Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NON‐L‐TYPE VOLTAGE‐DEPENDENT CALCIUM CHANNELS CONTROL VASCULAR TONE OF THE RAT BASILAR ARTERY

1 Constriction of cerebral arteries is considered to depend on L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs); however, many previous studies have used antagonists with potential non‐selective actions. Our aim was to determine the expression and function of VDCCs in the rat basilar artery. 2 The relative expression of VDCC subtypes was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Data were correlated with physiological studies of vascular function. Domains I–II of the T channel subtypes expressed in the rat basilar artery were cloned and sequenced. 3 Blockade of L‐type channels with nifedipine had no effect on vascular tone. In contrast, in the presence of nifedipine, hyperpolarization of short arterial segments produced relaxation, whereas depolarization of quiescent segments evoked constriction. 4 The mRNA and protein for L‐ and T‐type VDCCs were strongly expressed in the main basilar artery and side branches, with CaV3.1 and CaV1.2 the predominant subtypes. 5 T‐Type VDCC blockers (i.e. 1 µmol/L mibefradil, 10 µmol/L pimozide and 100 µmol/L flunarizine) decreased intracellular calcium in smooth muscle cells, relaxed and hyperpolarized arteries, whereas nickel chloride (100 µmol/L) had no effect. In contrast with nifedipine, 10 µmol/L nimodipine produced hyperpolarization and relaxation. 6 When arteries were relaxed with 10 µmol/L U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) in the presence of nifedipine, 40 mmol/L KCl evoked depolarization and constriction, which was significantly reduced by 1 µmol/L mibefradil. 7 Sequencing of domains I–II revealed splice variants of CaV3.1, which may impact on channel activity. 8 We conclude that vascular tone of the rat basilar artery results from calcium influx through nifedipine‐insensitive VDCCs with pharmacology consistent with CaV3.1 T‐type channels.
Biological production in the Bellingshausen Sea from oxygen-to-argon ratios and oxygen triple isotopes

We present estimates of mixed-layer net com- munity oxygen production (N ) and gross oxygen produc- tion (G) of the Bellingshausen Sea in March and April 2007. N was derived from oxygen-to-argon (O2/Ar) ratios; G was derived using the dual-delta method from triple oxy- gen isotope measurements. In addition, O2 profiles were col- lected at 253 CTD stations. N is often approximated by the biological oxygen air-sea exchange flux ( Fbio) based on the O2/Ar supersaturation, assuming that significant hor- izontal or vertical fluxes are absent. Here we show that the effect of vertical fluxes alone can account for Fbio val- ues < 0 in large parts of the Bellingshausen Sea towards the end of the productive season, which could otherwise be mistaken to represent net heterotrophy. Thus, improved estimates of mixed-layer N can be derived from the sum of Fbio, Fe (entrainment from the upper thermocline dur- ing mixed-layer deepening) and Fv (diapycnal eddy dif- fusion across the base of the mixed layer). In the win- ter sea ice zone (WSIZ), the corresponding correction re- sults in a small change of Fbio = (30± 17) mmol m 2 d 1 to N = (34± 17) mmol m 2 d 1 . However, in the perma- nent open ocean zone (POOZ), the original Fbio value of ( 17± 10) mmol m 2 d 1 gives a corrected value for N of ( 2± 18) mmol m 2 d 1 . We hypothesize that in the WSIZ, enhanced water column stability due to the release of fresh- water and nutrients from sea ice melt may account for the higher N value. These results stress the importance of ac- counting for physical biases when estimating mixed-layer marine productivity from in situ O2/Ar ratios.
Antioxidant enzyme activities are upregulated in response to cadmium in sensitive, but not in tolerant, rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings

Changes in H 2 O 2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and antioxidant enzyme activities in Cd-treated rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings of two cultivars were investigated. On treatment with CdCl 2 , increases in H 2 O 2 and MDA contents and antioxidant enzyme activities (speroxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and peroxidase (POX)) were observed in the leaves of Cd-sensitive cultivar (cv. Taichung Native 1, TN1) but not in Cd-tolerant cultivar (cv. Tainung 67, TNG67). The increased content of MDA and activities of SOD and POX preceded the occurrence of toxicity in CdCl 2 -treated TN1 leaves. Pretreatment with abscisic acid (ABA) enhanced Cd tolerance and reduced Cd-induced increase in the content of MDA and increase in the activities of SOD and POX in TN1 leaves. Exogenous application of ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, fluridone, decreased Cd tolerance, increased the content of MDA, and increased the activities of SOD and POX in Cd-treated TNG67 leaves. Furthermore, fluridone's effects on toxicity, the content of MDA, and the activities of SOD and POX in Cd-treated TNG67 leaves were reversed by the application of ABA. In conclusion, the oxidative stress is differently expressed in TN1 and TNG67 rice seedlings in response to CdCl 2 . Results also suggest that CdCl 2 causes an oxidative stress and CdCl 2 -induced toxicity is mediated through oxidative stress in TN1 leaves.
Hepatic Osteodystrophy- An overlooked complication

Hepatic osteodystrophyis a metabolic bone disease commonly seen in patients with chronic liver disease(CLD). Osteoporosis&osteomalaciadevelops in most of the patients with advanced liver disease. Regardless of the etiology of bone disease, such patients have an increased incidence of bone pain and fractures, a majorsource of morbidity. Objectives -To study Bone mineral density (BMD) in patients of CLD and its correlation with severity of liver disease. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 64 patients with evidence of cirrhosis of liver. Out of these, 24 patients were alcoholic, 16 and 10 patients were suffering from hepatitis B & C respectively and no etiology was found in rest 14 patients.BMD of patients was analysed at different sites by DEXA scan and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis was noted. Severity of liver disease was assessed by Child Pugh’s grading and compared with BMD. Results: BMD was lower in most of the patients of CLD. High prevalence of osteopenia & osteoporosis was observed at lumbar spine as compared to left hip, which was statistically significant in men(p< 0.001) and women(p < 0. 05) . BMD was compared among different Child Pugh’s severity grades, which showed high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Child Pugh’s grade C.
Mercury exposure, stress and prolactin secretion in an Arctic seabird: an experimental study

Summary Life-history theory predicts that long-lived organisms should reduce parental effort under inclement environmental conditions in order to favour long-term survival. Seabirds are long-lived top predators often exposed to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals such as mercury (Hg). Hg-contaminated birds show disrupted parental behaviour. Avian parental behaviour is governed by two key hormones in birds: corticosterone (CORT, a glucocorticoid hormone) and prolactin (PRL, a pituitary hormone involved in parental care). Any disruption of these hormones may alter the ability of an individual to adjust parental behaviour to environmental conditions. The first aim of this study was to describe the relationships between blood Hg concentrations, plasma PRL and reproductive performance in Arctic black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). We a found negative relationship between plasma initial PRL and blood Hg concentrations in males. Moreover, Hg concentration was negatively related to breeding success in chick-rearing males. Secondly, to study the effect of a chronic increase in CORT levels on the Hg–PRL relationship, we experimentally increased stress with CORT pellet implantation. We predicted that Hg and CORT would act synergistically on PRL and an increase in CORT concentration would steepen the Hg–PRL relationship. However, adding CORT did not steepen the Hg–PRL relationship. Hatching success was significantly lower in CORT-implanted males than in controls, and breeding success was not reduced in CORT-implanted male kittiwakes with high levels of blood Hg. Our results suggest that Hg may impair reproductive performance through a disruption of PRL secretion. Contrary to our prediction, Hg and CORT did not act synergistically and the underlying mechanisms associating CORT and Hg with PRL might be more complex than a single interaction between two factors.
Three new species of Phyllodesmium Ehrenberg (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia: Aeolidoidea), and a revised phylogenetic analysis

