Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potentiation of Nerve Growth Factor-Induced Neurite Outgrowth in PC12 Cells by a Coptidis Rhizoma Extract and Protoberberine Alkaloids

A methanol extract of Coptidis Rhizoma effectively enhanced the outgrowth of neurite in PC12 cells induced by nerve growth factor (NGF). Following solvent partition and preparative HPLC, berberine was isolated as the major active compound. Berberine enhanced the proportion of neurite-bearing cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Its structural relatives, palmatine and coptisine, showed a slightly weaker NGF-enhancing effect than berberine. These three alkaloids inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity at a level comparable to that of physostigmine, but this inhibition was not responsible for the potentiation of NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. It is demonstrated for the first time that protoberberine alkaloids potentiated the NGF-induced differentiation of neural cells.
Towards a Robust and Secure Decentralized Online Social Network

The virtually unlimited growth of popular Online Social Networks (OSNs) is often accompanied by severe violations of their users' privacy and intellectual property rights. Both problems are rooted in the centralized architecture of many current OSNs, in which a single entity (the provider of the network) controls all globally stored but unencrypted user data. As a result, the provider is able to analyze, forward, sell, modify, or otherwise misuse the data. However, even though these practices have raised serious privacy concerns among OSN users, many providers continue to collect and analyze evermore data and introduce diverse restrictions on their users, while showing little interest in changing their behavior. On these grounds, Decentralized Online Social Networks (DOSNs) have attracted the attention of both researchers and users. A DOSN can function without a central provider and aims at allowing users to control access to their data by their own rules. However, by comprehensively reviewing state-of-the-art DOSNs this thesis shows that, although the need for a competitive DOSN is obvious, several challenges for DOSN remain unsolved, including the construction of a robust, privacy-preserving communication and data storage infrastructure. This thesis further emphasizes the prevalence of the Sybil attack in OSNs, in which an attacker orchestrates a large number of fake accounts for various malicious intents, including vote manipulation or distributing spam messages. A detailed study of state-of-the-art proposals to defend an OSN against this particular attack reveals that none of these solutions offers efficient detection or containment of the fake nodes. As a consequence, securing DOSN against the Sybil attack emerges as another central challenge. In tackling these major challenges, this thesis proposes a new, comprehensive DOSN. Dubbed SOUP, the Self-Organized Universe of People - among other distinctive and valuable features - in particular offers functionality to build a robust and secure DOSN. Its infrastructure is robust in the sense that SOUP effectively replaces the central OSN provider with a substrate built by the OSN participants themselves. The substrate, even though it does not rely on any permanently available resources, makes the encrypted data of all users highly available. It is further secure in the sense that it effectively guards user data from being accessed by unauthorized parties, and properly functions in the presence of large amounts of malicious users. In particular, even if an attacker can compromise large fractions of the OSN by a Sybil attack, she cannot significantly adversely affect SOUP's operation.
Stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios as migration tracers of a landlocked goby, Rhinogobius sp. (the orange form), in the Lake Biwa water system

Fluvial–lacustrine migrations of a landlocked goby, Rhinogobius sp. (the orange form) in the Lake Biwa water system were traced using stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios. The δ15N values of Rhinogobius sp. individuals in the lake were significantly higher than those of large individuals in a tributary river (≥1+ age) without overlap of the range, although there was little difference in the δ13C values between these two locations. Because these values reflected those of the corresponding prey organisms in either location, it was revealed that none of the large individuals had migrated from one location to the other. The δ15N values of the small individuals in the tributary river (0+ age) were too high to be fluvial residents. This result indicated that all of the small individuals studied had spent their larval periods in the lake, and that immigrant individuals can be distinguishable by measuring the δ15N values retaining the effect of foraging in the alternate location. We conclude that the δ15N value works as a useful tracer to clarify the fluvial–lacustrine migration pattern of the fish.
Cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics in the multiple sclerosis model: Focus on astrocytes

