Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Probiotic (VSL#3) and Omega-3 on Lipid Profile, Insulin Sensitivity, Inflammatory Markers, and Gut Colonization in Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

To evaluate the effects of probiotic (VSL#3) and omega-3 fatty acid on insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, and inflammation, we conducted a clinical trial in 60 overweight (BMI > 25), healthy adults, aged 40–60 years. After initial screening the subjects were randomized into four groups with 15 per group. The four groups received, respectively, placebo, omega-3 fatty acid, probiotic VSL#3, or both omega-3 and probiotic, for 6 weeks. Blood and fecal samples were collected at baseline and after 6 weeks. The probiotic (VSL#3) supplemented group had significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL and had increased HDL (P < 0.05) value. VSL#3 improved insulin sensitivity (P < 0.01), decreased hsCRP, and favorably affected the composition of gut microbiota. Omega-3 had significant effect on insulin sensitivity and hsCRP but had no effect on gut microbiota. Addition of omega-3 fatty acid with VSL#3 had more pronounced effect on HDL, insulin sensitivity and hsCRP. Subjects with low HDL, insulin resistance, and high hsCRP had significantly lower total lactobacilli and bifidobacteria count and higher E. coli and bacteroides count.
Assessment of airway inflammation using sputum, BAL, and endobronchial biopsies in current and ex-smokers with established COPD

Rationale Smoking effects on physiological and gross pathology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are relatively well described. However, there is little known in COPD about the detailed interrelationships between lung function and inflammatory profiles in different airway compartments from the same individual and whether airway inflammation in these different compartments differs in ex- and current smokers with established COPD. Objectives We compared sputum, bronchoalveolar (BAL), and airway wall inflammatory profiles in current versus ex-smokers and related this to smoking intensity and lung function in 17 current and 17 ex-smokers with mild to moderate COPD. Results Current smokers had more sputum mast cells (% differential and absolute numbers), whereas ex-smokers had increased sputum neutrophils. In BAL, there was a significant increase in eosinophils in current smokers, but ex-smokers had significantly increased neutrophils, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells. There were no cell profile differences observed in airway biopsies between current and ex-smokers and there were no correlations between the individual inflammatory cell populations in any of the airway compartments. In current smokers only, smoking intensity was negatively correlated with lung function, and associated with a reduction in overall cellularity of both sputum and BAL. Conclusion Airway inflammation persists in ex-smokers with COPD, but differs from COPD current smokers. The impact of smoking appears to vary in different airway compartments and any direct relationships between cellularity and lung function tended to be negative, ie, worse lung function indicated the presence of fewer cells.
Studies on yield improvement of High Melting Explosive (HMX)

In India, octahydro-l,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazocine, commonly known as HMX (High Melting Explosive), is manufactured by the modified Bachmann combination method using continuous nitrolysis of hexamine in a cascade of four stirred tank reactors. In this laboratory, the technology was established more than three decades ago with an overall yield of about 40%. However, as the reported yield of HMX is around 55%, it was considered essential to systematically study the Bachmann reaction system to improve the yield. As such a detailed study on quantities/ratios of raw materials and process conditions was carried out to improve the yield. Optimized ratios of raw materials, use of nitric acid having strength >99%, proper control of temperature and optimal nitration and residence time gave an yield of 60-65%.
Self‐administered nalbuphine, morphine and pethidine

In a double‐blind clinical trial of 48 patients, nalbuphine, morphine, and pethidine were compared by on‐demand intravenous analgesia during the first 24 hours after cholecystectomy. Overall pain relief (visual analogue score) was recorded by the patients as 50 (SEM 4) for nalbuphine, 44 (SEM 4) for morphine and 53 (SEM 5) for pethidine. These scores were not significantly dfferent. The mean demand for each drug over the 24‐hour period was 70 (SEM 12) mg for nalbuphine, 46 (SEM 6) mg for morphine and 614 (SEM 49) mg for pethidine. Pain on movement, either during deep breathing or turning, was found to be less well controlled after nalbuphine (70, SEM 2), and pethidine (67 SEM 7) than after morphine (52, SEM 5; p < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was similar with each drug. Nalbuphine is a useful postoperative analgesic, as effective as pethidine. Nalbuphine 15 mg is apparently equipotent with morphine 10 mg or pethidine 120 mg by this mode of administration.
Development and regulation of chloride homeostasis in the central nervous system