Mimicry and camouflage are an important protective measure for nudibranch gastropods. In the genus Phyllodesmium, species have evolved elaborate morphological traits that allow them to be very cryptic among their coral prey. In this study, three new species of Phyllodesmium from the Philippine islands are described: Phyllodesmium tuberculatum n. sp. , Phyllodesmium pinnatum n. sp. , and Phyllodesmium karenae n. sp. The first two, P. tuberculatum and P. pinnatum, are highly cryptic on their prey and were already included in a phylogenetic analysis by Moore & Gosliner (in press). The third species (P. karenae) is newly discovered and has not yet been observed on its prey. A revised morphological phylogenetic analysis is presented that includes this species, as well as three species that were recently described by Burghardt et al. (2008a). In addition, the current analysis excludes a previously presumed new species, which was referred to as Phyllodesmium sp. 3 by Moore & Gosliner (in press), because it was determined to be an abnormally preserved specimen of P. jakobsenae. The newest species, P. karenae, has an unusual dental morphology, no branching of the digestive diverticula, and no zooxanthellae present in the cerata. It fell into the basal part of the phylogeny, as was expected based on previous general trends showing the derived status of symbiotic species. The three species described by Burghardt et al. (2008a), two of which are associated with xeniid corals, appear in a highly unresolved part of the phylogeny including other xeniid-associated species. One of these, P. koehleri, is not associated with xeniid corals but is indistinguishably intermixed within this clade. Decay analysis values for most nodes are low, indicating that support for this topology is lacking. It is recommended that the addition of less ambiguous characters, such as genetic sequences, be considered for further phylogenetic analyses.
Transverse vibrations analysis of a beam with degrading hysteretic behavior by using Euler-Bernoulli beam model

Abstract The paper is based on the analytical and experimental results from [14], [15] and reveals, by mathematical methods, the degradation of ma- terial stifiness due to the decrease of the first natural frequency, when the driving frequency is slightly lower than the first natural frequency of the undegradated structure. By considering the vibration of the uni- form slender cantilever beam as an oscillating system with degrading hysteretic behavior the following equation is considered subjected to the boundary conditions To approximate the solution of the this problem, we use the method of Newton interpolating series (see [6]) and the Taylor series method (see [8]).
Notice of RetractionFinding k-dominant skyline in dynamic data set

K-dominant skyline query can get fewer skyline points in dealing with high dimension data set, and this query is very useful to help user make decision. But the existent algorithms are all designed for static data set, and invalid for dynamic data set. To solve above problem, an relevant algorithm for data set change is proposed in this paper, which is that when the data set changes, the new k-dominant skyline is got by testing part points based on existent k-dominant skyline. The correct and efficiency of algorithm are proved, and the algorithm is also analyzed and verified by experiment.
Use of bathroom scales in measuring asymmetry of hindlimb static weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis

Summary Objective: The study assessed the use and reliability of bathroom scales as an objective measurement tool, and setting a normal variance of static weight bearing between hindlimbs. Methods: Two groups of dogs were tested: a healthy control group (n = 21) and a group (n = 43) of dogs with confirmed osteoarthritis in at least one stifle joint, with or without hip joint osteoarthritis. Static weight bearing was evaluated manually and measured with two bathroom scales. An orthopaedic examination was done and dynamic weight bearing was measured using a force platform. Radiographs were taken to confirm the presence of osteoarthritis, and dogs were divided into groups of severe and non-severe osteoarthritic changes. Reliability by repeatability was tested using analysis of variance, and the congruity between static weight bearing and other evaluation methods with Kappa statistics and proportion of agreement. Results: The difference between the hindlimbs proportional to the body weight in control dogs was 3.3% (± 2.7%). The repeatability of measuring static weight bearing in the hindlimbs of osteoarthritic dogs with bathroom scales was 81% with osteoarthritic limbs, and 70% for unaffected limbs. The sensitivity of static weight bearing measurements using bathroom scales was 39% and specificity 85%. Clinical significance: Bathroom scales are a reliable, simple, and cost-effective objective method for measuring static weight bearing and can be used as an outcome measure when rehabilitating dogs with osteoarthritic changes in the hindlimbs.
SILVER-BEARING CHALCOPYRITE. A PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF SILVER IN THE IZOK LAKE MASSIVE-SULFIDE DEPOSIT: CONFIRMATION BY ELECTRON' AND PROTON.MICROPROBE ANALYSES

