Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute pro‐inflammatory actions of endothelin‐1 in the guinea‐pig lung: involvement of ETA and ETB receptors

1 Although recent observations suggest that endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma, to date little is known about the effects of ET‐1 on parameters other than bronchoconstriction. The objectives of the present experiments were to study whether intravenously administered ET‐1 could exert pro‐inflammatory actions in the guinea‐pig lung and to assess the involvement of endothelin ETA and ETB receptors in these events by using the ETA receptor‐selective antagonist, FR 139317, the novel ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan and the ETB receptor‐selective agonist, IRL 1620. 2 Bolus i.v. injection of ET‐1 (0.1‐1 nmol kg−1) to anaesthetized guinea‐pigs evoked dose‐dependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure which lasted for 6‐12min. This was accompanied by a dose‐dependent haemoconcentration (8–15% plasma volume losses) and increases (up to 546%) in albumin extravasation in the trachea, upper and lower bronchi, but not in the pulmonary parenchyma. Qualitatively similar changes were observed following i.v. injection of the ETB receptor agonist, IRL 1620 (0.3 and 1 nmol kg−1), although IRL 1620 appeared to be about 3 times less potent than ET‐1. The ETA receptor‐selective antagonist, FR 139317 (2.5mg kg−1) inhibited the ET‐1 (1 nmol kg−1)‐induced pressor response, haemoconcentration and albumin extravasation by 75, 77 and 60–70%, respectively, whereas it did not attenuate IRL 1620 (1 nmol kg−1)‐induced changes. The ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan (10 mg kg−1) almost completely inhibited the pressor, haemoconcentration and permeability effects of both ET‐1 and IRL 1620. 3 ET‐1, but not IRL 1620 (0.1‐1 nmol kg−1), produced a dose‐dependent neutropenia with relative lymphocytosis and monocytosis, but did not induce influx of neutrophil granulocytes into pulmonary tissues or the bronchoalveolar space. ET‐1 (1 nmol kg−1)‐induced neutropenia was prevented by pretreatment of the animals with FR 139317 (2.5 mg kg−1), bosentan (10 mg kg−1) or adrenaline (90 nmol kg−1), indicating that ET‐1 caused intravascular sequestration of neutrophil granulocytes. 4 ET‐1 or IRL 1620 (10−1‐10−6 m) alone did not activate alveolar macrophages in vitro, whereas at a concentration of 10−8m, ET‐1, but not IRL 1620, markedly potentiated superoxide production in response to f‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (10−9‐10−7 m) and platelet‐activating factor (PAF, 10−9‐10−7 m), but not to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (10−9m). ET‐1 did not affect f‐Met‐Leu‐Phe‐ or PAF‐induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentration. This potentiating effect of ET‐1 was abolished by FR 139317 (1.5 × 10−7m). 5 We conclude that, in addition to evoking airway contractions, ET‐1 exerts pro‐inflammatory actions via activation of the ETA and to a lesser extent the ETB receptors, and therefore, might contribute to the airway inflammation present in asthma. These findings also suggest the therapeutic potential of ETA/ETB receptor and perhaps ETA receptor‐selective antagonists in this disease.
Women's Community-Based Organizations, Conservation Projects, and Effective Land Control in Southern Mexico

This paper examines outcomes for women's effective land control from engagement of women's agricultural community-based organizations (CBOs) with conservation projects in southern Mexico. Through ethnography and interviews with one hundred women in three communities, the author assesses whether women's organization, as a response to availability of project resources, has led to increased access to, and control over, land, as well as gender empowerment. A binary logistic regression model predicts CBO participation and suggests that who participates in these groups is defined in part by the varied position of women within community class and power structures. Women's land access has increased through participation in CBOs, but effective land control does not automatically follow. Women differ within and among CBOs in the three crucial aspects of effective land control: participation in control over land-use decision making, over the land's disposition, and over resultant land-based income. The type of CBO and its community position play important roles, with groups functioning outside of ejidal structures leading to greater rates of women's effective control of land and potential. Este estudio examina los resultados del control efectivo de la tierra de mujeres dentro de su empleo en organizaciones comunales agrícolas femininas (OCAs) de proyectos de conservación en el sur mexicano. A través de etnografía y entrevistas con cien mujeres en tres comunidades, la autora evalua si las organizaciones femininas, como respuesta a la disponibilidad de recursos de proyectos, han mejorado el acceso a la tierra y control sobre ella, también de su empoderamiento de género, y si fue así, para cuales de las mujeres. Un modelo binario de regresión logística, prognostica la participación dentro de las OCAs y sugiere que las que participan en estos grupos están definidas por su variada posición dentro de las clases comunitarias y las estructuras del poder. Se nota, que el acceso de mujeres a la tierra ha aumentado a través de su participación en las OCAs, pero el control efectivo no sucede automáticamente. Las mujeres son variadas dentro y entre las OCAs en tres dimensiones: su participación en el control de toma de decisiones respecto a la tierra; su situación relativa a la disposición de la tierra; y en relación a los ingresos obtenidos. El tipo de OCA y su posición dentro de la comunidad son roles importantes, y su relación con grupos que funcionan fuera de la estructura ejidal significa mayor control feminino sobre la tierra y potentialmente mejor empoderamiento de género.
Managing for Vegetation Heterogeneity on Rangelands: An Exploration of Rancher Attitudes

