Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct Stimulation of KATP Channels by Exogenous and Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are important targets for endogenous metabolic regulation and exogenous drug therapy. H2S, as a novel gasotransmitter, has been shown to relax rat aortic tissues via opening of KATP channels. However, interaction of H2S, exogenous-applied or endogenous-produced, with KATP channels in resistance artery VSMC has not been delineated. In the present study, using the whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp technique, we demonstrated that exogenous H2S activated KATP channels and hyperpolarized cell membrane in rat mesenteric artery VSMC. H2S enhanced the amplitude of whole-cell KATP currents with an EC50 value of 116 ± 8.3 μM and increased the open probability of single KATP channels. H2S hyperpolarized membrane potentials by -12 mV in nystatin-perforated VSMC. Furthermore, inhibition of endogenous H2S production with d,l-propargylglycine (PPG) reduced whole-cell KATP currents. PPG alone had no effect on unitary KATP channel currents in cell-free membrane patches. In addition, effects of H2S on KATP channels and membrane potentials were independent of cGMP-mediated phosphorylation. This study demonstrated modulation of KATP channel activity by exogenous and endogenous H2S in resistance artery VSMC, thus helping elucidate cardiovascular functions of this endogenous gas.
Number of births, interpregnancy interval, and subsequent pregnancy rate after a diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease in Norwegian women.

OBJECTIVE To study female reproduction, i.e., number of births, subsequent pregnancy rate, and interpregnancy interval after diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease. METHODS In a national population based cohort study, reproduction in mothers with rheumatic disease, registered with the Medical Birth Registry of Norway 1967-1995, were compared to mothers without such diagnoses. RESULTS After diagnosis, women with rheumatic disease had a statistically significant lower mean number of births, a shorter time span of reproduction, longer interpregnancy intervals, and a reduced subsequent pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Altered reproduction observed in women with a rheumatic disease might reflect various mechanisms not accounted for in this study, but possibly related to the disease process, functional impairment, or medical treatment.
Redistribution without distortion: evidence from an affirmative action program at a large Brazilian university

In this paper, we examine an innovative affirmative action policy designed to increase the representation of underprivileged students at UNICAMP, a large and highly ranked Brazilian university. The university awarded bonus points to targeted applicants (i.e., public high school applicants) on their admission exam, as opposed to imposing a typical quota system. Using a rich set of administrative data from UNICAMP, we assess the effect of this policy on the composition of admitted students, and investigate for possible behavioral responses at the extensive (participation) and intensive (preparation effort) margins. We find that the admission probability of public high school applicants, the targeted applicants, significantly increased following the adoption of the affirmative action program. The policy was also associated with sizable redistribution in the composition of admitted students, with a shift towards students from families with lower socio-economic status. Surprisingly, we find little evidence of behavioral reactions to the affirmative action policy, in terms of test performance or application decision.
The importance of proper hydrology in the forest cover‐water yield debate: commentary on Ellison et al. (2012) Global Change Biology, 18, 806–820

In the review article of Ellison et al. (2012) in Global Change Biology, the authors highlight the important debate on whether forests are consumers or suppliers of water. They advocate the idea that we should shift from the local ‘demand side’ view to the larger scale ‘supply side’ view. They do so because they argue, based on the review of several recent papers in global hydrology, that forest cover is of major importance for the occurrence of terrestrial precipitation P and that its removal will lead to severe reductions in P. While we in principal agree with these statements, the numbers on moisture recycling presented in their paper are for a certain part based on a misconception of the hydrological cycle creating the impression that forests play a more important role in the hydrological cycle than they actually do. Their general reasoning is that total continental evaporation E (ET in their paper) can be assumed to be equal to green water transpired by plants and trees and thus they neglect all-important nonproductive evaporation fluxes. Subsequently, some parts of the article give the impression that they assume that all this water returns to the continents and none of if it is transported back to the ocean. Moreover, their numbers about evaporative potential, which in reality has a significant spatial distribution, are simply based on the present-day global distribution of land cover, where forests are overrepresented in the tropics (F.A.O., 2010). We will argue in this article that these assumptions are too simplistic and lead to a view that exaggerates the role of forest in the hydrological cycle. The aim of this article is also to ensure that the all-important forest cover-water yield debate is based on state-of-the-art information and the correct application of the hydrological cycle. Representing the hydrological cycle taking moisture recycling into account
Reducing Cognitive Load through the Worked Example Effect within a Serious Game Environment

