Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative In Vitro Assay for Chemical Mosquito-Deterrent Activity without Human Blood Cells1

ABSTRACT We report that an aqueous solution containing 10−3 M adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1) can effectively replace transfusable human red blood cells in an in vitro Klun and Debboun bioassay system for evaluating chemicals for mosquito feeding-deterrent activity, using either Aedes aegypti or Anopheles stephensi. These species fed with similar avidity through collagen membrane covering aqueous 10−3 M ATP plus CPDA-1 or red blood cells in CPDA-1 supplemented with ATP. In a 2nd experiment, we evaluated the feeding-deterrent activity of N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide and a newly discovered natural product chemical, (-)-isolongifolenone, against these 2 mosquito species. We found that the feeding-deterrent efficacy of the 2 chemicals was similar whether the feeding stimulant was red blood cells supplemented with ATP or ATP alone with CPDA-1. Since the use of human red blood cells in bioassays raises important health and logistic issues, aqueous ATP with CPDA-1 is a reasonable alternative to human blood cells for routine in vitro chemical screening.
Improvement of curcumin solubility by polyethylene glycol/chitosan-gelatin nanoparticles (CUR-PEG/CS-G-nps).

Curcumin (CUR), a yellow polyphenol compound is reportedly associated with a diverse therapeutic potential. Despite all curative properties of CUR, its usage in oral administration is restricted due to low bioavailability, low aqueous solubility and poor absorption rate. The aim of this study was to develop a nontoxic nanocurcumin (CUR-NPs) with enhanced bioavailability. For this reason, the CUR was first capped by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and then encapsulated into chitosan-gelatin nanoparticles (CS-G NPs). The PEG act as a co-solvent and CS-G act as a drug carrier biodegradable polymer. The efficiency and solubility of nanocurcumin were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and high liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under TEM, the nanocurcumin were spherical in shape with average size of 300-400 nm. Zeta potential was 43.23 mV with 69.29% entrapment at 17.11% loading capacity. The solubility rate increased up to 2000 fold. The in-vitro drug release profile at PH 3.4 and PH 7.2 indicated a slow and controlled release at a constant rate. The release-rate is affected by size and loading capacity of NPs. In summary, the bioavailability of CUR-NPs was improved. Additionally, our procedure represents a mild and safety process for synthesizing efficient CUR-NPs, as we have not use any organic or toxic solvents.
Effects of Intellectual Capital on Corporate Entrepreneurship and Value Creation : Evidence from Taiwan

This study bases on a three-dimensional framework to measure firms’ intellectual capital (IC) that includes human capital, intellectual property, and reputational capital. It mainly probes the effect of different dimension’s IC on corporate entrepreneurship and corporate value. A sample of 58 companies is selected from new ventures in the electronic industry that issued an initial public offering (IPO) on the Taiwan Stock Exchange between 1995 and 2002. The results from this investigation indicate that the IC indeed has a significant impact on the corporate entrepreneurship and on the corporate value. A positive relationship exists between diversity of the top management team’s educational backgrounds and firm’s innovation activities. The reputational capital positively affects firm’s innovation activities, venturing activities, and corporate value. However, the diversity of the top management team’s educational levels and the intellectual property rights are negatively associated with corporate value. The empirical findings demonstrate that entrepreneurship makes for corporate value creation, and it plays a vital role in the mediating effect on the relationship between reputational capital and corporate value.
Postoperative Care and Complications After Thoracic Surgery

Postoperative care of thoracic surgical patients is a very important part of patient recovery and can be very challenging. Pulmonary complications are responsible for significant numbers of deaths and morbidity of patients undergoing thoracotomy. Thoracic surgery impairs postop‐ erative respiratory function resulting in a relatively high risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications. The incidence (19-59%) is much higher than following upper (16-17%) or lower abdominal surgery (0-5%). The overall incidence of complications following thoracic surgery varies from 15% to 37.5%, primarily due to the type of pulmonary complica‐ tions studied, the clinical criteria used in the definition and the type of surgery included. The clinical and potential economic impact of these complications is marked, with significantly longer hospital and high Dependency unit stay, frequency of ICU admission and number of deaths.
Cognitive Rehabilitation in Bilateral Vestibular Patients: A Computational Perspective

