Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast structural phase transition driven by photoinduced melting of charge and orbital order.

We use femtosecond x-ray diffraction to probe directly the structural dynamics of a charge ordered and orbitally ordered thin film of La0.42Ca0. 58MnO3 initiated by an ultrafast optical pulse. At low excitation fluences we observe the displacive excitation of a coherent optical A(g) phonon. Under high excitation conditions we observe a complete phase transition within 1 ps via the disappearance of a superlattice reflection. The initial step of the phase transition occurs on a time scale significantly faster than the 200 fs time resolution of our experiment.
Estimation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE's) are acoustic signals generated from the cochlea when stimulated by dual tone stimulus. The measurement of the DPOAE's is useful in objectively assessing the hearing functionality of humans. The parameter estimation of the DPOAE's has been based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique, which may not guarantee optimum performance in general. In this paper, the authors investigate the optimal maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE) for the DPOAE's. Experiments showed that the performance of the MLE is superior to those of the conventional FFT estimators. Furthermore, it is proven that the unwindowed FFT estimator is essentially the MLE when the stimulus tones are constrained to exhibit complete cycle within the data frame.
Depression among cocaine abusers in treatment: relation to cocaine and alcohol use and treatment outcome.

OBJECTIVE The authors investigated the theoretical and clinical role of depression among cocaine abusers in treatment. METHOD Eighty-nine cocaine-abusing patients underwent 2 weeks of substance abuse treatment. Posttreatment major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms before and after substance abuse treatment, and alcohol diagnoses were assessed and their relation to pretreatment substance use, cravings in high-risk situations, and 3-month follow-up status was examined. RESULTS High rates of major depressive disorder were found but were unrelated to pretreatment substance use. The decrease in depressive symptoms during treatment was independent of major depressive disorder or alcohol diagnoses and predicted treatment attrition. Higher levels of depressive symptoms during treatment were associated with greater urge to use cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs in high-risk situations. Concurrent major depressive disorder and depressive symptoms did not predict cocaine use at follow-up. However, patients who had an alcohol relapse episode experienced more depressive symptoms during treatment than did those who abstained. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the relationship of depression to alcohol use among cocaine abusers and suggest a need for further studies of the association between depression and substance use disorders.
Alterations in Tyrosine Protein Kinase Activities Upon Activation of Human Neutrophils

Human neutrophils are phagocytic cells that can be activated by a variety of agonists to undergo a group of physiologic responses. This “stimulus‐response” coupling is thought to be dependent on the phosphorylation of specific proteins. We have previously shown that, in addition to the widely distributed serine and threonine protein kinases, neutrophils contain tryosine protein kinase activity in the cell cytosol and particulate fractions. When neutrophils are treated with a variety of agents, phosphorylation of both cytosolic and particulate proteins on tyrosine residues occurs. Increases in tyrosine phosphorylation may be a result of increases in the activity of tyrosine kinases or a decrease in the activity of phosphotyrosine phosphatases. In this study, we have used a novel nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic method to demonstrate that treatment of human neutrophils with the chemotactic peptide FMLP or the phorbol ester phorbol myristate acetate induces a time‐ and concentration‐dependent increase in the tyrosine protein kinase activity found in the cell cytosol and cell particulate fraction. The time course and concentration range over which these changes occur are similar to those seen for activation of the neutrophil oxidative burst and phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine residues, suggesting that these events may be related.
PENGARUH NET PROFIT MARGIN, CURRENT RATIO, DAN DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO PADA DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIO

This study aims to determine the effect of net profit margin, current ratio and debt to equity ratioin the dividend payout ratio . Selection ofthe sample with purposive sampling method was tested with data analysis technique multiple linear regression. Population of this research are manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2010-2013. Samples in this study as many as 10 companies which pay dividends between 2010-2013. The results of this studys how variable net profit margin positive effecton the dividend payout ratio, variable current ratio and debt to equity ratio negatively affect the dividend payout ratio. This may implythe increase /decrease in the value of net profit margin, current ratio and debt to equity ratio will affect the increase / decrease in dividend payout ratio
Examining the interrelation between Interaction Analysis and Learning Styles in blog-based collaborative learning activities: The case of the G.I.AN.T. toolkit

The current paper presents a case study for evaluating an Interaction Analysis toolkit for blogs, called G.I. AN.T. (Graphical Interaction Analysis Tool). The paper focuses on the perspective of the students and investigates the hypothesis that Learning Styles interrelate with Interaction Analysis graphs produced by the G.I. AN.T. toolkit. This paper also provides further evaluation evidence for the G.I. AN.T. toolkit, in terms of general usability, usefulness, and user interface satisfaction. Overall, students were to a large extent satisfied with their blogging experience, rating the automatically generated Interaction Analysis graphs as useful, easy to understand and decode. Moreover, it was concluded that the G.I. AN.T. 's graphs interrelate with the Learning Styles of the users, with visual and global learning style students having a more positive attitude towards the use of G.I. AN.T.
CYCLICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AS A FACTOR MAINTAINING GENETIC POLYMORPHISM. 2. DIPLOID SELECTION FOR AN ADDITIVE TRAIT

