Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep thiopental anesthesia alters steady‐state glucose homeostasis but not the neurochemical profile of rat cortex

Barbiturates are regularly used as an anesthetic for animal experimentation and clinical procedures and are frequently provided with solubilizing compounds, such as ethanol and propylene glycol, which have been reported to affect brain function and, in the case of 1H NMR experiments, originate undesired resonances in spectra affecting the quantification. As an alternative, thiopental can be administrated without any solubilizing agents. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of deep thiopental anesthesia on the neurochemical profile consisting of 19 metabolites and on glucose transport kinetics in vivo in rat cortex compared with α‐chloralose using localized 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thiopental was devoid of effects on the neurochemical profile, except for the elevated glucose at a given plasma glucose level resulting from thiopental‐induced depression of glucose consumption at isoelectrical condition. Over the entire range of plasma glucose levels, steady‐state glucose concentrations were increased on average by 48% ± 8%, implying that an effect of deep thiopental anesthesia on the transport rate relative to cerebral glucose consumption ratio was increased by 47% ± 8% compared with light α‐chloralose‐anesthetized rats. We conclude that the thiopental‐induced isoelectrical condition in rat cortex significantly affected glucose contents by depressing brain metabolism, which remained substantial at isoelectricity. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Backscattering enhancement from a randomly rough surface.

Theoretical evaluation of the angular scattering enhancement around the backscattering direction from a randomly rough surface is studied using the Kirchhoff approach. An analytic formulation of the polarized double-scattered intensity that takes into account the coherence of multiple scattering from the rough surface is used to evaluate quantitatively the scattering enhancement around the backscattering direction from a randomly rough surface.
From star-forming spirals to passive spheroids: integral field spectroscopy of E+A galaxies

We present three-dimensional spectroscopy of 11 E+A galaxies at z= 0.06–0.12. These galaxies were selected for their strong Hδ absorption but weak (or non-existent) [O ii] λ3727 and H emission. This selection suggests that a recent burst of star formation was triggered but subsequently abruptly ended. We probe the spatial and spectral properties of both the young (≲1 Gyr) and old (≳few Gyr) stellar populations. Using the Hδ equivalent widths we estimate that the burst masses must have been at least 10 per cent by mass (Mburst≳ 1010 M⊙), which is also consistent with the star formation history inferred from the broad-band spectral energy distributions. On average the A stars cover ∼33 per cent of the galaxy image, extending over 2–15 kpc2, indicating that the characteristic E+A signature is a property of the galaxy as a whole and not due to a heterogeneous mixture of populations. In approximately half of the sample, we find that the A stars, nebular emission and continuum emission are not co-located, suggesting that the newest stars are forming in a different place than those that formed ≲1 Gyr ago, and that recent star formation has occurred in regions distinct from the oldest stellar populations. At least 10 of the galaxies (91 per cent) have dynamics that class them as ‘fast rotators’ with magnitudes, v/σ, λR and bulge-to-total (B/T) ratio comparable to local, representative ellipticals and S0s. We also find a correlation between the spatial extent of the A stars and the dynamical state of the galaxy such that the fastest rotators tend to have the most compact A star populations, providing new constraints on models that aim to explain the transformation of later type galaxies into early types. Finally, we show that there are no obvious differences between the line extents and kinematics of E+A galaxies detected in the radio (active galactic nucleus, AGN) compared to non-radio sources, suggesting that AGN feedback does not play a dramatic role in defining their properties, and/or that its effects are short.
Variation of Range of Joint Motion in Bengalee (Indian) Healthy Adult Subjects

Abstract The present investigation was made to find out the effect of age and sex on Range of Motion (ROM) and gradation of ROM among healthy adults. A total number of 353 subjects (180 male and 173 female) having the age range of 19-60 years were selected at random from Bengali population of different districts of West Bengal for the study. The subjects were further classified into age and sex groups. A digital goniometer was used for the study. The results showed that there was no significant difference of ROM between right and left side of the body of both sexes’ subjects. There was a significant difference of ROM among different age groups (p<0.05, p<0.001). In most of the body joint angles, a gradual decrease of ROM was observed with advancement of the age. According to the computed norms for each ROM, most of the subjects belonged to “C” grade (that is,‘average’) for both sexes. It can be concluded that gender wise difference in ROM may be attributed to the difference in activity level. Age related decrement of ROM may be related to the reduced flexibility of the body in older age and may be a helpful guide for designing different workstations.
When should we measure Vitamin D concentration in clinical practice?

