Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parity-related changes in body weight may influence the zinc and copper status of urban pregnant women: A report from south eastern Nigeria

Background: Micronutrient replacement is done indiscriminately, without recourse to peculiar socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables. Particularly, the relationship between parity, body weight, and some micronutrients has received minimal attention in Nigeria. Aim: To determine the relationship between parity, body weight, and some micronutrients during pregnancy. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 130 pregnant women and 30 nonpregnant control. They were recruited from two health care facilities in Nigeria and grouped into nulliparous and multiparous. After a 24-h dietary recall, the weight (W) and height (H) were measured. The body mass index (BMI) (W in kg/H in m 2 ) was calculated. Serum copper and zinc were estimated using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Multiparous nonpregnant subjects parity=3.0 (0.58) had higher weight ( P =0.037) and BMI ( P =0.035) than their nulliparous counterparts (parity=0). In addition, there were no significant difference in Cu and zinc levels between the two groups ( P =0.243 and 0.402, respectively). Expectedly, weight and BMI increased as pregnancy progressed. There was no significant difference in Cu levels between the three trimesters in the nulliparous pregnant and multiparous pregnant subjects. In the pregnant nulliparous subjects, the Zn levels of the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters were significantly lower than that of the nonpregnant nulliparous subjects ( P rd trimester Zn level was significantly lower than that of the nonpregnant controls ( P =0.017). Conclusion: Pregnancy weight gain is more pronounced in multiparous than nulliparous women. This parity-related pattern only affects the serum zinc levels, a situation that should be taken into consideration when formulating policies for nutritional replacement.
The Road Map toward Room-Temperature Superconductivity: Manipulating Different Pairing Channels in Systems Composed of Multiple Electronic Components

While it is known that the amplification of the superconducting critical temperature TC is possible in a system of multiple electronic components in comparison with a single component system, many different road maps for room temperature superconductivity have been proposed for a variety of multicomponent scenarios. Here we focus on the scenario where the first electronic component is assumed to have a vanishing Fermi velocity corresponding to a case of the intermediate polaronic regime, and the second electronic component is in the weak coupling regime with standard high Fermi velocity using a mean field theory for multiband superconductivity. This roadmap is motivated by compelling experimental evidence for one component in the proximity of a Lifshitz transition in cuprates, diborides, and iron based superconductors. By keeping a constant and small exchange interaction between the two electron fluids, we search for the optimum coupling strength in the electronic polaronic component which gives the largest amplification of the superconducting critical temperature in comparison with the case of a single electronic component.
Structural characterization and profiling of lyso‐phospholipids in fresh and in thermally stressed mussels by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography—electrospray ionization—Fourier transform mass spectrometry

The separation efficiency of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and the high resolution/accuracy of electrospray ionization—Fourier transform MS were successfully applied to the detailed characterization of lyso‐phosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and lyso‐phosphatidylethanolamines (LPEs) contained in the lipid extracts of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mediterranean mussel). As a result, 57 LPCs, including regio‐ and positional isomers, and 45 LPEs, including acyl and plasma(e)nyl species, were identified. Four lyso‐phosphonocholines were also identified among mussel Lyso‐Phospholipids. To the best of our knowledge this represents the first characterization, at a molecular level, ever reported for LPEs in mussels. No significant variation was observed in the composition of both LPCs and LPEs when mussels were refrigerated at +4°C for up to 48 h, i.e. under conditions usually employed for seafood transportation and storage. Treatments mimicking more severe thermal stresses, namely eight day‐refrigeration at + 4°C, two week‐freezing at –15°C and 6 h‐storage at 25°C, resulted in a significant increase in the molar abundance of LPCs and LPEs (expressed with respect to that of their precursors, PCs and PEs, respectively) and was accompanied by the death of all or part of the molluscs. These results were interpreted invoking the generation of lyso‐phospholipids, mediated by endogenous phospholipases, as an intermediate process toward the partial replacement of side chains in phospholipids, perhaps functional to a better adaptation of mussels to adverse temperature conditions. Interestingly, the relative abundances of specific compounds belonging to the LPC and LPE classes were found to follow the seasonal variations of sea temperature.
Microencapsulation of krill oil using complex coacervation

Abstract The research work was aimed at the development of a process to yield gelatin-gum Arabic multinuclear microcapsules of krill oil (KO), via complex coacervation. On the basis of the experimental results of the screening trials, a three-level-by-three-factor Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of the ratio of the core material to the wall (RCW; x1), the stirring speed (SP; x2) and the pH (x3) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE). The experimental findings indicated that x3 has the most significant linear and quadratic effects on the EE of KO and a bilinear effect with x1, whereas x2 did not have any significant effect. The optimal conditions for a 92% of EE were: 1.75:1 for RCW, 3.8 for pH and 3 for SP. The microcapsules, formed by complex coacervation and without any cross-linking agent, were multinucleated, circular in shape and had sufficient stability to maintain their structure.
Jokela level fitness measures − comparison of individual specific fertilities in human females : − Natural selection on age

