Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speed of action of various muscle relaxants at the neuromuscular junction binding vs. buffering hypothesis.

The speed of action of several nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (gallamine, rocuronium, D-tubocurarine, atracurium, vecuronium, pancuronium and doxacurium) was tested iontophoretically at the frog cutaneous pectoris neuromuscular junction at various temperatures. If differences in rate of onset and offset are due to different molecular rates of binding (and unbinding), and of resulting conformational changes, they should be strongly temperature dependent. In contrast, if differences are due to differences in buffered diffusion, temperature dependence should be low to moderate. The onset and recovery time constants of inhibition of brief acetylcholine pulses, caused by long pulses of relaxants for all of the muscle relaxants, were inversely related to apparent dissociation constants (KD values), that ranged from 4.56 microM (gallamine) to 0.11 microM (doxacurium). The kinetics showed only modest temperature dependence (Q10 values of 1/time constant of offset were typically < 1.4). Because KD values of all muscle relaxants were even less temperature dependent (Q10 < 1.3), this suggests that the kinetics of inhibition is probably determined by the extent of buffering in the synaptic cleft, and not by binding and unbinding. Diffusion of relaxants from the synaptic cleft is expected to be strongly buffered, because the nerve terminal presents a physical barrier to diffusion, and because of extremely high density of acetylcholine receptors. The density of acetylcholine receptors can be calculated from the time constant of offset and KD values of various relaxants, assuming that buffer diffusion is determining the kinetics of action of muscle relaxants. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison of clinical vignettes and standardized patients as measures of physiotherapists’ activity and work recommendations in patients with non-specific low back pain

Objective: To validate clinical vignettes as a measure of physiotherapists’ activity and work recommendations given to patients with non-specific low back pain. Design: Validation study comparing two methods for measuring aspects of health providers’ clinical management: Clinical vignettes and unannounced visits of standardized patients (the gold standard). Setting: Outpatient physiotherapy clinics. Subjects: Physiotherapists (N = 59) who consented to see unannounced standardized patients in their clinical practice. Main measures: Clinical vignettes were used to initially measure physiotherapists’ self-reported activity and work recommendations. Subsequently, actors performing as standardized patients visited physiotherapists in their clinical practice and rated the advice given by the physiotherapist regarding activity and work. A total of 23 standardized patients were randomly scheduled to physiotherapists. Physiotherapists were blinded towards the standardized patients. To test whether standardized patients were detected, physiotherapists reported if they suspected that they had treated an actor. Results: The 23 standardized patients visited 22 different physiotherapists. Physiotherapists detected 12 out of 23 unannounced standardized patients (detection rate: 52%). The estimated agreement between the two measures was poor, for both activity and work recommendations (weighted kappa coefficients: 0.29 resp. –0.21). Conclusion: The poor concordance between clinical vignettes and standardized patients indicates the potentially limited validity of clinical vignettes as a measure of health providers’ activity and work recommendations in low back pain practice.
Violence as Situational Action

Violence comes in many forms and occurs in many different circumstances for many different reasons. Is it really possible to develop a single theory that can explain all these disparate acts? In this paper, we argue it is. We make the case that acts of violence are essentially moral actions and therefore can, and should, be analysed and explained as such. We maintain that all acts of violence can be explained within the general framework of a theory of moral action. We present just such a theory – Situational Action Theory – and demonstrate how it can be applied to the explanation and study of violence.
Three Different Missense Suppressor Mutations Affecting the tRNAGGGGly Species of Escherichia coli