Significance Molecular mechanisms underlying distinct disabilities during neurological diseases may differ based on the neurological pathway involved. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is multifocal, characterized by distinct disabilities affecting walking, vision, cognition, and fatigue. Neuroprotective treatments tailored for each disability may be more effective than nonspecific treatments aiming to reduce a composite of disabilities in clinical trials. Here, we use the MS model to apply a cell-specific and region-specific gene expression approach to discover targets in distinct neuroanatomic regions. Altered cholesterol synthesis gene expression in astrocytes in spinal cord and optic nerve was identified as a potential target for walking and visual disabilities, respectively. This disability-specific discovery approach represents a strategy for finding neuroprotective treatments for multifocal neurodegenerative diseases. Changes in gene expression that occur across the central nervous system (CNS) during neurological diseases do not address the heterogeneity of cell types from one CNS region to another and are complicated by alterations in cellular composition during disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is multifocal by definition. Here, a cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics approach was used to determine gene expression changes in astrocytes in the most widely used MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Astrocyte-specific RNAs from various neuroanatomic regions were attained using RiboTag technology. Sequencing and bioinformatics analyses showed that EAE-induced gene expression changes differed between neuroanatomic regions when comparing astrocytes from spinal cord, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. The top gene pathways that were changed in astrocytes from spinal cord during chronic EAE involved decreases in expression of cholesterol synthesis genes while immune pathway gene expression in astrocytes was increased. Optic nerve from EAE and optic chiasm from MS also showed decreased cholesterol synthesis gene expression. The potential role of cholesterol synthesized by astrocytes during EAE and MS is discussed. Together, this provides proof-of-concept that a cell-specific and region-specific gene expression approach can provide potential treatment targets in distinct neuroanatomic regions during multifocal neurological diseases.
Gender Differences in Relations of Mental Rotation, Verbal Fluency, and SAT Scores to Finger Length Ratios as Hormonal Indexes

One hundred thirty-four university students (93 women, 41 men) were administered the Vandenberg Mental Rotation Test and the Thurstone Word Fluency Test, and they were asked to report their Scholastic Achievement Test scores. Finger lengths were measured, because literature has reported gender differences in the ratio of the 2nd to 4th, 2nd to 3rd, and 2nd to 5th finger lengths, such that the ratio is larger in women than in men. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relations between finger-length ratios and cognitive skills, such as spatial skills and verbal fluency, which have shown gender differences and direct relations to hormonal effects. Gender differences were found in the expected directions, such that the men performed better than the women for mental rotation, the women performed better than the men for verbal fluency, and the finger-length ratios were in the directions reported in the literature. The finger-length ratios showed an interesting relation with the cognitive variables for the men and women. For the men, better performance on the measures, including mental rotation, verbal fluency, and verbal Scholastic Achievement Test score was associated with less of a male-typical finger-length ratio pattern, or higher ratios. For the women, better performance for mental rotation and verbal fluency was associated with less of a female-typical finger-length ratio pattern, or lower ratios. Thus, in this group of college students, better cognitive performance was associated with a less gender-typical finger-length ratio, for both men and women. These findings are discussed in the context of other similar reports and a possible curvilinear relation between hormones and cognition in normal populations.
The reasons for extractions of primary teeth in Turkish children.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the current reasons for primary teeth extractions in Turkish children and their relative importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS STUDY DESIGN retrospective evaluation of patients by analysing dental records of children aged 2-13 years, receiving treatment in different regions in Turkey over a period of five years (2007-2012). Patient's age, gender, any significant medical finding, type of tooth extracted and the reason for the extraction were the parameters evaluated. RESULTS It resulted that 2,508 primary teeth belonging to 1,755 children aged of 2-13 years were extracted. Extraction due to caries (57,4%) was found to be the most common reason. STATISTICS Chi-square tests were performed for statistical analysis. Although no differences in the types of teeth extracted were observed between genders, striking differences were noted in the different age groups. CONCLUSION From this study it can be concluded that caries and subsequent pulpal pathology are the most common reasons for extraction of primary teeth in Turkey. Primary molars were the most common tooth type extracted. Preventive programmes for preschool children should be given importance.
Insecticide Resistance and Cross-Resistance in the House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract A house fly strain, ALHF, was collected from a poultry farm in Alabama after a control failure with permethrin, and further selected in the laboratory with permethrin for five generations. The level of resistance to permethrin in ALHF was increased rapidly from an initial 260-fold to 1,800-fold after selection. Incomplete suppression of permethrin resistance by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S,-tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF) reveals that P450 monooxygenase- and hydrolase-mediated detoxication, and one or more additional mechanisms are involved in resistance to permethrin. The ALHF strain showed a great ability to develop resistance or cross-resistance to different insecticides within and outside the pyrethroid group including some relatively new insecticides. Resistance to beta-cypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and propoxur (2,400–4,200-, 10,000-, and >290-fold, respectively, compared with a susceptible strain, aabys) in ALHF house flies was partially or mostly suppressed by PBO and DEF, indicating that P450 monooxygenases and hydrolases are involved in resistance to these insecticides. Partial reduction in resistance with PBO and DEF implies that multiresistance mechanisms are responsible for resistance. Fifteen- and more than fourfold resistance and cross-resistance to chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid, respectively, were not effected by PBO or DEF, indicating that P450 monooxygenases and hydrolases are not involved in resistance to these two insecticides. Forty-nine-fold cross-resistance to fipronil was mostly suppressed by PBO and DEF, revealing that monooxygenases are a major mechanism of cross-resistance to fipronil. Multiresistance mechanisms in the ALHF house fly strain, however, do not confer cross-resistance to spinosad, a novel insecticide derived from the bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Thus, we propose that spinosad be used as a potential insecticide against house fly pests, especially resistant flies.
[Treatment for hair loss].