Abstract The many recently published data on vitamin D have raised much interest in the medical community. One of the consequences has been a great increase in the prescription of vitamin D concentration measurements in clinical practice. It must be reminded that only the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is indicated to evaluate vitamin D status. Furthermore, since vitamin D insufficiency is so common, since treatment is inexpensive and has a large safety margin, and since we already have much data suggesting that besides its classic effects on bone and mineral metabolism, vitamin D may potentially be helpful for the prevention/management of several diseases, perhaps should it be prescribed to everyone without prior testing? In our opinion, there are however groups of patients in whom estimation of vitamin D status is legitimate and may be recommended. This includes patients in whom a “reasonably” evidence-based target concentration (i.e., based on randomized clinical trials when possible) should be achieved and/or maintained such as patients with rickets/osteomalacia, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients, malabsorption, primary hyperparathyroidism, granulomatous disease, and those receiving treatments potentially inducing bone loss. Other patients in whom vitamin D concentration may be measured are those with symptoms compatible with a severe vitamin D deficiency or excess persisting without explanation such as those with diffuse pain, or elderly individuals who fall, or those receiving treatments which modify vitamin D metabolism such as some anti-convulsants. Measurement of Vitamin D concentrations should also be part of any exploration of calcium/phosphorus metabolism which includes measurement of serum calcium, phosphate and PTH.
Mind and Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo-Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False. By Thomas Nagel. Oxford University Press, 2012, pp. 130, £15.99. ISBN-10: 0199919755

does not believe in it. For example, among the other economic inanities that litter the book, he claims that producers will ‘respond to the appropriation or threat of appropriation by producing more’ (115). More importantly, Sterba gives such worldly concerns little weight next to the moral imperatives conjured up by his non-sequiturs. He brushes away the fact he would ‘impose a significant sacrifice on existing generations’ by observing that, ‘nevertheless, these demands do follow from the libertarian-based right to welfare’ (130). Sterba begins From Rationality to Equality by lamenting the fact that ‘in today’s society academic philosophers have very little impact on moral and political decision making’ (1). Over the following 200 pages he gives us reason to celebrate this fact.
Opsporen van sneller naar beter; modelling through

Rede, in verkorte vorm uitgesproken bij de aanvaarding van het ambt van bijzonder hoogleraar aan de Faculteit der Bedrijfskunde, vanwege de Vereniging Trustfonds Erasmus Universiteit, met als leeropdracht Bedrijfskunde, in het bijzonder de Kwantitatieve Analyse van Logistieke Netwerken
Electronic Supplementary Information for Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells based on TiO 2 Nanotube Membranes using Optimized Annealing Profile

1 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Shiraz, Shiraz 71454, Iran 2 Department of Material Science and Engineering, WW4-LKO, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Martensstrasse 7, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany 3 Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Egerlandstrasse 3, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany 4 Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Phenotypic Characterization of Vibrio Species: Application of Indigenous Phages for Biological Control of Vibrio in Aquaculture Live Feeds

They naturally found in coastal, estuarine and marine environment world wide (Letchumanan et al., 2014; Raghunath, 2014). Vibrionaceae have primarily been investigated due to their pathogenic potential to humans and aquatic animals and can be transmitted to humans via infected water or through fecal transmission. Several species of Vibrio have been implicated with disease in fishes (Elhadi et al., 2004; Ran and Su, 2006; Su and Liu, 2007) and shrimp causing high mortality and serious loss in prawn hatcheries (Ruangpan and Kitao, 1991). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 6 (2017) pp. 2760-2778 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
AUV online mission replanning for gap filling and target inspection

In most of the current operational autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), a survey mission is generally composed of two main stages. The first one conducts an exhaustive coverage over an area of interest, while gathering data of the sea bottom. Then, and after processing the collected data, a second mission is programmed to obtain more detailed information of potential targets, and to cover the gaps that resulted from the first exploration. However, this two-survey strategy can be inefficient, since it requires establishing a communication link between the AUV and its operator for retrieving the data and reprogramming the second mission. To cope with this situation, we present a mission planner that endows an AUV with the capability of extending its missions online. With our approach, the vehicle is also required to conduct an initial and predefined survey of an area of interest, but it processes the gathered data onboard to plan 3D feasible paths to complement the initial exploration. To validate our approach, we present real-world results with the AsterX AUV.
Can general practitioners use training in relaxation and management of stress to reduce mild hypertension?

