Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of aqueous‐ethanol extract from Crocus sativus (saffron) on guinea‐pig isolated heart

In this study, the effects of an aqueous‐ethanol extract from Crocus sativus on heart rate and contractility were examined. Isolated guinea‐pig hearts were perfused through the aorta in a Langendorff mode. Heart rate and contractility were determined in the presence of four concentrations of the extract (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg%) and diltiazem (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µm) in perfused heart with: (1) ordinary Krebs solution (group 1, n = 9), (2) calcium‐free Krebs solution (group 2, n = 7). In group 1, three higher concentrations of diltiazem (1, 10 and 100 µm), but only the highest (5.0 mg%) and two higher concentrations (1.0 and 5.0 mg%) of the extract caused significant reduction in heart rate and contractility, respectively (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In group 2, the highest (100 µm) and two higher concentrations (10 and 100 µm) of diltiazem (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), but only the highest concentration of the extract showed significant reductions in the heart rate and contractility (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). There were significant negative correlations between concentrations of the extract and diltiazem and their effects in both groups (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). These results suggested a potent inhibitory effect of aqueous‐ethanol extract from C. sativus on the calcium channel of guinea‐pig heart. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Genomics of Rice and Arabidopsis. Analysis of 727 Cytochrome P450 Genes and Pseudogenes from a Monocot and a Dicot1[w]

Data mining methods have been used to identify 356 Cyt P450 genes and 99 related pseudogenes in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome using sequence information available from both the indica and japonica strains. Because neither of these genomes is completely available, some genes have been identified in only one strain, and 28 genes remain incomplete. Comparison of these rice genes with the 246 P450 genes and 26 pseudogenes in the Arabidopsis genome has indicated that most of the known plant P450 families existed before the monocot-dicot divergence that occurred approximately 200 million years ago. Comparative analysis of P450s in the Pinus expressed sequence tag collections has identified P450 families that predated the separation of gymnosperms and flowering plants. Complete mapping of all available plant P450s onto the Deep Green consensus plant phylogeny highlights certain lineage-specific families maintained (CYP80 in Ranunculales) and lineage-specific families lost (CYP92 in Arabidopsis) in the course of evolution.
Specific Expression of VCY2 in Human Male Germ Cells and Its Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Male Infertility

Abstract Abnormal spermatogenesis in men with Y-chromosome microdeletions suggests that genes important for spermatogenesis have been removed from these individuals. VCY2 is a testis-specific gene that locates in the most frequently deleted azoospermia factor c region in the Y chromosome. We have raised an antiserum to VCY2 and used it to characterize the localization of VCY2 in human testis. Using Western blot analysis, the affinity-purified polyclonal VCY2 antibody gave a single specific band of approximately 14 kDa in size, corresponding to the expected size of VCY2 in all the collected human testicular biopsy specimens with normal spermatogenesis. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that VCY2 localized to the nuclei of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids, except elongated spermatids. At the ultrastructural level, VCY2 expression was found in the nucleus of human ejaculated spermatozoa. To determine the possible relationship of VCY2 with the pathogenesis of male infertility, we examined a group of infertile men with and without Y-chromosome microdeletions and with known testicular pathology using VCY2 antibody. VCY2 was weakly expressed at the spermatogonia and immunonegative in spermatocytes and round spermatids in testicular biopsy specimens with maturation arrest or hypospermatogenesis. The specific localization of the protein in germ cell nuclei indicates that VCY2 is likely to function in male germ cell development. The impaired expression of VCY2 in infertile men suggests its involvement in the pathogenesis of male infertility.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Octogenarians versus Younger Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center

