Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamins E and C concentrations in the liver and kidney of rats exposed to cadmium and ethanol

In the present study, the effect of co-exposure to cadmium (Cd) and ethanol (EtOH) on concentrations of vitamins E and C were evaluated in the liver and kidney homogenates of rats which were administered, singly or in combination, Cd (50 mg Cd/dm 3 in drinking water) and EtOH (5 g EtOH/kg b. wt./24 h, intragastrically) for 12 weeks. The exposure to Cd caused a decrease in the concentration of vitamins E and C in the liver, whereas the concentration of vitamin E increased in the kidney, compared to control group. EtOH administration led to a decrease in vitamins E and C concentrations in the liver. Exposure to Cd alone enhanced the concentration of vitamin C in the kidney. In the co-exposed group, the concentration of vitamin E decreased in the liver as compared to control and Cd group but increased in comparison to EtOH group. The concentration of vitamin C in this organ decreased compared to control and Cd- or EtOH-exposed groups. The co-exposure to both substances caused a rise in vitamin E concentration in the kidney compared to control and EtOH groups, whereas the concentration of vitamin C increased compared to control and Cd group. In the liver positive correlation was noted between vitamin E or C concentrations and glutathione (GSH) concentration. In the kidney, negative correlation was found between the concentration of vitamin E and GSH. No correlation was observed between the concentration of vitamin C and GSH in this organ. The results obtained suggest that the change in vitamin E concentration in the liver of rats co-exposed to Cd and EtOH resulted from an independent action of EtOH and its interaction with Cd, whereas in the kidney it was due to an independent Cd effect. In the animals co-exposed to Cd and EtOH, the change in vitamin C detected in the liver was the result of an independent action of either Cd or EtOH. In the kidney, the concentration of vitamin C was only EtOH-dependent. The results of this study together with our previous finding in the model used suggest the involvement of vitamins E and C in the development of Cd- and/or EtOH-induced oxidative stress.
Purchasing alignment under multiple contingencies: a configuration theory approach

Purpose – Strategic alignment is a theory-based state that is considered as crucial for organizations in order to realize performance gains from information technology (IT) investments and deployments. Within the domain of purchasing and supply chain management there has been a growing interest on how purchasing strategy can be effectively aligned with IT and what conditions facilitate this state. The purpose of this paper is to investigate complex causal relationships of contingency elements that are key in enabling the “fit” between purchasing strategy and IT. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a configuration theory approach and propose that purchasing alignment is dependent upon patterns of multiple contingencies. In adherence with contingency theory, the authors group these elements as relating to strategic orientation, organizational factors, and purchasing decisions. On a sample of 172 international companies the authors then apply the novel methodology of fuzzy set qualitative compara.
Lower-mantle material properties and convection models of multiscale plumes

We present the results of numerical mantle convection models demonstrating that dynamical effects induced by variable mantle viscosity, depth-dependent thermal expansivity, radiative thermal conductivity at the base of the mantle, the spinel to perovskite phase change and the perovskite to post-perovskite phase transition in the deep mantle can result in multiscale mantle plumes: stable lower-mantle superplumes are followed by groups of small upper-mantle plumes. Both radiative thermal conductivity at the base of the lower mantle and a strongly decreasing thermal expansivity of perovskite in the lower mantle can help induce partially layered convection with intense shear heating under the transition zone, which creates a low-viscosity zone and allows for the production of secondary mantle plumes emanating from this zone. Large-scale upwellings in the lower mantle, which are induced mainly by both the style of lower-mantle viscosity stratification and decrease of thermal expansivity, control position of central uppermantle plumes of each group as well as the upper-mantle plume-plume interactions.
Two Dimensional Interpolation from Random Data

A method is described for smooth interpolation between random data points in two or more dimensions. The method gives a smooth surface passing exactly through the given data points, and is suitable for graphical applications. It has practical advantages over other published algorithms, including that recently described by Maude (1973), to which it is similar, being both easier to implement and faster in computer operation. (Received March 1974)
Emergence of Scale-Free Networks in Markets

