Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glyphosate Efficacy, Absorption, and Translocation in Selected Four Weed Species Common to Florida Citrus

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide for postemergence weed control in Florida citrus (Citrus spp.). Variation in susceptibility of certain weed species to glyphosate has been observed in last few years. Therefore, understanding the mechanism underlying such phenomenon is required. Experiments were conducted to evaluate differences in tolerance of four weed species to glyphosate by quantifying glyphosate efficacy, the amount of epicuticular wax, absorption, and translocation of carbon-14-labeled glyphosate (C glyphosate). The results of glyphosate efficacy study suggested that application of glyphosate at 3 oz/acre resulted in 99%, 90%, and 84% control of florida beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum), spanishneedles (Bidens bipinnata), and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), respectively. Increasing application rate and addition of nonionic surfactant (NIS) usually did not improve glyphosate efficacy. Ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea) was the most tolerant and resulted in 0% and 25% control when glyphosate applied at 3 and 24 oz/acre, respectively. Biomass reduction in all weed species reflected a similar trend to percent control in response to all glyphosate treatments. Glyphosate absorption and translocation in the weed species were differed with the quantity of wax extracted. Ivyleaf morningglory had the lowest leaf wax content (10.8 mg cm) and showed less absorption (62% to 79%) and translocation (15% to 39%) of C-glyphosate compared with other weed species. The absorption of C-glyphosate was in the range of 87%, 71% to 83%, and 72% to 83%; and translocation was 34% to 50%, 32% to 52%, and 53% to 58% in florida beggarweed, spanishneedles, and johnsongrass, respectively. Increasing glyphosate application rate from 6 to 12 oz/acre and addition of NIS usually increased C-glyphosate translocation.
Effects of kaolin and maleic anhydride contents on melt elasticity and flexural behaviour of polypropylene/kaolin and unplasticised poly(vinyl chloride)/kaolin composites

Abstract Polypropylene/kaolin and unplasticised poly(vinyl chloride)/kaolin composites were prepared by directly melt mixing polypropylene (PP) and unplasticised poly(vinyl chloride) (UPVC) with maleic anhydride (MAH) and low cost kaolin via in situ extrusion process. The influences of kaolin particles and MAH in PP and UPVC matrix were discussed through investigating the flexural and morphological properties of filled PP and UPVC composites. The extrudates obtained from the extrusion process were carefully collected in order to investigate the elastic properties (extrudate swell and melt fracture). Results revealed that the above mentioned properties are strongly dependent on the presences of kaolin and MAH in both composite systems. Observation on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the kaolin books (stacks of kaolin particles) were successfully delaminated thus lead to a well dispersed of kaolin particles in PP and UPVC matrix.
Maternal Weight Predicts Children's Psychosocial Development via Parenting Stress and Emotional Availability

Introduction: Maternal obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for obesity in children and may also affect children's psychosocial outcomes. It is not yet clear whether there are also psycho-emotional mechanisms explaining the effects of maternal weight on young children's weight and psychosocial development. We aimed to evaluate whether maternal body mass index (BMI), mother–child emotional availability (EA), and maternal parenting stress are associated with children's weight and psychosocial development (i.e., internalizing/externalizing symptoms and social competence) and whether these predictors interact with each other. Methods: This longitudinal study included three assessment points (~11 months apart). The baseline sample consisted of N = 194 mothers and their children aged 5–47 months (M = 28.18, SD = 8.44, 99 girls). At t1, we measured maternal weight and height to calculate maternal BMI. We videotaped mother–child interactions, coding them with the EA Scales (fourth edition). We assessed maternal parenting stress with the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) short form. At t1 to t3, we measured height and weight of children and calculated BMI–SDS scores. Children's externalizing and internalizing problems (t1–t3) and social competence (t3, N = 118) were assessed using questionnaires: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1.5–5), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ: prosocial behavior), and a checklist for behavioral problems at preschool age (VBV 3–6: social-emotional competence). Results: By applying structural equation modeling (SEM) and a latent regression analysis, we found maternal BMI to predict higher BMI–SDS and a poorer psychosocial development (higher externalizing symptoms, lower social competence) in children. Higher parenting stress predicted higher levels of externalizing and internalizing symptoms and lower social competence. Better maternal EA was associated with higher social competence. We found parenting stress to serve as a mediator in the association between maternal weight and children's psychosocial outcomes. Moreover, children of mothers with an elevated BMI were at greater risk of lower social competence only when their mothers showed low levels of maternal EA (moderation). Conclusion: Interventional studies are needed that investigate the causal pathways between parenting stress, mother–child interaction quality and child outcomes. These aspects might be targets to improve the psychosocial development of the offspring of overweight or obese mothers.
Seasonal Changes in Blood Pressure and Frequency of Related Complications in Elderly Israeli Patients with Essential Hypertension