Hair loss or alopecia roughly accounts for about 1% of all general practice consultation. The hair root below the skin is enclosed within a hair bulb at the base of which is the vascularized dermal papilla which contains receptors for male hormones or androgens. It is now known that the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase causes hair follicle to become progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer. In individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness/female pattern baldness), concentrated level of 5 alpha reductase leads to increased DHT in the hair follicle which shrinks with each hair growth cycle consisting of the growth phase (anagen), the transitional phase (catagen) and the resting phase (telogen).
Ambiguity Aversion in Competitive Insurance Markets : Adverse and Advantageous Selection

We analyze an extension of the Rothschild-Stiglitz model with ambiguous loss probabilities and ambiguity-averse consumers to determine whether there are adverse or advantageous selection equilibria. We show that non-increasing absolute ambiguity aversion is sufficient for adverse selection. We show generally that actuarially fair pricing is also sufficient for adverse selection and that advantageous selection equilibria are inefficient. We then characterize the effect of ambiguity on the Rothschild-Stiglitz (RS) and Wilson-Miyazaki-Spence equilibrium under ambiguity aversion. In general, there is a deductible effect and an ambiguity effect both of which influence the critical proportion of high risks required for the RS equilibrium to exist and social welfare. We derive conditions under which ambiguity increases or decreases social welfare.
Tobacco-Prevention Messages Online: Social Marketing via the Web

Antitobacco groups have joined millions of other commercial or noncommercial entities in developing a presence on the Web. These groups primarily represent the following different sponsorship categories: grassroots, medical, government, and corporate. To obtain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the message design of antitobacco Web sites, this project analyzed 100 antitobacco Web sites ranging across these four sponsorship categories. The results show that the tobacco industry sites posted just enough antismoking information to appease the antismoking publics. Medical organizations designed their Web sites as specialty sites and offered mostly scientific information. While the government sites resembled a clearinghouse for antitobacco related information, the grassroots sites represented the true advocacy outlets. In general, the industry sites provided the weakest persuasive messages and medical sites fared only slightly better. Government and grassroots sites rated most highly in presenting their antitobacco campaign messages on the Web.
Long term electrical properties of XLPE cable insulation system for subsea applications at very high temperatures

The main objective of this work was to examine the electrical properties of the XLPE insulation system subjected to very high temperatures in wet environments. The test program included thermo-electrical ageing of XLPE cable models. The ageing was carried out at temperatures up to 128 /spl deg/C in both tap water and nitrogen atmosphere for up to 12 months. The results show that increasing the service temperature above 90 /spl deg/C in wet environments can result in severe degradation of the XLPE insulation even at relatively low electric fields. However, no such degradation was observed during ageing in dry conditions with low concentrations of oxygen. Hence, an outer sheath system with a low permeability to water and oxygen should be applied at very high temperatures above 90 /spl deg/C.
A scalable verification solution for blockchains

Bitcoin and Ethereum, whose miners arguably collectively comprise the most powerful computational resource in the history of mankind, offer no more power for processing and verifying transactions than a typical smart phone. The system described herein bypasses this bottleneck and brings scalable computation to Ethereum. Our new system consists of a financial incentive layer atop a dispute resolution layer where the latter takes form of a versatile "verification game. " In addition to secure outsourced computation, immediate applications include decentralized mining pools whose operator is an Ethereum smart contract, a cryptocurrency with scalable transaction throughput, and a trustless means for transferring currency between disjoint cryptocurrency systems.
Thermogenesis challenges the adipostat hypothesis for body-weight control

According to the adipostat hypothesis for body-weight control, alterations in body weight should always be compensated by adequate alterations in food intake and thermogenesis. Thus, increased thermogenesis should not be able to counteract obesity because food intake would be increased. However evidence is presented here that thermogenesis in different forms (through artificial uncouplers, exercise, cold exposure) may counteract obesity and is not always fully compensated by increased food intake. Correspondingly, a decreased capacity for metaboloregulatory thermogenesis (i.e. non-functional brown adipose tissue) may in itself lead to obesity. This is evident in mice and may be valid for human subjects, as a substantial proportion of adults possess brown adipose tissue, and those with less or without brown adipose tissue would seem to be more prone to obesity. Thus, increased thermogenesis may counteract obesity, without dietary intervention.
New ultrasensitive 32P-postlabelling method for the analysis of 3,N4-etheno-2′-deoxycytidine in human urine

