Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aggressive Motivation in the Midas Cichlid: Evidence for Behavioral Efference

Behavioral Efference is a hypothetical positive feedback from the performance of an aggressive display that augments the level of aggressive motivation. The hypothesis was proposed (BOND, 1989) to account for the occurrence of truthful communication during aggressive encounters, even in the face of a presumed selective pressure in favor of deceit (MAYNARD SMITH, 1984). Evidence of Behavioral Efference was sought in an experimental study of adult Midas cichlids Cichlasoma citrinellum, in which subjects responded aggressively to varying sizes of dummy fish. Before and after each aggression trial, the level of aggressive motivation was estimated from the intensity of the subject's attacks on conspecific juveniles. A weighted index of aggressiveness that objectively combined the frequencies of four aggressive action patterns was obtained using detrended correspondence analysis. Aggression indices from aggression trials, as well as from intertrial intervals, furnished a basis for comparison of two causal models: behavioral efference, which assumes that post-stimulus motivation is substantially influenced by display performance, and Direct Stimulus Mediation, which assumes that the displays themselves play no immediate causal role. When the subjects actively displayed to the stimulus dummy, the results showed no significant correlation between the size of the dummy and the magnitude of the motivational effect. However, a significant relationship was demonstrated between the level of aggressive display and subsequent increases in aggressive motivation, in precise accord with the Behavioral Efference model. Direct Stimulus Mediation was evident only in trials in which the subject displayed no overt aggression toward the stimulus object. An account of the functional significance of Behavioral Efference is provided, suggesting that the feedback serves to regulate the intensity of aggressive interactions by preparing the displaying individual for active combat.
Efficient parallel algorithms for testing connectivity and finding disjoint s-t paths in graphs

An efficient parallel algorithm for testing whether a graph G is K-vertex connected, for any fixed k, is presented. The algorithm runs in O(log n) time and uses nC(n,m) processors on a concurrent-read, concurrent-write parallel random-access machine (CRCW PRAM), where n and m are the number of vertices and edges of G and C(n,m) is the number of processors required to compute the connected components of G in logarithmic time. An optimal speedup algorithm for computing connected components would induce an optimal speedup algorithm for testing k-vertex connectivity, for any k>4. To develop the algorithm, an efficient parallel algorithm is designed for the following disjoint s-t paths problem: Given a graph G and two specified vertices s and t, find k-vertex disjoint paths between s and t, if they exist. If no such paths exist, find a set of at most k-1 vertices whose removal disconnects s and t. The parallel algorithm for this problem runs in O(log n) time using C(n,m) processors. It is shown how to modify the algorithm to find k-edge disjoint paths, if they exist. This yields an efficient parallel algorithm for testing whether a graph G is k-edge connected, for any fixed k. The algorithm runs in O(log n) time and uses nC (n,n) processors on a CRCW PRAM. Again, an optimal speedup algorithm for computing connected components would induce an optimal speedup algorithm for testing k-edge connectivity. <<ETX>>
Role of melatonin in health and disease

Pineal function and its main hormonal product melatonin has often been ignored by many clinicians. In this review, the evidence pointing towards an undeniable role of melatonin in certain clinical instances will be presented and discussed. In the last 3 decades tremendous advances in the understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of the pineal gland have occurred. It is now evident that the pineal interacts with many endocrine as well as non-endocrine tissues to influence their metabolic activity. The most extensively studied pineal effect on the neuroendocrinereproductive axis is by no means the only or necessarily the most important role of this gland, which through its hormone, melatonin, is able to modulate many organs and functions.
Changes in Respiratory Dead Space During Halothane, Cyclopropane, and Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia

The influence of halothane, cyclopropane and nitrous oxide anesthesia on respiratory dead space has been measured in 18 surgical patients. Dead space was found to increase progressively in each patient, with the anatomical dead space remaining relatively unchanged. The progressive increase was in alveolar dead space. Similar measurements in 5 normal awake volunteers failed to reveal appreciable changes. Arterial oxygen tensions did not fall in spite of rhythmical mechanical ventilation.
The Effect of High vs. Low Carbohydrate Diets on Distances Covered in Soccer