The Escherichia coli suppressor mutation, supT, has been shown to cause a C → U substitution in the middle position of the tRNAGGGGly anticodon. This is the same tRNA species that is altered by the glyUsuAGA mutation studied previously. This finding indicates that the supT mutant tRNA reads the glutamic acid codon, GAG. The supT suppressor has also been converted to a new suppressor, called glyUsuGAA, which will suppress the GAA mutation, trpA46. The in vivo suppression efficiencies of each of these three missense suppressors has been measured and are as follows: glyUsuAGA, 3.6%; supT, 1.6%; and glyUsuGAA, 0.4%. Mistranslation by these mutant glycine tRNA species has no adverse affects on cell growth since cultures possessing the suppressors grow as fast as cells without. The supT tRNA species can be observed as a peak in the profile of glycyl-tRNA fractionated on a RPC-5 chromatographic column, indicating that the mutant tRNA can be aminoacylated with reasonable efficiency. This finding contrasts with previous findings concerning the glyUsuAGA mutant tRNA which is not significantly aminoacylated under the same conditions.
Human Development and Family Studies Publications Human Development and Family Studies 2012 Economic Stressors and Childhood Obesity : Differences by Child Age and Gender

Childhood obesity is a public health challenge in the United States (U.S.) and elsewhere in the world. Additionally, those who are obese are heavier than in the past (Anderson & Butcher, 2006). In the U.S., one in three children is overweight or obese (Ogden et al., 2010), a prevalence that has tripled since 1970 (Anderson & Butcher, 2006; Kumanayika & Grier, 2006; Wang & Zhang, 2006). In response to this public health issue, Healthy People 2010 (US/DHHS, 2000) and President Obama (US/Office of the President, 2010) have identified childhood obesity as a national health priority as it has immediate consequences for a child’s physical and psychological health (Puhl & Latner, 2007; Raman, 2002; Strauss, 1999; US/DHHS, 2000), as well as implications for future health (Freedman et al., 2007; Raman, 2002; Strauss, 1999; US/DHHS, 2000). Beyond negative health outcomes, there are also economic costs (e.g., greater need for health care) associated with childhood obesity (Marder & Chang 2006; Skinner et al., 2008). Thus, identifying factors related to childhood obesity not only has implications for the health and quality of life of children, but it also has important implications for family expenditures and health care costs.
Dual-Contraceptive Method Utilization and Associated Factors amongHIV Positive Women Attending Art Clinic in Gebretsadik Shawo Hospital,SNNPR, South West Ethiopia

Background: The sexual and reproductive health of HIV positive people is fundamental to their well-being and that of their partners and children. So the simultaneous protection against both unwanted pregnancy and STIs or dual protection is an important care core to be taken into consideration. Method: With the objective to assess dual-contraceptive method utilization and associated factors among HIV positive women attending ART clinic in Gebretsadik Shawo Hospital a cross-sectional study was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection methods on a sample of 243 HIV positive mothers selected by simple random sampling technique from 718 HIV positive women using their ART registration numbers. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using pre-tested structured questionnaire and in-depth interview for the qualitative one. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS-16.0; multiple logistic regression analysis was done to see the association between the outcome and predictor variables with statistical significant level of p<0.05 and CI of 95%. For qualitative study 18 purposively selected community mother support HIV positive mothers were included and data was analyzed thematically. Result: Out of 246, 243 of HIV positive women participated in the study making a response rate of 98.78%. The study finding showed that the prevalence of dual contraceptive use by HIV positive women attending ART clinic was 48(19.8%). A multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the dual contraceptive family planning method utilization was associated with age [(age > 30 years women were more likely to use dual contraceptives than those of age group 15-24 years [(AOR 2.445, 95% CI (1.131, 5.284)], marital status [widowed women were more likely to use dual contraceptive method than married ones (AOR 4.018, 95% CI(1.219, 13.21)], CD4 count [women with CD4 count greater than 350 cells/dl were more likely to use dual contraceptive methods than those with CD4 count <250 cells/ dl [(AOR 8.516, 95% CI (1.005, 72.168)], and free discussion with partners and deciding on contraceptive method were more likely to use dual contraceptive methods than those who don’t have open discussion, [(AOR 17.45, 95% CI(8.198, 37.14)]. Conclusion: Dual contraception utilization by HIV positive women was very low and advanced age, CD4 count, discussion with partners, residence, counseling, were associated with dual contraceptive use by HIV positive women. Use of dual contraceptive methods utilization is a vital core in prevention of HIV infection in children and transmissions of new HIV strains among HIV positive population.
Quercetin attenuates doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by modulating Bmi‐1 expression

Doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy induces cardiotoxicity, which limits its clinical application. We previously reported the protective effects of quercetin against doxorubicin‐induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we tested the effects of quercetin on the expression of Bmi‐1, a protein regulating mitochondrial function and ROS generation, as a mechanism underlying quercetin‐mediated protection against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Dry period heat stress relief effects on prepartum progesterone, calf birth weight, and milk production.

Effects of cooling high producing dairy cows during the dry period were examined in 84 pluriparous Israeli-Holstein cows. Cooling was by a combination of wetting and forced ventilation from 0600 to 1800 h until parturition and common management afterwards for both groups. Cooling maintained diurnal increase in rectal temperature within . 2 degrees C as compared with . 5 degrees C in control cows in warmer months, Mean rectal temperatures at 1400 h in control cows were moderate, within 39.2 degrees C. Cooling did not affect prepartum or postpartum body condition score or mean blood progesterone during the dry period. Results suggested a possible increase in blood progesterone in later pregnancy by cooling during hot weather. Cooling increased mean 150-d milk production by 3.6 kg/d (3.1 kg FCM/d). Prepartum cooling negatively affected first lactation month yield in cows calving in early summer. Prepartum cooling might prevent adaptation to heat and impair subsequent postpartum performance. Prepartum progesterone was not related to milk yield. Calves' birth weight increased by cooling, but the effect was mostly in older cows. Birth weight was related to milk yield, independently of cooling effect, mostly in older cows. Cooling during the dry period might increase milk yield as it does during lactation. Results indicate possible benefit of cooling dry cows even under mild heat stress.
Effects of changes in plasma volume and osmolarity on thermoregulation during exercise.

Plateau values of deep body temperature were diminished during work after intake of 1 1/2 1 water, they were increased after intake of 2–3 % sodium chloride solution and after dehydration in a sauna by 1 1/2 kg. The shifts in plateau values were related to plasma osmolarity, not to plasma volume. In rest and during work at low temperature (7° C), when there was virtually no sweating, the effect of plasma osmolarity on body temperature disappeared. The rate of increase in sweating at the start of work was faster than normal after intake of water and slower after intake of sodium chloride solution and dehydration. The mechanism by which the changes in temperature were brought about is the increase in sweating at the start of work. Plasma osmolartiy may cause these changes either by a peripheral effect on the sweat glands or a central effect on the thermoregulatory centres.
Intermittent ischemia reduces warm hypoxia‐reoxygenation–induced JNK1/SAPK1 activation and apoptosis in rat hepatocytes

Prolonged liver ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) causes functional and structural damage to liver cells, resulting in necrosis and apoptosis. c‐jun N‐terminal kinase 1/stress‐activated protein kinase 1 (JNK1/SAPK1) is activated during I/R and participates in the onset of the apoptosis program. Excessive blood loss during surgery can hinder postoperative recovery. Intermittent portal triad clamping (PTC) is better tolerated than prolonged continuous ischemia. This study was designed to demonstrate that intermittent ischemia could improve postischemic survival rates by a decrease of JNK1/SAPK1 and caspase 3 activation, which were involved in the apoptosis process. Rats were subjected to intermittent 1‐hour ischemia (15‐minute ischemia/5‐minute reperfusion, 4 times), followed by 220‐minute reperfusion, or to continuous ischemia (1 hour), followed by 240‐minute reperfusion. Mortality rates were assessed on day 7. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and lactate deshydrogenase levels (LDH) were measured 6 hours after ischemia. This study was completed in primary cultured isolated rat hepatocytes, subjected to the same continuous or intermittent hypoxic conditions. The activation status of JNK1/SAPK1 was evaluated by immunoprecipitation or Western blotting experiments. Apoptosis was assessed by measuring caspase activation and by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reaction. Eighty percent of the intermittent‐ischemia group was alive 7 days after surgery and serum enzyme levels were significantly decreased. Intermittent hypoxia or ischemia did not lead to JNK1/SAPK1 activation, but at least 3 hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H/R) sets were necessary to inhibit kinase activation. Consequently, caspase 3 activation and apoptosis were dramatically reduced. Intermittent ischemia is a powerful, protective way to reduce I/R damage of the liver, by reduction of JNK1/SAPK1 activation associated with a down‐regulation of caspase 3 activity, which leads to inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis.
Mutation Analysis of the Dimer Forming Domain of the Caspase 8 Gene in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