Operative survival is as high as 96% for elective abdominal aortic aneursym (AAA) repair but as low as 10% for emergency repair. Our primary aim was to compare elective AAA repair in octogenarians with nonoperative management. Our secondary aim was to compare octogenarians with their younger counterparts. From 1998 to 2003, 180 patients with AAA were treated operatively or nonoperatively. Factors determining treatment included American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≥ 4, inoperable malignancy, New York Heart Association class III, forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 35%, creatinine > 6.0 mg/dL, and patient and family choice. A parallel-group observational study was performed to assess age and treatment effects on outcome. Seventy (39%) patients were repaired electively, 68 (38%) were managed nonoperatively, and 42 (23%) underwent emergency repair. Fifty-nine (33%) were octogenarians. The octogenarian 5-year survival rate was 20% following emergency repair, 42% if treated nonoperatively, and 83% following elective repair. Younger cohort rates were 55% (emergency), 44% (nonoperative), and 76% (elective). The octogenarian mean expansion rate was 0.26 cm/yr in those treated nonoperatively and 1.04 cm/yr in confirmed rupture. Rupture rate was related to expansion rate (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.59, r = .35, p = .01). The rates in the younger subgroup were 0.32 cm/yr and 1.14 cm/yr (95% CI −0.021–0.672}, r = .37, p = .03). The octogenarian survival rate was highest following elective repair. Rupture was closely correlated with aneurysm expansion. Screening should reduce the incidence of octogenarian rupture of AAA and identify those patients most suitable for nonoperative management.
An Essential Oil Blend Prevents Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 from FormingBiofilms

Essential oils are natural ingredients exhibiting antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The properties of a mix of Allium sativum, Cinnamomum cassia and Mentha piperita essential oils are established in this study on a biofilm forming pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were first determined on planktonic cells for the pure essential oils, then for the blend. A crystal violet assay provided the active concentration of a blend for bacterial biofilm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 planktonic and sessile cells were affected by a concentration of an essential oil blend of 0.125%. The active concentration of 0.1% was confirmed using a protocol developed on glass slides, for its activity on adhesion and biofilm formation. The experiment was then repeated in flow cells to monitor the structural biofilm development using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 adhesion was severely inhibited by the blend concentration at 0.5%. Its biofilm was strongly affected from a 0.1% blend concentration and was totally eradicated when the concentration reached 1%. The essential oil blend has an enlarged spectrum of activity and is effective on early biofilm development stages, with a concentration that does not involve bactericidal activities. These results are predictive for potential use of this blend as a cleanser.
Transitional B Lymphocytes Are Associated With Protection From Kidney Allograft Rejection: A Prospective Study

Recent cross‐sectional studies suggest an important role for transitional B lymphocytes (CD19 + CD24hiCD38hi) in promoting transplant tolerance, and protecting from late antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR). However, prospective studies are lacking. This study enrolled 73 de novo transplant recipients, and collected serial clinical, immunological and biochemical information over 48 ± 6 months. Cell phenotyping was conducted immediately prior to transplantation, and then on five occasions during the first year posttransplantation. When modeled as a time‐dependent covariate, transitional B cell frequencies (but not total B cells or “regulatory” T cells) were associated with protection from acute rejection (any Banff grade; HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37–0.95; p = 0.03). No association between transitional B cell proportions and either de novo donor‐specific or nondonor‐specific antibody (dnDSA; dnNDSA) formation was evident, although preserved transitional B cell proportions were associated with reduced rejection rates in those patients developing dnDSA. Three episodes of ABMR occurred, all in the context of nonadherence, and all associated with in vitro anti‐HLA T cell responses in an ELISPOT assay (p = 0.008 versus antibody‐positive patients not experiencing ABMR). This prospective study supports the potential relevance of transitional (“regulatory”) B cells as a biomarker and therapeutic intervention in transplantation, and highlights relationships between humoral immunity, cellular immunity and nonadherence.
Serum levels of pregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to other adrenal hormones.