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mature central nervous system (CNS). The developmental switch of GABAergic transmission from excitation to inhibition is induced by changes in Cl− gradients, which are generated by cation-Cl− co-transporters. An accumulation of Cl− by the Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter (NKCC1) increases the intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i) such that GABA depolarizes neuronal precursors and immature neurons. The subsequent ontogenetic switch, i.e., upregulation of the Cl−-extruder KCC2, which is a neuron-specific K+-Cl− co-transporter, with or without downregulation of NKCC1, results in low [Cl−]i levels and the hyperpolarizing action of GABA in mature neurons. Development of Cl− homeostasis depends on developmental changes in NKCC1 and KCC2 expression. Generally, developmental shifts (decreases) in [Cl−]i parallel the maturation of the nervous system, e.g., early in the spinal cord, hypothalamus and thalamus, followed by the limbic system, and last in the neocortex. There are several regulators of KCC2 and/or NKCC1 expression, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Therefore, regionally different expression of these regulators may also contribute to the regional developmental shifts of Cl− homeostasis. KCC2 and NKCC1 functions are also regulated by phosphorylation by enzymes such as PKC, Src-family tyrosine kinases, and WNK1–4 and their downstream effectors STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)-oxidative stress responsive kinase-1 (OSR1). In addition, activation of these kinases is modulated by humoral factors such as estrogen and taurine. Because these transporters use the electrochemical driving force of Na+ and K+ ions, topographical interaction with the Na+-K+ ATPase and its modulators such as creatine kinase (CK) should modulate functions of Cl− transporters. Therefore, regional developmental regulation of these regulators and modulators of Cl− transporters may also play a pivotal role in the development of Cl− homeostasis.
Author ' s personal copy Infants ’ perception of chasing

Two significant questions in cognitive and developmental science are first, whether objects and events are selected for attention based on their features (featural processing) or the configuration of their features (configural processing), and second, how these modes of processing develop. These questions have been addressed in part with experiments focused on infants’ perception of faces, human body shapes, and biological motion of individual agents. Here, we investigate 4and 10-month-old infants’ (N = 192) attention to social motions, specifically to chasing—a ubiquitous, ancient, and fitness-relevant mode of interaction. We constructed computer-generated animations of chasing that had three properties: acceleration, high turning rates, and attraction (‘‘heat-seeking’’). In the first experiment we showed chasing side-by-side with a control display of inanimate, billiard-ball-like motions. Infants strongly preferred attending to chasing. In the next three studies, we systematically investigated the effect of each property in turn (acceleration, turning, and attraction) by showing a display of that property side-by-side with the control display. Infants preferentially attended to acceleration, and to attraction, but not to turning. If infants preferred chasing for its configuration, then the sum of the effect sizes of individual properties should be smaller than their combined effects. That is not what we found: instead, on three measures of visual behavior, the summed effects of individual properties equaled (or exceeded) that of chasing. Moreover, although attraction drew little attention and turning no attention at all, acceleration drew (nearly) as much attention as chasing. Our results thus provide evidence that infants preferred chasing because of its features, not its configuration. 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Requirement of the calcineurin subunit gene canB2 for indirect flight muscle formation in Drosophila

Calcineurin is a calcium-activated protein phosphatase involved in multiple aspects of cardiac and skeletal muscle development and disease. Genes encoding calcineurin subunit proteins are highly conserved among animal species. Toward the goal of identifying new calcineurin-interacting loci that function in myogenic processes, we expressed an activated form of mouse calcineurin A in Drosophila and screened for suppressors of the phosphatase-induced lethality. Here, we demonstrate that a mutation in the canB2 gene, which encodes a regulatory subunit of Drosophila calcineurin, can suppress a pupal developmental arrest phenotype to adult viability. As canB2 is an essential gene and rare homozygous escapers are flightless, we further analyzed canB2 expression and function in pupae and adults. The gene is expressed in the forming indirect flight muscles and central nervous system during pupal development. A canA gene is comparably expressed in these tissues. Consistent with the observed muscle expression, canB2 mutants exhibit severe defects in the organization of their indirect flight muscles, a phenotype that is likely caused by muscle hypercontractility. Together, these findings demonstrate a vital role for the phosphatase in this specific facet of Drosophila myogenesis and show conserved fly and vertebrate calcineurin genes contribute prominently to fundamental processes of muscle formation and function.
Policy-Making Without Facts: A Note on the Assessment of Structural Adjustment Policies in Nigeria, 1985-1990

IN AN EARLY but now neglected classic of the development literature, Wolfgang Stolper drew on his experience as head of the economic planning unit in Nigeria to argue that the choice of economic strategy in any developing country must necessarily be conditioned by the nature of the data available. This view is reflected in the title he gave to his book, Planning Without Facts.l A quarter of a century on, as Nigeria wrestles with an economic collapse of unparalleled magnitude, I shall argue that Stolper's approach has if anything increased in relevance. Although the major strategy for economic transformation in Nigeria has changed from comprehensive economic planning to a 'structural adjustment programme', it remains the case that the policy-maker faces uncertainties concerning the economy's current position and its response to past policies. In this essay we shall explore the implications of this fact for appropriate economic strategy in Nigeria. The general line of argument will be the following:
Snake alpha-toxin effects on cholinergic and noncholinergic responses of Aplysia californica neurons