BACKGROUND Missense and frame-shift mutations within the dimer forming domain of the caspase 8 gene have been identified in several cancers. However, the genetic status of this region in precancerous lesions, like oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), and well differentiated oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) in patients from southern region of India is not known, and hence the present study was designed to address this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS Genomic DNA isolated from biopsy tissues of thirty one oral submucous fibrosis and twenty five OSCC samples were subjected to PCR amplification with intronic primers flanking exon 7 of the caspase 8 gene. The PCR amplicons were subsequently subjected to direct sequencing to elucidate the status of mutation. RESULTS Sequence analysis identified a frame-shift and a novel missense mutation in two out of twenty five OSCC samples. The frame-shift mutation was due to a two base pair deletion (c.1225_1226delTG), while the missense mutation was due to substitution of wild type cysteine residue with phenylalanine at codon 426 (C426F). The missense mutation, however, was found to be heterozygous as the wild type C426C codon was also present. None of the OSMF samples carried mutations. CONCLUSIONS The identification of mutations in OSCC lesions but not OSMF suggests that dimer forming domain mutations in caspase 8 may be limited to malignant lesions. The absence of mutations in OSMF also suggests that the samples analyzed in the present study may not have acquired transforming potential. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to have explored and identified frame-shift and novel missense mutations in OSCC tissue samples.
Flow Modulation and Force Control of Flapping Wings

Abstract : Flapping-wing offers unique force enhancement mechanisms over conventional flight methods for design of micro air vehicles (MAVs), especially in the low Reynolds number (Re) regime. The inherently unsteady nature of flapping kinematics is responsible for the primary force production, and also differentiates flapping-wing motion from conventional fixed and rotary wing configurations. From previous observation, the unsteady aerodynamic phenomena of flapping mechanism are not only sensitive to variations in the wing kinematics but also for the wing morphing. Results have shown that the dynamically changed wing surface, either actively or passively deformed, would potentially provide new aerodynamic mechanisms of force productions over completely rigid wings in flying. From morphing wing study in fixed or rotary wing aircrafts, the moving surface flow control concept can be achieved in three ways: 1) articulated flaps and/or slats; 2) surface flow control devices; and 3) continuously deforming surfaces. Among them, the dynamic flow control concept via trailing-edge flap (TEF) is presumed to be more applicable serving for novel MAVs wing designs, in terms of reduced size of control surface, complexity of moving surface control, weight of MAVs and so on. However, there is a lack of study of the effects of TEF on a flapping wing in computations and experiments, especially when the flap is in dynamic motion with respect to the leading-edge motion. In this funded work, we built up a team with experts from two institutes and hope to address the following basic questions about the aerodynamics of flapping flight: 1. What are the aerodynamic effects of dynamic trailing-edge flap motion when it moves through the flow? 2. What is the mutual interaction between fluid flow patterns and wing morphology patterns? 3. What is the proper way(s) to characterize wing flexibility from aerodynamics point of view? 4. What is the overall far field flow structure of flapping wings?
Reduction of Photoreactivation with the Combined UV/Peracetic Acid Process or by Delayed Exposure to Visible Light