Grasslands provide food, fiber, and numerous ecosystem services to human populations. They are also some of the most endangered ecosystems in the world because of their productive soils and open topography. This problem is exacerbated by the accelerating conversion of grassland to cropland and encroaching trees and shrubs. The quality of remaining grasslands will be of increasing importance because of the biodiversity and vital ecosystem services they provide. Ecologists emphasize the need for heterogeneity within grasslands as an important indicator of ecosystem health. Because grasslands are predominantly managed by private landowners, the owners’ assistance in the maintenance and restoration of prairie ecosystems is essential. This study explicates four ranches within the Great Plains region that manage specifically for heterogeneity. Results from interviews with the ranchers suggest that it takes more than a mindset to conserve and restore the prairie—it takes on-the-ground work. Society is benefited by ranchers doing this job: they live on-site and are able to monitor progress and disturbances; their livelihoods are based on the long-term sustainability of their decisions; and they love the land and enjoy the lifestyle, including putting in the long hours and physical labor that it takes to manage their properties.
Chromosomal organization and expression of Escherichia coli pabA

The pabA gene in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium encodes the glutamine amidotransferase subunit of para-aminobenzoate synthase, which catalyzes the first reaction in the conversion of chorismate to para-aminobenzoate (PABA). We have determined the nucleotide sequences of 1,362 base pairs preceding E. coli pabA and of 981 base pairs preceding S. typhimurium pabA. The nucleotide sequences suggest the presence of two protein-coding regions immediately upstream of pabA, designated orf1 and fic. Transcription analysis indicates that E. coli pabA is encoded by two overlapping transcriptional units. The polycistronic transcriptional unit includes orf1-fic-pabA and is initiated by the promoter designated P2. The monocistronic unit includes only pabA and is initiated by the promoter designated P1, which is located in the fic-coding region. Both promoters transcribe pabA to about the same steady-state level. However, expression analysis using chromosomal pabA-lacZ translational fusions indicated that P1 expressed PabA at least 50-fold more efficiently than P2. pabA-dependent growth rate analysis indicates that P1 is essential and P2 is dispensable for PABA metabolism. In the absence of P1, growth was reduced as a result of insufficient PabA expressed from P2. The significance of these results and possible posttranscriptional control mechanisms which affect PabA expression from the P2-initiated polycistronic unit are discussed.
On fading broadcast channels with partial channel state information at the transmitter

The two user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel is studied in which the channel from one of the receivers is known instantaneously and perfectly at the transmitter, whereas the channel from the other receiver is known in a delayed manner. The degrees of freedom (DoF) region of the two-user (M; N1; N2) - MIMO broadcast channel under this model is completely characterized. The scheme illustrates the joint utilization of current and past knowledge of the channel state information at the transmitter.
A generic time hierarchy for semantic models with one bit of advice

We show that for any reasonable semantic model of computation and for any positive integer a and rationals 1 < c < d, there exists a language computable in time nd with a bits of advice but not in time nc with a bits of advice. A semantic model is one for which there exists a computable enumeration that contains all machines in the model but may also contain others. We call such a model reasonable if it has an efficient universal machine that can be complemented within the model in exponential time and if it is efficiently closed under deterministic transducers. Our result implies the first such hierarchy theorem for randomized machines with zero-sided error, quantum machines with one- or zero-sided error, unambiguous machines, symmetric alternation, Arthur-Merlin games of any signature, etc. Our argument yields considerably simpler proofs of known hierarchy theorems with one bit of advice for randomized and quantum machines with two-sided error. Our paradigm also allows us to derive stronger separation results in a unified way. For models that have an efficient universal machine that can be simulated deterministically in exponential time and that are efficiently closed under randomized reductions with two-sided error, we establish the following: For any constants a and c, there exists a language computable in polynomial time with one bit of advice but not in time nc with a log n bits of advice. The result applies to randomized and quantum machines with two-sided error. For randomized machines with one-sided error, our approach yields that for any constants a and c there exists a language computable in polynomial time with one bit of advice but not in time nc with a (log n)1c/ bits of advice
The effect of supporting a surgeon's wrist on their hand tremor