The subject of this paper is polymorphism maintenance due to stabilizing selection with a moving optimum. It was shown that in case of two‐locus additive control of the selected trait, global polymorphism is possible only when the geometric mean fitnesses of double homozygotes averaged over the period are lower than that of the single heterozygotes and of the double heterozygote (with a multiplier [1 – r]p, which depends on recombination rate r and period length p). But local stability of polymorphism cannot be excluded even if geometric mean fitnesses of all double homozygotes are higher than that of all heterozygotes. We proved, that for logarithmically convex fitness functions, cyclical changes of the optimum cannot help in polymorphism maintenance in case of additive control of the selected trait by two equal loci. However, within the same class of fitness functions, nonequal gene action and/or dominance effect for one or both loci may lead to local polymorphism stability with large enough polymorphism attracting domain. The higher the intensity of selection and closer the linkage between selected loci the larger is this domain. Note that even simple cyclical selection could result in two forms of polymorphic limiting behavior: (a) usually expected forced cycle with a period equal to that of environmental changes; and (b) “supercycles,” nondumping auto‐oscillations with a period comprising of hundreds of forced oscillation periods.
Role for calcium‐activated potassium channels (BK) in growth control of human malignant glioma cells

Voltage‐dependent large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, often referred to as BK channels, are a unique class of ion channels coupling intracellular chemical signaling to electrical signaling. BK channel expression has been shown to be up‐regulated in human glioma biopsies, and expression levels correlate positively with the malignancy grade of the tumor. Glioma BK channels (gBK) are a splice variant of the hslo gene, are characterized by enhanced sensitivity to [Ca2+]i, and are the target of modulation by growth factors. By using the selective pharmacological BK channel inhibitor iberiotoxin, we examined the potential role of these channels in tumor growth. Cell survival assays examined the ability of glioma cells to grow in nominally serum‐free medium. Under such conditions, BK channel inhibition by iberiotoxin caused a dose‐ and time‐dependent decrease in cell number discernible as early as 72 hr after exposure and maximal growth inhibition after 4–5 days. FACS analysis shows that IbTX treatment arrests glioma cells in S phase of the cell cycle, whereupon cells undergo cell death. Interestingly, IbTX effects were nullified when cells were maintained in 7% fetal calf serum. Electrophysiological analysis, in conjunction with biotinylation studies, demonstrates that serum starvation caused a significant translocation of BK channel protein to the plasma membrane, corresponding to a two‐ to threefold increase in whole‐cell conductance, but without a change in total gBK protein. Hence, expression of functional gBK channels appears to be regulated in a growth‐factor‐dependent manner, with enhanced surface expression promoting tumor cell growth under conditions of growth factor deprivation as might occur under in vivo conditions. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter, Proteins Involved in Exocytosis, and Functional Calcium Signaling in Varicosities and Soma of a Murine Septal Cell Line

The expression and localization of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in a septal cell line, SN56, were investigated. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis of postnuclear supernatants indicated that this cell line expresses reasonable amounts of the transporter. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy experiments showed that the vesicular transporter is present in varicosities and also in the cell body of differentiated cells. Varicosities have the potential to be functional sites of transmitter release because they responded to depolarization with calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels and expressed the synaptic proteins synaptotagmin, SV2, synaptophysin, and a subunit of P/Q calcium channels. In the soma of SN56 cells, the transporter immunoreactivity was similar to that for synaptotagmin, and it colocalized with synaptophysin, but it did not colocalize with SV2. Labeling for SV2 appeared prominently in a defined perinuclear structure, whereas the two former proteins were widely distributed in the soma, where several endocytic compartments could be identified with the vital dye FM4-64. These data suggest that distinct synaptic vesicle proteins exist in different subcellular compartments, and consequently they may follow distinct pathways in neurites before reaching sites of transmitter storage and release in SN56 cells.
Water use efficiency and evapotranspiration in maize-soybean relay strip intercrop systems as affected by planting geometries

