Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen peroxide in the lung parenchyma stimulates vagally mediated phrenic activity.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To elucidate the mechanism of hyperpnea and tachypnea, which are the common findings in cardiopulmonary patients. RATIONALE Recently, it was found that activating pulmonary afferents by directly injecting hypertonic saline solution into the lung periphery causes a vagally mediated neural hyperpnea and tachypnea, ie, the excitatory lung reflex. Since reactive oxygen species are released during a variety of pulmonary diseases, we examined whether hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), a common mediator in cardiopulmonary diseases, can initiate the same excitatory lung reflex. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS We recorded phrenic efferent activity in anesthetized, open chest, artificially ventilated rabbits as an index of respiratory drive and examined the respiratory responses to injections of H(2)O(2) (10 micromol in 0.1 mL). The responses were compared with those to hypertonic saline solution (8.1%, 0.1 mL). H(2)O(2) and hypertonic saline solution increased both the rate (mean [+/- SEM], 43 +/- 8% and 61 +/- 10%, respectively; n = 30; p = 0.001) and the amplitude of phrenic bursts (12 +/- 2% and 20 +/- 4%, respectively; n = 30; p = 0.033). These responses were abolished by bilateral vagotomy. CONCLUSION H(2)O(2) can initiate the excitatory lung reflex. Therefore, mediator(s) released in pulmonary diseases could be one of the mechanisms causing hyperpnea and tachypnea.
The governance of regional research networks: lessons from Spain

ABSTRACT The governance of regional research networks: lessons from Spain. Regional Studies. This paper studies in depth the governance factors that influence performance in research networks promoted by regional policy-makers. Analysis of an original dataset, made up of 11 public research networks in Galicia (Spain), demonstrates that governance factors and performance are positively related. Strong ties – those with frequent and varied cooperative interactions – tend to prevail over weak ties, and networks with clearly defined structures and roles are also especially resilient. Companion-based trust has a significant and positive influence on performance. The implications suggest that when policy-makers decide to promote research networks, they should assess not only technical capabilities but also governance issues.
Individual, Psychosocial, and environmental correlates of 4-year declines in walking among middle-to-older aged adults.

BACKGROUND We examined associations of individual, psychosocial and environmental characteristics with 4-year changes in walking among middle-to-older aged adults; few such studies have employed prospective designs. METHODS Walking for transport and walking for recreation were assessed during 2003-2004 (baseline) and 2007-2008 (follow-up) among 445 adults aged 50-65 years residing in Adelaide, Australia. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of being in the highest quintile of decline in walking (21.4 minutes/day or more reduction in walking for transport; 18.6 minutes/day or more reduction in walking for recreation). RESULTS Declines in walking for transport were related to higher level of walking at baseline, low perceived benefits of activity, low family social support, a medium level of social interaction, low sense of community, and higher neighborhood walkability. Declines in walking for recreation were related to higher level of walking at baseline, low self-efficacy for activity, low family social support, and a medium level of available walking facilities. CONCLUSIONS Declines in middle-to-older aged adults' walking for transport and walking for recreation have differing personal, psychosocial and built-environment correlates, for which particular preventive strategies may be developed. Targeted campaigns, community-based programs, and environmental and policy initiatives can be informed by these findings.
A Quantitative Physiologic Model of Blood Oxygenation for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. Variations in venous deoxyhemoglobin levels in response to neuronal activation represent a complex interplay between focal changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and regional metabolism. The authors present a mathematic model that characterizes the response of venous oxygenation to changes in these variables. METHODS.Using a mass balance approach, the equations for a simple input-output model are derived and solved using Matlab. Changes in blood oxygenation are related to available results from functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments. RESULTS.Increases in CBF produce declines in oxygen extraction fraction and venous deoxyhemoglobin according to Fick's law, and are quantitatively in agreement with available magnetic resonance and positron-emission tomography data. A flow-volume envelope defines the changes in CBF relative to CBV. CONCLUSIONS.It is possible to obtain a quantitative understanding of changes in blood oxygenation and to relate these changes to the observed dynamics of magnetic resonance signal change in the setting of functional stimulation.
Cephalometric Outcomes of Maxillary Expansion and Protraction in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate after Two Types of Palatoplasty