To see whether general practitioners could effectively carry out training in relaxation and management of stress to reduce mild hypertension a study was carried out with a subsample of phase 2 of the Medical Research Council's treatment of mild hypertension trial.1 In the main mild hypertension trial patients had been receiving either an active drug or placebo for six years. In phase 2 a subsample of these patients were randomly allocated either to continue or to stop receiving the active drug or placebo. In a further subsample patients were again randomised to receive or not to receive relaxation therapy. This factorial design presented an additional opportunity to assess whether patients controlled with active drugs might have their blood pressure maintained by this behavioural therapy once drug treatment was stopped and to assess whether blood pressure might be further reduced by this therapy in patients who had been under regular medical supervision for as long as six years and who had already received non-pharmacological advice. The therapy was conducted by general practitioners in group sessions once a week for eight weeks. The training in relaxation was accompanied by galvanic skin resistance biofeedback. At one year follow up blood pressure in the relaxation subgroups was either maintained (in the group who had stopped receiving drugs) or reduced further (in the group who had continued receiving drugs and in both placebo groups), while in the control group it had increased in all the subgroups, but particularly in those who had stopped receiving drugs. Differences in changes in blood pressure between the relaxation and control groups were significant. There were five new cardiovascular events, including evidence of myocardial ischaemia in blindly coded electrocardiograms in the control group, compared with one in the treatment group. General practitioners, if motivated, can successfully apply this technique of training those with mild hypertension in relaxation and management of stress.
Habitual Physical Activity Levels Are Associated with Biomechanical Walking Economy in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Maltais DB, Pierrynowski MR, Galea VA, Matsuzaka A, Bar-Or O: Habitual physical activity levels are associated with biomechanical walking economy in children with cerebral palsy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2005;84:36–45. Objective:To evaluate in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy the relationship between habitual physical activity and biomechanical treadmill walking economy and whether treadmill belt speed or walking time affect economy. Design:Physical activity was measured in 11 subjects (10.6–16.3 yrs) with mild cerebral palsy using a triaxial accelerometer. To determine biomechanical walking economy, subjects’ stride lengths and vertical sacral excursions were measured during each minute of three 3-min walks on a treadmill (at 60%, 75%, and 90% of individually determined fastest treadmill walking speed). Results:Biomechanical walking economy at 60%, 75%, and 90% of (their) fastest speed each explained about half of the intersubject variance in daily physical activity (movement counts). A similar relationship was found between these biomechanical walking economy variables and movement counts at or above the 80th and 90th percentile (total minutes per day, number of 5-min bouts per day). Walking economy was 23.9% higher when subjects walked at 90% than when they walked at 60% of their fastest walking speed. No other speed-related effects on economy were found, nor did time affect economy. Conclusions:Within this population, those with high biomechanical treadmill walking economy are the more habitually physically active. Treadmill belt speed, but not walking time, affects biomechanical walking economy.
Circulating Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-Selectin in Dependence on Aging

Background: Elevated levels of circulating cell adhesion molecules (cCAMs) such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin) are found in subjects with vascular diseases and in subjects with several risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, data evaluating cCAMs and biological age are limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess in subjects with different cardiovascular risk profiles the levels of cVCAM-1, cICAM-1, and cE-selectin in dependence on age. Methods: The following groups of subjects were included in the study: 282 apparently healthy subjects of the average population aged 18–89 years, 77 vegetarians who are characterized by a favourable global cardiovascular risk profile, 94 patients with coronary heart disease, and 181 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast for measurement of cCAMs, lipoproteins, and other clinical/biochemical parameters. The cCAM levels were determined by the use of monoclonal antibody based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Amongst the cCAMs, cVCAM-1 is uniquely elevated in elderly persons with different risks for atherosclerosis, including subjects of the average population, vegetarians with a favourable risk profile, and patients with both coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. With respect to cICAM-1, an age-dependent elevation was found in the control subjects included in the study. The cE-selectin levels were not correlated with age. Moreover, no associations of cCAMs with serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were found. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that cVCAM-1 is an age-dependent parameter independent of cardiovascular risk.
The differential response of the adrenal cortex and medulla to bacterial endotoxin.

