Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CAN ULTRAHIGH-ENERGY COSMIC RAYS COME FROM GAMMA-RAY BURSTS? COSMIC RAYS BELOW THE ANKLE AND GALACTIC GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

The maximum cosmic-ray energy achievable by acceleration by a relativistic blast wave is derived. It is shown that forward shocks from long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in the interstellar medium accelerate protons to large enough energies, and have a sufficient energy budget, to produce the Galactic cosmic-ray component just below the ankle at 4 × 1018 eV, as per an earlier suggestion. It is further argued that, were extragalactic long GRBs responsible for the component above the ankle as well, the occasional Galactic GRB within the solar circle would contribute more than the observational limits on the outward flux from the solar circle, unless an avoidance scenario, such as intermittency and/or beaming, allows the present-day local flux to be less than 10−3 of the average. Difficulties with these avoidance scenarios are noted.
IN-VITRO EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

Effect of six different herbicides representing four chemical families on soil microbial communities was studied using laboratory microcosm approach. The herbicides tested were isoproturon, metribuzin, clodinafop propargyl, atlantis (Mesosulfuron methyl 3% + Idosulfuron Methyl Sodium 0.6% WG) and sulfosulfuron applied at normal agricultural rates, and UPH-110 (Clodinafop propargyl 12% + Metribuzin 42% WG) tested at four different application rates. Microbial response to the applied herbicides was studied following cultivation dependent approach. The microbial community showed a mixed response towards applied herbicides. With a few exceptions, metribuzin displayed a negative, clodinafop a positive and sulphonylurea herbicides a neutral effect while as the effect of isoproturon was variable. Significant toxic impact of UPH-110 was mostly observed at higher concentrations (@ 600 and 1000 g ha -1 ). The magnitude of hazard and duration of toxicity increased as the dose of UPH-110 increased. The influence whether positive or negative, was only transitory in nature and recovered to the level of untreated microcosms by or before 30th day of application. Among the microbial groups studied, fungal population was least affected at field rate, bacteria, actinomycetes and Azotobacter showed mixed response while as the phosphorus solubilizers population showed a tendency to increase in response to the applied herbicides.The herbicidal impact on soil microbial population was found to depend on the nature and dose of herbicide used and also the type of microbial group.
Information Seeking in an Information Systems Project Team

Why does a team member prefer some colleagues to others in information seeking? Past literature suggests that the physical accessibility of a knowledge source, the information quality of the source, and relational concerns influence such a choice. This study extends past literature by suggesting that formal structural factors are also important. Particularly, job interdependence, competition, and supervisory relationships are hypothesized to affect information-sourcing frequency. Our social-network analysis of an information systems project team indicates that formal structural factors are important to the development of informal networks and the perception of the information quality of a source. They have direct and indirect impacts on sourcing behavior. Implications for information systems project management are discussed.
Conducted vasodilation elevates flow in arteriole networks of hamster striated muscle.

Our purpose was to investigate blood flow responses to local and conducted vasodilation in arteriole networks supplying the cremaster muscle of anesthetized (pentobarbital sodium) male hamsters. We tested the hypothesis that with local release of a vasodilator onto an arteriole segment, conduction is necessary to increase arteriolar perfusion. The tips (OD, 1-2 microns) of micropipettes containing acetylcholine (ACh; 1.0 M) or sodium nitroprusside (NP; 0.2 M) were positioned approximately 1 mm distal to the origin of a 3A arteriole (resting diameter, 16 +/- 2 microns) originating at a "Y" bifurcation. Responses were monitored (n = 9) at the site of release (local) and at three upstream locations: at the vessel origin, in the parent (2A) arteriole (diameter, 24 +/- 3 microns), and in the paired (3A) daughter branch (diameter, 17 +/- 3 microns). At each upstream site, diameter and red blood cell velocity (Vrbc) were quantified at rest and during the peak of diameter responses; these variables were used to calculate blood flow and wall shear rate (WSR). Microiontophoresis (1 mA, 500 ms) of ACh increased local diameter by 13 +/- 4 microns (P < 0.05); vasodilation was conducted to each of the upstream sites (typical magnitude, 4-6 microns; P < 0.05). Blood flow into branches increased 25-80% above corresponding values at rest without changing Vrbc; thus WSR consistently decreased with dilation (P < 0.05). Microiontophoresis of NP induced similar dilation locally yet had no effect on diameter, blood flow, or WSR in network branches. Thus dilation of a distal arteriole segment alone had no effect on muscle blood flow. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mexican-Origin Early Adolescents’ Ethnic Socialization, Ethnic Identity, and Psychosocial Functioning