Financial markets are complex systems; all the information scattered around the market is fairly and dynamically reflected in the current prices. It is difficult to understand the dynamics of markets merely by traditional analyzing methods. We propose here a new concept inspired by complex networks to study the trading behavior and the dynamics of markets. A web-based platform for prediction market which trades the political futures contracts is built to monitor the trading behavior among the human players. Two experiments are conducted on this platform in parallel for 30 days. From the accumulated transaction data, we reconstruct the so-called cash-flow networks. By examining the degree distributions of these networks, we observe that the network structure is scale-free with a power-law exponent of 1.15, which means that there must be a non-trivial mechanism governing the network growth in our markets. Through carrying out a post-simulation modelling by a continuous double auction market with "zero-intelligence" traders, we demonstrate that such a simple model is capable of generating scale-free networks. We thus suggest that the scale-free nature of the cash-flow networks should rely on the institutional design and the structure of markets rather than on the traders' strategies.
Immunological effects of probiotics with special reference to lactobacilli

The concept of lactic bacilli as health-promoting environmental factors was presented by Metchnikoff, who made ‘a recommendation to absorb large quantities of microbes amongst which lactic bacilli have an honourable place’. Lactobacilli have been a natural component of the diet when fermentation has been used for improving the storage of food. Together with the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ linking a decreased exposure to microbial load and increasing incidence of allergic and other immune-mediated diseases, a century later, Metchnikoff ’s idea of the health-promoting lactic bacilli has induced an enormous scientific and economical interest to clarify the relationship between intestinal microbes and different immunological diseases. The definition of probiotics (‘for life’) is as follows: microbial cell preparations or components of microbial cells that have a beneficial effect on the health and well-being of the host. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the immunological effects of probiotics including both mechanistic and clinical aspects.
Effects of faith and secular factors on locus of control in middle-aged and older cardiac patients

The complex relationships between faith factors and health locus of control were explored. Different from general expectancy, internal control was conceptualized as event-specific self-efficacy. Both control and faith are multidimensional phenomena and affect an individual's health and wellbeing. Yet, how faith and secular factors (e.g., demographic variables) are jointly related to personal control of patients in the face of medical crises remains empirically under-examined. Based on a comprehensive review of different aspects of perceived personal control, spiritual surrender, and faith factors, we presumed a multivariate association among them. Using data from two sequential interviews and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Adult Cardiac Database, the study examined the association between these faith factors and different health loci of control among 224 middle-aged and older patients 1 day prior to major cardiac surgery. Primary findings from multiple regression analyses generally supported our hypotheses. Greater internal control was positively related to using private prayer for coping, an event-specific “vicarious” control strategy, but negatively related to subjective religiosity, a general faith measure, after controlling for effects of other secular factors, especially cardiac-significant ones. Several factors in the medical history affected different loci of control. Older age and minority status were associated with greater external control.
A bacteriologic study of chronic tonsillitis.

The etiology of chronic tonsillitis was investigated in a series of 150 patients. The superficial swab culture and the cut surface tonsillar culture of each patient were examined. 64 per cent of the cases contained pathogens. The investigations revealed that the most common causative organism was Staphylococcus aureus (33 per cent) with beta hemolytic Streptococcus second in number (30 per cent). Most of the isolated staphylococci were found to be resistant to the common antibiotics, whereas the majority of the streptococci were sensitive. The results of the two cultures were identical in 58.6 per cent of the cases. In 29.3 per cent of the cases pathogens were isolated from the interior of the tonsils, but not from the surface. This has led us to conclude that superficial tonsillar cultures can be misleading in chronic tonsillitis.
An Ecological Examination of Factors Influencing Men’s Engagement in Intimate Partner Violence Groups