The administration of bacterial endotoxin to an animal results in a characteristic series of events, including hypotension, hyperglycemia, changes in the white cells and, at high dosage levels, death (1). The mechanism by which endotoxin produces these effects has not been defined and search for a common mode of action has not yet been fruitful. However, it has been noted on several occasions that there are many similarities between the systemic effects of endotoxin and epinephrine. It has therefore been speculated that some, if not most, of the effects of endotoxin are due to a liberation of epinephrine resulting from endotoxin stimulation of the adrenal medulla. Since there is little evidence available to prove or disprove this concept, the present studies were set up to determine the effect of bacterial endotoxin on adrenal medullary function. It was thought desirable to use a technique whereby samples of adrenal venous blood could be obtained and analyzed for catechol amines noting the response to various dosages of endotoxin. This would provide a more direct measurement of adrenal medullary function than the determination of peripheral blood levels of the medullary hormones. In addition to determining the adrenal venous output per minute of catechol amines, measurements of the output of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were made in order to contrast adrenal cortical and medullary responses. Similar experiments were performed in animals with spinal cord transections to provide information concerning the pathways by which adrenal cortical and medullary activation took place.
Analysis of EEG dynamics in epileptic children during carbamazepine therapy

Abstract Background: The analysis of the dynamics of background EEG characteristics on the different stages of CBZtherapy is very important for revealing the possible early predictors of benefit/adverse effects of the treatment and optimizing the anti-epileptic therapy. Objective: Evaluate the carbamazepine (CBZ) effect on the dynamics of EEG pattern in epileptic children at different stages of CBZ-monotherapy. Methods: Forty-five children (aged 3-9) with partial epilepsy were investigated. The EEG was recorded at rest and during functional tests prior to CBZ administration and three and six months after the initiation of CBZtherapy. Epileptiform graphoelements and baseline EEG activities were analyzed. Results: Following three months of CBZ-therapy an absolute power value in the low frequency bands of EEG spectrum increased while an average frequency of alpha waves decreased. During rest, CBZ reduced density of spontaneous epileptiform graphoelements and generalized epileptiform bursts. Generalized paroxysmal bursts decreased under functional tests. The EEG pattern maintained the same characteristics for six months. Deterioration of EEG pattern and clinical signs was observed in four children. Conclusion: Elevation of indices of low frequency bands, especially in occipital and parietal regions, concomitant with reduction of epileptiform elements and seizure frequency three months after initiation of therapy suggests that CBZ in appropriate doses might be continued. Otherwise, the strategy of antiepileptic therapy should be revised.
The efficacy and duration of treatment with propranolol in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome in southern Iran

Introduction Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a functional disorder characterised by repeated episodes of nausea and vomiting with symptom-free intervals between the attacks. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a migraine equivalent; therefore, anti-migraine medications are effective for cyclic vomiting syndrome prophylaxis, but duration of treatment is not clear. Aim To determine the efficacy and duration of drug therapy in cyclic vomiting syndrome. Material and methods This study was conducted on 206 cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome, who were treated with propranolol as prophylaxis. After they were symptom-free for at least 9 months, propranolol was tapered and discontinued and then they were followed for at least 6 months after drug withdrawal for evaluation of recurrence. Results The study subjects included 127 boys and 79 girls. The mean age of symptom onset was 3.4 years (range: 3 months to 14.5 years) and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 5.7 years (range: 8.4 months to 18 years). Among the 206 patients in whom propranolol was discontinued, only 16 (7.8%) subjects developed recurrence of symptoms in the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusions There is no need to continue prophylaxis of cyclic vomiting syndrome for a long time. It is also possible to make the duration of drug therapy shorter, which is useful for the convenience of the patients and prevention of drug side effects.
Seasonal Variations in Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Concentrations and C:N:P Stoichiometry in the Leaves of Differently Aged Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. Plantations

The concentrations and stoichiometry of certain elements (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) are critical to the maintenance of plant functional and environmental adaptation during plant growth. We explore how the concentrations of C, N and P and the ratios of C:N, C:P, and N:P in the leaves of differently aged Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. plantations changed with growing season and stand age from 2012 to 2015 in the Qinling Mountains, China. The results showed that the element concentration and stoichiometric ratios in leaves were significantly affected by sampling month, stand age and sampling year; and multiple correlations with stand age were observed in different growing seasons. Compared to global element concentrations and stoichiometry in plants, the leaves of larch stands in the study region had higher C and P concentrations and C:N and C:P ratios but lower N concentrations and N:P ratios than global levels. The leaf N:P ratios of all of the larch stands were generally less than 14, suggesting that the growth of larch stands was limited by N in the study region. Our study facilitates the management and restoration of forest plantation and provides a valuable contribution to the global pool of leaf nutrition and stoichiometry data.