Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascorbic acid‐dependent GLUT3 inhibition is a critical step for switching neuronal metabolism

Intracellular ascorbic acid is able to modulate neuronal glucose utilization between resting and activity periods. We have previously demonstrated that intracellular ascorbic acid inhibits deoxyglucose transport in primary cultures of cortical and hippocampal neurons and in HEK293 cells. The same effect was not seen in astrocytes. Since this observation was valid only for cells expressing glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3), we evaluated the importance of this transporter on the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid on glucose transport. Intracellular ascorbic acid was able to inhibit 3H‐deoxyglucose transport only in astrocytes expressing GLUT3–EGFP. In C6 glioma cells and primary cultures of cortical neurons, which natively express GLUT3, the same inhibitory effect on 3H‐deoxyglucose transport and fluorescent hexose 2‐[N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino]‐2‐deoxyglucose (2‐NBDG) was observed. Finally, knocking down the native expression of GLUT3 in primary cultured neurons and C6 cells using shRNA was sufficient to abolish the ascorbic acid‐dependent inhibitory effect on uptake of glucose analogs. Uptake assays using real‐time confocal microscopy demonstrated that ascorbic acid effect abrogation on 2‐NBDG uptake in cultured neurons. Therefore, ascorbic acid would seem to function as a metabolic switch inhibiting glucose transport in neurons under glutamatergic synaptic activity through direct or indirect inhibition of GLUT3. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3286–3294, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Lactation on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Women With Recent Gestational Diabetes

Objective: To investigate the effect of lactation in the puerperium on glucose and lipid metabolism in women with recent gestational diabetes. Methods: In women with recent gestational diabetes, we examined the effect of 4-12 weeks of lactation on glucose tolerance (2-hour oral glucose tolerance test) and on fasting serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, and triglycerides). Of 809 women tested in the puerperium, 404 elected to breast-feed and 405 did not lactate. Results: The mean (± standard deviation) maternal age (31.6 ± 5.9 versus 30.5 ± 6.3 years), body mass index (28.8 ± 5.1 versus 28.8 ± 4.5 kg/m2), and parity (3.0 ± 1.6 versus 2.8 ± 1.7) were not different between the lactating and nonlactating groups, respectively. Glucose metabolism improved in the lactating group, indicated by a significantly lower total area under the glucose tolerance curve (17.0 ± 4.2 versus 17.9 ± 5.0 g minute/dL; P=.01), mean fasting serum glucose (93 ± 13 versus 98 ± 17 mg/dL; P=.0001), and mean 2-hour glucose level (124 ± 41 versus 134 ± 49 mg/dL; P < .01). These differences were significant after adjusting for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), and the use of insulin in pregnancy. Nursing had no effect on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglyceride levels. However, the mean serum HDL cholesterol was elevated in the lactating group after adjusting for maternal age, BMI, and pregnancy insulin use compared with the nonlactating group (48 ± 11 versus 44 ± 10 mg/dL; P < .01). Conclusions: Lactation, even for a short duration, has a beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism in women with gestational diabetes. Breast-feeding may offer a practical, low-cost intervention that helps reduce or delay the risk of subsequent diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes.
Early and late stage processing abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: An ERP study

This research assessed event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited during the processing of different kinds of visual stimuli among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (n = 15) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 19). Within a simple visual oddball paradigm, participating children passively viewed fruit and vegetable images that were used as standard stimuli in addition to images of these foods with their usual colors modified to create novel stimuli and cartoon depictions of these images (i.e., “deviant” stimuli). Analyses revealed significant main effect differences between the groups for P100, N100 and P300 components; ASD group children showing longer P100 latencies, weaker N100 amplitudes and larger P300 amplitudes than did the TD group. A Group x Hemisphere interaction also emerged for N400 amplitudes but differences were not significant in simple-effects analyses. Together these results suggested children with ASD may be characterized by lower attention resource allocation and engagement during early stages of processing visual stimuli. However, ERPs in later processing stages suggested children with ASD and TD children have similar neural responses in attending to visual images as stimulus presentations continue.
Eddy mixing in jet‐stream turbulence under stronger stratification

Certain qualitative changes in turbulent eddy mixing during transitional regimes towards stronger stratification are highlighted using high‐resolution numerical simulations. The behavior of turbulent eddy mixing parameters found in this study is consistent with some recent observational results in stably stratified shear flows in the atmosphere. In particular, the flux Richardson number increases, saturates and then decreases after a critical value of the gradient Richardson number (Rig) around 2.0. Correspondingly, there is also a transition from a decreasing trend in the turbulent eddy mixing coefficient for momentum to an increasing one at the same critical Rig. The implication of the study is that such a transition can be of quite general interest in sheared flows under stronger stratification (with significant wave dynamics), and needs to be accounted for in the parameterization of microscale atmospheric turbulence.
Recovery Symptoms and Mood States in Thai CABG patients

