Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maritime Halophyte Species from Southern Portugal as Sources of Bioactive Molecules

Extracts of five halophytes from southern Portugal (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Mesembryanthemum edule, Juncus acutus, Plantago coronopus and Halimione portulacoides), were studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and in vitro antitumor properties. The most active extracts towards the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical were the methanol extracts of M. edule (IC50 = 0.1 mg/mL) and J. acutus (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL), and the ether extracts of J. acutus (IC50 = 0.2 mg/mL) and A. macrostachyum (IC50 = 0.3 mg/mL). The highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) against the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical was obtained in the ether extract of J. acutus (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL) and H. portulacoides (IC50 = 0.9 mg/mL). The maximum total phenolic content (TPC) was found in the methanol extract of M. edule (147 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) and in the ether extract of J. acutus (94 mg GAE/g). Significant decreases in nitric oxide (NO) production were observed after incubation of macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the chloroform extract of H. portulacoides (IC50 = 109 µg/mL) and the hexane extract of P. coronopus (IC50 = 98.0 µg/mL). High in vitro cytotoxic activity and selectivity was obtained with the ether extract of J. acutus. Juncunol was identified as the active compound and for the first time was shown to display selective in vitro cytotoxicity towards various human cancer cells.
Nutritional quality of nixtamal tortillas fortified with vitamins and soy proteins

The nutritional qualities of nixtamal tortillas (TN) fortified with vitamins and soy flour was evaluated. The rats fed with TN and nixtamal tortillas with 0.15% of vitamins and iron (TNV) did not show differences in weights. The diets of fortified tortillas with 4% defatted soy (TNS), the combination of defatted soy and vitamins (TNVS) and the whole tortilla with defatted soy (TIS) were the treatments that caused the best growth in the experimental animals. The chemical analysis indicated appropriate levels of vitamins in the TNV, TNVS, TNS, and TIS diets. However, the TNV diet caused poor growth of the experimental animals. The diets of tortillas fortified with soy in general produced rats with longer femurs of greater density and strength. The rats fed with fortified tortillas showed higher levels of calcium and phosphorous in the bones. The X-ray diffractograms of bone tissue showed crystals with interplanar distances of 4.40, 3.34, 2.79, 2.28, 1.95, 1.85 and 1.45 Å, which are characteristic of hydroxylapatite, except for the first two measurements. The peaks at 4.40 and 3.34 Å tend to disappear as the nutritional quality of the diet improves with the addition of soy flour.
A pr 2 00 6 N-Body Simulations of Alternate Gravity Models

Theories in which gravity is weaker on cosmological scales have been proposed to explain the observed acceleration of the universe. The nonlinear regime in such theories is not well studied, though it is likely that observational tests of structure formation will lie in this regime. A class of alternate gravity theories may be approximated by modifying Poisson's equation. We have run N-body simulations of a set of such models to study the nonlinear clustering of matter on 1-100 Mpc scales. We find that nonlinear gravity enhances the deviations of the power spectrum of these models from standard gravity. This occurs due to mode-coupling, so that models with an excess or deficit of large-scale power (at k < 0.2 Mpc −1) lead to deviations in the power spectrum at smaller scales as well (up to k ≈ 1 Mpc −1), even though the linear spectra match very closely on the smaller scales. This makes it easier to distinguish such models from general relativity using the three-dimensional power spectrum probed by galaxy surveys and the weak lensing power spectrum. We find that gravitational evolution shows an approximate universality even for modified gravity – based on this, the Peacock-Dodds approach can be adapted to get an analytical fit for the nonlinear power spectra of alternate gravity models, though the recent Smith et al formula is less successful. We also use a way of measuring projected power spectra from simulations that lowers the sample variance, so that fewer realizations are needed to reach a desired level of accuracy.
THE EMERGENCE OF THE DISORGANIZED/DISORIENTED (D) ATTACHMENT CLASSIFICATION, 1979–1982

This article examines the emergence of the concept of infant disorganized/disoriented attachment, drawing on published and archival texts and interviews. Since this new classification was put forward by Main and Solomon (1986), “disorganized/disoriented attachment” has become an important concept in clinical and social intervention contexts. Yet whereas Main and Solomon have often been misunderstood to have introduced disorganized/disoriented attachment in order to produce an exhaustive, categorical system of infant classifications, this article will suggest quite a different account. Attention will be paid to the emergence of disorganized attachment as a classification out of results and reflections in the late 1970s regarding the limits of an alarmed infant’s capacities for maintaining behavioral and attentional avoidance. In contrasting this interpretation of Main and Solomon’s work with current, widespread misunderstandings, the article will critically examine tendencies that have supported the reification and misapplication of the concept of disorganized/disoriented attachment.
Evolution of Scapula Size and Shape in Didelphid Marsupials (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