There is evidence that vestibular sensory processing affects, and is affected by, higher cognitive processes. This is highly relevant from a clinical perspective, where there is evidence for cognitive impairments in patients with peripheral vestibular deficits. The vestibular system performs complex probabilistic computations, and we claim that understanding these is important for investigating interactions between vestibular processing and cognition. Furthermore, this will aid our understanding of patients’ self-motion perception and will provide useful information for clinical interventions. We propose that cognitive training is a promising way to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of patients with complete bilateral vestibular loss (BVP), who often fail to show improvement when relying solely on conventional treatment methods. We present a probabilistic model capable of processing vestibular sensory data during both passive and active self-motion. Crucially, in our model, knowledge from multiple sources, including higher-level cognition, can be used to predict head motion. This is the entry point for cognitive interventions. Despite the loss of sensory input, the processing circuitry in BVP patients is still intact, and they can still perceive self-motion when the movement is self-generated. We provide computer simulations illustrating self-motion perception of BVP patients. Cognitive training may lead to more accurate and confident predictions, which result in decreased weighting of sensory input, and thus improved self-motion perception. Using our model, we show the possible impact of cognitive interventions to help vestibular rehabilitation in patients with BVP.
Are bilateral idiopathic clubfeet more severe than unilateral feet? A severity and treatment analysis

Introduction: Evidences suggest that different subgroups of idiopathic clubfoot exist with differences in severity and treatment outcomes. This study compares the severity and treatment outcomes of unilateral and bilateral clubfoot. Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 161 patients (bilateral 66, unilateral 95) with primary idiopathic clubfeet to evaluate the differences in severity and treatment. The parameters analyzed were precasting Pirani score, number of casts required, pretenotomy Pirani score, pretenotomy dorsiflexion, rate of tenotomy, and post-tenotomy dorsiflexion achieved. A Pirani score of at least 5 was classified as very severe and 4.5 or less was classified as less severe. Results: There were 49=(74.24%) male and 17 (25.75%) female patients in the bilateral group and 76 (80%) male and 19 (20%) female patients in the unilateral group. Out of 95 unilateral patients, 34 were left sided (35.8%). Comparing severity, the mean precasting Pirani score in bilateral patients (5.4 ± 0.6) was statistically more than the unilateral patients (4.9 ± 0.7). The number of casts required was significantly more in bilateral feet compared to unilateral (bilateral 5.3 ± 1.7, unilateral 4.7 ± 1.7; p < 0.011). Achilles tenotomy was required in all feet. Post Ponseti treatment, the foot deformity correction achieved (pretenotomy Pirani score, pretenotomy, and post-tenotomy dorsiflexion) was statistically similar in both unilateral and bilateral feet. Conclusions: Idiopathic bilateral clubfoot was more severe than unilateral foot at initial presentation and required more number of corrective casts. Post Ponseti treatment, the deformity correction in bilateral foot was similar to unilateral foot.
Dexmedetomidine and remifentanil as adjuncts to total intravenous anesthesia with propofol