Recovery symptoms and related mood states during early recovery after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) have never been assessed in Thailand. This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was to identify the relationships between frequency of recovery symptoms and mood states of a convenience sample of 91 Thai CABG patients during 2 weeks after discharge. Standardized tools/procedures were used to measure the variables of interest. The most common recovery symptoms were chest and leg incision pain, having trouble sleeping, and neck and shoulder or back discomfort. The most common mood states were confusion, anxiety, and anger, respectively. In addition, Thai CABG patients who had more frequent recovery symptoms also had greater negative mood disturbance. These findings provide a beginning explanation about the phenomena of recovery symptoms and mood states in a specific culture, Thai CABG patients.
AAA proteases with catalytic sites on opposite membrane surfaces comprise a proteolytic system for the ATP‐dependent degradation of inner membrane proteins in mitochondria.

The mechanism of selective protein degradation of membrane proteins in mitochondria has been studied employing a model protein that is subject to rapid proteolysis within the inner membrane. Protein degradation was mediated by two different proteases: (i) the m‐AAA protease, a protease complex consisting of multiple copies of the ATP‐dependent metallopeptidases Yta1Op (Afg3p) and Yta12p (Rcalp); and (ii) by Ymelp (Ytallp) that also is embedded in the inner membrane. Ymelp, highly homologous to Yta1Op and Yta12p, forms a complex of approximately 850 kDa in the inner membrane and exerts ATP‐dependent metallopeptidase activity. While the m‐AAA protease exposes catalytic sites to the mitochondrial matrix, Ymelp is active in the intermembrane space. The Ymelp complex was therefore termed ‘i‐AAA protease’. Analysis of the proteolytic fragments indicated cleavage of the model polypeptide at the inner and outer membrane surface and within the membrane‐spanning domain. Thus, two AAA proteases with their catalytic sites on opposite membrane surfaces constitute a novel proteolytic system for the degradation of membrane proteins in mitochondria.
A classical path to unification

An overview is given of a classical unified theory of gravity, elementary particles and quantum phenomena based on soliton solutions of Einstein's vacuum equations in twelve dimensional space. Bell's theorem on the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment, which is widely interpreted as ruling out classical explanations of quantum phenomena, is shown to be non-applicable as violating time-reversal symmetry. Entanglement is a relativistic consequence of Newon's third law and a property of all time-symmetrical theories, whether classical or quantal. The metric solitons (metrons) are composed of strongly nonlinear periodic core components, far fields corresponding to the classical gravitational and electromagnetic far fields of point-like particles, and further fields representing the weak and strong interactions. The core fields represent nonlinear eigenmodes trapped in a self-generated wave guide. Computations are presented for the first family of elementary particles corresponding to the lowest nonlinear eigenmodes; the second and third families are assumed to correspond to higher eigenmodes. It is shown that the periodicities of the soliton core modes produce the wave-particle duality paradoxes of quantum phenomena, as exemplified by single- and double-slit particle diffraction and the discrete structure of atomic spectra.
South Westminster Schizophrenia Survey

In the context of a prevalence survey of schizophrenia in South Westminster, a questionnaire was administered to 271 patients to assess alcohol-related morbidity. In this epidemiologically based sample, the lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse was 22.1 %. Compared with control patients matched for age and sex, these index cases had a significantly shorter duration of illness. A possible explanation is that drinking may mask the onset of schizophrenia, leading to a delay in diagnosis. The index cases also had significantly higher ratings for hallucinations and for hostility, anxiety and depression, and a greater number of disturbed types of behaviour. The highest levels of alcohol consumption were associated with more severe orofacial dyskinesia, suggesting that alcohol use may be an added risk factor for the development of tardive dyskinesia in some patients. The severity of akathisia was also related to alcohol use, and there were significant relationships between the subjective distress related to akathisia and the level of abuse. A possible interpretation is that alcohol had been used by patients with akathisia to alleviate the associated agitation and dysphoria.
Arabidopsis cop 8 and fus 4 Mutations Define the Same Gene That Encodes Subunit 4 of the COP 9 Signalosome

