Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of gene action in the meander tail mutant mouse: Examination of cerebellar phenotype and mitotic activity of granule cell neuroblasts

The meander tail (mea) gene results in a stereotypic pattern of cerebellar abnormalities, most notably the virtual depletion of granule cells in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum. The causal basis of this mutation is unknown. In this paper we have taken a three‐part approach to the analysis of mea gene action. First, we quantitatively determined the effect of the mea gene on granule cell and Purkinje cell number. We found, in addition to the marked depletion of anterior lobe granule cells (>90%), there were also significantly fewer granule cells in the posterior lobe (20–30%) without a concomitant loss of Purkinje cells. Second, we explored the relationship between granule cell depletion caused by the mea gene and by the mitotic poison, 5‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxyuridine (FdU). Prenatal and postnatal ICR mice were treated with FdU to ascertain the regimen that best produces a meander tail‐like cerebellar phenotype. The similarity of the effects of the mea gene and injections of FdU at E17 and P0 suggests the hypothesis that the mea gene acts to disrupt the cell cycle of cerebellar granule cell precursors. Thus, the third part of this study was to test this hypothesis by using injections of either BrdU (5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine) or 3H‐thymidine into homozygous and heterozygous meander tail littermates at E17 or P0. After processing the tissue for BrdU immunocytochemistry or 3H‐thymidine autoradiography, counts were made of the number of labeled and unlabeled external granule layer (EGL) cells to determine the percentage that had incorporated the mitotic label (labeling index). No difference in the labeling index was found between homozygous meander tail mice and normal, heterozygous littermate controls. Therefore, the mitotic activity of the EGL neuroblasts is not disrupted by the mea gene. Furthermore, while a mitotic poison can produce a phenotype similar to the action of the mea gene, mea is phenomenologically different from FdU treatment. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Art of Successful School-Based Management.

In this monograph the author o ers the reader a new perspective on an important, dynamic, and sometimes daunting issue: managing successful school-based leadership. Organized around the seven elements of art criticism, the author uses an arts-based approach to weave together notions of researchbased leadership skills for successful school-based management with standards of professional competence as represented by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards for School
Gliding Motility of Mycoplasma mobile on Uniform Oligosaccharides

ABSTRACT The binding and gliding of Mycoplasma mobile on a plastic plate covered by 53 uniform oligosaccharides were analyzed. Mycoplasmas bound to and glided on only 21 of the fixed sialylated oligosaccharides (SOs), showing that sialic acid is essential as the binding target. The affinities were mostly consistent with our previous results on the inhibitory effects of free SOs and suggested that M. mobile recognizes SOs from the nonreducing end with four continuous sites as follows. (i and ii) A sialic acid at the nonreducing end is tightly recognized by tandemly connected two sites. (iii) The third site is recognized by a loose groove that may be affected by branches. (iv) The fourth site is recognized by a large groove that may be enhanced by branches, especially those with a negative charge. The cells glided on uniform SOs in manners apparently similar to those of the gliding on mixed SOs. The gliding speed was related inversely to the mycoplasma's affinity for SO, suggesting that the detaching step may be one of the speed determinants. The cells glided faster and with smaller fluctuations on the uniform SOs than on the mixtures, suggesting that the drag caused by the variation in SOs influences gliding behaviors. IMPORTANCE Mycoplasma is a group of bacteria generally parasitic to animals and plants. Some Mycoplasma species form a protrusion at a pole, bind to solid surfaces, and glide in the direction of the protrusion. These procedures are essential for parasitism. Usually, mycoplasmas glide on mixed sialylated oligosaccharides (SOs) derived from glycoprotein and glycolipid. Since gliding motility on uniform oligosaccharides has never been observed, this study gives critical information about recognition and interaction between receptors and SOs.
Redundancy of Chromatin Remodeling Pathways for the Induction of the Yeast PHO5 Promoter in Vivo*

Induction of the yeast PHO5 and PHO8 genes leads to a prominent chromatin transition at their promoter regions as a prerequisite for transcription activation. Although induction of PHO8 is strictly dependent on Snf2 and Gcn5, there is no chromatin remodeler identified so far that would be essential for the opening of PHO5 promoter chromatin. Nonetheless, the nonessential but significant involvement of cofactors can be identified if the chromatin opening kinetics are delayed in the respective mutants. Using this approach, we have tested individually all 15 viable Snf2 type ATPase deletion mutants for their effect on PHO5 promoter induction and opening. Only the absence of Snf2 and Ino80 showed a strong delay in chromatin remodeling kinetics. The snf2 ino80 double mutation had a synthetic kinetic effect but eventually still allowed strong PHO5 induction. The same was true for the snf2 gcn5 and ino80 gcn5 double mutants. This strongly suggests a complex network of redundant and mutually independent parallel pathways that lead to the remodeling of the PHO5 promoter. Further, chromatin remodeling kinetics at a transcriptionally inactive TATA box-mutated PHO5 promoter were affected neither under wild type conditions nor in the absence of Snf2 or Gcn5. This demonstrates the complete independence of promoter chromatin opening from downstream PHO5 transcription processes. Finally, the histone variant Htz1 has no prominent role for the kinetics of PHO5 promoter chromatin remodeling.
Role of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