Background: Earlier studies on hypertension demonstrated seasonal variations in different age groups. However, slightly greater fluctuations were found in the hypertensive elderly. Objective: We conducted a prospective 5-year study from January 1997 to December 2001 to evaluate the seasonal variation in blood pressure and the variables of age, gender, body mass index and related complications in elderly Israeli patients with essential hypertension. Methods: Blood pressure was measured in four seasons in 182 patients (98 men and 84 women; age range 65–91 years) treated for hypertension in our outpatient clinic. Results: Both systolic and diastolic mean blood pressures were higher during winter compared to summer (165 ± 11.6 and 90 ± 13.7 and 134 ± 47.3 and 74 ± 8.5 mm Hg, respectively; p < 0.001). There were no significant seasonal differences between spring and autumn or any correlation between the seasonal winter-summer difference in blood pressure and other studied parameters. Patients aged 65–75 years were unexpectedly more sensitive to winter-summer changes than older patients. There was a correlation between a large winter-summer difference in systolic blood pressure and a body mass index between 20 and 30, but there was none in lower or higher ranges. Supplementary antihypertension treatment was required during winter in 38% of these selected patients. Complications such as myocardial infarctions and strokes occurred twice as frequently in winter than in any other season (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were highest during winter. Hypertension complications were more frequent in winter. Our results refute those of earlier studies that failed to find significant seasonal variations in blood pressure among the elderly.
Isosorbide Dinitrate, With or Without Hydralazine, Does Not Reduce Wave Reflections, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, or Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background Wave reflections, which are increased in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, impair diastolic function and promote pathologic myocardial remodeling. Organic nitrates reduce wave reflections acutely, but whether this is sustained chronically or affected by hydralazine coadministration is unknown. Methods and Results We randomized 44 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in a double‐blinded fashion to isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN; n=13), ISDN+hydralazine (ISDN+hydral; n=15), or placebo (n=16) for 6 months. The primary end point was the change in reflection magnitude (RM; assessed with arterial tonometry and Doppler echocardiography). Secondary end points included change in left ventricular mass and fibrosis, measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and the 6‐minute walk distance. ISDN reduced aortic characteristic impedance (mean baseline=0.15 [95% CI, 0.14–0.17], 3 months=0.11 [95% CI, 0.10–0.13], 6 months=0.10 [95% CI, 0.08–0.12] mm Hg/mL per second; P=0.003) and forward wave amplitude (Pf, mean baseline=54.8 [95% CI, 47.6–62.0], 3 months=42.2 [95% CI, 33.2–51.3]; 6 months=37.0 [95% CI, 27.2–46.8] mm Hg, P=0.04), but had no effect on RM (P=0.64), left ventricular mass (P=0.33), or fibrosis (P=0.63). ISDN+hydral increased RM (mean baseline=0.39 [95% CI, 0.35–0.43]; 3 months=0.31 [95% CI, 0.25–0.36]; 6 months=0.44 [95% CI, 0.37–0.51], P=0.03), reduced 6‐minute walk distance (mean baseline=343.3 [95% CI, 319.2–367.4]; 6 months=277.0 [95% CI, 242.7–311.4] meters, P=0.022), and increased native myocardial T1 (mean baseline=1016.2 [95% CI, 1002.7–1029.7]; 6 months=1054.5 [95% CI, 1036.5–1072.3], P=0.021). A high proportion of patients experienced adverse events with active therapy (ISDN=61.5%, ISDN+hydral=60.0%; placebo=12.5%; P=0.007). Conclusions ISDN, with or without hydralazine, does not exert beneficial effects on RM, left ventricular remodeling, or submaximal exercise and is poorly tolerated. ISDN+hydral appears to have deleterious effects on RM, myocardial remodeling, and submaximal exercise. Our findings do not support the routine use of these vasodilators in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Clinical Trial Registration URL: www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01516346.
Cardiovascular Consequences of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes miR-21-mediated decreased neutrophil apoptosis is a determinant of impaired coronary collateral growth in metabolic syndrome

Rebecca Hutcheson,* Russell Terry,* Brenda Hutcheson, Rashmi Jadhav, Jennifer Chaplin, Erika Smith, Robert Barrington, Spencer D. Proctor, and Petra Rocic Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama; and Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Incorrect handling of calibration information in divergence time inference: an example from volcanic islands