The pleiotropic constitutive photomorphogenic / deetiolated / fusca ( cop / det / fus ) mutants of Arabidopsis exhibit features of light-grown seedlings when grown in the dark. Cloning and biochemical analysis of COP9 have revealed that it is a component of a multiprotein complex, the COP9 signalosome (previously known as the COP9 complex). Here, we compare the immunoaffinity and the biochemical purification of the COP9 signalosome from cauliflower and confirm its eight-subunit composition. Molecular cloning of subunit 4 of the complex revealed that it is a proteasome–COP9 complex–eIF3 domain protein encoded by a gene that maps to chromosome 5, near the chromosomal location of the cop8 and fus4 mutations. Genetic complementation tests showed that the cop8 and fus4 mutations define the same locus, now designated as COP8 . Molecular analysis of the subunit 4–encoding gene in both cop8 and fus4 mutants identified specific molecular lesions, and overexpression of the subunit 4 cDNA in a cop8 mutant background resulted in complete rescue of the mutant phenotype. Thus, we conclude that COP8 encodes subunit 4 of the COP9 signalosome. Examination of possible molecular interactions by using the yeast two-hybrid assay indicated that COP8 is capable of strong self-association as well as interaction with COP9, FUS6/COP11, FUS5, and Arabidopsis JAB1 homolog 1, the latter four proteins being previously defined subunits of the Arabidopsis COP9 signalosome. A comparative sequence analysis indicated that COP8 is highly conserved among multicellular eukaryotes and is also similar to a subunit of the 19S regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome.
Management of Information Systems Outsourcing: A Bidding Perspective

Abstract:Outsourcing is the contracting of various information systems’ subfunctions by user firms to outside information systems vendors. A critical factor in the outsourcing process is the bidding and vendor selection mechanism. This paper describes the process of outsourcing and identifies the various stages involved. Subsequently, considering that cost reduction is a driving force of outsourcing for user-firms, this paper proposes a bidding mechanism to reduce expected outsourcing costs in the final bidding and vendor selection process. The paper studies outsourcing contracts of routine and repetitive activities such as maintenance and operation of telecommunication networks. A realistic scenario is studied, wherein multiple vendors bid for such contracts and where one vendor has cost and expertise advantages over other vendors and as a result tends to inflate bids. A mixed integer programming model is formulated for a multiple vendor scenario. In general, the results suggest a prescription that calls.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT , NON-OIL EXPORTS , AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA : A CAUSALITY ANALYSIS 1 Kolawole Olayiwola

The study examines the contribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the performance of nonoil exports in Nigeria within the framework of the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis. Available evidence in Nigeria supports that the bulk of FDI inflow into the country goes to the oil sector of the economy. From the perspective of efficiency-seeking FDI, foreign capital always aims at taking advantage of cost-efficient production condition. Given this fact, a causality analysis was undertaken in order to verify the relevance of the ELG hypothesis. Also, the dynamic interaction among FDI, non-oil exports, and economic growth is investigated using the concept of variance decomposition and impulse response analysis. The results obtained from the causality analysis revealed that a unidirectional causality runs from FDI to non-oil exports. Each of the three variables exhibited on the average and at the early stages of the out-of-sample forecast period, a dormant response to one standard deviation shock or innovation. However, they all demonstrated significant responses after some 7 years into the out-of-sample forecast period. The results also show that an encouragement of non-oil exports is a necessity for an effective FDI in Nigeria. Therefore, in designing policies towards this direction, policy response lag need to be taken into
Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Is Prognostic in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Comparison of the Circulating and Tissue Immunoreactive Protein

Purpose: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) are capable of inhibiting the matrix metalloproteinases, but they also possess other biological functions. Little is known about the role of TIMP-1 in the progression and spreading of cancer cells among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this study, the pretreatment serum levels of TIMP-1 or the overexpression of TIMP-1 immunoreactive protein in the primary tumor was correlated to the clinical course in patients with HNSCC. Experimental Design: The TIMP-1 immunoreactive protein was studied in 74 cases representing HNSCC. The tissue immunoreactive protein was evaluated from paraffin-embedded tumor sections in 68 cases using immunohistologic staining with a specific antibody, and in 68 cases the pretreatment serum levels of TIMP-1 were quantitatively measured by ELISA assay. The results were compared with the clinicopathologic factors of the disease and the patients' outcome. Results: A positive correlation was found between the size of the primary tumor (T) and the circulating TIMP-1 level (P = 0.021) or the positive immunoreaction of TIMP-1 in tumor (P = 0.039). The 5-year cause-specific survival was significantly lower in patients presenting with a high serum TIMP-1 level than in those with a low level of TIMP-1 (38% versus 64%, P = 0.034). They also had an unfavorable 5-year relapse-free survival rate (37% versus 56%, respectively). Similarly, the expression of TIMP-1 in tumor was prognostic for shortened survival, the 5-year cumulative relapse-free survival being 42% in patients with a TIMP-1–positive tumor versus 75% in cases with a negative tumor (P = 0.035). Tissue TIMP-1 positivity also seemed associated to the cause-specific survival (P = 0.075) and to be connected with later lymph node or hematogenic relapses. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that both circulating and tissue TIMP-1 immunoreactive protein predicts the clinical course and dissemination in HNSCC, suggesting that TIMP-1 might be related to both tumor growth and metastasis in HNSCC.
Leaf optical properties along a vertical gradient in a tropical rain forest canopy in Costa Rica.