Background. Operative tremor can greatly influence the outcome of certain, precise, microsurgical operations. Reducing a surgeons tremor may not only improve the operative results but decrease the operative time. Previous studies have only measured uni or bi directional tremor and therefore have been unable to calculate both the overall tremor amplitude and the tremor reduction by resting the wrists. Materials and methods. We measured the tremor of 21 neurologically normal volunteers while performing a micromanipulation task, with and without wrist support. Measurements were acquired in three dimensions using three accelerometers attached to the hand, allowing an overall tremor amplitude to be calculated. Results. Resting the wrist on a gelled surface decreases an individuals tremor by a factor of 2.67 (P = 0). Conclusions. Supporting the wrists significantly decreases the amplitude of the tremor. Surgeons should consider using wrist supports when performing parts of operations which necessitate a high degree of accuracy. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:565–568, 2010.
DECHO—a framework for the digital exploration of cultural heritage objects

We present a framework for the digital exploration of cultural heritage objects. Today computing and information technology is pervasive and ubiquitous and has boosted at unprecedented levels, information diffusion and productivity. Such technology is today a ripe context for succinctly gathering knowledge by combining in innovative ways powerful visualization tactics, rapid access to a significant amount of relevant information, domain-specific knowledge, and rich and pervasive tools to sort, group, and slice the information and knowledge in different ways. To this end, we present a complete framework that is easy to use, does not require expensive custom equipment, and has been designed for helping archaeology researchers and educators reconstruct and analyze the historical context of cultural heritage objects. Our main inspiration is that archaeology today would benefit significantly from having spur-of-the-moment access to information from a variety of heterogeneous data sources and being able to have multiple participants visually observe factual and visual data in an intuitive and natural setting. While we present a framework geared towards archaeology, in the long term we envision reusing it in a variety of fields. Our framework includes data acquisition, data management, and data visualization components. The data acquisition component enables the fast, easy, and accurate addition of 3D object models and factual data, including narrations. The data management component includes a novel semantic database system that provides an intuitive view of the available contents in terms of an ontology, supports the addition of narrations, integrates data stored by other databases, and supports object retrieval, browsing, and knowledge navigation. The data visualization component provides visual feedback, which is a crucial part of an exploratory endeavor. It provides the ability to alter the appearance of archaeological objects, complete fragments of 3D object models, and several compelling forms of digital inspection and information visualization. All algorithms exploit knowledge from the database and from the obtained 3D models. Visuals can be applied on top of the physical object or on a 3D model shown in a traditional display, controllable via a Web page interface.
KALwEN: a new practical and interoperable key management scheme for body sensor networks

Key management is the pillar of a security architecture. Body sensor networks (BSNs) pose several challenges–some inherited from wireless sensor networks (WSNs), some unique to themselves–that require a new key management scheme to be tailor-made. The challenge is taken on, and the result is KALwEN, a new parameterized key management scheme that combines the best-suited cryptographic techniques in a seamless framework. KALwEN is user-friendly in the sense that it requires no expert knowledge of a user, and instead only requires a user to follow a simple set of instructions when bootstrapping or extending a network. One of KALwEN's key features is that it allows sensor devices from different manufacturers, which expectedly do not have any pre-shared secret, to establish secure communications with each other. KALwEN is decentralized, such that it does not rely on the availability of a local processing unit (LPU). KALwEN supports secure global broadcast, local broadcast, and local (neighbor-to-neighbor) unicast, while preserving past key secrecy and future key secrecy (FKS). The fact that the cryptographic protocols of KALwEN have been formally verified also makes a convincing case. With both formal verification and experimental evaluation, our results should appeal to theorists and practitioners alike. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From glacial refugia to modern populations: new assemblages of organelle genomes generated by differential cytoplasmic gene flow in transcontinental black spruce

Assessing species’ range‐wide cytoplasmic diversity provides valuable insights regarding their dispersal and adaptive potential in a changing environment. Transcontinental chloroplast (cpDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) population structures were compared to identify putative ancestral and new cytoplasmic genome assemblages in black spruce (Picea mariana), a North American boreal conifer. Mean within‐population diversity and allelic richness for cpSSR markers were 0.80 and 4.21, respectively, and diminished westward. Population differentiation based on GST was lower for cpDNA than for mtDNA (GST = 0.104 and 0.645, respectively) but appeared comparable when estimated using Jost differentiation index (D = 0.459 and 0.537, respectively). Further analyses resulted in the delineation of at least three genetically distinct cpDNA lineages partially congruent with those inferred from mtDNA data, which roughly corresponded to western, central and eastern Canada. Additionally, the patterns of variation in Alaska for both cpDNA and mtDNA markers suggested that black spruce survived the last glacial maximum in this northern region. The range‐wide comparison of the geographic extent of cytoplasmic DNA lineages revealed that extensive pollen gene flow between ancestral lineages occurred preferentially from west to east during the postglacial expansion of the species, while seed‐mediated gene flow remained geographically restricted. This differential gene flow promoted intraspecific cytoplasmic capture that generated new assemblages of cpDNA and mtDNA genomes during the Holocene. Hence, black spruce postglacial colonization unexpectedly resulted in an increase in genetic diversity with possible adaptive consequences.
Consensus for switched networks with unknown but bounded disturbances

