Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absorption and metabolism of acetaminophen by the in situ perfused rat small intestine preparation.

The in situ perfused rat small intestine preparation was used to examine the extents of segmental absorption and metabolism of acetaminophen (A). Additionally, the preparation was employed to investigate any intestinal excretion of A and its conjugates from the circulation to the intestinal lumen. In this preparation, blood perfusate (300 ml) recirculated the intestinal preparation at 7.5 ml/min, entering via the superior mesenteric artery and returned to the reservoir via the portal vein. To demonstrate the extent of segmental absorption, metabolism, and excretion by different segments of the intestine, tracer doses of 3H-A (0.41 to 0.55 mumol in 0.3 ml of saline) were administered into the (a) entire intestine; (b) segments (first, second, and third) of one-third the length of the intestine, by instillation of the dose into the lumens of the segments; and (c) reservoir of perfusate. Exudates of luminal fluid from the injected segment and segments not exposed to drug were monitored for A and its conjugates during the experiment and at the end of 2 hr. Absorption of A was usually complete by 60 min; the extent of absorption of A at the end of 2 hr by the entire length of the intestine and by its three (first, second, and third) individual segments were 71.7 +/- 2.6, 50.5 +/- 4.0, 73.9 +/- 2.1, and 58.8 +/- 6.1% of dose (mean +/- SE), respectively. At the end of 2 hr, the total amount of acetaminophen glucuronide in perfusate and luminal fluid accounted for 3.1-5.5% and 0.14-0.1% of dose, respectively, among these preparations; acetaminophen sulfate was present only as a small percentage of dose in the lumen. Glucuronidation activity, when expressed as a percentage of the absorbed dose, was fairly constant for the entire intestine and first and second segments (8%) but decreased slightly for the third segment (7%). When A was present in blood perfusing the intestine, no metabolite was detected in perfusate or luminal fluid. Instead, unchanged A was excreted (5.6% dose) into the lumen. The effect of dose and vehicle on the extents of absorption and metabolism of A in the preparation was investigated by the instillation of different doses of A (0.16, 99.2, and 396.9 mumol in 0.3 ml of polyethene glycol 400) into the entire intestine at the duodenum. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Genetic parameters of ascites-related traits in broilers: correlations with feed efficiency and carcase traits

1. Pulmonary hypertension syndrome followed by ascites is a metabolic disorder in broilers that occurs more often in fast-growing birds and at cool temperatures. 2. Knowledge of the genetic relationships among ascites-related traits and performance traits like carcase traits or feed efficiency traits is required to design breeding programmes that aim to improve the degree of resistance to ascites syndrome as well as production traits. The objective of this study was to estimate these genetic correlations. 3. Three different experiments were set up to measure ascites-related traits (4202 birds), feed efficiency traits (2166 birds) and carcase traits (2036 birds). The birds in different experiments originated from the same group of parents, which enabled the estimation of genetic correlations among different traits. 4. The genetic correlation of body weight (BW) measured under normal conditions and in the carcase experiment with the ascites indicator trait of right ventricle to total ventricle ratio (RV:TV) measured under cold conditions was 0·30. The estimated genetic correlation indicated that single-trait selecting for BW leads to an increase in occurrence of the ascites syndrome but that there are realistic opportunities of multi-trait selection of birds for improved BW and resistance to ascites. 5. Weak but positive genetic relationships were found between feed efficiency and ascites-related traits suggesting that more efficient birds tend to be slightly more susceptible to ascites. 6. The relatively low genetic correlation between BW measured in the carcase or in the feed efficiency experiments and BW measured in the ascites experiment (0·49) showed considerable genotype by environment interaction. These results indicate that birds with high genetic potential for growth rate under normal temperature conditions have lower growth rate under cold-stress conditions due to ascites.
Electrophysiological indices reflect switches between Bayesian and heuristic strategies in perceptual learning

Given finite cognitive resources, agents should allocate these to maximise desirable outcomes while minimising cognitive effort. This trade-off has often been studied as a competition between Bayesian inference and ‘fast-and-frugal’ heuristic strategies. An important open question in this regard is whether utilisation of Bayesian inference is dependent upon motivational state, and how this is reflected in the brain. We recorded electroencephalography from 23 participants performing a perceptual learning task with both monetary and a non-monetary instructive feedback conditions. Using model-based cluster analysis, we found that only participants who switched between a Bayesian and a heuristic strategy showed worse performance for instructive than monetary feedback, whereas participants who consistently employed Bayesian inference showed equivalent performance in both feedback conditions. This pattern of behavioural results was mirrored by differences in neural encoding of feedback in two event-related potential components: the P3, and the late positive potential. These findings suggest that use of Bayesian inference in perceptual learning may depend on motivational state.
Screening and application of thermotolerant microorganisms and their flocculant for treatment of palm oil mill effluent