About 70 per cent of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages, and most of them are technically unresectable. As a novel, emerging therapeutic modality, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has a great potential for tumor treatment. In this review, principle of HIFU technique is introduced, and an overview of clinical applications and limitations of HIFU for HCC treatment, as well as prospects for future development, is provided. Consequently, HIFU has been considered a safe and feasible procedure for HCC treatment.
Comparison of Ictal Electroencephalogram Between Ultrabrief- and Brief-Pulse Right Unilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Multitaper Jackknife Analysis

Objective Characterization of the ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) generated during ultrabrief pulse electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is important to progress its use in routine ECT practice particularly in indicating treatment efficacy. The study compared 2- to 5-Hz and 5.2- to 13-Hz bands of the ictal EEG signal between brief- and ultrabrief-pulse ECT. Methods Twenty-five patients with major depression were randomized to brief- (1 millisecond [ms]) and ultrabrief-pulse (0.3 ms) right unilateral ECT. In sessions 2 to 8, when patients in either group received 6 times threshold ECT, right and left frontal ictal EEG between ultrabrief (n = 60) and brief pulse (n = 63) were compared. Electroencephalographic spectra from 2- to 5-Hz and 5.2- to 13-Hz bands in the mid and postictal phases were subjected to multitaper jackknife analysis of spectral power density (&mgr;V2/Hz) and its SD or “regularity” (&mgr;V2/Hz), peak spectral frequency (Hz), and its standard deviation (SD) or regularity (Hz). Linear mixed-effect models were used to compare the outcomes. Results In ultrabrief ECT, spectral power density and its SD were significantly smaller within the mid seizure of both bands, whereas peak frequency and its SD were similar. Postseizure suppression of spectral power density of both bands was similar in either treatments. Conclusion Lower spectral power densities were noted with ultrabrief-pulse ECT vis-a-vis brief-pulse ECT. However, in ultrabrief pulse ECT, regularity measures and postseizure suppression were comparable to brief-pulse ECT.
Arthroscopic and Open Bankart Repairs Provide Similar Outcomes

Recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair has decreased, largely because of improvements in surgical technique. We wanted to know whether there were differences in functional outcomes (using a validated outcomes measure) in patients who had arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Bankart repair for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. We retrospectively reviewed 106 patients who had a Bankart repair for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability from 1998-2001. Of the 93 patients included, 69 patients had arthroscopic Bankart repair and 24 patients had open Bankart repair. The indications for surgery in the two groups were similar. The average age of the patients was 29.9 years (arthroscopic Bankart repair, 31 years; open Bankart repair, 28 years). The followup ranged from 24-77 months. The average modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (PENN score) for pain, satisfaction, and function were 26.3, 8.5, and 55.1, respectively, in the arthroscopic Bankart repair group and 26.6, 8.8, and 54.2, respectively, in the open Bankart repair group. The total score was 90 in the arthroscopic Bankart repair group and 89.5 in the open Bankart repair group. Recurrent instability occurred in one patient in each group. We found no difference in outcomes between the arthroscopic and open Bankart repair groups using patient-assessed outcomes.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Study, Level III (retrospective comparative study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Acceleration of the formation of biofilms on contact lens surfaces in the presence of neutrophil-derived cellular debris is conserved across multiple genera