Divergence time studies rely on calibration information from several sources. The age of volcanic islands is one of the standard references to obtain chronological data to estimate the absolute times of lineage diversifications. This strategy assumes that cladogenesis is necessarily associated with island formation, and punctual calibrations are commonly used to date the splits of endemic island species. Here, we re-examined three studies that inferred divergence times for different Hawaiian lineages assuming fixed calibration points. We show that, by permitting probabilistic calibrations, some divergences are estimated to be significantly younger or older than the age of the island formation, thus yielding distinct ecological scenarios for the speciation process. The results highlight the importance of using calibration information correctly, as well as the possibility of incorporating volcanic island studies into a formal, biogeographical hypothesis-testing framework.
Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy: Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products-Dependent Triggering of Neuronal Inflammatory and Apoptotic Pathways

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with extracellular deposition of mutant transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. We have hypothesized that binding of TTR fibrils to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on critical cellular targets is associated with a destructive stress response underlying peripheral nerve dysfunction. Analysis of nerve biopsy samples from patients with FAP (n = 16) at different stages of disease (0–3), compared with age-matched controls (n = 4), by semiquantitative immunohistology andin situ hybridization showed increased levels of RAGE, beginning at the earliest stages of the disease (FAP 0;p < 0.02) and especially localized in axons. Upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) (approximately threefold; p< 0.02) and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (∼2.5-fold; p < 0.04) was also observed in a distribution overlapping RAGE expression. Tyrosine nitration and increased activated caspase-3 in axons from FAP patients (p < 0.03) were apparent. Although these data suggest the presence of ongoing neuronal stress, there was no upregulation of neurotrophins (nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3) in FAP nerves. Studies on cultured neuronal-like, Schwann, and endothelial cells incubated with TTR fibrils displayed RAGE-dependent expression of cytokines and iNOS at early times (6 and 12 hr, respectively), followed by later (24 hr) activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. We propose that the interaction of TTR fibrils with RAGE may contribute to cellular stress and toxicity in FAP. Furthermore, there is an apparent lack of responsiveness of Schwann cells in FAP nerve to provide neurotrophic factors.
Donor Risk in Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Impact of Left Lobe Graft

Background. To ensure donor safety in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation, we established a selection criterion for donors in which left lobe (LL) was the first choice of graft. Methods. Two hundred six consecutive donors were retrospectively studied. Donors were divided into two groups according to graft type: LL graft (n=137) and right lobe (RL) graft (n=69). Results. Although mean intraoperative blood loss of LL was significantly increased compared with RL, mean peak postoperative total bilirubin levels and duration of hospital stay after surgery were significantly less for LL than RL (P<0.05). No donor died or suffered a life-threatening complication during the study period. The overall complication rate was 34.0%, including biliary complications in 5.3%. The number of biliary complications was four (2.9%) in LL and seven (10.1%) in RL (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only graft type (LL vs. RL) is significantly related to the occurrence of biliary complications (odds ratio 0.11; P=0.0012). The cumulative overall graft survival rates in the recipients with LL were not significantly different from that in the recipients with RL. Conclusions. LL grafting should be considered favorably when selecting donors for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation.
EXTENDED ACQUISITION TRAINING AND RESISTANCE TO EXTINCTION.

A group of rats receiving 184 food rewarded, runway acquisition trials extinguished faster than groups receiving only 64 acquisition trials. This was found to be the case whether or not the groups receiving different numbers of acquisition trials were equated prior to extinction with respect to such variables as age, amount of handling, and length of time on deprivation schedule. The results corroborate previous findings by North and Stimmel on the effects of extended acquisition training, and indicate that their results cannot be attributed simply to the age, handling, and deprivation variables. It is a commonly held position, supported by a variety of studies (e.g., Perin, 1942; Williams, 1938), that resistance to extinction in an instrumental reward situation is an increasing monotonic function of the number of acquisition trials. A recent investigation, however, provides evidence that extended acquisition training can lead to decreased resistance to extinction. North and Stimmel (1960) found that rats given 90 or 135 acquisition trials in a straight runway extinguished faster than rats given 45 acquisition trials. The design of this experiment, however, was such that the various groups started training at the same time, and consequently started extinction at different times. Hence, such variables as age, amount of handling, and length of time on deprivation schedule before extinction were confounded with number of acquisition trials. The present study was designed to evaluate the importance of these variables in studies of "overlearning," as well as to determine the reproducibility of the effect reported by North and Stimmel.
Arabidopsis FAMA Controls the Final Proliferation/Differentiation Switch during Stomatal Development[W][OA]

