Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Indigofera tinctoria Linn on liver antioxidant defense system during D-galactosamine/endotoxin-induced acute hepatitis in rodents.

Effects of pre-treatment with the alcoholic extract of I. tinctoria (500 mg/kg body wt/day, p.o. for 21 days) on liver antioxidant defense system during acute hepatitis induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/endotoxin (LPS extracted by phenol water method from E. coli serotype 0111.B4; 300 mg and 30 micrograms/kg body wt/day, i.p., 18 hr before the assay) were investigated on the activities of enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase, and levels of total reduced glutathione in the liver of normal and experimental groups of male albino rats. Since lipid peroxidation and associated membrane damage is a key feature of D-galN/LPS-induced liver injury, the levels of lipid peroxides, was estimated and used as an index of oxidative stress. D-GalN/endotoxin-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, decreased glutathione levels and increased levels of lipid peroxides. I. tinctoria pre-treated rats showed considerable protection against D-galN/endotoxin, induced oxidative stress as evidenced by a significant increase in the activities of all the antioxidant enzymes studied and significant decrease in the levels of lipid peroxides. Results indicate that pretreatment with I. tinctoria extract in rats is very effective in reducing D-GalN/endotoxin-induced oxidative stress suggesting an antioxidant effect.
Effect of Subculture and Elicitation on Instability of Taxol Production in Taxus sp. Suspension Cultures

The production of secondary metabolites through plant cell suspension cultures is challenging because the level and pattern of production is often unstable and unpredictable. To investigate the factors affecting instability of secondary metabolite production, high Taxol (paclitaxel)‐producing Taxus cultures induced by methyl jasmonate elicitation and their low Taxol‐producing counterparts were compared with respect to growth and Taxol production kinetics. With Taxus subcultures we observe alternating states of high and low productivity. Parental cultures and their subcultures from five different cell lines were used to test whether a high‐producing culture grows more slowly or dies more rapidly than a low‐producing one. These cell lines were of three types: (1) Taxol‐producing with and without methyl jasmonate, (2) Taxol‐producing only upon elicitation, and (3) nonproducing. High‐producing cultures show growth inhibition upon subculture, whereas nonproducing elicited cultures show little growth inhibition. Thus, growth inhibition is primarily due to Taxol or taxane accumulation and not a direct result of methyl jasmonate treatment. Through media exchange between high‐ and low‐producing cultures, it appears that culture components generated by cells alter culture properties. To assess variability as a function of culture lineage, two groups of replicate cultures were generated either with a mixing of the parental flasks or segregation of parental flasks at each subculture. Although parental culture mixing did not reduce flask‐to‐flask variation, the production level of Taxol in subcultures resulting from mixing inocula was sustained at a higher level relative to segregated subcultures. The results are consistent with the possibility of cell signaling within the population that can induce Taxol production.
EP4 receptor as a new target for bronchodilator therapy

Background Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are airway inflammatory diseases characterised by airflow obstruction. Currently approved bronchodilators such as long-acting β2 adrenoceptor agonists are the mainstay treatments but often fail to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma and safety concerns have been raised over long-term use. The aim of the study was to identify the receptor involved in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced relaxation in guinea pig, murine, monkey, rat and human airways in vitro. Methods Using an extensive range of pharmacological tools, the relaxant potential of PGE2 and selective agonists for the EP1–4 receptors in the presence and absence of selective antagonists in guinea pig, murine, monkey, rat and human isolated airways was investigated. Results In agreement with previous studies, it was found that the EP2 receptor mediates PGE2-induced relaxation of guinea pig, murine and monkey trachea and that the EP4 receptor mediates PGE2-induced relaxation of the rat trachea. These data have been confirmed in murine airways from EP2 receptor-deficient mice (Ptger2). In contrast to previous publications, a role for the EP4 receptor in relaxant responses in human airways in vitro was found. Relaxant activity of AH13205 (EP2 agonist) was also demonstrated in guinea pig but not human airway tissue, which may explain its failure in clinical studies. Conclusion Identification of the receptor mediating PGE2-induced relaxation represents a key step in developing a novel bronchodilator therapy. These data explain the lack of bronchodilator activity observed with selective EP2 receptor agonists in clinical studies.
THE MODEL OF MACRO DEBRIS TRANSPORT BEFORE RECLAMATION AND IN EXISTING CONDITION IN JAKARTA BAY