Purpose We have previously shown that invasive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploit the robust neutrophil response to form biofilms on contact lens surfaces and invade the corneal epithelium. The present study investigated the ability of multiple bacterial genera, all commonly recovered during contact lens–related infectious events, to adhere to and form biofilms on contact lens surfaces in the presence of neutrophils. Methods Five reference strains from the American Type Culture Collection were used: P. aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Each bacterial strain was incubated overnight with or without stimulated human neutrophils in the presence of an unworn contact lens. Standard colony counts and laser scanning confocal microscopy of BacLight-stained contact lenses were used to assess bacterial viability. Three-dimensional modeling of lens-associated biofilms with Imaris software was used to determine the biofilm volume. Lenses were further examined using scanning electron microscopy. Results Less than 1% of the starting inoculum adhered to the contact lens surface incubated with bacteria alone. There were no differences in adhesion rates to contact lens surfaces between bacteria in the absence of neutrophils for either the Gram-negative or Gram-positive test strains. Bacterial adhesion to contact lens surfaces was accelerated in the presence of human neutrophils for all test strains. This effect was least evident with S. epidermidis. There was also an increase in the number of viable bacteria recovered from contact lens surfaces (p<0.001 for the Gram-negative and Gram-positive test strains, respectively) and in biofilm volume (p<0.001 for the Gram-negative test strains, p = 0.005 for S. aureus). Conclusions These results show that in addition to P. aeruginosa, other bacteria commonly encountered during contact lens wear possess the capacity to utilize neutrophil-derived cellular debris to facilitate colonization of the lens surface. These data suggest that this phenomenon is conserved among multiple genera. Thus, during contact lens wear, the presence of inflammation and the accumulation of neutrophil debris under the posterior lens surface likely contribute to colonization of the lens. Further studies are needed to correlate these findings with risk for infection in an animal model.
Microfabrication of channel arrays promotes vessel-like network formation in cardiac cell construct and vascularization in vivo

Pre-vascularization is important for the reconstruction of dense and metabolically active myocardial tissue and its integration with the host myocardium after implantation. Herein, we demonstrate that the fabrication of micro-channels in alginate scaffold combined with the presentation of adhesion peptides and an angiogenic growth factor promote vessel-like networks in the construct, both in vitro and in vivo. Using a CO2 laser engraving system, 200 µm diameter channels were formed from top to bottom of the 2 mm thick alginate scaffold, with a channel-to-channel distance of 400 µm. Cells were seeded in a sequential manner onto the scaffolds: first, human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded and cultured for three days, then neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cardiofibroblasts were added at a final cell ratio of 50:35:15, respectively, and the constructs were cultivated for an additional seven days. A vessel-like network was formed within the cell constructs, wherein HUVECs were organized around the channels in a multilayer manner, while the CMs were located in-between the channels and exhibited the characteristic morphological features of a mature cardiac fiber. Acellular scaffolds with the affinity-bound basic fibroblast growth factor were implanted subcutaneously in mice. Increased cell penetration into the channeled scaffold and greater vessel density were found in comparison with the nonchanneled scaffolds. Our results thus point to the importance of micro-channels as a major structural promoter of vascularization in scaffolds, in conjunction with the sequential preculture of ECs and angiogenic factor presentation.
CENP‐E, a novel human centromere‐associated protein required for progression from metaphase to anaphase.

We have identified a novel human centromere‐associated protein by preparing monoclonal antibodies against a fraction of HeLa chromosome scaffold proteins enriched for centromere/kinetochore components. One monoclonal antibody (mAb177) specifically stains the centromere region of mitotic human chromosomes and binds to a novel, approximately 250–300 kd chromosome scaffold associated protein named CENP‐E. In cells progressing through different parts of the cell cycle, the localization of CENP‐E differed markedly from that observed for the previously identified centromere proteins CENP‐A, CENP‐B, CENP‐C and CENP‐D. In contrast to these antigens, no mAb177 staining is detected during interphase, and staining first appears at the centromere region of chromosomes during prometaphase. This association with chromosomes remains throughout metaphase but is redistributed to the midplate at or just after the onset of anaphase. By telophase, the staining is localized exclusively to the midbody. Microinjection of the mAb177 into metaphase cells blocks or significantly delays progression into anaphase, although the morphology of the spindle and the configuration of the metaphase chromosomes appear normal in these metaphase arrested cells. This demonstrates that CENP‐E function is required for the transition from metaphase to anaphase.
Faulty robot rescue by multi-robot cooperation

SUMMARY This paper presents a multi-agent behavior to cooperatively rescue a faulty robot using a sound signal. In a robot team, the faulty robot should be immediately recalled since it may seriously obstruct other robots, or collected matters in the faulty robot may be lost. For the rescue mission, we first developed a sound localization method, which estimates the sound source from a faulty robot by using multiple microphone sensors. Next, since a single robot cannot recall the faulty robot, the robots organized a heterogeneous rescue team by themselves with pusher, puller, and supervisor. This self-organized team succeeded in moving the faulty robot to a safe zone without help from any global positioning systems. Finally, our results demonstrate that a faulty robot among multi-agent robots can be immediately rescued with the cooperation of its neighboring robots and interactive communication between the faulty robot and the rescue robots. Experiments are presented to test the validity and practicality of the proposed approach.
Increased risk-taking behavior in dopamine transporter knockdown mice: further support for a mouse model of mania