Coordination between cell proliferation and differentiation is essential to create organized and functional tissues. Arabidopsis thaliana stomata are created through a stereotyped series of symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions whose frequency and orientation are informed by cell–cell interactions. Receptor-like proteins and a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase were previously identified as negative regulators of stomatal development; here, we present the characterization of a bona fide positive regulator. FAMA is a putative basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor whose activity is required to promote differentiation of stomatal guard cells and to halt proliferative divisions in their immediate precursors. Ectopic FAMA expression is also sufficient to confer stomatal character. Physical and genetic interaction studies combined with functional characterization of FAMA domains suggest that stomatal development relies on regulatory complexes distinct from those used to specify other plant epidermal cells. FAMA behavior provides insights into the control of differentiation in cells produced through the activity of self-renewing populations.
Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Transporters Induced by Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Inhibitors in Human Hepatocytes: Implications for Predicting Clinical Drug Interactions

Although many of the clinically significant drug interactions of the anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs) can be explained by their propensity to inactivate CYP3A enzymes, paradoxically these drugs cause (or lack) interactions with CYP3A substrates that cannot be explained by this mechanism (e.g., alprazolam). To better understand these paradoxical interactions (or lack thereof), we determined the cytochromes P450 and transporters induced by various concentrations (0-25 μM) of two PIs, ritonavir and nelfinavir, and rifampin (positive control) in primary human hepatocytes. At 10 μM, ritonavir and nelfinavir suppressed CYP3A4 activity but induced its transcripts and protein expression (19- and 12- and 12- and 6-fold, respectively; a >2-fold change over control was interpreted as induction). At 10 μM, rifampin induced CYP3A4 transcripts, CYP3A protein, and activity by 23-, 12-, and 13-fold, respectively. The induction by rifampin of CYP3A activity was significantly correlated with its induction of CYP3A4 transcripts (r = 0.96, p < 0.05) and CYP3A protein (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). All three drugs (10 μM) induced CYP2B6 activity by 2- to 4-fold, CYP2C8 and 2C9 activity by 2- to 4-fold and the transcripts of CYP2B6, 2C8, and 2C9 by >3-, 5-, and 3-fold, respectively. CYP2C19 and 1A2 activity and transcripts were modestly induced (2-fold), whereas, as expected, CYP2D6 was not induced by any of the drugs. Of the transporters studied, protease inhibitors moderately induced multidrug resistance 1 (ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (ABCC1) transcripts but had no or minimal effect on the transcripts of breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2), organic anion-transporting peptide (OATP) 1B1 (SLCO1B1), or OATP1B3 (SLCO1B3). On the basis of these data, we concluded that many of the paradoxical drug interactions (or lack thereof) with the PIs are metabolismrather than transporter-based and are due to induction of CYP2B6 and 2C enzymes.
Exploring perceptions of the educational environment among undergraduate physiotherapy students

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore areas of strength and weakness in the educational environment as perceived by undergraduate physiotherapy students and to investigate these areas in relation to the respondents’ demographic characteristics. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional study design and employed the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, a 50-item, self-administered inventory relating to a variety of topics directly pertinent to educational environments. Convenience sampling was used, and the scores were compared across demographic variables. All undergraduate physiotherapy students in their first five terms of the programme in a major Swedish university were invited to participate in the study. Results A total of 222 students (80%) completed the inventory. With an overall score of 150/200 (75%), the students rated the educational environment in this institution as “more positive than negative”. Two items consistently received deprived scores - authoritarian teachers and teaching with an overemphasis on factual learning. Students in term 4 differed significantly from others, and students with earlier university education experience perceived the atmosphere more negatively than their counterparts. There were no significant differences with regards to other demographic variables. Conclusions This study provides valuable insight into how undergraduate physiotherapy students perceive their educational environment. In general, students perceived that their educational programme fostered a sound educational environment. However, some areas require remedial measures in order to enhance the educational experience.
International Journal of Physical Sciences Studies on the Potentials of Balanites Aegyptiaca Seed Oil as Raw Material for the Production of Liquid Cleansing Agents

The seed oil of Balanites aegyptiaca was extracted and its chemical and physical properties were evaluated. The chemical parameters investigated include: saponification value (SV), iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acid (%FFA). These were found to be 168.6 mgKOH/g, 78.7 gI 2 /100 g, 6.0 mEq/kg and 0.18 mgKOH/g, respectively. The physical parameters evaluated include: percentage yield (49.9%), specific gravity (0.927), refractive index (1.4784) and moisture content (0.27%). Saponin was also screened for and was found to be present. Thus the results have shown that the oil is non-drying and contain saponin; this then suggests that the oil is a good raw material for the formulation of liquid cleansing agents. Liquid soap and shampoo were then formulated using the oil and the properties of the products were evaluated. From the results, it was found that the products compared favourably to similar products sold in the market in terms of pH, colour, percentage alkali and solubility in water.