, 2415-2420 265 1998 Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B Pekka Käär and Jukka Jokela level fitness measures − comparison of individual specific fertilities in human females: − Natural selection on age References http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing. org/content/265/1413/2415#related-urls Article cited in: Email alerting service here right-hand corner of the article or click Receive free email alerts when new articles cite this article sign up in the box at the top
The Care of the Actively Dying in an Academic Medical Center

Background: Care of the dying is a significant component of nursing practice particularly in hospitals. Nurses who work in certain areas like oncology, intensive care unit (ICU) face the care of the dying, more so than other units. Objectives: The survey was conducted to assess nurses' self-perception of their professional capability and comfort in the care of the actively dying. Determine if professional capability and comfort was associated with any of the six demographics characteristics (age, gender, clinical experience, education level, nursing unit, continuing education). Identify areas of clinical challenge to promote educational initiatives to stimulate best nursing practice in the actively dying. Design: The survey comprised of two parts: Part I with demographic characteristics and a single open-ended question, Part II with twenty questions on the domains recommended by the NCP. Results: Older age and greater clinical experience were associated with greater levels of capability/comfort. Most nurses felt professionally capable and comfortable in domains such as knowledge, physical and psychosocial care but bioethics, communication, cultural, spiritual and bereavement issues challenged ≥ 40%. Conclusions: Nurses self-perceived professional capability and comfort levels in caring for the dying were positively influenced by older age, greater clinical experience and extensive continuing education. Bioethics, communication and grief impacted nurses personally and emotionally. Continuing education, organized debriefing, grief-counseling, and preceptors support should be routine for nurses who work in units with predictable high mortality.
Direct and progressive differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into the chondrogenic lineage

Treatment of common and debilitating degenerative cartilage diseases particularly osteoarthritis is a clinical challenge because of the limited capacity of the tissue for self‐repair. Because of their unlimited capacity for self‐renewal and ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a potentially powerful tool for repair of cartilage defects. The primary objective of the present study was to develop culture systems and conditions that enable hESCs to directly and uniformly differentiate into the chondrogenic lineage without prior embryoid body (EB) formation, since the inherent cellular heterogeneity of EBs hinders obtaining homogeneous populations of chondrogenic cells that can be used for cartilage repair. To this end, we have subjected undifferentiated pluripotent hESCs to the high density micromass culture conditions we have extensively used to direct the differentiation of embryonic limb bud mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes. We report that micromass cultures of pluripotent hESCs undergo direct, rapid, progressive, and substantially uniform chondrogenic differentiation in the presence of BMP2 or a combination of BMP2 and TGF‐β1, signaling molecules that act in concert to regulate chondrogenesis in the developing limb. The gene expression profiles of hESC‐derived cultures harvested at various times during the progression of their differentiation has enabled us to identify cultures comprising cells in different phases of the chondrogenic lineage ranging from cultures just entering the lineage to well differentiated chondrocytes. Thus, we are poised to compare the abilities of hESC‐derived progenitors in different phases of the chondrogenic lineage for cartilage repair. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 664–671, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regularity of probability laws by using an interpolation method

One of the outstanding applications of Malliavin calculus is the criterion of regularity of the law of a functional on the Wiener space (presented in Section 2.3). The functional involved in such a criterion has to be regular in Malliavin sense, i.e., it has to belong to the domain of the differential operators in this calculus. As long as solutions of stochastic equations are concerned, this amounts to regularity properties of the coefficients of the equation.
Short‐term intermittent normobaric hypoxia‐haematological, physiological and mental effects

Effects on erythropoiesis and blood pressure as well as physical performance and mental effects were studied in 15 healthy subjects during intermittent exposure to normobaric hypoxia corresponding to either 2000 m (6 persons) or 2700 m (9 persons) above sea level; another group (5 persons) also served as controls at normoxia. The concept “live hightrain low” was used for 10 d consecutively and the exposure to hypoxia was 12 h/d. Blood pO2 and oxygen saturation were significantly decreased during the 10 d at hypoxia. [Hb] and Hct decreased significantly after 2 d in hypoxia and then returned to pre‐study levels. Erythropoietin was significantly elevated in both hypoxia groups during the initial 3–5 d. Reticulocytes were significantly increased during 7 d of hypoxia. Submaximal and maximal oxygen uptake, blood pressure at rest and during exercise and the profile of mood states (POMS test) did not change during the study. In conclusion, intermittent normobaric hypoxia for 10 d resulted in a significant stimulation of erythropoiesis. Staying at normobaric hypoxia may serve as a complement to an ordinary altitude level sojourn.
Characterization of Mouse Rsk4 as an Inhibitor of Fibroblast Growth Factor-RAS-Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling

ABSTRACT Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signals regulate the specification of a varied array of tissue types by utilizing distinct modules of proteins to elicit diverse effects. The RSK proteins are part of the RTK signal transduction pathway and are thought to relay these signals by acting downstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In this study we report the identification of ribosomal S6 kinase 4 (Rsk4) as an inhibitor of RTK signals. Among the RSK proteins, RTK inhibition is specific to RSK4 and, in accordance, is dependent upon a region of the RSK4 protein that is divergent from other RSK family members. We demonstrate that Rsk4 inhibits the transcriptional activation of specific targets of RTK signaling as well as the activation of ERK. Developmentally, Rsk4 is expressed in extraembryonic tissue, where RTK signals are known to have critical roles. Further examination of Rsk4 expression in the extraembryonic tissues demonstrates that its expression is inversely correlated with the presence of activated ERK 1/2. These studies demonstrate a new and divergent function for RSK4 and support a role for RSK proteins in the specification of RTK signals during early mouse development.
Integrin CD11b Negatively Regulates TLR9-Triggered Dendritic Cell Cross-Priming by Upregulating microRNA-146a

Dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles in cross-priming to induce the CTL response against infection; however, the molecular mechanisms for the regulation of DC cross-priming need to be investigated further, which may help to improve the potency of DC vaccines through engineering modifications. Our previous studies showed that β2 integrin CD11b could control TLR-triggered NK cell cytotoxicity and macrophage inflammatory responses. CD11b is also abundantly expressed in DCs, but it is unknown whether CD11b participates in the regulation of DC cross-priming for the CTL response. Also, because microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of the immune response, it remains unclear whether miRNAs are regulated by CD11b in DCs. In this study, we showed that CD11b deficiency upregulated TLR9-triggered, but not TLR4-triggered, IL-12p70 production in DCs, subsequently promoting DC cross-priming of the CTL response. Further experiments showed that CD11b selectively promoted TLR9-triggered miR-146a upregulation in DCs by sustaining late-phase NF-κB activation. Additionally, Notch1, a known positive regulator of IL-12p70 production in DCs, was confirmed to be directly targeted by miR-146a. miR-146a upregulation and Notch1 repression were determined to be responsible for the reduced IL-12p70 production in TLR9-triggered wild-type DCs compared with that in CD11b-deficient DCs. Therefore, CD11b and downstream miR-146a may be new negative regulators for DC cross-priming by suppressing Notch1 expression and IL-12p70 production. Our data indicate a new mechanism for the regulation of DC cross-priming through integrins and miRNAs.
Factors related to mortality after osteoporotic hip fracture treatment at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand, during 2006 and 2007.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the one-year mortality rate after osteoporotic hip fracture and to identify factors associated with that mortality rate. MATERIAL AND METHOD A retrospective review of 275 osteoporotic patients who sustained a low-trauma hip fracture and were admitted in Chiang Mai University Hospital during January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007 was accomplished. Eligibility criteria were defined as age over 50 years, fracture caused by a simple fall and not apathologicalfracture caused by cancer or infection. Results of this one-year mortality rate study were compared to studies of hip fracture patient mortality in 1997 and the period 1998-2003. RESULTS The average one-year mortality rate in 2006-2007 was 21.1%. Factors correlated with higher mortality were non-operative treatment, delayed surgical treatment, and absence of medical treatment for osteoporosis. The 2006-2007 mortality rate was slightly higher than for the 1997 and 1998-2003 periods. CONCLUSION The one-year mortality rate after osteoporotic hip fracture of 21.1% was approximately 9.3 times the mortality rate for the same age group in the general population, indicating that treatment of osteoporosis as a means of helping prevent hip fracture is very important for the individual, the family, and society as a whole.
Gains and losses in the eyes of the beholder: a comparative study of foreign policy decision making under risk