Kaewchai, S. and Prasertsan, P. Screening and application of thermotolerant microorganisms and their flocculant for treatment of palm oil mill effluent Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. , 2002, 24(3) : 413-420 Among fifteen thermotolerant polymer-producing isolates, three strains SM 29, WD 90, and SM 38 produced polymer posessing very high flocculating activities (24.81, 14.63 and 10.84, respectively) and flocculation rates (94.29, 90.69 and 87.84, respectively). These three strains were identified to be Bacillus subtilis WD90, Bacillus subtilis SM 29, and Enterobacter agglomerans SM 38. Treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) by these three selected strains under aerobic condition at 45oC for 48 h revealed that neither oil separation nor flocculation of solids was observed. However, all three strains were able to decolorize the POME from dark brown to very light yellow. Flocculant produced from the three selected isolates could not separate the suspended solids and oil from the POME.
A novel method to reduce the operating temperature of high power light-emitting diodes

High power light-emitting diode (HP-LED) is now commonly used in electronic devices. However due to its unique electrical characteristics, it places many obstacles on maximizing the benefits provided by HP-LED. One of the obstacles is the rise of junction temperature due to current ripple that is inherent in all switching power supply. This affects the performance of HP-LED such as wavelength, luminance and life time which is difficult to predict for each HP-LEDs. There are many different methods to reduce the ripple. The most common and simplest solution is by using an filtering capacitor. However this usually requires a large capacitor that may not be desired in certain application. Several possible solutions were proposed in the past and one of them uses a linear regulator to compensate the ripple. But due to the way this technique is implemented, it has accuracy and efficiency problems. Therefore an improved active filter using operational amplifier to smooth the output ripple with enhanced accuracy and higher efficiency is introduced in this paper.
Comparing quality of life following liver transplantation for Laennec's versus non‐Laennec's patients 1

The overall success of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) includes not only survival, but quality of life (QOL) as well. We studied one controversial group of OLTX recipients, patients transplanted for alcoholic liver disease (Laennec's), to determine if their post‐OLTX QOL was similar to that of patients transplanted for non‐alcoholic liver disease (non‐Laennec's). Over a 10‐yr period, patients undergoing OLTX at our institution were asked to complete a QOL questionnaire addressing a wide range of topics from demographics and employment to symptom distress/frequency, activities of daily living, and effect of loss of health on daily life. Twenty‐four Laennec's and 100 non‐Laennec's OLTX recipients completed the questionnaire at both their 2‐ and 5‐yr follow‐up visits at our institution. Both groups were well‐matched in age, race, and patient location status at the time of OLTX. No significant differences could be detected between Laennec's and non‐Laennec's scores regarding overall QOL, including one's ability to function, health perception, and self‐perception at 2 and 5 years post‐OLTX, and between 2 and 5 years post‐OLTX. Although not between groups, a significant difference was noted regarding patients’ satisfaction with life, with less satisfaction reported at the 5‐yr versus the 2‐yr time point post‐OLTX. Rates of current/recent employment between both groups were also similar at 2 years post‐OLTX, and again at 5 years post‐OLTX. We conclude that overall QOL and employment levels appear similar between patients transplanted for alcoholic and non‐alcoholic liver disease. This similarity appears to extend to 5 years post‐OLTX.
The dual aspect of hermeneutics

Schleirmacher's hermeneutics consists of a dual aspect. For him interpretation is both a science and an art; he calls the science grammatical interpretation, and the art technical-psychological interpretation. The aim of this paper is to depict the dual aspect of Schleiermacher's hermeneutics, and to show how two modern thinkers, H. -G. Gadamer and Bernard Lonergan, incorporate the dual aspect into their own views
An Assessment of Mosquito Production and Nonchemical Control Measures in Structural Stormwater Best Management Practices in Southern California

ABSTRACT A 3-year study was conducted to assess mosquito production in structural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) installed by the California Department of Transportation in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. Thirty-seven BMPs were monitored weekly for presence and relative abundance of immature mosquitoes and for conditions conducive to mosquito production. Species identified were Aedes squamiger, Anopheles franciscanus, An. hermsi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. stigmatosoma, Cx. tarsalis, Culiseta incidens, and Cs. inornata. Structures designed with accessible, permanent sources of standing water in sumps, vaults, or basins were observed to support immatures all year. In BMPs intended to drain rapidly and completely, observed larval habitats resulted from design features, component failure, construction flaws, and non-stormwater runoff flows. Specific nonchemical mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate mosquito production were developed, implemented, and evaluated. This study provides a 1st assessment of mosquito production, species composition, and nonchemical control measures in structural stormwater BMPs in southern California.
Disruption of adeB gene has a greater effect on resistance to meropenems than adeA gene in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from University Malaya Medical Centre.