Objective To clarify the differences in the long-term effects of maxillary expansion (ME) and protraction (MP) in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (UCLP) undergoing two types of palatoplasty. Design Retrospective longitudinal study. Setting Institutional study. Patients and Interventions Thirty-eight patients with UCLP treated at Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan, were divided into two groups: 19 patients were treated using Wardill-Kilner push-back palatoplasty (PB), and 19 patients were treated with early two-stage palatoplasty according to the modified Furlow technique (ETS). All patients exhibited a short maxilla at the initial orthodontic visit and were treated with ME using a quad helix appliance and MP with a face mask. Lateral cephalometric data recorded in the initial stage were compared with those obtained at the end of treatment. Main Outcome Measurements The dentoskeletal features and facial soft tissue profile were evaluated before and after orthodontic treatment. The variation and rate of change during treatment were also calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the statistical analyses. Results The ETS group showed significantly greater SNA, SNB, and U1-Pp angles and smaller SN-Mp angles than the PB group after face mask treatment. The variation in the anteroposterior length of the maxilla during treatment was significantly greater in the ETS group than in the PB group. Conclusions Maxillary protraction was more efficiently accomplished in the patients with UCLP after early two-stage palatoplasty compared with push-back palatoplasty.
Simple time domain averaging methodology for flying capacitor converter voltage balancing dynamics analysis

Accepted voltage balancing dynamics research methods flying capacitor converters are based on frequency domain transformations that involve double Fourier series with Bessel function coefficients. Therefore, these methods require high mathematical skills, are not truly analytical and difficult to use in engineering practice. In this paper, a “physical” approach to switched systems analysis based on stitching analytical solutions for consecutive switching subintervals, is applied to flying capacitor average voltage balancing dynamics analysis. It is shown that time domain averaging methodology generates simple analytical solutions that reveal the dependences on load parameters, carrier frequency, and normalized DC voltage command (AC modulation index). The power of suggested approach is demonstrated using single-leg converter voltage balancing dynamics analysis examples.
Trematode infections in freshwater snails and cattle from the Kafue wetlands of Zambia during a period of highest cattle–water contact

Abstract A total of 984 snails, comprising nine species, were collected from six areas in the Kafue wetlands between August and October 2003 to assess larval trematode infections. Of these, 135 (13.7%) were positive. Most trematode infections were recorded from Lymnaea natalensis (42.8%), which harboured four of the five morphologically different cercariae found. No trematodes were recovered from Bellamya capillata, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Melanoides tuberculata, Physa acuta and Cleopatra nswendweensis. One snail (0.2%) of 416 Bulinus snails shed brevifurcate-apharyngeate distome cercariae while three (0.7%) shed amphistomes. Gymnocephalous and longifurcate-pharyngeate distome were the commonest types of cercariae recorded while xiphidiocercaria was the least common. The highest prevalence rates of F. gigantica (68.8%) and amphistomes (50.0%) in cattle (n = 101) were in Chiyasa while those in Kaleya had the lowest (9.1 and 18.2%, respectively). In most habitats, infections were recorded in both cattle and snails. Critical determinants of infection may have been the distance of settlements and/or cattle kraals, the number of animals in nearby homesteads and the presence of susceptible host snails. This study suggests that fascioliasis and amphistomiasis could be major constraints of cattle production in the Kafue wetlands because favourable factors were available to introduce and maintain the infections. It further provides a starting point for some comprehensive studies on snail-related aspects of transmission and snail host ecology in Zambia.
The Effect of Fasting and Vitamin E on Insulin Action in Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The influence of either short-term fasting or vitamin E administration on insulin action was studied in two groups of obese Type 2 diabetic patients. Twelve patients underwent 7 days of fasting (group A), whereas 600 mg of vitamin E was administered daily during 3 months in 9 diabetic patients (group B). Insulin action was examined by using hyperinsulinemic isoglycemic clamps (insulin infusion rate, 1.0 mU/kg/min) and insulin receptors on erythrocytes before and after respective regimens. An increase of glucose disposal rate (29.5 +/- 8.9 vs. 24.0 +/- 7.5 mumol/kg/min, p < 0.01) and an increase of metabolic clearance rate of glucose (4.0 +/- 2.5 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.9 mL/kg/min, p < 0.01) were observed in group A after fasting. On the contrary, decreases of glucose disposal rate (21.3 +/- 8.5 vs. 26.6 +/- 9.8 mumol/kg/min, p < 0.02), metabolic clearance rate of glucose (2.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.7 +/- 1.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.05), and insulin receptor number (p < 0.01) were found after vitamin E administration as compared with pretreated values. A worsening of diabetes control as observed by an increase of HbA1C (p < 0.01) was present in the latter group. In summary, we found an improvement of insulin action after short-term fasting in contrast with the worsening of metabolic parameters after vitamin E administration in obese Type 2 diabetic patients.
High-energy ion impacts into the sulfur-bearing ice surface of Europa: an atomistic study of chemical transformations