OBJECTIVE In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), low levels of adrenal steroids have been repeatedly demonstrated, but the site of alteration has not been exactly described because measurements of serum pregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17OHPreg) together with other adrenal steroids have never been performed. METHODS We measured serum levels of adrenal hormones such as pregnenolone, 17OHPreg, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (ASD), and cortisol in 24 healthy controls, 24 patients with RA, and 24 patients with SLE. RESULTS Serum levels of pregnenolone were similar in RA and SLE patients as compared to healthy controls irrespective of prior prednisolone therapy. In all RA and SLE patients (including those with prior prednisolone treatment), serum levels of all measured hormones except pregnenolone were significantly lower as compared to controls. In RA patients without prior prednisolone treatment, serum levels of 17OHPreg, DHEA, cortisol, and ASD were similar to controls, and serum levels of P, 17OHP, and DHEAS were significantly lower as compared to controls. In SLE patients without prior prednisolone treatment, serum levels of 17OHPreg and cortisol were similar, and serum levels of P, 17OHP, ASD, DHEA, and DHEAS were significantly lower as compared to controls. CONCLUSION The primary hormone of the adrenal steroid cascade, pregnenolone, is almost normal in RA and SLE irrespective of corticosteroid treatment. In patients with RA, we believe that there is a near normal P450scc reaction and a normal double step P450c17 reaction. In SLE patients, the P450scc reaction also seems normal but the second step of the P450c17 reaction seems to be inhibited. In both diseases, cortisol levels remain relatively stable at the expense of other adrenal hormones. This study revealed distinct changes of steroid pathways that are related to the disease entities.
Determinants of healthcare spending: a state level analysis

Within the high and rising level of healthcare spending for the US as a whole is substantial variation in spending across states. Yet relatively little attention has been given to the empirical analysis of interstate differences in aggregate healthcare expenditures, and therefore little empirical evidence exists at the state level to guide policymakers. Using data for all 50 states for the year 1998, we estimate an empirical model that includes structural and reduced-form healthcare spending equations and a health production function to assess the significance, size and relative importance of factors that prior research indicates, may play an important role in explaining interstate variation in medical care expenditures, and the main pathways through which they operate. Our results indicate higher levels of healthcare spending for state populations with higher income, less education, fewer uninsured residents, less healthy lifestyles, larger proportion of elderly residents, greater availability of medical care providers and less urbanization. Our findings suggest that the most effective cost containment measures may be those that increase education and promote healthy lifestyles. Not only do these actions lead to reductions in healthcare spending, they also improve the health status of the population, and may help to achieve other important social policy goals.
In the hypoxic central nervous system, endothelial cell proliferation is followed by astrocyte activation, proliferation, and increased expression of the α6β4 integrin and dystroglycan

Cerebral hypoxia induces a profound angiogenic response in the central nervous system (CNS). Using a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoxia, we previously demonstrated that angiogenic vessels in the hypoxic CNS show marked upregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin, along with increased expression of its major receptor, α5β1 integrin on brain endothelial cells (BEC). As cerebral hypoxia also leads to glial activation, the aim of the current study was to define the temporal relationship between BEC responses and glial cell activation in this model of cerebral hypoxia. This revealed that BEC fibronectin/α5β1 integrin expression and proliferation both reached maximal level after 4‐day hypoxia. Interestingly, up to 4‐day hypoxia, all dividing cells were BEC, but at later time‐points proliferating astrocytes were also observed. GFAP staining revealed that hypoxia induced marked astrocyte activation that reached maximal level between 7‐ and 14‐day hypoxia. As newly formed cerebral capillaries require ensheathment by astrocyte end‐feet to acquire mature brain endothelium characteristics, we next examined how expression of astrocyte end‐feet adhesion molecules is regulated by hypoxia. This showed that the astrocyte adhesion receptors α6β4 integrin and dystroglycan were both markedly upregulated, with a time‐course that closely resembled astrocyte activation. Taken together, this evidence shows that cerebral hypoxia promotes first an endothelial response, in which fibronectin promotes BEC proliferation. This is then followed by an astrocyte response, involving astrocyte activation, proliferation, and reorganization of astrocyte end‐feet, which correlates with increased expression of astrocyte end‐feet adhesion molecules. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technology-Mediated Learning Environments for Young English Learners