INTRODUCTION The AdeABC pump of Acinetobacter spp. confers resistance to various antibiotic classes. This pump is composed of the AdeA, AdeB, and AdeC proteins where AdeB is a member of the resistance-nodulation-division efflux pump superfamily. The adeA, adeB, and adeC genes are contiguous and adjacent to adeS and adeR, which are transcribed in the opposite direction and which specify proteins homologous to sensors and regulators of two-component systems, respectively. In this study, an attempt is made to elucidate the role of the AdeABC efflux pump in carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp. METHODS 39 carbapenem-resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. were used. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were evaluated using the agar dilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards. The presence of carbapenem hydrolysing oxacillinases and AdeABC efflux pump genes were determined by PCR amplification. Subsequently, each gene was inactivated by plasmid insertion in order to study the contribution of these genes in developing antibiotic resistance and the resulting mutants were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibilities. RESULTS Among the multidrug-resistant strains, 36 strains had all the three (A, B, C) genes detected, while the remaining three strains had one or two of the genes detected. Inactivation of these individual genes showed decreased antimicrobial susceptibility indicating its contribution towards the development of antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSION The presence of AdeABC multidrug efflux pump plays a major role in the development of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter spp. The presence of either one or an interplay between these genes may have an effect on antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter spp.
TGF-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 cooperate to facilitate tubulogenesis in the explanted quail heart.

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms have been implicated as both pro- and anti-angiogenic modulators. In this study we addressed the roles of TGF-beta isoforms on coronary tubulogenesis. METHODS Embryonic (E6) quail ventricular specimens were explanted onto collagen gels allowing endothelial cells to migrate and form vascular tubes. Growth factors and/or neutralizing growth factor antibodies were added to the cultures. Endothelial cells were identified using a quail endothelial cell marker, QH1. Image analysis was used to quantify aggregate tube length. RESULTS Addition of any isoform (TGF-beta(1), TGF-beta(2) or TGF-beta(3)) virtually prevented tubulogenesis (>95% inhibition), while stimulation of tubulogenesis occurred by adding neutralizing antibodies to TGF-beta(3), but not to TGF-beta(1) or -beta(2). When all three isoforms were added, tubulogenesis was enhanced, indicating the key role of TGF-beta(3). Documentation of the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta isoforms on tubulogenesis is further supported by our experiments in which the marked enhancement of tube formation by bFGF and VEGF was negated when exogenous TGF-beta(1), -beta(2), or -beta(3) were added to the cultures. CONCLUSIONS (1) TGF-beta(1), -beta(2) and -beta(3) each inhibits angiogenesis; (2) cooperation between the three TGF-beta isoforms and other angiogenic factors is essential for the regulation of normal tubulogenesis and (3) the stimulatory effect of VEGF or bFGF on tubulogenesis is negated by exogenous TGB-betas.
Effectiveness of the extended parallel process model in promoting colorectal cancer screening

Relatives of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are at increased risk for the disease, yet screening rates still remain low. Guided by the Extended Parallel Process Model, we examined the impact of a personalized, remote risk communication intervention on behavioral intention and colonoscopy uptake in relatives of CRC patients, assessing the original additive model and an alternative model in which each theoretical construct contributes uniquely.
Linear Electricity Spot Market Constraints for Managing Post-Separation Frequency Deviations

Electric power systems occassionally experience transmission outages that split the system into electrically separate islands. Within each island there could be a significant mismatch between the mechanical energy associated with the rotation of generator turbines and the aggregate electrical demand and losses. This results in frequency deviations in each island that are managed by a number of different control actions, including governor response and load shedding. This paper develops a set of linear constraints that can be included in an electricity spot market formulation so that resources can be dispatched in a way that prevents the violation of post-separation frequency standards. The paper shows how to derive the constraints directly from a linear time invariant power system model. The derivation proceeds in a direct and unambiguous manner which is a desirable feature within a restructured electricity industry because often engineering judgement is subject to the scrutiny of other industry decision-makers including the commercial decision makers of corporations and the centralized decision-makers of regulatory bodies. The technique for deriving the constraints can be used to implement an online decision-support tool for system and/or market operators to prevent post-contingency islands from violating frequency standards. The paper illustrates their use through a simple example.
Localized Eosinophil Degranulation Mediates Disease in Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia

ABSTRACT To explore the mechanisms underlying the eosinophil-mediated inflammation of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, serum, and supernatants from pulmonary and blood leukocytes (WBC) from patients with acute TPE (n = 6) were compared with those obtained from healthy uninfected individuals (n = 4) and from patients with asthma (n = 4) or elephantiasis (n = 5). Although there were no significant differences in the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, RANTES, or eosinophil cationic protein, there was a marked increase in eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) both systemically and in the lungs of individuals with TPE compared to each of the control groups (P < 0.02). Moreover, there was a compartmentalization of this response, with EDN levels being higher in the BAL fluid than in the serum (P < 0.02). Supernatants from WBC from either whole blood or BAL cells were examined for chemokines, cytokines, eosinophil degranulation products, and arachidonic acid metabolites. Of the many mediators examined—particularly those associated with eosinophil trafficking—only EDN (in BAL fluid and WBC) and MIP-1α (in WBC) levels were higher for TPE patients than for the non-TPE control groups (P < 0.02). These data suggest it is the eosinophilic granular protein EDN, an RNase capable of damaging the lung epithelium, that plays the most important role in the pathogenesis of TPE.
Electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony for prediction of cardiac events in patients with systolic heart failure

Background Recent clinical trials have challenged the clinical applicability of mechanical dyssynchrony in predicting cardiac resynchronisation therapy response. Objective To evaluate whether mechanical dyssynchrony has an additional benefit over QRS duration in predicting cardiac events in patients with systolic heart failure. Methods A total 167 patients admitted to hospital with heart failure (age 65±12, ejection fraction <35%) were followed up prospectively. Using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), the time to peak systolic velocity during the ejection phase was measured in the basal septal and lateral segments. A temporal difference between the septal to lateral wall (Ts−l) of ≥65 ms was defined as a mechanical dyssynchrony. Results After 33 months of follow-up, 70 patients (41.9%) had cardiac events, including 42 (25.1%) with cardiac death. The event-free survival time decreased as Ts−l or QRS duration increased. Patients with QRS ≥120 ms had increased risks of cardiac events by multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis (HR=1.88, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.29, p = 0.028). The presence of mechanical dyssynchrony also predicted an increased risk of cardiac events (HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.04, p = 0.002). Those with both electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony had a HR of 3.98 (95% CI 2.02 to 7.86, p <0.001) when compared with those with normal QRS duration and absence of mechanical dyssynchrony. The addition of mechanical dyssynchrony significantly improved the prognostic power of a model containing echocardiographic parameters and QRS duration. Conclusions TDI-derived mechanical dyssynchrony is an important prognosticator and independently associated with QRS duration in predicting adverse events in patients with systolic heart failure.
Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy in 18 cattle with displaced abomasum.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of a technique for laparoscopic abomasopexy in cattle with displaced abomasum (DA). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS Dairy cattle (n=18). METHODS Retrieved data included signalment, clinical findings, treatments, and outcome. Laparoscopic abomasopexy was performed with the sedated cow in dorsal recumbency. The pexy site was determined after identification of the antrum and the greater curvature of the abomasum. Three or 4 absorbable sutures were passed through the body wall and abomasal wall for abomasal fixation. Wound complications, DA recurrence, food consumption, owner satisfaction, and long-term survival were assessed. RESULTS Left DA was diagnosed in 17 cows and right DA in 1 cow. Abomasal decompression was performed in 12 cows and abomasopexy was achieved in all cows. Surgical wounds healed without complication, except in 4 cows that had mild periportal swelling. Postoperative return to normal appetite occurred quickly except for 2 cows with concurrent diseases. Owner satisfaction varied from good to excellent. DA did not recur. CONCLUSION Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy was successfully performed in 18 cows with DA. Abomasal decompression was necessary for adequate abomasal manipulation and identification of landmarks for pexy. An adequate return to food consumption and no recurrence of DA occurred (mean follow-up, 15.5 months). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy is technically feasible and an effective method for surgical treatment of DA.
Depressed in vitro peripheral blood lymphocyte response to mitogens in cancer patients: The role of suppressor cells

The reactivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with advanced malignancy was assessed by mitogen‐induced stimulation of protein synthesis as measured by 3H‐leucine incorporation. It was confirmed that the lymphocyte response of patients was depressed. Furthermore, the lymphocytes of 15 out of 27 cancer patients, selected because of their low responses, inhibited the reactivity of normal lymphocytes in co‐cultures. The lymphocytes from one patient with Hodgkin's disease were also inhibitory. In contrast, lymphocytes from healthy subjects, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, lymphosarcoma or multiple myeloma caused no suppression. Experiments with purified cell populations from patients with carcinoma indicated that purified T cells responded to mitogens while unseparated lymphocytes failed to respond and that the inhibitory activity was due to adherent cells, presumably monocytes. There was no evidence for B‐cell‐mediated suppression. However, in two cases inhibition was caused by isolated T cells of the patients and not by adherent cells. These experiments suggested that one mechanism for the depression of cell‐mediated immunity seen in patients with advanced cancer may be the nonspecific suppression of certain T‐cell functions by circulating monocytes.