Context. The ice surface of Europa is unique due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds such as SO4, SO2, and H2S. Energetic ion impacts originating from the magnetosphere of Jupiter may alter the composition of the ice surface. Aims. We explore the chemical alteration of the surface due to a 20 MeV sulfur ion impact, for which the most pronounced effects are expected, and monitor the chemical transformations occurring inside the ice. Methods. Molecular dynamics simulations are used based on a reactive (REAX) potential, which allows for the molecular breakups and the ensuing reactions to be followed on an atomistic scale. Results. We observe dissociation of SO4 and also a loss of SO2, while SO3 is created; this is in qualitative agreement with laboratory experiments. Hydrolysis of water leads to abundant formation of H+, H3O+ and OH−; in addition, we predict the presence of both sulfurous acid, H2SO3, and sulfuric acid, H2SO4, as well as traces of carbonic acid, H2CO3. The irradiation produces H2 and O2, which are free to escape from the surface, in agreement with the tenuous Europa atmosphere detected. Conclusions. Since magnetospheric sulfur ions have a high mass and may possess large energies, they provide a unique source of high energy deposition in the ice surface of Europa leading to abundant radiolysis fragments and products. In addition, sulfur compounds existing in the ice are chemically transformed, for example, by sulfite formation.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Is a Disulfide-linked Dimer*

The sequences of the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) show little homology with other members of the G protein-coupled receptor family and exhibit several distinctive features, including a large N-terminal extracellular domain with 17 cysteines in conserved positions. Here we demonstrate that mGluR5, as well as other mGluRs, behave as species approximately twice as large as expected from their sequence, but reducing conditions cause a decrease to the predicted molecular mass. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using wild type and epitope-tagged receptors demonstrate that this is due to specific, disulfide-dependent dimerization of the receptor. The intermolecular disulfide that mediates dimerization occurs in the extracellular domain, within about 17 kDa from the N terminus.
Academic Ethics in Turkish Universities: Perceptions of Academicians from Engineering, Medicine and Education Colleges.

Problem Statement: Academicians such as scientists contribute to the training, and to public service with their special knowledge and skills. place in the developmen very fundamental role in the development of societies and humanity. Recently, within the scope of ethics, studies have focused on developing professional ethical codes, which have gained increasing attention. Within this frame, the problems of this study involve the opinions of academicians in Turkish state universities in relation to the extent that they adopt ethical responsibilities to their profession, colleagues, students, university and community. Purpose of Study: The aim of this research is to determine the opinions of academicians in Turkish state universities in relation to the extent that they adopt ethical responsibilities to their profession, colleagues, students, university and community, and to what extent their colleagues fulfill these responsibilities.
Circulation of Type 1 Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus in the Philippines in 2001

ABSTRACT In 2001, highly evolved type 1 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) was isolated from three acute flaccid paralysis patients and one contact from three separate communities in the Philippines. Complete genomic sequencing of these four cVDPV isolates revealed that the capsid region was derived from the Sabin 1 vaccine strain but most of the noncapsid region was derived from an unidentified enterovirus unrelated to the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) strains. The sequences of the cVDPV isolates were closely related to each other, and the isolates had a common recombination site. Most of the genetic and biological properties of the cVDPV isolates were indistinguishable from those of wild polioviruses. However, the most recently identified cVDPV isolate from a healthy contact retained the temperature sensitivity and partial attenuation phenotypes. The sequence relationships among the isolates and Sabin 1 suggested that cVDPV originated from an OPV dose given in 1998 to 1999 and that cVDPV circulated along a narrow chain of transmission. Type 1 cVDPV was last detected in the Philippines in September 2001, and population immunity to polio was raised by extensive OPV campaigns in late 2001 and early 2002.
Media persuasion and voter welfare

We study information transmission where an informed media, whose interests are partially in conflict with a finite group of rational voters, transmits news items in an attempt to manipulate democratic decisions. In a common-interest two-alternative voting model where due to reputation concerns the media can credibly commit to send any news reliably, we show that even if voters welcome the news when it arrives, media's presence can hurt their ex-ante welfare in both large and small constituencies.
Cross-protection of infant mice against intestinal colonisation by Campylobacter jejuni: importance of heat-labile serotyping (Lior) antigens.

An association of the heat-labile antigens detected by the Lior serotyping scheme with ability to protect infant mice against gastrointestinal colonisation with Campylobacter jejuni has been established. Overall, 39 (57%) of 68 infant mice challenged with a heterologous strain of the same Lior serotype as the vaccine strain were protected, compared with 40 (85%) of 47 infants protected against a homologous challenge. In contrast, none of the infant mice challenged with a strain carrying the same heat-stable antigens (i.e., of the same Penner serotype as the vaccine strain) were protected.
Recurrent Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy After Kidney Transplantation: A Surveillance Biopsy Study