Abstract Etheno–DNA adducts are generated from exogenous carcinogens such as vinyl chloride and urethane and also from endogenous lipid peroxidation products such as trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). The present authors and others have established that 1,N6-ethenodeoxyadenosine (εdA) and 3,N4-ethenodeoxycytidine (εdC) are present in human urine and could be explored as biomarkers for monitoring whole-body oxidative stress. The present study reports on a new ultrasensitive 32P-postlabelling/thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for the analysis of εdC as deoxynucleoside in human urine. The urine samples were purified and enriched on a solid-phase silica C-18 column followed by a semi-preparative reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified sample was labelled with a multisubstrate deoxyribonucleoside kinase from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm-dNK) in the presence of 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) as internal standard. The absolute sensitivity of the method was 0.1 fmol εdC detectable in 500 µl of human urine. The analysis of human urine samples from 15 healthy volunteers revealed a mean εdC level of 2.49±1.76 (SD) fmol µmol−1 creatinine (range 0.66–6.42). By this non-invasive method, εdC in human urine could be explored as a biomarker for oxidative stress-related human diseases.
Neuregulin 1 Sustains the Gene Regulatory Network in Both Trabecular and Nontrabecular Myocardium

Rationale: The cardiac gene regulatory network (GRN) is controlled by transcription factors and signaling inputs, but network logic in development and it unraveling in disease is poorly understood. In development, the membrane-tethered signaling ligand Neuregulin (Nrg)1, expressed in endocardium, is essential for ventricular morphogenesis. In adults, Nrg1 protects against heart failure and can induce cardiomyocytes to divide. Objective: To understand the role of Nrg1 in heart development through analysis of null and hypomorphic Nrg1 mutant mice. Methods and Results: Chamber domains were correctly specified in Nrg1 mutants, although chamber-restricted genes Hand1 and Cited1 failed to be activated. The chamber GRN subsequently decayed with individual genes exhibiting decay patterns unrelated to known patterning boundaries. Both trabecular and nontrabecular myocardium were affected. Network demise was spatiotemporally dynamic, the most sensitive region being the central part of the left ventricle, in which the GRN underwent complete collapse. Other regions were partially affected with graded sensitivity. In vitro, Nrg1 promoted phospho-Erk1/2–dependent transcription factor expression, cardiomyocyte maturation and cell cycle inhibition. We monitored cardiac pErk1/2 in embryos and found that expression was Nrg1-dependent and levels correlated with cardiac GRN sensitivity in mutants. Conclusions: The chamber GRN is fundamentally labile and dependent on signaling from extracardiac sources. Nrg1–ErbB1/4–Erk1/2 signaling critically sustains elements of the GRN in trabecular and nontrabecular myocardium, challenging our understanding of Nrg1 function. Transcriptional decay patterns induced by reduced Nrg1 suggest a novel mechanism for cardiac transcriptional regulation and dysfunction in disease, potentially linking biomechanical feedback to molecular pathways for growth and differentiation.
Clinical indicators of occult musculoskeletal pain in aggressive dogs

AGGRESSIVE behaviour by dogs is the most frequent behaviour problem reported to veterinary behaviour clinics (Bamberger and Houpt 2006, Fatjo and others 2007). The behaviour is a serious problem for the victims (Weiss and others 1998) and for the animals themselves, since it often reflects a negative underlying emotional state, especially if associated with pain (Bamberger and Houpt 2006, Hsu and Sun 2010). Pain may lower the dog's general threshold for aggressive behaviour, while also encouraging specific aggressive displays as part of a protective/defensive response (Rutherford 2002, Muir and others 2004, Landsberg and others 2013). Beaver (1983) has suggested that more than a quarter (28.2 per cent) of dogs exhibiting aggression do so because of a medical condition, including pain, but pain-related aggression has been considered to account for only a small per cent of the total caseload in behaviour clinics, that is, 2–3.3 per cent (Beaver 1983, Borchelt 1983). However, when pain is identified, the data from Beaver (1983) suggest the prognosis is excellent, with all cases in her case review reported to have a successful treatment outcome. A recent small case series of aggressive dogs with a pain focus indicated that musculoskeletal pain from hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis of the elbow was the main cause of pain, occurring in 75 per cent (nine of 12 cases) of these cases (Camps and others 2012). There is a lack of specific or detailed description of the presentation of pain-related behaviour problems in companion animals, despite the value that this information would have in evaluating differential diagnoses and further assessment priorities, especially for veterinarians in general practice if referral to a non-veterinary behaviourist is being considered. Qualitative research can help to answer broad questions that might inform clinical judgement, such as ‘are there recurring themes …