a 10-year study from Swedish Lapland.

Long-term studies on phenology are rarely reported from arctic and alpine areas, but are essential for understanding biotic and abiotic controls on flowering. We monitored first flowering day (FFD) for 144 species in a subarctic-alpine area in Swedish Lapland over a period of 10 yr (1992-2001). Temperature and global radiation were monitored continuously, and snowcover duration was observed. Thawing degree-days and snowcover duration (exposure) were the dominant environmental controls on phenology. We introduce a lability index (LI) to describe the interannual variability in FFD among species. The temporal sequence of species is very constant among years, although a few species are more labile. The species were also classified into the catagories "Functional type," "Raunkiær's life form," and "Sørensen's wintering floral type. " The last two reflected the environmental data best, and together with "Exposure" they were combined into a phenology index (PI). The index was subsequently used in a triangular ordination together with FFD. The ordination illustrates whether species flower earlier or later than expected from their preconditions. We hypothesize that species having a delayed flowering respond more readily to global warming than species having an already optimized flowering.
Environmental Exposure to Lead (Pb) and Variations in Its Susceptibility

Based on exposure frequency and intrinsic toxicity, lead (Pb) ranks one of the highest priority toxic materials. Continuous regulation of environmental Pb exposure has contributed to dramatically diminished exposure levels of Pb, for example, blood level of Pb. However, the safety level of Pb is not established, as low-level exposure to Pb still shows severe toxicity in high susceptible population and late onset of some diseases from early exposure. In the present study, we focused on food-borne Pb exposure and found broad variations in Pb exposure levels via food among countries. In addition, there are genetic or ethnical variations in Pb-targeted and protective genes. Moreover, various epigenetic alterations were induced by Pb poisoning. Therefore, we suggest a systemic approach including governmental (public) and individual prevention from Pb exposure with continuous biological monitoring and genetic or epigenetic consideration.