The effects of alpha-toxins from Bungarus multicinctus (alpha BuTX) and Naja naja siamensis (alpha NTX) were studied on synaptic responses and on extrasynaptic responses to focally applied acetylcholine (ACh), histamine (Hm), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate (glu) in neurons of the marine mollusc, Aplysia californica. Binding of 125I- alpha BuTX to Aplysia ganglia homogenates was pharmacologically characterized and compared with the pharmacological sensitivity of 125I- alpha BuTX binding to rat brain membrane preparations. Both alpha BuTX and alpha NTX at 10(-5) M reversibly inhibited the ACh-induced increase in Cl- conductance (GCl) without affecting ACh responses mediated by an increase in Na+ conductance (GNa) or an increase in K+ conductance (GK). In addition, both alpha-toxin reversibly inhibited the GCl responses induced by Hm and, in some cases, glu. GABA-induced GCl responses were not affected by either toxin even at concentrations as high as 10(-3) M. Both toxins also inhibited synaptic cholinergic GCl responses as well as the GCl component of postsynaptic potentials mediated by noncholinergic presynaptic neurons. Studies of 125I-alpha BuTX binding to Aplysia ganglia homogenates demonstrated the presence of a single saturable, high affinity site with a dissociation constant (KD) of 3.6 X 10(-9) M. The pharmacological profile of agents which inhibit 125I-alpha BuTx binding to Aplysia ganglia was similar to the profile of vertebrate ganglionic and brain preparations; d- tubocurarine, nicotine, and carbamylcholine effectively and competitively inhibit binding, whereas hexamethonium and decamethonium are less effective and noncompetitive. Strychnine and bicuculline, agents known to block responses to a variety of agonists in Aplysia, were effective competitive inhibitors of toxin binding in Aplysia and in rat brain. Strychnine is not as potent in inhibiting toxin binding to electric organ preparations. Chloride channel blockers, such as penicillin and picrotoxin, and noncholinergic agonists, such as Hm and glu, had no effect on toxin binding. The alpha-toxins appear to inhibit noncholinergic GCl responses through a cholinergic receptor associated with the Cl- conductance mechanism for the noncholinergic agonist.
Implementation of a breast cancer genetic service in South Africa - lessons learned.

BACKGROUND Genetic testing for BRCA mutations has been available in the Western Cape of South Africa since 2005, but practical implementation of genetic counselling and testing has been challenging. OBJECTIVE To describe an approach to breast cancer genetic counselling and testing developed in a resource-constrained environment at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, Western Cape. METHODS Genetic counselling is offered in a stepwise manner to our diverse patient population, with a focus on affected probands, and subsequent cascade testing. A record review of BRCA testing between 2005 and 2011 was performed. RESULTS; During this period 302 probands received genetic testing, with increasing numbers tested over time. Of 1 520 women treated for breast cancer since 2008, 226 (14.9%) accepted BRCA testing, and 39 tested positive (17.3% of those tested, and 2.6% of all women). Common founder mutations were detected in 11.9% of women (36/302), and comprised 73% (36/49) of mutations detected. Cascade testing increased after 2010: 16 female and 4 male family members of 19 probands accepted testing, with 6 positives being detected. CONCLUSION A protocol-driven approach focusing on probands, with initial pre-test counselling by primary care staff has proven effective in establishing the service. Involvement of a clinical geneticist/genetic counsellor has permitted more detailed post-test counselling and increased use of cascade testing.
Mental Imagery of Self-Location during Spontaneous and Active Self–Other Interactions: An Electrical Neuroimaging Study

Substantial data from the cognitive neurosciences point to the importance of bodily processing for the development of a comprehensive theory of the self. A key aspect of the bodily self is self-location, the experience that the self is localized at a specific position in space within one's bodily borders (embodied self-location). Although the neural mechanisms of self-location have been studied by manipulating the spatial location of one's visual perspective during mental imagery, such experiments were conducted in constrained, explicit, and unecological contexts such as explicit instructions in a prone/seated position, although most human interactions occur spontaneously while standing/walking. Using a motor paradigm, we investigated the behavioral and neural mechanisms of spontaneous self-location and mental body transformations during active human interaction. Using own-body imagery using spontaneous and explicit changes in self-location in standing participants, we report that spontaneous interactions with an avatar are neurally indistinguishable from explicit own-body transformation with disembodied self-location but differ from explicit own-body transformation with embodied self-location at 400–600 ms after stimulus onset. We discuss these findings with respect to the neural mechanisms of perspective-taking and self-location in spontaneous human interaction.
Human factors testing in the design of Xerox's 8010 “Star” office workstation