Optimum planting geometries have been shown to increase crop yields in maize-soybean intercrop systems. However, little is known about whether changes in planting geometry improve the seasonal water use of maize and soybean intercrops. We conducted two different field experiments in 2013 and 2014 to investigate the effects of changes in planting geometry on water use efficiency (WUE) and evapotranspiration (ETc) of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] relay strip intercrop systems. Our results showed that the leaf area index of maize for both years where intercropping occurred was notably greater compared to sole maize, thus the soil water content (SWC), soil evaporation (E), and throughfall followed a decreasing trend in the following order: central row of maize strip (CRM) < adjacent row between maize and soybean strip (AR) < central row of soybean strip (CRS). When intercropped, the highest grain yield for maize and total yields were recorded for the 40:120 cm and 40:160 cm planting geometries using 160 cm and 200 cm bandwidth, respectively. By contrast, the highest grain yield of intercropped soybean was appeared for the 20:140 cm and 20:180 cm planting geometries. The largest land equivalent ratios were 1.62 for the 40:120 cm planting geometry and 1.79 for the 40:160 cm planting geometry, indicating that both intercropping strategies were advantageous. Changes in planting geometries did not show any significant effect on the ETc of the maize and soybean intercrops. WUEs in the different planting geometries of intercrop systems were lower compared to sole cropping. However, the highest group WUEs of 23.06 and 26.21 kg ha-1 mm-1 for the 40:120 cm and 40:160 cm planting geometries, respectively, were 39% and 23% higher than those for sole cropping. Moreover, the highest water equivalent ratio values of 1.66 and 1.76 also appeared for the 40:120 cm and 40:160 cm planting geometries. We therefore suggest that an optimum planting geometry of 40:160 cm and bandwidth of 200 cm could be a viable planting pattern management method for attaining high group WUE in maize-soybean intercrop systems.
Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 8. Quantitative back-scattered electron scanning electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy of the epiphysis of the third metacarpal bone

Abstract AIM: To characterise and explain the increase in density evident by computerised tomography (CT) and radiography in companion studies as a response to training, in bone in the palmar and dorsal regions of the condyles of the third metacarpal bone (Mc3) of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses. METHODS: Compositional back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) were conducted on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-embedded mediolateral slices of the right distal Mc3 from seven 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses trained on a racetrack and seven untrained horses kept at pasture. One left Mc3 from each group was studied in transverse section planes. This study focussed on regions of Mc3 found to differ in density between the trained and untrained horses in companion studies using CT and radiography. RESULTS: The increase of bone density in the condyles of Mc3 in trained horses compared with untrained horses occurred, without prior osteoclastic resorption, via the deposition of new bone on pre-existing internal surfaces. Within prior marrow spaces of cancellous bone, there was also rapid formation of immature strands and fronds of bone which were more cellular and mineralised, and more lamellar bone tissue was deposited on these new scaffolding elements in the trained horses. Both resulted in increased bone volume fraction (BVF). The microscopic mineralisation density of the bulk of the new tissue was lower than in pre-existing bone, and CT and radiography underestimated the increase in BVF. The new tissue was thus probably less stiff at the microscopic scale than pre-existing bone, though its addition would stiffen the global structure. CONCLUSIONS: In Mc3 of all the trained horses, there were obvious differences in microscopic structure compared with those from the untrained horses. Moderate, industry-standard levels of exercise used to prepare young horses for racing induced the formation of new bone in non-bone spaces in bone tissue, such that the bone organ should better withstand later increased levels of exercise.
Purification and characterization of two 1,4-beta-xylan endohydrolases from the rumen fungus Neocallimastix frontalis

Two beta-endoxylanases produced by Neocallimastix frontalis have been purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion-exchange chromatography. Xylanase I is a nonglycosylated protein with an apparent molecular mass of 45 kDa. Xylanase II is a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa. The pH optima of these enzymes were 5.5 and 6, respectively, and the temperature optimum was 55 degrees C for each enzyme. The endo mode of action of the enzymes was revealed by thin-layer chromatography of xylan hydrolysates. Antibodies raised against each purified protein exhibited no cross-reaction, confirming the biochemical specificities of the enzymes. Both enzymes exhibited carboxymethyl cellulase activity, and xylanase I was absorbed on crystalline cellulose, indicating that these enzymes might belong to the F family of beta-1,4-glycanases.
Variation in Excessive Fetal Growth across Levels of Prenatal Care among Women with Gestational Diabetes