Abstract Souglis, AG, Chryssanthopoulos, CI, Travlos, AK, Zorzou, AE, Gissis, IT, Papadopoulos, CN, and Sotiropoulos, AA. The effect of high vs. low carbohydrate diets on distances covered in soccer. J Strength Cond Res 27(8): 2235–2247, 2013—The purpose of this study was to compare the distances covered during a 11-a-side soccer match after players had consumed either a high carbohydrate (CHO) or a low CHO diet. Twenty-two male professional soccer players formed 2 teams (A and B), of similar age, body characteristics, and training experience. The 2 teams played against each other twice with a week interval between. For 3.5 days before the first match, the players of team A followed a high CHO diet that provided 8 g CHO per kg body mass (BM) (HC), whereas team B players followed a low CHO diet that provided 3 g CHO per kg BM (LC) for the same time period. Before the second match the dietary treatment was reversed and followed for the same time period. Training during the study was controlled, and distances covered were measured using global positioning system technology. Every player covered a greater total distance in HC compared with the distance covered in LC (HC: 9,380 ± 98 m vs. LC: 8,077 ± 109 m; p < 0.01). All distances covered from easy jogging (7.15 km·h−1) to sprinting (24.15 km·h−1) were also higher in HC compared with LC (p < 0.01). When players followed the HC treatment, they won the match (team A vs. team B: 3-1 for the first game and 1-2 for the second game). The HC diet probably helped players to cover a greater distance compared with LC. Soccer players should avoid eating a low (3 g CHO per kg BM) CHO diet 3–4 days before an important soccer match and have a high CHO intake that provides at least 8 g CHO per kg BM.
Difference of p53AIP1 mRNA Expression in Gastric Mucosa Between Patients With Gastric Cancer and Chronic Gastritis Infected With Helicobacter pylori

Goals To examine the significance of alteration of p53-regulated apoptosis-induced protein 1 (p53AIP1) expression in gastric carcinogenesis in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Background H. pylori infection induces gastric mucosal inflammation and DNA damage of epithelial cells, which associate with gastric carcinogenesis. p53AIP1 is expressed after DNA damage and induces apoptosis in human cell lines. Study Endoscopic antral and corpus biopsies were obtained from 13 patients with chronic gastritis and 17 with gastric cancer. Expression of p53AIP1 and p53DINP1 mRNA was examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and mutation of p53 codon-46 was studied by direct sequence analysis. The grade of gastritis was assessed according to the updated Sydney System. Results were compared between patients with gastric cancer and chronic gastritis. Results In the antrum, p53AIP1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with gastric cancer than in those with chronic gastritis (P<0.05). In patients with chronic gastritis, expression of p53AIP1 mRNA was significantly higher in the antrum than in the corpus (P<0.05). In patients with chronic gastritis, antral mucosa with high p53AIP1 expression tended to have severe intestinal metaplasia. No mutation was found at p53 codon-46. Conclusions In H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa expression of p53AIP1 would be higher when the inflammation is severe or intestinal metaplasia is present. Insufficient expression of p53AIP1 may play a role in gastric carcinogenesis in patients infected with H. pylori infection.
Fast Pairing of Device-to-Device Link Underlay for Spectrum Sharing With Cellular Users

Device-to-device (D2D) communications has attracted substantial research attention recently owing to its simplicity and its potential to improve spectrum and energy efficiency within the existing cellular infrastructure. This work presents a low complexity method for matching D2D links with cellular user equipments (CUEs) to form partners for spectrum sharing. The overall objective is to maximize well defined performance metrics of all D2D links and CUEs after successful pairing under power and QoS constraints. We begin by identifying a set of D2D link candidates for each CUE uplink for a requisite SINR level to reduce the number of potential pairing searches. More importantly, we present a simple pairing algorithm to reduce the computational cost well below the well known Hungarian (Kuhn-Munkres) algorithm used in the literature for the pairing problem. Our new algorithm exhibits low complexity and is effective in improving the sum rate of all spectrum sharing CUEs and D2D links with modest performance loss.
Long-term efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as add-on to metformin treatment in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Drug intensification is often required for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on stable metformin therapy. Among the potential candidates for a combination therapy, sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown promising outcomes. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors with non-SGLT2 combinations as add-on treatment to metformin. Methods: Literature search was carried out in multiple electronic databases for the acquisition of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by following a priori eligibility criteria. After the assessment of quality of the included RCTs, meta-analyses of mean differences or odds ratios (OR) were performed to achieve overall effect sizes of the changes from baseline in selected efficacy and safety endpoints reported in the individual studies. Between-studies heterogeneity was estimated with between-studies statistical heterogeneity (I2) index. Results: Six RCTs fulfilled the eligibility criteria. SGLT2 inhibitors as add-on to metformin treatment reduced % HbA1c significantly more than non-SGLT2 combinations after 52 weeks (P = .002) as well as after 104 weeks (P < .00001). Among other endpoints, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduced fasting plasma glucose levels, body weight, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures after 52 weeks and 104 weeks significantly (P < .00001) more than non-SGLT2 combinations. Incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower (P = .02) but incidence of suspected or confirmed genital tract infections was significantly higher (P < .00001) in SGLT2 inhibitors treated in comparison with non-SGLT2 combinations. Conclusion: As add-on to metformin treatment, SGLT2 inhibitors are found significantly more efficacious than non-SGLT2 inhibitor combinations in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, although, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy is associated with significantly higher incidence of suspected or confirmed genital tract infections.
Pedagogy for Teaching and Learning Cooperatively on the Web: AWeb-Based Pharmacology Course