Novices often struggle to represent problems mentally; the unfamiliar process can exhaust their cognitive resources, creating frustration that deters them from learning. By improving novices’ mental representation of problems, worked examples improve both problem-solving skills and transfer performance. Programming requires both skills. In programming, it is not sufficient to simply understand how Stackoverflow examples work; programmers have to be able to adapt the principles and apply them to their own programs. This paper shows evidence in support of the theory that worked examples are the most efficient mode of instruction for novices. In the present study, 42 students were asked to solve the tutorial The Magic Word, a game especially for girls created with the Catrobat programming environment. While the experimental group was presented with a series of worked examples of code, the control groups were instructed through theoretical text examples. The final task was a transfer question. While the average score was not significantly better in the worked example condition, the fact that participants in this experimental group finished significantly faster than the control group suggests that their overall performance was better than that of their counterparts.
Respiratory and hemodynamic outcomes following exchange extubation with laryngeal mask airway as compared to traditional awake extubation

Background: Traditional awake extubation leads to respiratory complications and hemodynamic response which are detrimental in neurosurgery, ENT surgery and patients with comorbidities. Aims: The primary objective was to compare the respiratory complications and hemodynamic stress response between traditional awake extubation of a endotracheal tube (ETT) and that following exchange extubation of ETT by using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Settings and Design: This prospective randomized study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Centre in 60 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients coming for general surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients were randomized by permuted blocks into traditional awake extubation group and exchange extubation group. At the end of surgery in traditional group, awake extubation of ETT was done. In exchange group, 0.3 mg/kg propofol was administered, and the ETT was exchanged for a LMA. Awake extubation of LMA was then performed. Respiratory complications such as bucking, coughing, desaturation and the need for airway maneuvers and hemodynamic response were noted in both groups. Analysis Tools: Chi-square test, independent sample t- and paired t-tests were used as applicable. Results: Incidence of respiratory complication was 93.3% in traditional extubation while it was only 36.7% in exchange extubation group (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic response measured immediately at extubation in terms of heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and rate pressure product were all significantly lesser in exchange group when compared to traditional extubation. Conclusion: Exchange extubation with LMA decreases respiratory complications and hemodynamic stress response when compared to traditional awake extubation.
Rural Beninese Children Are at Risk of Zinc Deficiency According to Stunting Prevalence and Plasma Zinc Concentration but Not Dietary Zinc Intakes.

BACKGROUND Three commonly recommended indicators for risk assessment of population zinc deficiency are stunting rates among children aged <5 y, prevalence of inadequate dietary zinc intake, and prevalence of low plasma zinc (PZn). Data on zinc status in Benin are mainly drawn from stunting rates and data on PZn and dietary zinc intake are lacking. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were 1) to assess the risk of zinc deficiency in preschool and school-age children from rural communities in northern Benin by means of the 3 indicators for population assessment, 2) to evaluate their level of agreement, and 3) to identify predictors of PZn and height-for-age z scores (HAZ). METHODS We analyzed preintervention data collected during 2 efficacy trials and cross-sectionally assessed the risk of zinc deficiency in preschool (1-5 y, n = 326) and school-age children (5-10 y, n = 272) by 1) conducting a 3-d weighed food record survey, coupled with direct zinc and phytic acid analysis of consumed foodstuffs, and calculating usual dietary zinc intakes in a subsample of school-age children (n = 36); 2) analyzing PZn in all children (n = 598); and 3) measuring anthropometry indexes for assessment of stunting (HAZ <-2 SD) in all children (n = 594) and in <5-y-old children only (n = 273). We derived predictors of PZn and HAZ by using multivariate regression with mixed-effect models. RESULTS Prevalence of inadequate intakes of zinc ranged from 11% to 80% depending on whether the estimated average requirements (EARs) by the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group or the EARs derived from the WHO's recommended nutrient intakes were used. Prevalence of low PZn adjusted for acute-phase protein status was 45.7%, with higher rates among preschoolers than school-age children (P = 0.002). The stunting rate in <5-y-old children was 51.3%. PZn was predicted by age, methodologic factors, and socioeconomic status, whereas HAZ was predicted by age, sex, hemoglobin, and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of <5-y stunting and the prevalence of low PZn indicate that the risk of zinc deficiency is elevated in this population. Risk estimates based on the prevalence of inadequacy of zinc intakes varied depending on the EARs used, and a consensus would facilitate nutrition survey evaluations. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01472211 and NCT01790321.
Prevalence of human erythrovirus B19 DNA in healthy Belgian blood donors and correlation with specific antibodies against structural and non‐structural viral proteins

Background and Objectives Human parvovirus (erythrovirus) B19 is recognized as a major contaminant of blood and blood products. To reduce the risk of contamination, plasma‐pool screening and exclusion of highly viraemic donations are recommended. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of B19 DNA in our blood‐donor population, to determine the appropriate pool size to be tested (taking into account parameters such as prevalence, viral load, test sensitivity, and the efficacy of inactivation procedures), and to correlate viral loads with the serological status of donors as regards antibodies against different viral proteins.
Bioequivalence, antibacterial activity and therapeutic outcome of a generic meropenem (Mapenem).