Objective: Examine the association between prenatal care and excessive fetal growth outcomes among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2004-2007 singleton live births to South Carolina women, limited to those for whom both birth certificate and hospital discharge data were available (N = 179 957). Gestational diabetes mellitus was identified from birth certificate and/or hospital discharge claims. Measures of excessive fetal growth were large for gestational age (90th and 95th percentiles) and macrosomia (birth weight > 4500 g). The Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization index was used to measure prenatal care. Results: Gestational diabetes mellitus was recorded for 6.9% of women in the study population. Women with GDM were more likely than other women to have an infant with excessive fetal growth, regardless of the level of prenatal care; however, there was a significant interaction between GDM status and levels of prenatal care. All women with GDM had increased odds for large infant outcomes. However, those receiving inadequate prenatal care were markedly more likely to experience excessive fetal growth outcomes (odds ratio = 1.38, confidence interval = 1.15-1.66) than women also with GDM and intermediate/adequate prenatal care. Similar patterns were noted for large for gestational age (95th) and macrosomia (total birth weight ≥ 4500 g). Conclusions: Observed associations suggest a link between inadequate prenatal care and a higher risk for excessive fetal growth among women with GDM. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of the association and suggest ways to get high-risk women into care sooner.
Direct molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples – An adjunct to cultural method of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis, a communicable disease with significant morbidity and mortality, is the leading cause of death in the world from bacterial infectious disease. Because of its public health importance, there is need for rapid and definitive method of detecting the causative organism. Several approaches have been attempted, but the molecular methods, especially Polymerase Chain Reaction assays are the most promising for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples. Aim: This study was aimed at using Polymerase Chain Reaction for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from clinical samples using universal sample processing methodology. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred clinical samples sent to Tuberculosis laboratories in Ibadan and Osogbo, Nigeria, were enrolled in this study. The samples were processed by universal sample processing methodology for PCR; smear microscopy was carried out on sputum samples by Ziehl Nelseen staining technique; and cultured on Middlebrook agar medium containing oleic acid albumin dextrose complex supplement after decontamination of samples. Results: Ninety six (48%) samples were detected positive for M. tuberculosis complex by polymerase chain reaction using the combination of boiling and vortexing and microscopy detected 72 (36%) samples positive for acid fast bacilli. Using culture method as gold standard, it was found that polymerase chain reaction assay was more sensitive (75.5%) and specific (94.8%) than microscopy (sensitivity of 48.5% and specificity of 85.7%) in detecting M. tuberculosis complex from clinical samples. There was significant difference in detecting M. tuberculosis from clinical samples when compared to microscopy (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study recommends that direct molecular detection of M. tuberculosis complex is sensitive and specific and polymerase chain reaction method should be used as an adjunct to other methods of laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.
M‐mode echocardiographic findings in apparently healthy, non‐athletic Norwegians aged 20–70 years. Influence of age, sex and body surface area

Abstract. In order to assess M‐mode echocardiographic recordings in a normal Norwegian population, 190 apparently healthy subjects (95 women and 95 men) aged 21–69 years were examined with an Irex Meridian system. Measurements were performed according to criteria recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Absolute values for all parameters except for left ventricular (LV) shortening fraction (SF) were greater in men (P < 0.001). When corrected for body surface area (BSA), the differences between the two genders were far less pronounced. Women had greater left atrium (LA) (P < 0.01) and LV end‐diastolic diameter (EDD) (P < 0.001), whereas the interventricular septum in end‐diastole (IVS‐ED) (P < 0.05) and LV posterior wall (PW) in ED (P < 0.001) were thicker in men.
Tuberculosis subunit vaccines: from basic science to clinical testing

More than 80 years after the introduction of Bacillus Calmette–GuÉrin, the first tuberculosis vaccine, new vaccines for tuberculosis are finally in clinical trials. The selection of antigens on which new subunit vaccines are based represent the first fulfilment of the promise of proteomics and �genomics, and the delivery systems for these antigens are likewise the first fruits of the improved understanding of how the host immune system recognizes pathogens. However, clinical trials are still at Phase I and there remain formidable obstacles to the registration of the first new TB vaccines. Here the authors review the vaccines in clinical trials and discuss the different approaches they take to stimulating immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, focusing on recombinant subunit vaccines. The challenges that confront these approaches and how they are being addressed are then discussed.
Effect of recombinant tumor necrosis factor on HL‐60 cells: Cell‐cycle specificity and synergism with actinomycin D

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) exhibits a multitude of activities depending on the type of target cells. We characterized the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of recombinant TNF, alone and in combination with actinomycin D (AMD), on the human leukemic cell line HL‐60. Because HL‐60 cells, when triggered to monocytic differentiation by phorbol esters, are known to produce and secrete TNF, their sensitivity to the factor could indicate an autocrine function of TNF in this cell system. Indeed, HL‐60 cells were affected by TNF; their doubling time was increased by about 50% and progression through the cell cycle was perturbed. Initially, (up to 8 h) TNF induced a temporary arrest in G2 while later (24–48 h) it delayed progression through the G1 phase. Also, a transient increase in RNA content peaking at 6–8 h was apparent. The cytotoxicity of TNF alone was low. Thus, TNF may be involved in the regulation of the cell cycle of HL‐60 cells during early stages of their differentiation.