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. MN can recur after kidney transplantation causing proteinuria, allograft dysfunction and graft failure. In this study we assessed the incidence of MN recurrence utilizing surveillance graft biopsies. The study included 1310 renal allograft recipients from 2000 to 2006. Glomerular diseases were the cause of kidney failure in 28% of patients and 23 (2%) had idiopathic MN. Recurrent MN was diagnosed in eight of 19 patients included in this analysis (42%) 13 ± 20 months (median = 4; range 2–61 months) after transplant. The initial clinical manifestations of recurrent MN were mild or absent. Urine protein excretion was 825 ± 959 (64–2286) mg/day and three patients had no proteinuria. Five of seven patients who did not receive additional immunosuppression for MN had significant increases in proteinuria during follow up and three became nephrotic. At diagnosis, light microscopic changes were subtle or absent. All patients had granular glomerular basement membrane deposits of IgG but little or absent C3 by immunofluorescence. Subepithelial deposits were observed in all cases by electron microscopy. In conclusion, idiopathic MN recurred in 42% of patients after transplantation. The initial clinical and histologic manifestations are subtle but the disease is progressive.
Pastors' Counseling Practices and Perceptions of Mental Health Services: Implications for African American Mental Health

The purpose of the current study was to investigate pastors' perceptions about and practice of mental health services within their churches. Thirty nine pastors completed an online survey. Results of the survey indicated that pastors who had more positive attitudes toward mental health services reported (1) counseling parishioners more times per month and (2) counseling parishioners on a greater variety of topics. Implications for pastoral care and counseling and future directions in training are discussed.
A preliminary report of the occupation of patients evaluated in patch test clinics.

BACKGROUND The interplay between the occupational environment and worker's skin can result in contact dermatitis of both irritant and allergic types. Other forms of dermatitis can also be influenced by occupational exposures. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare the occupations and allergens of occupational contact dermatitis cases with nonoccupational contact dermatitis cases. METHODS Diagnostic patch testing with allergens of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and occupational coding by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health methods. RESULTS Of 2,889 patients referred for evaluation of contact dermatitis, 839 patients (29%) were found to have occupational contact dermatitis. Of the 839 cases deemed occupational, 455 cases (54%) were primarily allergic in nature and 270 cases (32%) were primarily irritant in nature. The remaining 14% were diagnoses other than contact dermatitis, aggravated by work. The occupation most commonly found to have allergic contact dermatitis was nursing. Allergens strongly associated with occupational exposure were thiuram, carbamates, epoxy, and ethylenediamine. CONCLUSION Some contact allergens are more commonly associated with occupational contact dermatitis. Nursing and nursing support are occupations most likely to be overrepresented in contact dermatitis clinics.
Inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD): clinical features including sphincter disturbance in a large pedigree

Autosomal dominant inclusion body myopathy (IBM) associated with Paget disease of bone (PDB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or IBMPFD, is a rare recently described multisystem disorder caused by missense mutations of the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene on chromosome 9p13–p12 (OMIM 605382). 1 Recognised features include proximal and distal weakness, early-onset PDB, early-onset FTD and cardiomyopathy.1–3 Here we report the clinical features of a large affected kindred. A large extended British family was identified with the condition (VS and AJ). Clinical information was obtained by interviewing patients, neurological examination of five living patients and reviewing medical records. Patients were investigated where possible with MRI of brain, spine and pelvic muscles, neurophysiology and anorectal physiology, muscle biopsy, Addenbrookes Cognitive Examination—Revised, skull, lumbar spine and pelvic x rays, creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase. Mutation analysis of VCP was performed on four affected members and one unaffected reference member from this family. Genomic DNA, extracted from peripheral blood via standard methods, was analysed in duplicate for each subject. VCP mutation analysis of four affected individuals (II:18, III:13, III:14, III:15; online figure 1) showed a heterozygous c.464G→A nucleotide substitution in exon 5 of the VCP protein (p.R155H), a substitution not detected in an unaffected maternal brother (II:20) confirming mutation segregation within the family. This mutation has been previously identified.1 The pedigree of this five-generation IBMPFD family with 18 affected …
This Is What We Know: Working from the Margins in Child Welfare

to me. I began to explore the concept of power when I returned to graduate work when I was reintroduced to Foucault’s theoretical work on power, knowledge, and the subject. As a result, I have adopted Foucault’s theoretical framework to reflect the ways that my work was previously defined, as well as how I have also defined families and parents with whom I worked. In reviewing Arthur Frank’s (2004) work on qualitative study, I came across an interesting comment. His intent in doing research is to retain an academic goal by telling his audience something new in his writing. What he found, however, was that people knew everything that he wrote about, they had just not been able to articulate it. Frank cites Charles Lemert (1993) who also examines the power of putting people’s everyday experiences into words, arguing that the gap between having an experience and not documenting that knowledge is a source of powerlessness. What the author is claiming is that when an experience remains unstated, it cannot be changed because it remains hidden. For Frank, social science research provides the knowledge and power to discuss people’s experiences. Working in the field of child welfare, I often reflected on my own work with families and children. As a racialized worker, I always wondered what other workers with similar identities were thinking and doing in their interventions with families. I did not have time to reflect on these decisions or discuss with