Jakarta Bay as one of an area with the densest population in Indonesia became one of the highest contamination level waters in the world includes pollution of debris. Reclamation activities in Jakarta Bay will change the water conditions, and will also affect the distribution of debris at sea. Therefore, this study conducted is to determine the movement of the marine macro debris before and on the condition of the existing reclamation island in the Bay of Jakarta. The method used is simulated by the hydrodynamic model and particle trajectory models using MIKE software. Data needed for the hydrodynamic model, namely wind, tides, bathymetry, and shoreline, while for the trajectory of the particles using a data type of debris, marine macro debris weight, and debris flux. The analysis was performed for hydrodynamic model simulation results and comparison of particle trajectory models. Hydrodynamics simulations indicate if a reclamation island formation does not change significantly in the offshore area, but a simple change in the surface current pattern of the reclamation area, it also causes a decrease in the flow velocity of ± 0.002 to 0.02 m/s at some point. Macro debris particle trajectory simulation shows if after reclamation, macro debris tends to accumulate in the eastern Jakarta Bay in the rainy season (January), as well as in the western and eastern regions during the dry season (July).
Bridging the Gap across the Transition to Coparenthood: Triadic Interactions and Coparenting Representations from Pregnancy through 12 Months Postpartum

Most family researchers agree that the coparenting relationship emerges some time during the transition to parenthood, though it is unclear whether it originates in pregnancy. Previous studies demonstrated that couples' positive representations of their future coparenting relationship and harmonious coparenting behaviors observed during prenatal triadic interactions predicted better postpartum functioning. However, previous studies did not simultaneously assess prenatal coparenting behaviors and representations as predictors of postpartum coparenting. If the coparenting relationship originates during pregnancy, these behavioral and cognitive aspects of prenatal coparenting should show associations with their postpartum counterparts. Based on family systems-, attachment-, and social-learning theory, the first aim in this study was to explore whether prenatal coparenting representations and behaviors are associated with postpartum coparenting, which would suggest that both cognitive and behavioral aspects of the coparenting relationship emerge during pregnancy. A second aim was to determine whether parental coparenting representations are consistent with concurrently observed coparenting behaviors. A sample of 55 couples expecting their first child was observed during triadic interactions during pregnancy and at 3- and 12-months postpartum. Observations were coded using the Coparenting and Family Rating System. Composite scores were formed to reflect harmonious and antagonistic coparenting behaviors. Parents' representations of harmonious and antagonistic coparenting were assessed via interviews and questionnaires during pregnancy and at 3- and 12-months postpartum. Results indicated that prenatal representations of harmonious and antagonistic coparenting were associated with and predicted unique variance in respective postpartum coparenting representations. Prenatal coparenting behaviors were also associated with coparenting behaviors observed during 3-months-play and 12-months-mealtime interactions and predicted unique variance in postpartum coparenting. Surprisingly, prenatal coparenting representations were not associated with prenatal behaviors, though representations and behaviors were associated at 3 months postpartum. Findings suggest that the coparenting relationship originates during pregnancy with prenatal coparenting representations and behaviors bridging the gap across the transition to coparenthood. Future studies should include assessments of both cognitive and behavioral facets of the prenatal coparenting relationship.
ABCA1-dependent serum cholesterol efflux capacity inversely correlates with pulse wave velocity in healthy subjects[S]

The capacity of HDL to induce cell cholesterol efflux is considered one of its main antiatherogenic properties. Little is known about the impact of such HDL function on vascular physiology. We investigated the relationship between ABCA1-dependent serum cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), an HDL functionality indicator, and pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness. Serum of 167 healthy subjects was used to conduct CEC measurement, and carotid-femoral PWV was measured with a high-fidelity tonometer. J774 macrophages, labeled with [3H]cholesterol and stimulated to express ABCA1, were exposed to sera; the difference between cholesterol efflux from stimulated and unstimulated cells provided specific ABCA1-mediated CEC. PWV is inversely correlated with ABCA1-dependent CEC (r = −0.183; P = 0.018). Moreover, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, serum LDL, HDL-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose, PWV displays a significant negative regression on ABCA1-dependent CEC (β = −0.204; 95% confidence interval, −0.371 to −0.037). The finding that ABCA1-dependent CEC, but not serum HDL cholesterol level (r = −0.002; P = 0.985), is a significant predictor of PWV in healthy subjects points to the relevance of HDL function in vascular physiology and arterial stiffness prevention.
It's Bumpy and We Understood Each Other at the End, I Hope!’: Unpacking What Experiences are Valued in the Early Childhood Setting and how this Impacts on Parent Partnerships with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families

THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES PHASE one of a research study conducted in four early childhood settings in Sydney, Australia with culturally and linguistically diverse families and early childhood degree-qualified teachers. This phase found that parents and teachers valued different experiences in the childcare program and also disagreed about the level of communication that occurred between parents and teachers. Working with diverse families in early childhood settings requires teachers to rethink how these families are heard and listened to. It is perhaps time to move beyond the term parent partnership and/or parent involvement and coin a fresh term to provide a new space for these parent–teacher dialogues. The author argues that, until this repositioning begins to occur, the dominant discourse will more likely prevail.
Usage of 802.11n in practice: A measurement study

IEEE 802.11n offers several throughput enhancing features over its predecessor 802.11a/g. The two main features at the PHY layer are: MIMO and channel bonding, while the main throughput enhancing feature at the MAC/link layer is Frame Aggregation. While in theory, as well as in controlled experimental conditions, these features achieve throughput enhancements, the extent to which they are useful for in-the-wild deployments has not been studied thus far. This paper presents measurements from three sets of traces: one from a research conference, one from a busy airport, and the third from a dense classroom setting with extensive WiFi usage for classroom activities. Our findings are as follows: (a) the high data rates of 802.11n are not used substantially, although the presence of moderate rates is significant, (b) the use of the channel bonding feature is minimal in dense deployments, and (c) the percentage of bytes undergoing frame aggregation is considerable but the levels of aggregation are not very high. We also undertake controlled experiments which shed light on non-wireless, system bottlenecks. Specifically, we find that many clients are not equipped to handle high levels of frame aggregation. Worse, this interacts badly with the rate adaptation algorithm, significantly lowering the data rates being used. These issues need careful addressing before 802.11n features are used effectively.
[Suicide among Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands by ethnicity].

BACKGROUND Research into attempted suicide among Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands has revealed a high incidence of suicidal behaviour among young Hindustani women. Due to a lack of data on the ethnicity of Surinamese migrants residing in the Netherlands, there has not yet been any quantitative study of the relationship between ethnicity and suicide. AIM To measure the differences between the rates of suicide mortality in the group of Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands and the corresponding rates in the native Dutch population, taking into account ethnicity, age and gender. METHOD The study is based on all the cases of suicide among the Surinamese migrants resident in the Netherlands between 1996 and 2005. Ethnicity was inferred from residents' surnames. To determine the size of the groups at risk, a sample of Surinamese migrants resident in the Netherlands was taken. RESULTS Suicide rates within the group of Surinamese migrants are particularly high among Hindustani men and young Creole men and are considerably higher than among native Dutch men. Suicide rates for Surinamese women are considerably lower than for Surinamese men and in most cases do not differ significantly from the suicide rates for native Dutch women. CONCLUSION The incidence of suicide is particularly high among Surinamese men in the Netherlands. The high incidence is not restricted to Hindustani men.
Single Collateral Reconstructions Reveal Distinct Phases of Corticospinal Remodeling after Spinal Cord Injury

Background Injuries to the spinal cord often result in severe functional deficits that, in case of incomplete injuries, can be partially compensated by axonal remodeling. The corticospinal tract (CST), for example, responds to a thoracic transection with the formation of an intraspinal detour circuit. The key step for the formation of the detour circuit is the sprouting of new CST collaterals in the cervical spinal cord that contact local interneurons. How individual collaterals are formed and refined over time is incompletely understood. Methodology/Principal Findings We traced the hindlimb corticospinal tract at different timepoints after lesion to show that cervical collateral formation is initiated in the first 10 days. These collaterals can then persist for at least 24 weeks. Interestingly, both major and minor CST components contribute to the formation of persistent CST collaterals. We then developed an approach to label single CST collaterals based on viral gene transfer of the Cre recombinase to a small number of cortical projection neurons in Thy1-STP-YFP or Thy1-Brainbow mice. Reconstruction and analysis of single collaterals for up to 12 weeks after lesion revealed that CST remodeling evolves in 3 phases. Collateral growth is initiated in the first 10 days after lesion. Between 10 days and 3–4 weeks after lesion elongated and highly branched collaterals form in the gray matter, the complexity of which depends on the CST component they originate from. Finally, between 3–4 weeks and 12 weeks after lesion the size of CST collaterals remains largely unchanged, while the pattern of their contacts onto interneurons matures. Conclusions/Significance This study provides a comprehensive anatomical analysis of CST reorganization after injury and reveals that CST remodeling occurs in distinct phases. Our results and techniques should facilitate future efforts to unravel the mechanisms that govern CST remodeling and to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
Beyond rigour and relevance: A critical realist approach to business education