BACKGROUND The authors aimed to compare the bioequivalence and antibacterial activity of a generic meropenem with the original meropenem and studied its preliminary therapeutic outcome. MATERIAL AND METHOD A randomized, open-label, crossover study was employed to assess the bioequivalence and antibacterial activity. Twenty-six healthy males were recruited at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand and randomized to firstly receive either a single intravenous 30-minute infusion of a generic (Mapenem) or original meropenem (Meronem) and vice versa for the second period. The washout period was one week. Ten milliliters of blood samples were collected before meropenem infusion and at 0, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 360, 470 and 480 minutes after the beginning of the drug infusion. Blood samples were coded and separated into plasma and serum samples. Plasma samples were used to determine drug concentrations by HPLC-UV detector and the data were analyzed for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf. Serum samples were assayed in triplicate for measuring generic and original meropenems' inhibitory activities of a meropenem-susceptible E. coli ATCC 25922 in the same agar plate. An open-label design was used to preliminarily study of the therapeutic outcome and adverse effects of the generic meropenem in 30 patients. RESULTS All enrolled twenty-six volunteers completed the whole study. The statistical analysis of 90% confidence interval of Cmax, A UC0-t, and AUC0-inf of the generic and original meropenems were 87.7 to 101.7%, 96.3 to 102.4% and 96.3 to 102.3%, respectively. The results were within the standard range of bioequivalence acceptance criteria (80-125%) and the powers of the test were greater than 80%. Using E. coli ATCC 25922 in the blind assay of serum inhibition activity, the inhibitory zone sizes (mm) of the generic compared to original meropenems were not statistically different with respect to every time points of blood collections (p < 0.05). Correlation of mean values of serum meropenem levels and the widths of inhibitory zone sizes of the same samples collected at the same intervals showed good linear relationship with r = 0.891; R2 = 0.794 (p < 0.01) for the generic meropenem and r = 0.885; R2 = 0.784 (p < 0.01) for the original meropenem. The therapeutic result with the generic meropenem for various indications was successful or improved in 24 cases from 30 cases (80%) and the bacterial cure rate was 23 in 30 clinical isolates (76.7%). Adverse reactions probably related to the study medication were rash and elevated liver enzymes in 1 and 3 patients, respectively, and all resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION In the present study, the generic meropenem exhibited indifferent bioequivalence and antibacterial activity compared to the original meropenem. There was also a good correlation between serum levels and inhibitory zone sizes produced by the same serum samples in every periods of blood collection. Clinical efficacy of the generic meropenem was shown to be satisfactory without notable severe adverse reaction.
Family roles, structure, and stressors in relation to sex differences in obtaining psychotropic drugs.

Although it is well-documented that women are more likely than men to use prescribed psychotropic drugs, there are conflicting explanations of this pattern. The purpose of this paper is to examine this sex difference in relation to three theoretical perspectives: (1) the sex-role theory, (2) social support theory, and (3) stress theory. Data from the National Medical Care Expenditure Survey confirm that women were more likely than men to obtain a psychotropic drug. The data also showed that for both men and women, the likelihood of obtaining a psychotropic drug is influenced by family role responsibilities, family structure, and stressful events. However, women had a significantly higher likelihood of use than men under similar family circumstances. When sociodemographic and health-statuslaccess-to-care variables were controlled, the association for men between family circumstances and obtaining a psychotropic drug disappeared. For women, however, certain family role responsibilities, structures, and stressful events significantly affected the likelihood of obtaining a psychotropic drug even when sociodemographic and health-statuslaccess-to-care variables were controlled.
Age-Related Changes in Blood Lymphocyte Subsets of Saudi Arabian Healthy Children