Aim: The aim was to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanyl in total intraveous anesthesia (TIVA) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations. Methodology: Forty, 18-60 years old, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients were included in the study. In Group D, TIVA was performed by 150 μg/kg/min propofol and 0.5 µg/kg/h dexmedetomidine infusions. In Group R patients, TIVA was performed with 150 μg/kg/min propofol and 0.5 µg/kg/min remifentanil infusions. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2, end tidal CO2 were recorded. All infusions were terminated at the end of surgery. Adequate spontaneous respiration, extubation, and response to verbal commands; and Aldrete score ≥ 9 times, postoperative pain scores and vital parameters in the postoperative period were recorded. Patient-controlled analgesia pump was used in all postoperative patients. Total analgesic consumption, patients’ first analgesic needs were recorded. Results: Intraoperative Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate values remained significantly lower in remifentanyl group compared to those in dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.05). First postoperative analgesia time was shorter and hemodynamic parameters were significantly higher in this group (p < 0.05). Postoperative recovery of dexmedetomidine group remained more stable in terms of VAS values (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Remifentanil provides a potent intraoperative anesthesia compared with dexmedetomidine; however, dexmedetomidine may be considered in TIVA as an option for a stable postoperative recovery.
Estrogen Receptor, c‐erbB‐2 and nm23/NDP Kinase Expression in the Intraductal and Invasive Components of Human Breast Cancers

Expression of the c‐erbB‐2 oncoprotein (ErbB‐2) and the nm23 anti‐metastatic gene product (nucleoside diphosphate [NDP] kinase) was examined in the intraductal and invasive components of 63 fresh human breast cancer tissues. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER) as a marker of hormone dependency and the Ki‐67 protein as a proliferative cell marker was also examined. ErbB‐2 and ER were positive in 77.8% (28/36) and 64.7% (22/34) of the intraductal components, and in 43.6% (27/62) and 57.1% (36/63) of the invasive components, respectively. NDP kinase was positive in 58% (18/31) of intraductal, and in 30.9% (17/55) of invasive areas. The average Ki‐67‐positive cell rates were 5.9% in the intraductal, and 10.7% in the invasive components. Thus, the cells within the intraductal component of breast cancer appear to have different characteristics from the invasive component, not only in markers of proliferative ability, but also in the expression of oncogenes and hormone receptors.
Labor Market Conflict and the Decline of the Rust Belt

No region of the United States fared worse over the postwar period than the Rust Belt. This paper analyzes how much of its decline can be accounted for by the persistent labor market conflict that characterized Rust Belt union-management relations. We develop a multisector, multiregion, dynamic general equilibrium model in which labor market conflict leads to strikes, wage premia, lower investment, and lower productivity growth. These lead to shrinking Rust Belt industries and to workers moving out of the Rust Belt. Labor conflict accounts for half of the decline in the region’s share of manufacturing employment. Foreign competition plays a smaller role, and its effects are concentrated after most of the region’s decline had already occurred.
Plateau Iris Syndrome and Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Teaching Case Report

| 1 Abstract Plateau iris syndrome (PIS) is one cause of acute angle closure glaucoma. An anteriorly rotated or abnormally oversized ciliary body occludes the ciliary sulcus, blocking access to the trabecular meshwork and resulting in elevated intraocular pressure. Iridotomy is performed to relieve pupillary block. Management options include topical medications, iridoplasty, cycloplasty and cataract extraction. This article documents a case of PIS highlighting the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of this rare condition.
Reproductive tract in fl ammatory disease in postpartum dairy cows

Up to half of dairy cows are affected by at least one of metritis, purulent vaginal discharge, endometritis or cervicitis in the postpartum period. These conditions result from inadequate immune response to bacterial infection (failure to clear pathogenic bacteria from the uterus) or persistent inflammation that impairs rather than enhances reproductive function. The degree of mobilization of fat and how effectively it is used as a metabolic fuel is well recognized as a risk factor for metabolic and infectious disease. Release of non-esterified fatty acids has direct effects on liver and immune function but also produces pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6), which contribute to systemic inflammation and to insulin resistance. Therefore, reproductive tract inflammatory disease may be a function of both local and systemic inflammatory stimuli and regulation as well as regulation of fat metabolism. Better understanding of variables associated with insulin resistance and inflammatory regulation in the liver and adipose tissue may lead to improvement of reproductive tract health. This paper reviews factors that may contribute to postpartum reproductive tract inflammatory diseases in dairy cows and their inter-relationships, impacts and treatment.
A spatially explicit representation of conservation agriculture for application in global change studies