This study examined how parental ethnic socialization informed adolescents’ ethnic identity (EI) development and, in turn, youths’ psychosocial functioning (i.e., mental health, social competence, academic efficacy, externalizing behaviors) among 749 Mexican-origin families. In addition, school ethnic composition was examined as a moderator of these associations. Findings indicated that mothers’ and fathers’ ethnic socialization were significant longitudinal predictors of adolescents’ EI, although fathers’ ethnic socialization interacted significantly with youths’ school ethnic composition in fifth grade to influence EI in seventh grade. Furthermore, adolescents’ EI was significantly associated with increased academic self-efficacy and social competence, and decreased depressive symptoms and externalizing behaviors. Findings support theoretical predictions regarding the central role parents play in Mexican-origin adolescents’ normative developmental processes and adjustment and, importantly, underscore the need to consider variability that is introduced into these processes by features of the social context such as school ethnic composition.
Characterization of Functional Neuropeptide Y Receptors in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line

We identified receptors for neuropeptide Y (NPY) on an established human neuroblastoma cell line, SK‐N‐MC, which are functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase through the inhibitory guanine nucleotide‐binding protein of adenylate cyclase, Gi Intact SK‐N‐MC cells bound radiolabeled NPY with a KD of 2 nM and contained ˜83,000 receptors/cell. Unlabeled porcine and human NPY and structurally related porcine peptide YY (PYY) competed with labeled NPY for binding to the receptors. NPY inhibited cyclic AMP accumulation in SK‐N‐MC cells stimulated by isoproterenol, dopamine, vasoactive intestinal peptide, cholera toxin, and forskolin. NPY inhibited isoproterenol‐stimulated cyclic AMP production in a dose‐dependent manner, with half‐maximal inhibition at 0.5 nM NPY. Porcine and human NPY and porcine PYY gave similar dose‐response curves. NPY also inhibited basal and isoproterenol‐stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in disrupted cells. Pertussis toxin treatment of the cells completely blocked the ability of NPY to inhibit cyclic AMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. The toxin catalyzed the ADP‐ribosylation of a 41‐kDa protein in SK‐N‐MC cells that corresponds to Gi. The receptors on SK‐N‐MC cells appeared to be specific for NPY, as other neurotransmitter drugs, such as α‐adrenergic, dopaminergic. muscarinic, and serotonergic antagonists, did not compete for either NPY binding or NPY inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Thus, SK‐N‐MC cells may be a useful model for investigating NPY receptors and NPY‐mediated signal trans‐duction.
Sympathetic Regulation of the Renal Functions in Rats Reciprocally Congenic for Chromosome 1 Blood Pressure Quantitative Trait Locus

The role of the chromosome 1 blood pressure quantitative trait locus (QTL) on the sympathorenal interaction was studied using congenic strains. The two reciprocal congenic strains, WKYpch1.0 and SHRSPwch1.0, were respectively constructed by introgressing the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP)−derived fragment for the QTL into a Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) and vice versa. The role of the sympathetic nervous system in the kidney was evaluated by comparing the renal functions between denervated and sham-operated kidneys under anesthesia. The denervation was performed by stripping the adventitia off and applying 10% phenol to the blood vessels at the left renal hilus. Polyfructosan was continuously injected intravenously to determine the renal plasma flow and the glomerular filtration rate. A reciprocal and significant alteration in the renal norepinephrine (NE) content was observed between WKY and WKYpch1.0 and between SHRSP and SHRSPwch1.0. Concomitantly, the renal vascular resistance differed significantly between the congenic and the background parental strains. By contrast, no significant difference was observed in the fractional excretion of sodium, an index of the tubular function. While the denervation elicited a significant decrease of the renal NE content in all of the four strains studied, the significant effects of the denervation on the renal functions were observed only in SHRSP and WKYpch1.0, both of which harbored the SHRSP-derived QTL fragment. These results indicated that the chromosome 1 blood pressure QTL modulated the renal functions through the sympathetic nerve activity in the kidney.
Cinnamic Acid/Chloroquinoline Conjugates as Potent Agents against Chloroquine‐Resistant Plasmodium falciparum