Detailed in iita analyses by electron and proton microprobes have confirmed the presence of silver in solid solution in chalcopyrite from the Izok Lake Zn-Cu-Pb deposit, Northwest Territories, and in that from the AgPb-Zn orebodi* l-:7 at the Hilton mine in northwestern Queensland, Aushalia. Silver content in chalcopyrite ranges from 266 to 560 ppm for an lzok Lake sample and from l4l4 to 2900 ppm for a Hilton mine sample. Minimum levels of detection were established at about 200 and < l0 ppm Ag for the electron and proton microprobes, respectively. Proton-microprobe analyses also indicate that the lzok Lake chalcopyrite contains between 38 and 72 ppm indium.
Erosive vitreoretinopathy and wagner disease are caused by intronic mutations in CSPG2/Versican that result in an imbalance of splice variants.

PURPOSE Linkage intervals for erosive vitreoretinopathy (ERVR) and Wagner disease previously were found to overlap at 5q14.3. In a Japanese family with Wagner disease, a CSPG2/Versican splice site mutation (c.4004-2A-->G) was recently reported that resulted in a 39-nucleotide exon 8 in-frame deletion. We investigated whether CSPG2/Versican was mutated in six Dutch families and one Chinese family with Wagner disease and in a family with ERVR. METHODS In all families, extensive ophthalmic examinations, haplotype analysis of the 5q14.3 region, and sequence analysis of CSPG2/Versican were performed. The effects of splice site mutations were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (QPCR). RESULTS Three novel intron 7 sequence variants (c.4004-5T-->C, c.4004-5T-->A, c.4004-1G-->A) were identified in seven families. The c.4004-5T-->C variant was identified in four families with Wagner disease and a family with ERVR. The families were shown to carry the same 5q14.3 haplotype, strongly suggesting that this is a common Dutch founder variant. All three changes segregated with the disease in the respective families and were absent in 250 healthy individuals. In patients with the c.4004-5T-->A and c.4004-1G-->A variants, RT-PCR analysis of CSPG2/Versican showed activation of a cryptic splice site resulting in a 39-nt exon 8 in-frame deletion in splice variant V0. QPCR revealed a highly significant (P < 0.0001) and consistent increase of the V2 (>38-fold) and V3 (>12-fold) splice variants in all patients with intron 7 nucleotide changes and in a Chinese Wagner disease family, in which the genetic defect remains to be found. CONCLUSIONS Wagner disease and ERVR are allelic disorders. Seven of the eight families exhibit a variant in intron 7 of CSPG2/Versican. The conspicuous clustering of sequence variants in the splice acceptor site of intron 7 and the consistent upregulation of the V2 and V3 isoforms strongly suggest that Wagner disease and ERVR may belong to a largely overlooked group of diseases that are caused by mRNA isoform balance shifts, representing a novel disease mechanism.
Thermophysical properties of hydrophobised lime plaster – Experimental analysis of moisture effect

Lime plasters are the most popular finishing materials in renewal of historical buildings and culture monuments. Because of their limited durability, new materials and design solutions are investigated in order to improve plasters performance in harmful environmental conditions. For the practical use, the plasters mechanical resistivity and the compatibility with substrate are the most decisive material parameters. However, also plasters hygric and thermal parameters affecting the overall hygrothermal function of the renovated structures are of the particular importance. On this account, the effect of moisture content on the thermophysical properties of a newly designed lime plasters containing hydrophobic admixture is analysed in the paper. For the comparative purposes, the reference lime and cement-lime plasters are tested as well. Basic characterization of the tested materials is done using bulk density, matrix density, and porosity measurements. Thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity in the.
The relationship between root hydraulics and scion vigour across Vitis rootstocks: what role do root aquaporins play?