Conservation agriculture (CA) is widely promoted as a sustainable agricultural management strategy with the potential to alleviate some of the adverse effects of modern, industrial agriculture such as large‐scale soil erosion, nutrient leaching and overexploitation of water resources. Moreover, agricultural land managed under CA is proposed to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation through reduced emission of greenhouse gases, increased solar radiation reflection, and the sustainable use of soil and water resources. Due to the lack of official reporting schemes, the amount of agricultural land managed under CA systems is uncertain and spatially explicit information about the distribution of CA required for various modeling studies is missing. Here, we present an approach to downscale present‐day national‐level estimates of CA to a 5 arcminute regular grid, based on multicriteria analysis. We provide a best estimate of CA distribution and an uncertainty range in the form of a low and high estimate of CA distribution, reflecting the inconsistency in CA definitions. We also design two scenarios of the potential future development of CA combining present‐day data and an assessment of the potential for implementation using biophysical and socioeconomic factors. By our estimates, 122–215 Mha or 9%–15% of global arable land is currently managed under CA systems. The lower end of the range represents CA as an integrated system of permanent no‐tillage, crop residue management and crop rotations, while the high estimate includes a wider range of areas primarily devoted to temporary no‐tillage or reduced tillage operations. Our scenario analysis suggests a future potential of CA in the range of 533–1130 Mha (38%–81% of global arable land). Our estimates can be used in various ecosystem modeling applications and are expected to help identifying more realistic climate mitigation and adaptation potentials of agricultural practices.
Testing the role of ancient and contemporary landscapes on structuring genetic variation in a specialist grasshopper

Abstract Understanding the processes underlying spatial patterns of genetic diversity and structure of natural populations is a central topic in evolutionary biogeography. In this study, we combine data on ancient and contemporary landscape composition to get a comprehensive view of the factors shaping genetic variation across the populations of the scrub‐legume grasshopper (Chorthippus binotatus binotatus) from the biogeographically complex region of southeast Iberia. First, we examined geographical patterns of genetic structure and employed an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach to compare different plausible scenarios of population divergence. Second, we used a landscape genetic framework to test for the effects of (1) Late Miocene paleogeography, (2) Pleistocene climate fluctuations, and (3) contemporary topographic complexity on the spatial patterns of population genetic differentiation. Genetic structure and ABC analyses supported the presence of three genetic clusters and a sequential west‐to‐east splitting model that predated the last glacial maximum (LGM, c. 21 Kya). Landscape genetic analyses revealed that population genetic differentiation was primarily shaped by contemporary topographic complexity, but was not explained by any paleogeographic scenario or resistance distances based on climate suitability in the present or during the LGM. Overall, this study emphasizes the need of integrating information on ancient and contemporary landscape composition to get a comprehensive view of their relative importance to explain spatial patterns of genetic variation in organisms inhabiting regions with complex biogeographical histories.
Gingival overgrowth in dogs associated with clinically relevant cyclosporine blood levels: observations in a canine renal transplantation model.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the development of gingival hyperplasia in dogs after renal transplantation and administration of microemulsified cyclosporine A (MCsA). STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. ANIMALS Healthy adult mongrel dogs (n=5). METHODS As part of study on renal transplantation, dogs administered MCsA (20 mg/kg/day), azathioprine, and prednisolone to prevent graft rejection were monitored for development of gingival changes. Prednisolone was discontinued after 3 months. MCsA dose was adjusted to maintain whole blood trough concentration of 400-700 ng/mL. Gingival change was evaluated by weekly examination and photodocumentation, and gingival biopsy for histopathology was performed at 28 weeks. RESULTS One dog was lost because of acute graft rejection. Gingival hyperplasia developed in 3 of 4 dogs. The earliest gingival changes occurred in the interdental papillae at 20 weeks after transplantation. On histopathology, the underlying connective tissue was thickened and contained increase numbers of fibroblasts and inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS Long-term immunosuppression with an MCsA-based treatment likely induces substantial gingival hyperplasia when therapeutic, immunosuppressive blood levels of MCsA were maintained for 32 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE MCsA is used for immune-mediated diseases and preventing rejection after transplant in dogs. MCsA blood levels, and gingival hyperplasia should be monitored by routine examination of the interdental papilla in dogs administered MCsA for long periods.
FREQUENCY AND ATTITUDES OF USING HAIR DYES AMONG PALESTINIAN WOMEN