This article examines the findings of an ecological analysis of the factors influencing men’s engagement in intimate partner violence (IPV) groups. Individual interviews and two focus groups were conducted with men who participated in group programs in two agencies in Canada. Our qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups suggested that both individual and program-related factors were determinants in the men’s engagement. These findings drew our attention to the influence of certain factors outside of the group therapy, in particular organizational practices. Implications for practice are explored, in particular the role of time in the intervention, and implications for research and limitations are discussed.
Cold pressor task reactivity: predictors of alcohol use among alcohol-dependent individuals with and without comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND The association between stress and alcohol dependence has been well established. Abnormalities in stress reactivity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function may be involved in the mechanistic connection between stress and the initiation, development, and/or maintenance of alcohol dependence. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with alcohol dependence and is characterized by HPA axis abnormalities. This study investigated the relationship between subjective and neuroendocrine stress reactivity to the cold pressor task (CPT) and prospective alcohol use among individuals with alcohol dependence, with and without comorbid PTSD. METHODS Participants were 63 individuals with (a) alcohol dependence only (n=35) or (b) comorbid alcohol dependence and PTSD (n=28). Participants completed the CPT, a widely used physical laboratory stressor. Subjective stress, craving, adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), and cortisol were measured before, immediately after, and at 5, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the CPT. Alcohol use during 1 month following testing was also assessed. RESULTS For the alcohol-only group, change in craving immediately following the CPT and craving during the 120-minute recovery phase were predictive of follow-up alcohol use. For the alcohol/PTSD group, change in craving was not predictive of follow-up use. Baseline drinking was, however, predictive of followup alcohol use for the alcohol/PTSD group. For the alcohol-only group, a blunted ACTH response coupled with a higher change in craving following the CPT was associated with significantly greater frequency and intensity of drinking during the follow-up phase. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings demonstrate significant differences between the alcohol-only and the alcohol/PTSD group in predictors of relapse. For the alcohol-only group, reactivity to an acute laboratory stressor may be predictive of subsequent alcohol use. This was not true for the alcohol/PTSD group. Although preliminary, the findings may help shed light on the mechanistic relationship between stress reactivity and increased risk for alcohol relapse and dependence in individuals with and without other Axis I comorbidity.
Quality of Life during Pollen Season in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis with or without Asthma

Objectives: We studied the evolution of generic and rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life (QOL) during pollen season in patients with isolated seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and those with asthma and concomitant SAR (AS+SAR). Generic QOL between groups was also compared at pollen peak. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Southern France in 2002. Outpatients aged 18–60, regularly visiting respiratory physicians for SAR, were recruited before the grass (grass cohort) or ragweed pollination period (ragweed cohort). Before the pollination period (baseline) and at peak pollination, patients completed French versions of the Mini Rhinoconjuctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini-RQLQ) and physical and mental Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores (PCS and MCS) to determine rhinoconjunctivitis and generic QOL. Results: Totals of 83 and 52 patients were included in the SAR and AS+SAR groups, respectively (mean age = 35.4; 56.4% females). Mini-RQLQ scores indicated slightly worse QOL in the A+SAR group at inclusion, which significantly deteriorated at the time of pollen peak, both in the SAR (p < 0.0001) and AS+SAR groups (p = 0.003). In univariate analysis, significantly higher SF-12 PCS (meaning better QOL) were observed at pollen peak in the SAR compared with the AS+SAR group (p = 0.0008), while the difference for SF-12 MCS was more limited (p = 0.05). Results were confirmed in multivariable analyses adjusting for gender, allergy medication use at pollen peak, cohort of inclusion (grass/ragweed) and comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Significant deterioration in rhinoconjunctivitis-specific QOL was observed through the pollination period in patients with SAR and AS+SAR. At pollen peak, AS+SAR patients experienced significantly worse physical functioning than patients with SAR alone.
Children's Knowledge of Relative Scope in Chinese.

A study investigated how Chinese children and adults interpreted sentences containing universal quantifiers and existentiel quantifiers. The purpose was to get preliminary evidence on whether Chinese children understand scope relations and whether they know which relations are possible for particular syntactic configurations. Subjects were 192 children in preschools and elementary schools in Taipei, Taiwan aged 3-10 years and 42 students attending National Chengchi University in Taipei. They acted out their interpretations of sentences involving two quantificational noun phrases (NPs). Responses given by children over age 5 showed a parallel with adult scope interpretations when constructions with two objects, one a universal quantifier-NP (Q-NP) and one an existential Q-NP, were examined. While the particular response distributions difrered somewhat, all the children's behaviors except one were consistent with the adult syntactic analysis. With sentences involving two universal Q-NPs, child responses did not correspond to adult interpretations. Responses of zhildren and adults also differed somewhat in the case of two existential Q-NPs. It is concluded that children do understand relative scope and have knowledge of thu syntactic considerations determining available scope readings. Test sentences and charted results are appended. (MSE) **************************************************************1 A****** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * **,4***********************************************************%********
Adolescent Perceptions of Dating Violence: A Qualitative Study