Gains and Losses in the Eyes of the Beholder: A Comparative Study of Foreign Policy Decision Making Under Risk. (December 2004) Yi Yang, B.A., Foreign Affairs College Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Alex Mintz Prospect theory is a descriptive model of individual decision-making under risk (Kahneman and Tversky 1979). The central tenet of prospect theory posits that the risk orientation of decision-makers is affected by the gains vs. losses domains in which they are situated. Individuals are predicted to be risk-averse in the domain of gains and risk seeking in the domain of losses. Although prospect theory made significant contributions to decision theory, it has important limitations. Foremost, as noted by Levy (1997a), prospect theory is not a complete theory of decision-making. Like rational choice theory, prospect theory attempts to explain choices or outcomes, not the processes through which those choices come about (Abelson and Levi 1985, 235). In response to this limitation of prospect theory, this dissertation intends to address the following set of puzzles: Do gains vs. losses domains affect the decision processes in foreign policy decision making? If so, in what way will decision strategies change? That is, what strategies are most likely to be employed when the decision maker is in the domain of gains? And, in contrast, what strategies are the most likely to be utilized when the decision maker is in the domain of losses?
Taxonomy and identification of dust mites

Taxonomy provides the basis for the identity of species, allowing the construction of keys and the reliable, reproducible identification of dust mites for ecologic purposes and other studies. Details are given of nomenclatorial conventions in taxonomy as applied to dust mites, and taxonomically problematic entities are highlighted, such as Blomia kulagini and the sibling species Dermatophagoides farinae and D. microceras. Current keys to dust mites and advances in interactive computer keys are reviewed. An hypothesis of the phylogeny of the family Pyroglyphidae is presented, based on habitat specificity, geographic distribution, and association with birds. The value of predictive classifications based on phylogenies is stressed. Finally, a pictorial key is presented to the mites found in house dust in Scandinavia.
Radical scavenging activity of phenolics and flavonoids in some medicinal plants of India

Stem bark of Acacia nilotica, Delbergia sissoo, Delonix regia, Polyalthia longifolia, Prosopis cineraria, and Zyziphus mauritiana, and leaves of Catharanthus roseus, Mentha arvensis, Murraya koinigii, Ocimum basilicum, Tabernaemontana divaricata, Tinospora cordifolia and Tribulus terrestris were analyzed for their total phenolic and flavonois content as well as antioxidant activity. Stem bark of Acacia nilotica and leaves of Mentha arvensis had maximum amount of phenolic content as well as radical scavenging activity among all the plants studied.
Ontogenetic Shifts and Symbiont Succession in a Freshwater Cleaning Symbiosis Mutualism

Host-symbiont associations and the outcome of symbioses may vary over host ontogeny. I examined how changes in crayfish size can influence their associations with ectosymbiotic branchiobdellidan worms and the consequences of these associations for both the host and the symbiont. In the New River, the dominant worm species shifts from Cambarincola philadelphicus to Cambarincola ingens as crayfish (Cambarus bartonii) increase in size. I evaluated whether this shift had effects on different size classes of crayfish, how the worms responded to different sized crayfish and what mechanisms promoted the shift. In a lab experiment, small and large crayfish were stocked with either C. philadelphicus or C. ingens. I monitored crayfish growth, worm numbers and worm reproduction. Neither worm species had an effect on small crayfish but both increased the growth of large crayfish. Cambarincola philadelphicus exhibited greater fitness on small crayfish while C. ingens fitness was greater on large crayfish. A subsequent lab experiment demonstrated that intraguild predation by C. ingens was responsible for the decline in C. philadelphicus on large crayfish. My results demonstrate that the outcome of the crayfish-branchiobdellidan association changes over crayfish ontogeny. Further, host regulation and intraguild predation by C. ingens determine ectosymbiont succession in this mutualism.
Interteam Coordination, Project Commitment, and Teamwork in Multiteam R&D Projects: A Longitudinal Study

Organizations increasingly set up multiteam projects for the development of highly complex products. While team research has emphasized the importance of team-internal processes for smaller scale projects, we know little about collaborative processes (especially between teams) in such large-scale projects. This study utilizes a multi-informant longitudinal research design on a product development project (39 teams, 36 months) in the European automotive industry investigating collaboration between and within teams. The results of the study demonstrate that interteam coordination, project commitment, and teamwork quality as rated by the team members at Time 1 (Month 12; end of concept phase) are significantly correlated to project managers' ratings of overall team performance at Time 3 (Month 36; end of project). The process variables measured at Time 2 (Month 24; end of design phase) display generally weaker correlations with team performance at Time 3. Multiple regression analyses further detail the effects of collaborative processes within and between teams on different measures of team performance (i.e., overall performance, quality, budget, schedule). The results show that collaborative processes during the project have predictive properties in regard to later team performance and can serve as early warning indicators. Furthermore, the results of this study provide support for our hypotheses predicting positive relationships between interteam coordination, project commitment, and teamwork quality. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.