Vitis vinifera scions are commonly grafted onto rootstocks of other grape species to influence scion vigour and provide resistance to soil-borne pests and abiotic stress; however, the mechanisms by which rootstocks affect scion physiology remain unknown. This study characterized the hydraulic physiology of Vitis rootstocks that vary in vigour classification by investigating aquaporin (VvPIP) gene expression, fine-root hydraulic conductivity (Lp r), % aquaporin contribution to Lp r, scion transpiration, and the size of root systems. Expression of several VvPIP genes was consistently greater in higher-vigour rootstocks under favourable growing conditions in a variety of media and in root tips compared to mature fine roots. Similar to VvPIP expression patterns, fine-root Lp r and % aquaporin contribution to Lp r determined under both osmotic (Lp r Osm) and hydrostatic (Lp r Hyd) pressure gradients were consistently greater in high-vigour rootstocks. Interestingly, the % aquaporin contribution was nearly identical for Lp r Osm and Lp r Hyd even though a hydrostatic gradient would induce a predominant flow across the apoplastic pathway. In common scion greenhouse experiments, leaf area-specific transpiration (E) and total leaf area increased with rootstock vigour and were positively correlated with fine-root Lp r. These results suggest that increased canopy water demands for scion grafted onto high-vigour rootstocks are matched by adjustments in root-system hydraulic conductivity through the combination of fine-root Lp r and increased root surface area.
Spectral iQ : audibly improving acceSS to HigH-FreQuency SoundS

Frequencies above 3,000 Hz contribute approximately 25 percent of the audible speech cues required for recognition of spoken language (ANSI S3.5-1997). The highest frequency speech sound, the fricative /s/, is one of the most common consonant sounds in the English language. The peak energy of /s/ when spoken by a child or female talker will fall between 6,300 and 8,300 Hz (Stelmachowicz, Lewis, Choi, & Hoover, 2007) and ranges in level between 57 and 68dB (Behrens & Blumstein, 1988). For some patients with highfrequency, sloping hearing loss, restoration of audibility for these high-frequency speech cues may not be possible or desirable with conventional amplification.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Drug Release Kinetics from Colon-Targeted Ibuprofen Tablets Based on Eudragit RL 100-Chitosan Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes

Colon-targeted drug delivery systems (CTDDSs) could be useful for local treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In this study, various interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs), formed between Eudragit RL100 (EL) and chitosan (CS), by nonstoichiometric method, and tablets based on the IPECs, prepared by wet granulation, were evaluated as potential oral CTDDSs for ibuprofen (IBF). Results obtained showed that the tablets conformed to compendial requirements for acceptance and that CS and EL formed IPECs that showed pH-dependent swelling properties and prolonged the in vitro release of IBF from the tablets in the following descending order: 3 : 2 > 2 : 3 > 1 : 1 ratios of CS and EL. An electrostatic interaction between the carbonyl (–CO–) group of EL and amino (–NH3 +) group of CS of the tablets formulated with the IPECs was capable of preventing drug release in the stomach and small intestine and helped in delivering the drug to the colon. Kinetic analysis of drug release profiles showed that the systems predominantly released IBF in a zero-order manner. IPECs based on CS and EL could be exploited successfully for colon-targeted delivery of IBF in the treatment of IBDs.
Scaling Up of an Innovative Intervention to Reduce Risk of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Transmission in Uruguay in the Framework of an Intersectoral Approach with and without Community Participation

Abstract. To contribute to the prevention of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, a process of scaling up an innovative intervention to reduce Aedes aegypti habitats, was carried out in the city of Salto (Uruguay) based on a transdisciplinary analysis of the eco-bio-social determinants. The intervention in one-third of the city included the distributions of plastic bags for all households to collect all discarded water containers that were recollected by the Ministry of Health and the Municipality vector control services. The results were evaluated in 20 randomly assigned clusters of 100 households each, in the intervention and control arm. The intervention resulted in a significantly larger decrease in the number of pupae per person index (as a proxy for adult vector abundance) than the corresponding decrease in the control areas (both areas decreased by winter effects). The reduction of intervention costs (“incremental costs”) in relation to routine vector control activities was 46%. Community participation increased the collaboration with the intervention program considerably (from 48% of bags handed back out of the total of bags delivered to 59% of bags handed back). Although the costs increased by 26% compared with intervention without community participation, the acceptability of actions by residents increased from 66% to 78%.