Cinnamic acid derivatives containing a 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline scaffold (blue) and substituted cinnamoyl building blocks (green) linked through an alkylamine chain (red) were found to have potent (11-59 nM) in vitro activities against erythrocytic chloroquine- resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
Description of Five New Loma (Microsporidia) Species in Pacific Fishes with Redesignation of the Type Species Loma morhua Morrison & Sprague, 1981, Based on Morphological and Molecular Species‐Boundaries Tests

ABSTRACT. Five new species of Loma were described from five Pacific fishes using light‐microscopic and ultrastructural features along with phylogenetic analysis of the gene sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and elongation factor 1‐alpha. Morphological data revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences in developmental stages and timing, vesicles, xenoma features, and spore sizes with statistical support that differentiated Loma pacificodae n. sp. in Pacific cod, Loma wallae n. sp. in walleye pollock, Loma kenti n. sp. in Pacific tomcod, Loma lingcodae n. sp. in lingcod, and Loma richardi n. sp. in sablefish from each other and other species in the genus. Phylogenetic analyses combined with monophyly tests supported species designations, but with low resolution in two cases perhaps due to rRNA paralogs or recent speciation. Loma branchialis in haddock was shown to be separate from Loma morhua in Atlantic cod, thereby making L. morhua, and not L. branchialis, the type species. A species from brook trout was shown to be a separate species from Loma salmonae, not a variant strain selected in the laboratory. By comparison with gadid host phylogeny, these Loma species appear to have coevolved with their hosts, first colonizing the Pacific basin about 12 million years ago.
Induction of Protective Serum Meningococcal Bactericidal and Diphtheria-Neutralizing Antibodies and Mucosal Immunoglobulin A in Volunteers by Nasal Insufflations of the Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Polysaccharide-CRM197 Conjugate Vaccine Mixed with Chitosan