@contents: Selected Contets: Preface and Acknowledgments List of Contributors CHAPTER 1: Introduction: Technology-Based Learning Environments for Young English Learners In and Out of School (Leann Parker, University of California, Berkeley) CHAPTER 2: Technology and Literacy Development of Latino Youth (Richard Duran, University of California, Santa Barbara) REFLECTION: Literacy and English Learners: Where Does Technology Fit? (Robert Rueda, University of Southern California) CHAPTER 3: Technology, Literacy, and Young Second Language Learners: Designing Educational Futures (Jim Cummins, University of Toronto) REFLECTION: Rules of Engagement for Achieving Educational Futures (Olga A. Vasquez, University of California, San Diego) CHAPTER 4: Developing New Literacies Among Multilingual Learners in the Elementary Grades (Jill Castek, Donald J. Leu, Jr., Julie Coiro, Mileidis Gort, Laurie A. Henry, and Clarisse O. Lima University of Connecticut) REFLECTION: Integrating Language, Culture, and Technology to Achieve New Literacies for All (Bridget Dalton, Center for Applied Special Technologies, Inc.) CHAPTER 5: Technology and Second Language Learning: Promises and Problems (Yong Zhao and Chun Lai, Michigan State University) REFLECTION: Technology and Second Language Learning: Current Resources, Tools and Techniques (Gary A. Cziko, University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign) CHAPTER 6: Technology in Support of Young English Learners In and Out of School (Leann Parker, University of California, Berkeley) REFLECTION: ELLS and Technology: Transforming Teaching and Learning (Carla Meskill, State University of New York at Albany) CHAPTER 7: Technology Opening Opportunities for ELL Students: Attending to the Linguistic Character of These Students (Eugene E. Garcia, Arizona State University) CHAPTER 8: Conclusion: Reflecting on Technology and Young English Learners (L. Leann Parker, University of California, Berkeley) Author Index Subject Index
A methodology for iconic language design with application to augmentative communication

The authors describe a design methodology for iconic languages based upon the principle of semantic compaction. The design methodology serves two purposes. First of all, it is a descriptive model of the design process for the iconic language of the Minspeak system. Second, it is also a prescriptive model for the design of other iconic languages for human-machine interface. This investigation raises a number of interesting issues regarding iconic languages and iconic communications. <<ETX>>
The cell biology behind Phytophthora pathogenicity

Species of Phytophthora cause serious soilborne diseases of important crop plants and threaten natural ecosystems on a vast scale. Successful infection is usually initiated by motile, biflagellate zoospores that are chemotactically attracted to nearby roots. The zoospores home in at sites on the root surface that are favourable for subsequent penetration. There they encyst, secreting adhesive that glues them to the root surface. The germ tube that emerges from the cysts penetrates the root epidermis, usually growing intercellularly along the anticlinal cell walls. Intracellular growth also occurs and haustoria can develop in cortical cells. Within 2–3 days, the pathogen sporulates with the production of chlamydospores in cortical cells and multinucleate sporangia on the root surface. The sporangia undergo cytokinesis and release motile zoospores into the soil. A number of features of the infection cycle contribute to the rapid dissemination of infective propagules and successful disease establishment by Phytophthora pathogens. While basic aspects of the infection cycle were described 30–40 years ago, in the last decade immunocytochemical studies have helped uncover new details of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in processes such as zoospore osmoregulation, motility and adhesion, and asexual sporulation. The increase in our understanding of Phytophthora pathogenesis that has resulted has already pointed to potential targets for novel inhibitors of Phytophthora diseases. Further investigations of the cell and molecular biology of Phytophthora pathogenicity promise to be an integral part of our development of highly specific and sustainable control measures in the future.
Effects of Age on Responses to Treatment and Survival of Patients with Multiple Myeloma