The New World family Didelphidae, the basal lineage within marsupials, is commonly viewed as morphologically conservative, yet includes aquatic, terrestrial, scansorial, and arboreal species. Here, I quantitatively estimated the existing variability in size and shape of the Didelphidae scapula (1076 specimens from 56 species) using geometric morphometrics, and compared size and shape differences to evolutionary and ecologic distances. I found considerable variation in the scapula morphology, most of it related to size differences between species. This results in morphologic divergence between different locomotor habits in larger species (resulting from increased mechanical loads), but most smaller species present similarly shaped scapulae. The only exceptions are the water opossum and the short-tailed opossums, and the functional explanations for these differences remain unclear. Scapula size and shape were mapped onto a molecular phytogeny for 32 selected taxa and ancestral size and shapes were reconstructed using squared-changed parsimony. Results indicate that the Didelphidae evolved from a medium- to small-sized ancestor with a generalized scapula, slightly more similar to arboreal ones, but strikingly different from big-bodied present arboreal species, suggesting that the ancestral Didelphidae was a small scansorial animal with no particular adaptations for arboreal or terrestrial habits, and these specializations evolved only in larger-bodied clades.
Basolateral Na 1 pump modulates apical Na 1 and K 1 conductances in rabbit cortical collecting ducts

Muto, Shigeaki, Yasushi Asano, Donald Seldin, and Gerhard Giebisch. Basolateral Na1 pump modulates apical Na1 and K1 conductances in rabbit cortical collecting ducts. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Renal Physiol. 45): F143–F158, 1999. — Previous studies indicated that an acute elevation of peritubular K1 enhances K1 secretion and Na1 reabsorption in the isolated perfused cortical collecting duct (CCD) from rabbit kidneys [S. Muto, G. Giebisch, and S. Sansom. Am. J. Physiol. 255 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 24): F108–F114, 1988]. To determine the underlying cellular mechanisms, we used microelectrode techniques to assess the membrane properties of collecting duct cells in isolated perfused CCDs of control and desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-treated rabbits following acute stimulation of the basolateral Na1-K1 pump by rapidly increasing the bath solution from 2.5 to 8.5 mM K1. This induced in both groups of tubules, first, a short-lasting hyperpolarization and, second, a sustained phase of depolarization of transepithelial, basolateral, and apical membrane voltages. Whereas the transepithelial conductance (GT) and fractional apical membrane resistance (fRA) remained unchanged during the initial phase of hyperpolarization, during the depolarization, GT increased and fRA decreased. Perfusion of the lumen with solutions containing either amiloride or Ba21 attenuated the high K1-induced apical electrical changes, and basolateral strophanthidin abolished both apical and basolateral electrical responses during elevation of K1 in the bath. From these results we conclude the following: 1) acute elevation of basolateral K1 activates the basolateral Na1-K1 pump, which secondarily elevates the apical Na1 and K1 conductances; 2) DOCA pretreatment increases the basolateral K1 conductance and augments the response to the rise of K1 of both basolateral Na1-K1 pump activity and apical cation conductances.
Impact of Hot-Potato Routing Changes in IP Networks

Despite the architectural separation between intradomain and interdomain routing in the Internet, intradomain protocols do influence the path-selection process in the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). When choosing between multiple equally-good BGP routes, a router selects the one with the closest egress point, based on the intradomain path cost. Under such hot-potato routing, an intradomain event can trigger BGP routing changes. To characterize the influence of hot-potato routing, we propose a technique for associating BGP routing changes with events visible in the intradomain protocol, and apply our algorithm to a tier-1 ISP backbone network. We show that (i) BGP updates can lag 60 seconds or more behind the intradomain event; (ii) the number of BGP path changes triggered by hot-potato routing has a nearly uniform distribution across destination prefixes; and (iii) the fraction of BGP messages triggered by intradomain changes varies significantly across time and router locations. We show that hot-potato routing changes lead to longer delays in forwarding-plane convergence, shifts in the flow of traffic to neighboring domains, extra externally-visible BGP update messages, and inaccuracies in Internet performance measurements.
From Provinces into Nations: Demographic Integration in Western Europe, 1870-1960

Between 1870 and 1960, national boundaries became more evident on the demographic map of Western Europe. In most of the fifteen countries examined here, differences in marital fertility, illegitimacy, and marriage from one province (counties, cantons, arrondissements) to another diminished considerably. From Provinces into Nations describes this shift to greater national demographic homogeneity and places it in the context of a parallel decline in linguistic diversity, as well as in the context of increases in national market integration, the expansion of state activities, and nation-building. The book interprets the shift as evidence of the influence of communities on demographic behavior, and as an indication of the growing predominance of national over local communities. The author uses demographic data, too often the property of specialists, to examine themes of interest to historians, sociologists, economists, and political scientists interested in the integration of modern societies. Originally published in 1990. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.
Use of interactive sessions and e‐learning in teaching anatomy to first‐year optometry students