ABSTRACT Thirty-six healthy volunteers received either a single intramuscular injection of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C polysaccharide (MCP)-CRM197 conjugate vaccine in alum or two nasal insufflations 28 days apart of the same vaccine powder, without alum, mixed with chitosan. Nasal immunization was well tolerated, with fewer symptoms reported than after intramuscular injection. The geometric mean concentrations of MCP-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) after one nasal immunization were 3.25 μg/ml in naïve subjects and 14.4 μg/ml in subjects previously immunized parenterally, compared with 4.30 μg/ml in naïve subjects immunized intramuscularly. The geometric mean titer of serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) rose 24-fold after two nasal immunizations in naïve subjects and was comparable to parenteral immunization (1,080 versus 1,625). All subjects achieved SBA titers associated with protection after two nasal immunizations: even those with titers of <8 at entry. A single nasal immunization boosted the SBA titer to ≥128 in 96% of previously immunized subjects, and two immunizations achieved this level in 92% of naive subjects. MCP-specific IgG levels were ∼70% IgG2 and ∼20% IgG1 after nasal or intramuscular immunization. Increases in CRM197-specific IgG and diphtheria toxin-neutralizing activity were observed after nasal or intramuscular immunization, with balanced IgG1/IgG2 and higher IgG4. Significant MCP-specific secretory IgA was detected in nasal wash only after nasal immunization and predominantly on the immunized side. Simple nasal insufflation of existing MCP-CRM197 conjugate vaccines in chitosan offers an inexpensive but effective needle-free prime and boost against serogroup C N. meningitidis and diphtheria.
Effects of polaprezinc on morphological change of the tongue in zinc-deficient rats.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of polaprezinc on morphologic change of the tongue epithelium and on cell cycle regulation of taste bud cells by using zinc-deficient rats, an animal model of taste disturbance. METHODS After 28 days of feeding with zinc-sufficient or -deficient diet, the rats fed a zinc-deficient diet were divided into four groups in which 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg of polaprezinc were administered for 28 days with continuation of diet. Histopathological and morphological examinations of the tongue were carried out. RESULTS Parakeratosis was observed in all rats receiving the zinc-deficient diet and 1 mg/kg polaprezinc but not in rats receiving 3 and 10 mg/kg polaprezinc. The ratio of keratinizing epithelium in the outer and inner circumference were significantly increased from 9.6% and 11.3%, respectively, in zinc-sufficient rats to 36.9% and 32.9%, respectively, in zinc-deficient rats (P<0.001 and <0.01). This increase was reversed to 13.7% and 12.3% in rats that received 3 and 10 mg/kg polaprezinc in the outer circumference, respectively. Same phenomenon was seen in the inner circumference part, 13.0% and 10.8% (P<0.01), respectively. In addition, proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the taste bud were significantly decreased from 75.5% in zinc-sufficient rats to 32.2% in zinc-deficient rats (P<0.001). This decrease was reversed to 70.3%, 83.1% and 81.2% in rats that received 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg polaprezinc, respectively. CONCLUSION Polaprezinc improves parakeratosis and decreases taste bud cell proliferation caused by zinc deficiency. These effects may be involved in mechanisms underlying improvement of taste disorders in animal models.
Quality of Life Improvement after Robotically Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with long rehabilitation periods and slow quality of life (QOL) improvement. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) can be performed using robotic technology and remote access perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TECAB leads to accelerated QOL improvement as compared to standard CABG. Methods: We included 120 patients who had received robotically assisted CABG, 56 of whom were operated on using standard sternotomy. These patients were compared to 55 patients who underwent the TECAB procedure and to 9 TECAB patients who required conversion to conventional sternotomy. QOL evaluation was performed before the operation and 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure using the SF-36 health survey and a standardized questionnaire. Results: All quality of life aspects improved significantly in all study patients. At 3 months, TECAB patients showed significantly better QOL scores related to bodily pain and physical health. Hospital stay and time to restoration of daily activities were significantly shorter. Converted patients experienced similar courses to sternotomy patients in terms of QOL. Conclusions: TECAB using robotic technology leads to improved physical health, shorter hospital stay and a more rapid restoration of daily activities. Conversion from TECAB to sternotomy does not lead to QOL impairment as compared to primary sternotomy.
Metarhizium frigidum sp. nov.: a cryptic species of M. anisopliae and a member of the M. flavoviride complex

The anamorph genus Metarhizium is composed of arthropod pathogens, several with broad geographic and host ranges. Members of the genus, including ‘‘M. anisopliae var. frigidum’’ nomen nudum and Metarhizium flavoviride, have been used as biological insecticides. In a recent revision of the genus the variety ‘‘M. anisopliae var. frigidum’’ was suggested to be a synonym of M. flavoviride based largely on ITS sequence phylogenetic analysis. In this study we conducted morphological evaluations and multigene phylogenetic analyses with EF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2 for strains of M. flavoviride and ‘‘M. anisopliae var. frigidum. ’’ Included in these evaluations were the ex-type of M. flavoviride var. flavoviride and what likely would be considered the ‘‘ex-type’ of the invalidly published taxon ‘‘M. anisopliae var. frigidum’’. Based on morphological and molecular evidence we conclude that ‘‘M. anisopliae var. frigidum’’ is distinct from M. flavoviride and the taxon M. frigidum sp. nov. is described.
Image Diagnosis: Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis.