Objective: The objectives of the study were to identify the rate of using hair dyes among Palestinian women, preferences, motivations and attitudes towards their use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2011. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Results: Among 200 females interviewed, 149 (74.5%) said that they used hair dyes. Their reasons were to hide gray hair in 35 (23.5%), to improve the outlook in 36 (24.2%), and to change and to follow the new trends in 78 (52.3%). Natural dyes (henna) were the choice for 38.9%. The main reason behind the preference of natural dyes was the belief they are safer than chemical dyes. A small percentage used hair dyes during pregnancy, and 21.5% thought that hair dyes may cause cancer. Conclusion: Use of hair dye is very common among females. The public should be informed about the risks associated with excessive hair dye use. Women should understand that natural dyes such as henna are not completely free from side effects. It is important to include information on the ingredients on hair coloring packs and mention possible side effects of both chemical and natural hair dyes.
Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks yogic intervention on blood sugar and lipid profile in elder women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Subjects and Methods: Twenty elderly (age range 55–70 years) T2DM women were divided into two groups, namely, yogic intervention group (YIG: n = 10, age 64.70 ± 4.03, body mass index [BMI] 24.26 ± 3.40) and control group (CG: n = 10, age 64.40 ± 4.79, BMI 24.28 ± 2.36). YIG underwent yoga practice (Asanas, Kriyas, Pranayamas) for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week), while the CG continued their usual routine activities. Standing height, body weight, BMI, blood sugar, and lipid profile were measured before commencement and after 6 and 12 weeks of yogic intervention in both groups. Results: There was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein, with a significant (P < 0.01) increase in high-density lipoprotein level from its initial value in YIG, while showing insignificant result in CG. Conclusion: It can be said that yogic intervention may have the beneficial effects on blood sugar and lipid profile in elderly women with T2DM.
The Impact of Full-Time Enrollment in the First Semester on Community College Transfer Rates: New Evidence from Texas with Pre-College Determinants

Background/Context Recent developments in state-level policy have begun to require, incentivize, and/or encourage students at community colleges to enroll full time in an effort to increase the likelihood that students will persist and transfer to four-year institution where they will be able to complete their bachelor's degree. Often, these policies are predicated on the idea that full-time status is associated with greater engagement on behalf of the student, a concept that has been widely studied in higher education as it relates to student persistence and degree attainment. Purpose Building upon theory and observational studies, I seek to empirically test whether enrolling full time at a community college has a discernible effect on transferring to a four-year university. Research Design I follow four cohorts of first-time traditionally aged college students who graduated from a public high school in Texas in the years 2000–2003 and employ a propensity score matching procedure designed to reduce sample selection bias. Findings I find that enrolling full time increases overall transfer rates by at least 12%. These results are robust to the inclusion of many pre-college factors as well as to a sensitivity analysis, across four separate cohorts. Conclusions/Recommendations This study provides evidence in support of a key policy lever for increase transfer rates already in place in a handful of states: encouraging incentivizing, or requiring full-time enrollment. The key, however, will be to develop policy that results in more students enrolling full time while also maintaining the open access mission of community colleges. While requiring students to enroll full time may not be appropriate in all contexts, states should seriously consider other ways to incentivize or, at a minimum, support and encourage full-time enrollment, particularly for first-time traditionally aged students.