Photoreactivation of microorganisms following UV inactivation is a well‐known, but complex, phenomenon. It is affected by several factors, including UV fluence, wavelength, light intensity, and exposure time to photoreactivating light. The effect on photoreactivation of a combined peracetic acid (PAA)/UV process has not been investigated. Accordingly, this study compared the degree of photoreactivation, under both sunlight and artificial lights, following UV and combined PAA/UV inactivation of fecal coliforms. Effluent samples from the Montreal Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTP) (Quebec, Canada) were exposed, for 3 hours, to both low‐ and high‐intensity artificial lights and sunlight. All resulted in similar photoreactivation levels. However, average photoreactivation for UV‐treated wastewater samples was 1.2 logs, compared with 0.1 log for the combined PAA/UV treatment. Hence, the use of PAA in combination with UV can significantly reduce the potential for photoreactivation. To simulate the photoreactivation conditions of the MWTP effluent (which passes through a 4‐km outfall tunnel with approximately 3 hours detention time), UV‐treated samples were kept in the dark for 3 hours before photoreactivating light exposure. After this period, photoreactivation levels were close to zero. Hence, the effects of photoreactivation may be diminished by use of a combined disinfection scheme and/or by delaying exposure of the disinfected wastewater to light.
Neuroanatomical Substrates of Arabic Number Processing, Numerical Comparison, and Simple Addition: A PET Study

Positron emission tomography was used to localize the cerebral networks specifically involved in three basic numerical processes: arabic numeral processing, numerical magnitude comparison, and retrieval of simple addition facts. Relative cerebral blood flow changes were measured while normal volunteers were resting with eyes closed, making physical judgment on nonnumerical characters or arabic digits, comparing, or adding the same digits. Processing arabic digits bilaterally produced a large nonspecific activation of occipito-parietal areas, as well as a specific activation of the right anterior insula. Comparison and simple addition fact retrieval revealed a fronto-parietal network involving mainly the left intraparietal sulcus, the superior parietal lobule and the precentral gyrus. Comparison also activated, but to a lesser extent, the right superior parietal lobe, whereas addition also activated the orbito-frontal areas and the anterior insula in the right hemisphere. Implications for current anatomo-functional models of numerical cognition are drawn.
Heuristics and representational change in two-move matchstick arithmetic tasks

Consider the anecdote of King Hiero asking Archimedes to prove that the amount of gold in his newly made crown equals the amount of gold given to the goldsmiths. Archimedes considers the problem for some time, and becomes stuck in an impasse – he simply cannot see a solution. Some days later when taking a bath, he notices that his body displaces the water in the bath tub. Immediately, he has his flash of insight and runs naked through the streets, crying out “Eureka! – I have found it” (Gruber, 1995). Archimedes clearly had the necessary knowledge to solve the problem, so why was it so hard for him to gain his insight? How was he able to overcome the impasse in which he was stuck? Insight is still a “mysterious” phenomenon within problem solving literature. Currently, there are at least two theoretical accounts that try to explain the processes involved in insight problem solving in order to “demystify insight” (Bowden et al. 2005): The first stresses the importance of heuristics (MacGregor, Ormerod, & Chronicle, 2001); the second stresses the necessity of a representational change (Ohlsson, 1992). In this paper we make a further attempt to systematically disentangle the influence of heuristics ABSTRACT
The Tension Between Promoting Mobility and Preventing Falls in the Hospital.

When older adults are hospitalized, there is an inherent tension between preventing falls and promoting mobility. In response to public and professional attention to medical errors, federal policy and, in turn, hospital culture have strongly prioritized preventing falls, with potential unintended consequences for patient mobility, functional ability, and well-being.1 It has been known for years, however, that patient immobility in the hospital contributes to undesirable outcomes, such as increased rates of functional decline and institutionalization.