Integral to the design process of the Xerox 8010 “Star” workstation was constant concern for the user interface. The design was driven by principles of human cognition. Prototyping of ideas, paper-and-pencil analyses, and human-factors experiments with potential users all aided in making design decisions. Three of the human-factors experiments are described in this paper: A selection schemes test determined the number of buttons on the mouse pointing device and the meanings of these buttons for doing text selection. An icon test showed us the significant parameters in the shapes of objects on the display screen. A graphics test evaluated the user interface for making line drawings, and resulted in a redesign of that interface.
Learning Bayesian networks: approaches and issues

Abstract Bayesian networks have become a widely used method in the modelling of uncertain knowledge. Owing to the difficulty domain experts have in specifying them, techniques that learn Bayesian networks from data have become indispensable. Recently, however, there have been many important new developments in this field. This work takes a broad look at the literature on learning Bayesian networks—in particular their structure—from data. Specific topics are not focused on in detail, but it is hoped that all the major fields in the area are covered. This article is not intended to be a tutorial—for this, there are many books on the topic, which will be presented. However, an effort has been made to locate all the relevant publications, so that this paper can be used as a ready reference to find the works on particular sub-topics.
Is medullary thyroid cancer predictable? A prospective study of 86 patients with abnormal pentagastrin tests.

BACKGROUND The aim of this prospective study was to distinguish biochemically between C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) before surgery. METHODS Eighty-six consecutive patients with an abnormal stimulated calcitonin level (> 100 pg/mL) underwent thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection. In sporadic MTC, histopathologic findings and postoperative biochemical outcomes were documented prospectively and correlated with preoperative basal and stimulated calcitonin levels. RESULTS Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference in basal/stimulated calcitonin levels (P < .0001), with a comparison of CCH (n = 39 patients) and sporadic MTC (n = 38 patients). With a comparison of sporadic MTC N0 M0 (n = 25 patients) and N1 M0/1 (n = 12 patients), the basal calcitonin level was significantly different (P < .05). There was a close correlation between the n-log of basal/stimulated calcitonin level and the n-log of the tumor volume; there were also different distributions of the n-log of basal/stimulated calcitonin level among CCH, MTC N0, and MTC N1. Assuming that a basal calcitonin level of more than 64 pg/mL and/or a stimulated calcitonin level of more than 560 pg/mL implies MTC, 31 of 38 patients with sporadic MTC were detected before surgery. Three patients were predicted false positive (neoplastic CCH). Patients with stimulated calcitonin levels of less than 129 pg/mL had CCH only. Patients with basal calcitonin levels of less than 22 pg/mL and sporadic MTC (7/38 patients) were node negative. CONCLUSIONS All patients with abnormal pentagastrin tests showed C-cell pathologic evidence. Sporadic MTC was predicted in 81% of the patients; CCH or N0 was predicted in 36% of the patients. Central neck dissection is recommended to avoid difficult reoperations. Lateral neck dissection is possible "on demand. "
Improved multiuser detection in asynchronous flat-fading non-Gaussian channels

In this paper, a new M-estimator based multiuser detection in asynchronous flat-fading non-Gaussian CDMA channels is considered. A new closed-form expression is derived for the characteristic function of the multiple-access interference signals. Simulation results are provided to prove the effectiveness of the derived bit-error probabilities obtained with this expression in asynchronous flat-fading non-Gaussian CDMA channels.
Tear film osmolarity and dry eye disease: a review of the literature

Objective To evaluate the evidence in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the use of tear osmolarity as a physiological marker to diagnose, grade severity, and track therapeutic response in dry eye disease (DED). In addition, to review the evidence for the role of tear osmolarity in the pathophysiology of DED and ocular surface disease. Methods A literature review of all publications after the year 2000, which included the keywords “tear osmolarity”, was conducted. Relevant articles were graded according to quality of evidence and research, using the University of Michigan Practice Guideline and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) rating systems. Articles were further categorized by the nature of any reported financial support and by the overall impression they provided related to tear osmolarity. Results A total of 164 articles were identified as relevant to the search criteria, although some were editorials, and some were written in a foreign language. Of the total, it was possible to grade 159, and an overall impression was generated for 163. A positive impression of tear osmolarity in DED diagnosis was evident in 72% (117/163) of all articles, with a neutral impression in a further 21% (35/163); 7% had a negative impression. The percentage of positive impressions appeared independent of the quality of research; 73% (38/52) of articles graded high/moderate quality supported the use of tear film osmolarity measurement in DED diagnosis. Impressions were also independent of the source of financial support, with 72% (75/104) of independent studies positive. Conclusion The literature broadly supports the use of tear film osmolarity as an objective numerical measure for diagnosing, grading severity, and managing treatment of DED.