This article takes a critical realist perspective to understand the research—practice gap in the field of business and management. To investigate issues surrounding the rigour versus relevance debate, we examine how the divergent perspectives of scholars and practitioners can be bridged by a critical realist approach in relation to: (1) the research paradigm: instead of confining their research within methodological purism, scholars may need to deploy any research paradigm to investigate a phenomenon in its context, (2) context and causality: critical realism provides an ontological grounding for interpretivist research reaffirming the importance of a focus on context, meaning and interpretation as causal influences, (3) methodological rigidity: multiple research methods will be more important when addressing research—practice gaps since they are more receptive to interdisciplinary functions and contexts in time and space than traditional methodologies, and (4) ethical aspects of business research highlighting the need to engage with the knowledge agenda of not only the university but also society overall. The critical nature of management studies we contend also helps to explain why at least certain research—practice gaps can be treated as natural because of divergent preferences of scholars and practitioners.
Mild exercise increases dihydrotestosterone in hippocampus providing evidence for androgenic mediation of neurogenesis

Mild exercise activates hippocampal neurons through the glutamatergic pathway and also promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). We hypothesized that such exercise could enhance local androgen synthesis and cause AHN because hippocampal steroid synthesis is facilitated by activated neurons via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Here we addressed this question using a mild-intense treadmill running model that has been shown to be a potent AHN stimulator. A mass-spectrometric analysis demonstrated that hippocampal dihydrotestosterone increased significantly, whereas testosterone levels did not increase significantly after 2 wk of treadmill running in both orchidectomized (ORX) and sham castrated (Sham) male rats. Furthermore, analysis of mRNA expression for the two isoforms of 5α-reductases (srd5a1, srd5a2) and for androgen receptor (AR) revealed that both increased in the hippocampus after exercise, even in ORX rats. All rats were injected twice with 5′-bromo-2′deoxyuridine (50 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) on the day before training. Mild exercise significantly increased AHN in both ORX and Sham rats. Moreover, the increase of doublecortin or 5′-bromo-2′deoxyuridine/NeuN-positive cells in ORX rats was blocked by s.c. flutamide, an AR antagonist. It was also found that application of an estrogen receptor antagonist, tamoxifen, did not suppress exercise-induced AHN. These results support the hypothesis that, in male animals, mild exercise enhances hippocampal synthesis of dihydrotestosterone and increases AHN via androgenenic mediation.
The mystery of student selection: are there any selection criteria?

First‐year students are still failing at an alarming rate. This is an international issue that universities face and there is currently no clear indication of the cause of the problem as universities move from being elite to providing mass education. This article examines the possible correlation between students’ high school performance and first‐year performance. The focus is primarily on the students’ performance in mathematics and English. National Senior Certificate results as well as academic and mathematics competency results are used to determine any correlations and therefore any predictors. The research is done to determine whether these results are a true reflection of a student’s performance and can be used as selection criteria. The results were disappointing since no correlation was found between students’ high school performance and first‐year performance. There is an indication, however, that the competency results might be an indicator. The results imply that more research is needed and that the current selection criteria are either not valid or need to be adjusted.
Whither anti-racism?

ABSTRACT In a world where racism persists undiminished (if not intensified) in a multitude of configurations, there is a pressing need to consider the state of anti-racist theory and practice. Drawing on the multidisciplinary contributions to this special issue alongside a panoramic snapshot of current scholarship, this article wrestles with several matters central to the ongoing development of anti-racism. Junctures with social justice, equality, recognition, tolerance, indifference, and acknowledgement are explored along with the varieties, and co-constitutions, of racism and anti-racism. Post-racial potentialities and the double-bind of anti-racism amidst the twin liberal desires of sameness and difference are examined alongside the nascent growth of alter-racism via concepts such as embodiment, viscerality, humour, affective ambiences, and everyday race labour. It is hoped that this article will foster ongoing reflection, discussion, and, most importantly, action aimed at defying racism across the globe.
Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction of Volatile and Furanic Compounds in Coated Fish Sticks: Effect of the Extraction Temperature

This work evaluated the effect of temperature on headspace solid-phase microextraction of volatile and furanic compounds in coated fish sticks. The major goal was the analysis of the samples as consumed, to reproduce volatile compounds people feel when consuming those products. Extraction at 37 oC (the human body temperature) throughout the HS-SPME analysis of volatile and furanic compounds in coated fish was compared with higher extraction temperatures, which are frequently used for this kind of determinations. The profile of volatile compounds found in deep- fried (F) and non-fried (NF) coated fish at 37 and 50 oC was different from that obtained at 80 oC. Concerning furan and its derivatives, an extra formation of these compounds was observed at higher extraction temperatures. The analysis of volatile and furanic compounds in fish coated sticks simulating the cooking and eating conditions can be reliably carried out setting the headspace absorption temperature at 37 oC. Keywords—analysis of samples as consumed, fish coated sticks, furans, headspace extraction temperature, volatiles.