Leaf optical properties (400-1,100 nm) were compared for four species of rain forest trees with crowns in understory, mid-canopy, and canopy positions to test whether optical properties change with light environment. The species tested represent a spectrum of regeneration patterns ranging from shade tolerant to light demanding. Overall, leaf optical properties of the four species were similar. Differences in absorptance were small, but statistically significant among the species and positions along the canopy gradient. Species absorptance differences corresponded somewhat to shade tolerance; two of the shade species showed higher absorptance in lower light environments, while the sun species showed the reverse pattern. Specific leaf mass (leaf weight per unit area) and chlorophyll content per unit leaf weight also changed along the canopy gradient. Specific leaf mass was positively correlated and chlorophyll per unit leaf weight was negatively correlated with increasing light environment. Consequently, the efficiency of absorption, as represented by the absorptance per unit leaf weight, increased as light level decreased, largely due to changes in specific leaf mass. In contrast, efficiency of absorption per unit leaf chlorophyll was relatively constant with light environment for the two species measured for chlorophyll.
Metabolomic Profiling of Children’s Brains Undergoing General Anesthesia with Sevoflurane and Propofol

Background:We recently applied proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) to investigate metabolic consequences of general anesthesia in the rodent brain, and discovered that isoflurane anesthesia was characterized by higher concentrations of lactate, glutamate, and glucose in comparison with propofol. We hypothesized that the metabolomic differences between an inhalant and intravenous anesthetic observed in the rodent brain could be reproduced in the human brain. Methods:1HMRS-based metabolomic profiling was applied to characterize the cerebral metabolic status of 59 children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging during anesthesia with either sevoflurane or propofol. 1HMRS scans were acquired in the parietal cortex after approximately 60 min of anesthesia. Upon emergence the children were assessed using the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale. Results:With sevoflurane anesthesia, the metabolic signature consisted of higher concentrations of lactate and glucose compared with children anesthetized with propofol. Further, a correlation and stepwise regression analysis performed on emergence delirium scores in relation to the metabolic status revealed that lactate and glucose correlated positively and total creatine negatively with the emergence delirium score. Conclusions:Our results demonstrating higher glucose and lactate with sevoflurane in the human brain compared with propofol could reflect greater neuronal activity with sevofluane resulting in enhanced glutamate-neurotransmitter cycling, increased glycolysis, and lactate shuttling from astrocytes to neurons or mitochondrial dysfunction. Further, the association between emergence delirium and lactate suggests that anesthesia-induced enhanced cortical activity in the unconscious state may interfere with rapid return to “coherent” brain connectivity patterns required for normal cognition upon emergence of anesthesia.
Psychometric Properties of the Oral Health Impact Profile and New Methodological Approach

Objective: Evaluate the validity, reliability, and factorial invariance of the complete Portuguese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and its short version (OHIP-14). Methods: A total of 1,162 adults enrolled in the Faculty of Dentistry of Araraquara/UNESP participated in the study; 73.1% were women; and the mean age was 40.7 ± 16.3 yr. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis, where χ2/df, comparative fit index, goodness of fit index, and root mean square error of approximation were used as indices of goodness of fit. The convergent validity was judged from the average variance extracted and the composite reliability, and the internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach standardized alpha. The stability of the models was evaluated by multigroup analysis in independent samples (test and validation) and between users and nonusers of dental prosthesis. Results: We found best-fitting models for the OHIP-14 and among dental prosthesis users. The convergent validity was below adequate values for the factors “functional limitation” and “physical pain” for the complete version and for the factors “functional limitation” and “psychological discomfort” for the OHIP-14. Values of composite reliability and internal consistency were below adequate in the OHIP-14 for the factors “functional limitation” and “psychological discomfort. ” We detected strong invariance between test and validation samples of the full version and weak invariance for OHIP-14. The models for users and nonusers of dental prosthesis were not invariant for both versions. Conclusion: The reduced version of the OHIP was parsimonious, reliable, and valid to capture the construct “impact of oral health on quality of life,” which was more pronounced in prosthesis users.