The elderly patient with malignancy is often considered a poor risk for treatment. To assess the effect of age on the treatment of one such disease, multiple myeloma (a disease with increased incidence in the elderly), a study was made of 280 patients treated with 1,3‐bis (2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU), cyclophosphamide and prednisone on a Southeastern Cancer Study Group protocol. Initial response rates after six months of treatment were equivalent for the older compared with the younger age groups, with a slightly longer remission duration for those over 70. Likewise, survival was equivalent for the older patients. This was not the result of selection of older patients with less advanced disease, since the proportion with both good and poor risk factors are not significantly different in the various age groups. Moreover, for patients with each of the prognostic factors, older patients responded at least as well as younger patients. There were no significant differences among the age groups in gastrointestinal, skin, hair, or hematologic toxicity, although there was a slightly higher incidence of mild granulocyte and platelet toxicity in patients over 60. These findings are in contrast to the widely held belief that older patients cannot tolerate chemotherapy. On the contrary, they suggest that the elderly patient with myeloma may be expected to respond and survive, without excessive toxicity, at least as well as a younger counterpart with similar prognostic factors.
Measurement of the D0 →π-e+νe differential decay branching fraction as a function of q2 and study of form factor parametrizations

Based on a sample of 500 million e^+e^−→cc events recorded by the BABAR detector at c.m. energies of close to 10.6 GeV, we report on a study of the decay D^0→π^−e^+ν_e. We measure the ratio of branching fractions, R_D=B(D^0→π^−e^+ν_e)/B(D^0→K^−π^+)=0.0713±0. 0017_(stat)±0. 0024_(syst), and use the present world average for B(D^0→K^−π^+) to obtain B(D^0→π^−e^+ν_e)= 2.770±0. 068_(stat)±0. 092_(syst)±0. 037_(ext))×10^(−3) where the third error accounts for the uncertainty on the branching fraction for the reference channel. The measured dependence of the differential branching fraction on q^2, the four-momentum transfer squared between the D and the π meson, is compared to various theoretical predictions for the hadronic form factor, f^π_+,D(q^2), and the normalization V_(cd)|×f^π_+,D(q^2=0)=0.1374±0. 0038_(stat)±0. 0022_(syst)±0.0009_(ext). is extracted from a fit to data. Using the most recent LQCD prediction of f^π_(+,D)(q^2=0)=0.666±0.029, we obtain |V_(cd)|=0.206±0. 007_(exp)±0. 009_(LQCD). Assuming, instead, |V_(cd)|=|V_(us)|=0.2252±0.0009, we obtain f^π_(+,D)(q^2=0)=0.610±0. 020_(exp)±0. 005_(ext). The q^2 dependence of f^π_(+,D)(q^2) is compared to a variety of multipole parametrizations. This information is applied to B^0→π^−e^+ν_e decays and, combined with an earlier B^0→π^−e^+ν_e measurement by BABAR, is used to derive estimates of |V_(ub)|.
Randomized controlled trial of single-agent paclitaxel versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who responded to first-line platinum-based regimens.

PURPOSE To assess the activity, efficacy, and tolerability of single-agent paclitaxel and a platinum-containing regimen in previously treated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who achieved complete remission with platinum-based regimens and whose disease recurred after a progression-free interval of more than 12 months were included in the study. Every 21 days, patients received paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) intravenously (IV) over 3 hours or cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m(2), doxorubicin 50 mg/m(2), and cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) (CAP) IV. RESULTS Between June 1992 and May 1995, 97 consecutive patients with assessable or measurable disease were randomized to paclitaxel (n = 50) or CAP (n = 47). The median number of cycles on each arm was six. Toxicities included grade 3/4 leukopenia (4% for paclitaxel v 34% for CAP), grade 3/4 neutropenia (13% v 36%), grade 1/2 myalgia (19% v 4%), allergic reactions (15% v 2%), and grade 2/3 nausea and vomiting (17% v 51%). Complete responses were achieved in 17% and 30% of patients receiving paclitaxel and CAP, respectively, and partial responses were achieved in 28% and 25%, respectively (P =.062). At a median follow-up time of 49 months, median progression-free intervals were 9 months for paclitaxel and 15.7 months for CAP (Cox analysis: hazards ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37 to 0.97; P =.038); median overall survival times were 25.8 months for paclitaxel and 34.7 months for CAP (Cox analysis: HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.98; P =.043). CONCLUSION Rechallenge with either single-agent paclitaxel or platinum-based chemotherapy is effective in this patient population. Preliminary results suggest that single-agent paclitaxel may not be as active as platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Larger randomized trials are needed.