ABSTRACT The age-related changes in absolute and percentage values of lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of healthy children of different ages (1 month to 13 years) were studied by flow cytometry. The absolute and percentage values for most lymphocyte subpopulations differed substantially with age. Comparisons among age groups from infants through adults revealed progressive declines in the absolute numbers of leukocytes, total lymphocytes, and T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells. The percentages of T cells increased with age. Within the T-lymphocyte population, the CD8+ subset increased but the CD4+ subset decreased, resulting in a declining CD4+/CD8+ ratio. The percentage of B cells declined, but that of NK cells remained unchanged. The percentage of HLA-DR+ T cells increased over time, but their number changed inconsistently. Our findings confirm and extend earlier reports on age-related changes in lymphocyte subpopulations. These data should be useful in the interpretation of disease-related changes, as well as therapy-dependent alterations, in lymphocyte subsets in children of different age groups.
150-GHz Cutoff Frequencies and 2-W/mm Output Power at 40 GHz in a Millimeter-Wave AlGaN/GaN HEMT Technology on Silicon

We report a new generation of high-performance AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) grown on high-resistivity Si (111) substrates. We map out small- and large-signal device performances against technological parameters such as the gate length and the source-drain contact separation. We report the first large-signal performance for a GaN-on-Si technology offering an output power of 2 W/mm and an associated peak power-added efficiency of 13.8% (peak of 18.5%) at 40 GHz without any field plate. The technology offers measured transconductances of up to 540 mS/mm and cutoff frequencies as high as fT/fMAX = 152/149 GHz at a given bias point. These are the highest cutoff frequencies to date for fully passivated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on silicon substrates. The results confirm GaN-on-Si technology as a promising contender for low-cost millimeter-wave power electronic applications.
The Interaction between Ractopamine Supplementation , Porcine Somatotropin and Moisture Infusion on Sensory Pork Quality Final Report APL Project 2009 / 2271 December 2009 Department of Agriculture and Food

solely for informational purposes. While APL has no reason to believe that the information contained in this publication is inaccurate, APL is unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information and, subject to any terms implied by law which cannot be excluded, accepts no responsibility for loss suffered as a result of any party’s reliance on the accuracy or currency of the content of this publication. The information contained in this publication should not be relied upon for any purpose, including as a substitute for professional advice. Nothing within the publication constitutes an express or implied warranty, or representation, with respect to the accuracy or currency of the publication, any future matter or as to the value of or demand for any good. The Interaction between Ractopamine Supplementation, Porcine Somatotropin and Moisture Infusion on Sensory Pork Quality
Effects of γ‐Aminobutyric acid transporter 1 inhibition by tiagabine on brain glutamate and γ‐Aminobutyric acid metabolism in the anesthetized rat In vivo

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) clearance from the extracellular space after release from neurons involves reuptake into terminals and astrocytes through GABA transporters (GATs). The relative flows through these two pathways for GABA released from neurons remains unclear. This study determines the effect of tiagabine, a selective inhibitor of neuronal GAT‐1, on the rates of glutamate (Glu) and GABA metabolism and GABA resynthesis via the GABA–glutamine (Gln) cycle. Halothane‐anesthetized rats were administered tiagabine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and 45 min later received an intravenous infusion of either [1,6‐13C2]glucose (in vivo) or [2‐13C]acetate (ex vivo). Nontreated rats served as controls. Metabolites and 13C enrichments were measured with 1H‐[13C]‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and referenced to their corresponding endpoint values measured in extracts from in situ frozen brain. Metabolic flux estimates of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons were determined by fitting a metabolic model to the 13C turnover data measured in vivo during [1,6‐13C2]glucose infusion. Tiagabine‐treated rats were indistinguishable (P > 0.05) from controls in tissue amino acid levels and in 13C enrichments from [2‐13C]acetate. Tiagabine reduced average rates of glucose oxidation and neurotransmitter cycling in both glutamatergic neurons (↓18%, CMRglc(ox)Glu: control, 0.27 ± 0.05 vs. tiagabine, 0.22 ± 0.04 µmol/g/min; ↓11%, Vcyc(Glu–Gln): control 0.23 ± 0.05 vs. tiagabine 0.21 ± 0.04 µmol/g/min) and GABAergic neurons (↓18–25%, CMRglc(ox)GABA: control 0.09 ± 0.02 vs. tiagabine 0.07 ± 0.03 µmol/g/min; Vcyc(GABA–Gln): control 0.08 ± 0.02 vs. tiagabine 0.07 ± 0.03 µmol/g/min), but the changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic fluxes were not significant (P > 0.10). The results suggest that any reduction in GABA metabolism by tiagabine might be an indirect response to reduced glutamatergic drive rather than direct compensatory effects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.