We consider stationary consensus protocols for networks of dynamic agents with switching topologies. The measure of the neighbors' state is affected by Unknown But Bounded disturbances. Here the main contribution is the formulation and solution of what we call the $\epsilon$-consensus problem, where the states are required to converge in a tube of ray $\epsilon$ asymptotically or in finite time.
A complex-valued fMRI data model for both the magnitude and phase

In MRI and fMRI, images or voxel measurements are complex valued or bivariate at each time point. Recently Rowe and Logan (2004) introduced an fMRI magnitude activation model that utilized both the real and imaginary data in each voxel. This model, following traditional beliefs, specified that the phase time courses were fixed unknown quantities which may be estimated voxel-by-voxel. Subsequently, Rowe and Logan (2005) generalized the model to have no restrictions on the phase time courses. They showed that this unrestricted phase model was mathematically equivalent to the usual magnitude-only data model including regression coefficients and voxel activation statistic but philosophically different due to its derivation from complex data. Recent findings by Hoogenrad (1998) and Menon (2002) indicate that the voxel phase time course may exhibit task related changes. In this paper, a general complex fMRI activation model is introduced that describes both the magnitude and phase in complex data which can be used to specifically characterize task related changes in both. Hypotheses regarding task related magnitude and/or phase changes are evaluated using derived activation statistics. It was found that the the Rowe-Logan complex constant ∗Corresponding Author: Daniel B. Rowe, Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, dbrowe@mcw.edu. 1 phase model strongly biases against voxels with task related phase changes and that the the current very general complex linear phase model can be cast to address several different hypotheses sensitive to different magnitude/phase changes.
Prostate radiotherapy for men with metastatic disease: a new comparison in the Systemic Therapy in Advancing or Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Drug Efficacy (STAMPEDE) trial

Many patients presenting with metastatic prostate cancerask whether they should have treatment to the prostateitself in addition to their hormone therapy. This question isincreasingly common and there is a growing sense thatthese inquiring patients may be on to something, asinternational randomised controlled trials have now provena survival beneﬁt to adding radiotherapy (RT) to hormonetherapy for men with locally advanced disease [1,2]. Fromearly in 2013, the Systemic Therapy in Advancing orMetastatic Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Drug Eﬃcacy(STAMPEDE) trial will investigate whether treatmentdirec ted against the primary tumour might indeed retardmetastatic progression and thereby prolong survival bytesting the role of RT-to-the-prostate in men presentingwith metastatic disease
Enhanced effectiveness of tocotrienol-based nano-emulsified system for topical delivery against skin carcinomas

Abstract The potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions of tocotrienols (T3) against cancer, but not normal tissues, have been hampered by their limited systemic bioavailabilty. Recent expansive development of diverse nanoemulsion (NE) vehicles emphasized their vast potential to improve the effective dosing of different clinical and experimental drugs of lipophilic nature, such as T3. The emphasis of the present work is to develop a pharmaceutically scalable, low-energy nano-emulsification approach for optimized incorporation of T3-rich palm oil (Tocomin®), possessing anticancer activity as a potential cutaneous delivery platform for adjunctive therapy of skin carcinomas, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Different Tocomin®-NEs, obtained with different homogenization strategies, were screened based on physicochemical uniformity (droplet size, charge and polydispersity) and subjected to stress physical stability testing, along with chemical content analysis (≥90% Tocomin® - incorporation efficiency). Adopted hybrid nano-emulsification of Tocomin®, correlated with highest preservation of DPPH-radical scavenging capacity of active T3 in prototype formulation, Tocomin®-NE, which effectively permeated diffusion cell membranes 4-folds higher than propyleneglycol (PG)-admixed Tocomin® control. Against two different cell models of human cutaneous carcinoma, Tocomin®-hybrid NE demonstrated significantly stronger cytotoxic profiles (p ≤ 0.01), visible in both concentration- and time- dependent manners, with at least 5-folds lower IC50 values, compared to those estimated for the closest Tocomin®-control. The proposed hybrid nano-emulsified formulation of Tocomin® provides simple and stable delivery platform, for effective topical application against keratinocyte tumors.