Scholars have identified dating violence as a public health issue among adolescents. Yet, minimal research has detailed adolescents’ perceptions of dating violence, specifically gender differences in perceptions. Research suggests that in order for dating violence prevention and intervention to be effective, services need to be delivered in a manner that is understood by adolescents. Therefore, this study used a qualitative phenomenology study to investigate adolescents’ perceptions of dating violence, including gender differences in adolescents’ perceptions. Thirty adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 from a Midwest public high school participated in focus groups. Focus group participants were asked semistructured interview questions regarding the definition of dating violence, risk and protective factors for dating violence, support for victims and perpetrators, and prevention efforts. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods, and common themes were identified. Adolescents’ language revealed gender differences in perceptions toward dating violence. Males perceive dating violence through action, perpetration, and physical consequences. Females discuss dating violence by relating to the victim and the victim’s emotions. Although gender differences existed in participants’ perceptions, both males and females explained that dating violence is more often perpetrated by females, despite the view from society that males are more likely to perpetrate dating violence. Findings suggest that schools, practitioners, and policy makers are not meeting the needs of adolescents in regard to dating violence prevention and intervention. Prevention and intervention efforts could be improved by delivering education and services using language that adolescents find relevant. Findings also suggest that adolescents may benefit from prevention and intervention with gender specific components.
Low-dose fixed combination of perindopril plus indapamide in the diabetic hypertensive population

In order to determine the perception of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists regarding their clinical experience with the use of the low-dose fixed combination of perindopril 2 mg plus indapamide 0.625 mg in hypertensive patients with diabetes, a multicenter survey carried out across Spain was performed. A total of 894 physicians (597 GPs and 297 specialists) participated in the survey. A total of 5126 patients were included (3434 in the GPs’ group and 1692 in the specialists’ group). Associated risk factors and organ damage were more frequently documented in the specialists’ group. At baseline, 1.7% of the GPs’ patients and 1.3% of the specialists’ patients had their blood pressure controlled and with the combined therapy the blood pressure control rate attained 30.7 and 29.8%, respectively (p < 0.001 vs baseline and not significant intergroups). Less than 85% of physicians considered the efficacy and tolerability of combined therapy as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ but 93% of the patients were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with combined therapy.
Free serum testosterone level in male rats treated with Tribulus alatus extracts.

OBJECTIVE The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Free serum testosterone level was measured in male rats treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part without fruits, fruits of Tribulus alatus and their fractions. RESULTS All tested extracts showed significant increase in the level of free serum testosterone when compared to that of corresponding control, p < 0.05. Statistical comparison of all groups revealed that the maximum level was found in groups treated with chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruits extract. CONCLUSION Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.
Salivary response to food in humans and its effect on gastric acid secretion.

The purpose of these studies was to determine the amount of saliva secreted in response to food in humans and to evaluate the effect of saliva on postprandial gastric acid secretion. Subjects chewed and spat out an appetizing steak and french-fried potato meal (modified sham feeding), with the increase in the weight of the meal during sham feeding taken to represent salivary secretion. Mean salivary flow rose from basal rates of 37.1 ml/h to 167.3 ml/h during modified sham feeding (P less than 0.001). Chewing gum increased salivary secretion to approximately the same extent as modified sham feeding, whereas chewing on plastic tubing caused a much smaller increase in salivary flow. Intravenous infusion of bethanechol (50 micrograms . kg-1 . h-1) was approximately half as potent as modified sham feeding or gum chewing in stimulating salivary flow. The salivary response to sham feeding was completely blocked by 15 micrograms/kg intravenous atropine. Salivary secretion increased approximately 20 ml/h when a 700-ml amino acid meal was infused directly into the stomach (P less than 0.01), whereas gastric distension with 700 ml saline had no effect. These findings suggested that food in the stomach or upper small intestine may activate a reflex or release a hormone into the circulation that augments salivary flow. Although intravenous gastrin-17 infusion had no effect on salivary flow, somatostatin-14 infusion increased salivary flow 15 ml/h (P less than 0.02). Saliva contained approximately 2,000 pg/ml immunoreactive urogastrone, an inhibitor of acid secretion when administered parenterally. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)