Students enrolled in the Optometry program at the University of Manchester are required to take a functional anatomy course during the first year of their studies. Low mean scores in the written examination of this unit for the past two academic years energized staff to rethink the teaching format. Interactive sessions lasting 20 minutes each were introduced during the two hour lecture sessions. In these sessions students reinforced their anatomical knowledge learned in lectures, through playing games such as anatomy bingo and solving anatomical anagrams. In addition, five e‐learning modules were also introduced for students to complete in their own time. A pre‐ and postcourse questionnaire were distributed to obtain student views on their expectations of the course and interactive sessions. Comparisons were made between written examination results from 2008 to 2009 to written examination results from the previous five academic years to see if the interactive sessions and e‐learning modules had any impact on student knowledge. In addition, comparisons were made between student performances on the functional anatomy course with their performance in all of the other assessments taken by the students during their first year of study. Analysis of the questionnaires showed that student's expectations of the course were fulfilled and the interactive sessions were well received by the majority. There was a significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) in the mean examination score in 2008–2009 after introduction of the interactive sessions and e‐learning modules compared with scores in previous years. The introduction of interactive sessions has increased student enjoyment of the module and along with the e‐learning modules have had a positive impact on student examination results. Anat Sci Educ 3:39–45, 2010. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
The Staphylococcus-Specific Gene rsr Represses agr and Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The expression of virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus is tightly coordinated by a vast network of regulatory molecules. In this report, we characterize a genetic locus unique to staphylococci called rsr that has a role in repressing two key virulence regulators, sarR and agr. Using strain SH1000, we showed that the transcription of virulence effectors, such as hla, sspA, and spa, is altered in an rsr mutant in a way consistent with agr upregulation. Analysis of RNAIII expression of the agr locus in rsr and rsr-sarR mutants indicated that rsr likely contributes to agr expression independently of SarR. We also provide evidence using a murine model of S. aureus skin infection that the effects mediated by rsr reduce disease progression.
Evolutionary acceleration in the most endangered mammal of Canada: speciation and divergence in the Vancouver Island marmot (Rodentia, Sciuridae)

The Vancouver Island marmot is the most endangered mammal of Canada. Factors which have brought this population to the verge of extinction have not yet been fully elucidated, but the effects of deforestation and habitat fragmentation on survival rates, as well as those of variation in rainfall, temperature, snowpack depth and snowmelt strongly suggest that marmots on the island are struggling to keep pace with environmental changes. Genetic analyses, however, seem to indicate that the Vancouver Island marmot may merely represent a melanistic population of its parental species on the mainland. Were it not for its black pelage colour, it is unlikely that it would have attracted much attention as a conservation priority. Our study uses three‐dimensional coordinates of cranial landmarks to further assess phenotypic differentiation of the Vancouver Island marmot. A pattern of strong interspecific divergence and low intraspecific variation was found which is consistent with aspects of drift‐driven models of speciation. However, the magnitude of shape differences relative to the putatively neutral substitutions in synonymous sites of cytochrome b is too large for being compatible with a simple neutral model. A combination of bottlenecks and selective pressures due to natural and human‐induced changes in the environment may offer a parsimonious explanation for the large phenotypic differentiation observed in the species. Our study exemplifies the usefulness of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of biological diversity for a better understanding of evolutionary models and to discover aspects of diversity that may be undetected by using only a few genetic markers to characterize population divergence and uniqueness.
Sociological controversies in perspectives

Quentin Skinner, historien de la science politique, affirme qu'il n'est pas possible de comprendre correctement le sens d'un texte en ignorant les intentions de l'auteur. Cette approche est tout a fait interessante pour l'interpretation des ecrits actuels. Le debat sur la secularisation est un cas de figure. En prenant en compte les interets tres divergents et les intentions qui reposent derriere chaque contribution, il est possible de degager plusieurs caracteristiques inherentes au debat. Surtout, on peut comprendre les raisons qui retiennent la confrontation dans la sterilite
Clinical Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Bloodstream Infections: Study of a 2-State Monoclonal Outbreak