Reduced functioning of the dopamine transporter (DAT) has been linked to bipolar disorder (BD). Mice with reduced DAT functioning (knockdown, KD) exhibit a behavioral profile in the mouse Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM) consistent with patients with BD mania in the human BPM. Patients with BD also exhibit increased risk taking, which can be quantified using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). We hypothesized that DAT KD mice would exhibit increased risk-taking behavior in a novel mouse version of the IGT. DAT KD and wildtype (WT) littermates were trained in the mouse IGT. In session 1, KD mice initially made riskier choices, but later performed comparably to WT mice. Once trained to stable choice performance, DAT KD mice continued to exhibit a trend to choose the riskier options more than WT mice. Finally, we confirmed that these DAT KD mice also exhibited an exploratory profile in the BPM consistent with patients with BD mania, where risky choice behavior modestly correlated with specific exploration. These data demonstrate that DAT KD mice chose the riskier options more than WT mice, providing further support for the use of DAT KD mice as a model of BD mania.
Academic Detailing to Improve Laboratory Testing Among Outpatient Medication Users

Purpose: To determine whether group academic detailing with performance feedback increases recommended laboratory monitoring among outpatients dispensed medications. Methods: Thirty-eight primary care practices in 3 states were randomized to group academic detailing with physician-level performance feedback (intervention) or a control group. Adjusted differences in creatinine and potassium testing between intervention and control group patients with a new or continuing dispensing for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, or digoxin were evaluated using generalized estimating equation approaches. Results: Monitoring among patients with an initial ACE/ARB and diuretic dispensing significantly improved with the intervention [odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.38; and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08–1.44, respectively). The intervention also significantly improved monitoring among patients with a continuing dispensing for an ACE/ARB (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.11–1.74) or a diuretic (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02–1.60). Adjusted differences in testing rates between study arms were modest (ranging from 2.5% to 4.9%). No significant differences in monitoring by study arm were detected among patients dispensed digoxin. Conclusions: The impact of a group academic detailing program with feedback on recommended laboratory monitoring among medication users was modest. Yet, given the numbers of outpatients dispensed medications for which laboratory monitoring is recommended, group academic detailing may offer 1 method by which outpatient medication safety can be significantly improved.
Anti-sexism in Job-Hunting: An Economics Analysis

Sexism in job-hunting has become a more and more serious global problem since World War II, which impairs human equality in opportunities and treatment and restrains freedom of human beings in developing their potential, selecting and pursuing their professions and realizing their aspiration. As a result, human talent and human resources are greatly wasted, which has a negative effect on social justice, social stability and socio-economic development. So anti-sexism has become a world issue that every nation should be faced with. Based on Bekers discrimination theory and the current characteristics of sexism in China, this paper makes an economic analysis of sexism in job hunting, and proposes some strategies to fight against it.
Regional vascular relationships to the foramen ovale: an anatomical study with application to approaches to the external skull base with an emphasis on transcutaneous procedures for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECT The foramen ovale and its neighboring vascular structures may be seen via external approaches to the skull base. More commonly, however, transcutaneous approaches to the foramen ovale are performed. Although complications with this latter technique are uncommon, studies of the distances to the surrounding extracranial vascular structures are lacking in the literature. The present study aimed to elucidate such anatomical relationships. METHODS Twenty adult cadavers (40 sides) underwent dissection of the region surrounding the foramen ovale at the external skull base. Measurements between the external surface of the foramen ovale and surrounding vascular structures were made. RESULTS From the nearest aspect of the undersurface of the foramen ovale, the authors found that the mean distances to the middle meningeal artery, maxillary artery, superior bulb of the internal jugular vein, and internal carotid artery at its entrance to and exit from the carotid canal were 3, 19, 20, 9, and 12 mm, respectively. Distances tended to be shorter in females, but this did not reach statistical significance. On the basis of these data, the authors also determined a safe zone while approaching the undersurface of the foramen ovale. CONCLUSIONS Additional knowledge of the neurovascular relationships surrounding the foramen ovale may be useful to the neurosurgeon and may help decrease the potential for complications.
High-carbohydrate versus high-fat diets: effect on body composition in trained cyclists.

PURPOSE Recent research suggesting the benefits of high-fat diets for endurance athletes have been viewed with caution because of the potential negative health consequences, including increased adiposity. METHODS We have examined the effects of a high-fat (HF, 50% of total energy from fat and 37% from carbohydrate) versus a high-carbohydrate (HC, 15% of total energy from fat and 69% from carbohydrate) diet on body fat, lean body mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) in 32 endurance-trained cyclists over a period of 3 months. Body composition was assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS Total and percent body fat, lean tissue mass, and body weight were not significantly different within and between each diet group from baseline to week 12. Total body BMD increased significantly within HF (P = 0.02), but nonsignificantly in HC, over the 12-wk period. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, during periods of endurance training when energy requirements are high, increasing the percentage of fat in the diet to approximately 50% of total energy does not increase body weight or adiposity because athletes are able to maintain energy balance.