CASE REPORT A 45-year-old man presented to the Department of Medicine at our institution with 1 year of noninflammatory pain in multiple joints. The pain had begun in both knee joints, followed by low-back ache and neck, wrist, and foot pain. There was no associated fever or swelling of any joint. The patient did not report any history of addiction or illness but did report using fluoridated toothpaste. The patient also lived in a region of India where the problem of fluorosis is endemic. On examination, we found his teeth had brown strains and rough, pitted enamel (Figure 1). There was diffuse tenderness at the cervical spine, the lumbosacral spine, and elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle joints. There was no swelling or restriction of movement in any of these areas. There were no neurologic deficits, and the rest of the physical examination was normal. X-ray scans showed osteosclerosis of the knee (Figure 2), ankle, wrist, pelvis, and vertebral column, and calcification of the sacrotuberous ligament (Figure 3) and the posterior longitudinal ligament (Figure 4). Twenty-four-hour urinary fluoride levels were elevated (18 ppm). The patient was advised to avoid fluoridated water, fluoridated toothpaste, and foods containing fluoride. He was kept under close follow-up and was educated about the potential development of neurologic symptoms and signs.
Proteomics Identification of Desmin as a Potential Oncofetal Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer*

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and has poor prognosis. To identify the oncofetal proteins involved in CRC carcinogenesis, differentially expressed proteins among fetal colorectal tissues, CRC, and the paired tumor-adjacent normal colorectal tissues were investigated by a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF/TOF-based proteomics approach. 42 protein spots were differentially expressed among these tissues, and 22 proteins were identified by MS analysis. Desmin and zinc finger protein 829 were found to be elevated in CRC tissue and fetal colorectal tissue compared with normal colorectal tissue. The elevated expression of desmin in CRC tissue and different developmental stages of fetus colon was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the elevated expression of desmin was correlated with the severity and differentiation of CRC and decreased survival rate of CRC patients. Finally by developing a highly sensitive immunoassay, desmin could be detected in human serum and was significantly elevated in CRC patients compared with healthy volunteers. We propose that desmin be considered a potential oncofetal serum tumor marker for CRC that may have significance in the detection of patients with CRC.
Extensor tendons of the fingers: Arrangement and variations‐ii

One hundred eighty‐one dissected hands were examined to study the pattern of extensor tendons on the dorsum of the hand. Extensor digitorum often had multiple tendons for the middle and ring fingers. Its contribution to the little finger was usually by a bifurcating tendon common with that of the ring finger. The index finger always received a single tendon. Intertendinous connections between the various tendons of the extensor digitorum were variable but were most frequent between ring and middle fingers.
The location of carbonic anhydrase in relation to the blood‐brain barrier at the medullary chemoreceptors of the cat.

1. The role of carbonic anhydrase near the medullary chemoreceptors has been investigated in the cat. Vertebral artery injections have been used to cause abrupt changes in respiration as a result of changes in the activity of medullary chemoreceptors. 2. Injections of 100% CO2‐saline were used to stimulate respiration and of Tris or alkalinized albumin solution to cause a reduction in respiration. 3. The injections gave rapid effects. We studied the effect on these of benzolamide (1‐4 mg/kg i.v.) a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which does not easily cross the blood‐brain barrier and acetazolamide (50 mg/kg i.v.) an inhibitor which crosses the barrier more easily. 4. The effects of Tris were much reduced after benzolamide. Even addition of benzolamide to the injected Tris or albumin was sufficient to reduce their effects. 5. The effects of CO2‐saline were reduced only after acetazolamide i.v. Whereas addition of carbonic anhydrase to injected Tris potentiated the effects on respiration, after acetazolamide this potentiation was much less marked. 6. It is concluded that carbonic anhydrase acts in the region of the medullary chemoreceptors at two sites: (a) outside the blood‐brain barrier, probably at the luminal surface of the capillary endothelium, where it may act on plasma buffers, and (b) inside the barrier, in association with the chemoreceptors, where it may accelerate CO2/pH equilibration.
Estrogen Receptors and Response to Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer

The relationship between receptor status and response to combination chemotherapy was retrospectively analyzed in 50 patients with advanced breast carcinoma, previously untreated with systemic therapy. Overall objective response rate to combination chemotherapy was similar in ER+ cases (14 of 33, 42 %) and in ER– (9 of 17, 53 %). The median duration of response was significantly longer in ER+ cases (48 weeks) than in ER– ones (26 weeks, P = 0.03). Response rate to cytotoxic chemotherapy does not appear to correlate with ER status.