Objective. To characterize the clinical outcomes of patients with bloodstream infection caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii during a 2-state monoclonal outbreak. Design. Multicenter observational study. Setting. Four tertiary care hospitals and 1 long-term acute care hospital. Methods. A retrospective medical chart review was conducted for all consecutive patients during the period January 1, 2005, through April 30, 2006, for whom 1 or more blood cultures yielded carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Results. We identified 86 patients from the 16-month study period. Their mortality rate was 41%; of the 35 patients who died, one-third (13) had positive blood culture results for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii at the time of death. Risk factors associated with mortality were intensive care unit stay, malignancy, and presence of fever and/or hypotension at the time blood sample for culture was obtained. Only 5 patients received adequate empirical antibiotic treatment, but the choice of treatment did not affect mortality. Fifty-seven patients (66.2%) had a single positive blood culture result for carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii; the only factor associated with a single positive blood culture result was the presence of decubitus ulcers. Interestingly, during the study period, a transition from single to multiple positive blood culture results was observed. Four patients, 3 of whom were in a burn intensive care unit, were bacteremic for more than 30 days (range, 36–86 days). Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first time a study has described 2 patterns of bloodstream infection with A. baumannii: single versus multiple positive blood culture results, as well as a subset of patients with prolonged bacteremia.
JUVENTUDE POR COR E RENDA NO ACESSO AO ENSINO SUPERIOR. Somando desvantagens, multiplicando desigualdades?

In the last decades Brazil experienced a growing educational expansion accompanied by a set of public policies and social programs of incentive to increase enrollment of the poorest, public school graduates and the black and indigenous populations. Using data from the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), the article aims to analyze to what extent this expansion changed the unequal chances of young people (18-29 years), white and black, with higher and lower income, in the access to higher education in Brazil.
The Theory of Planned Behavior and Physical Activity Change: Outcomes of the Aging Well and Healthily Intervention Program for Older Adults.

The predictive value of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on intention and physical activity (PA) over time was examined. Data from the Aging Well and Healthily intervention program (targeting perceived behavioral control and attitude, not subjective norm) were analyzed, including pretest (T0), posttest (T1, except subjective norm) and 4-6 months follow-up (T2, PA outcomes only) (N = 387, M age 72 years). Structural equation modeling was used to test a TPB model. PA was measured subjectively using the Voorrips sports subscale (T0 and T2), items measured perceived increase in PA (T1), and adherence to exercises (T1 and T2). Model fit was good. The TPB explained variation in intention well (R2 .54-.60) and some PA behavior (R2 .13-.16). The intervention successfully got participants to exercise independent of the measured TPB concepts. More TPB studies in the context of interventions are needed.
Emotional Intelligence: A Theoretical framework

The term Emotional Intelligence (EI) was first introduced in the scientific literature in 1990. Since then, the development of models of EI and research in this field has increased substantially. In this manuscript, a theoretical and empirical review of history of EI is presented, including the teachability and value of emotional intelligence within an educational and developmental context. First, the broad interest on this concept is shown through qualitative and quantitative indexes. Then, current theoretical models of EI: the mental ability model; the Bar-On Model of Emotional- Social Intelligence; and Goleman's model of EI are described in depth. Finally relevant keys about future considerations for research on EI, has been given. Specifically, 1) discusses the learning, development, and training potential of EI; and 2) considers the cross-cultural validity of EI. Overall this paper provides an encompassing look into the depth concept of emotional intelligence.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: a qualitative investigation of young patient's beliefs and coping strategies

Purpose. The aim of this pilot study was to explore illness beliefs and coping strategies among adolescent patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), applying a qualitative methodology. Recent studies have explored the illness beliefs and coping strategies of adult patients with CFS/ME as possible contributing factors to the disease aetiology. These studies have mainly used quantitative methods, finding that patients often explain their illness as being due to physical causes, deny psychological causes and make use of passive and avoidant coping strategies. Method. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine adolescent patients with CFS/ME, thematic analysis was adapted to the material and the results were interpreted in light of theories of attribution and coping. Results. The qualitative method allowed for more complex and nuanced accounts of illness experience. The findings showed that the adolescents differ from what has previously been reported, applying more varied and flexible illness attributions and coping mechanisms than expected. Conclusions. The heterogeneity suggested in the results has implications. We suggest three perspectives should be taken into account, both for further research and in clinical practice: (1) individual differences; (2) a developmental perspective and (3) interactive relational focus.
The Quality of the Legal System, Firm Ownership, and Firm Size

We show that firm size is increasing with the quality of the legal system in Mexico. A 1-standard-deviation improvement in the quality of the legal system is associated with a 0.150. 30 standard deviation increase in firm size. We also show that the legal system affects firm size by reducing the idiosyncratic risk faced by firm owners. The legal system has a smaller impact on partnerships and corporations than on proprietorships, where risk is concentrated in a single owner. All of the findings are robust to instrumenting for legal quality using historical conditions. By focusing on firms in a single country, the data draw attention to the importance of informal institutions.