The Internet is becoming a preferred place to find information. Millions of people go online in the search of health and medical information. Likewise, the demand for Web-based courses grows. This article presents the development, utilization and evaluation of a web-based pharmacology course for nursing students. The course was developed based on 150 commonly used drugs. There were 110 year 1 nursing students took part in the course. After attending six hours face to face lecture of pharmacology over three weeks, students were invited to complete a questionnaire (pre-test) about learning pharmacology. The course materials were then uploaded to a WebCT for student's self-directed learning and attempts to pass two scheduled online quizzes. At the end of the semester, students were given the same questionnaire (post-test). There were a significant increase in the understanding compared with memorizing the subject content, the development of problem solving ability in learning pharmacology and becoming an independent learner (p ,0.05). Online quizzes yielded satisfactory results. In the focused group interview, students appreciated the time flexibility and convenience associated with web-based learning, also, they had made good suggestions in enhancing web-based learning. Web-based approach is promising for teaching and learning pharmacology for nurses and other health-care professionals.
The complete mitogenome of the Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii (Mitchell, 1838) (Teleostei: Percichthyidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the iconic Australian freshwater fish, the Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii, was recovered from partial genome sequencing data using the HiSeq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA). The mitogenome consists of 16,442 bp (58% A + T content) containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a 768 bp non-coding AT-rich region. This is the first mitogenome sequence for the genus Maccullochella, and the fourth for the family Percichthyidae.
Surface Soil Moisture Temporal Persistence and Stability in a Semi-Arid Watershed

Satellite soil moisture products, such as those derived from the advanced microwave scanning radiometer - EOS (AMSR-E), require calibration and validation in diverse landscape and land cover conditions. Semi-arid regions present a particular challenge because of the high spatial variability and temporal change in surface moisture conditions. This study will address this problem by using data from a soil moisture observing network in semi-arid watershed and temporal stability (persistence) analysis to quantify its' ability to represent the larger (satellite) scale soil moisture average. The watershed utilized, the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW), has a dense soil moisture sensor network (SMSN) of 19 soil moisture sensors installed at 5 cm depth, distributed over a 150 km2 study region. A study period of 3.5 years was available for this study. In conjunction with this monitoring network, intensive gravimetric soil moisture sampling was conducted as part of the Soil Moisture Experiment in 2004 SMEX04 to the calibrate the network for large-scale. Temporal stability analysis considers how each individual sensor relates to the overall average of the watershed. Stable sensors (and collectively stable networks) are useful for the long-term study of satellite remote sensing products because of their proven reliability and accuracy. The results demonstrate that the WGEW SMSN is an accurate and stable estimator of the watershed average. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the network to the average from the high density SMEX04 sampling is less than 0.01 m3/m3. Future studies should focus specifically on how best to obtain more reliable satellite soil moisture estimates using this soil moisture network.
Reproducibility of the 14C urea breath test repeated after 1 week.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the numerical and categorical reproducibility of the 14C urea breath test in a routine clinical setting. BACKGROUND The 14C urea breath test is used for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and is regarded by some centers as the gold standard. METHODS In 140 referrals, duplicate tests were performed 1 wk apart. Eighteen patients were excluded because they had taken antibiotics or had changed medication that could influence the gastric urease activity between the tests. RESULTS The limits of agreement between the repeated tests were 45-234%. Hence, the numerical result of a repeated test was 95% likely to differ from the first with a factor of approximately two or less. However, when patients were classified as "positive" or "negative" according to our previously determined cut-off limit, only three patients were discordantly classified by the two tests. The observed agreement between the tests was 98%, and the chance-corrected proportional agreement (kappa) was 95%, which is far better than that reported for the histological diagnosis of gastric H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION The diagnostic reproducibility of the urea breath test was very good.
Assessing the utility of cancer‐registry–processed cause of death in calculating cancer‐specific survival

Cancer registries use algorithms to process cause of death (COD) data from death certificates, but uncertainties remain regarding the accuracy and utility of those data in calculating cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Because it is impractical to reconfirm the COD through meticulous review of the primary medical records, the observed cancer deaths could be compared with the number of attributed deaths, as estimated by using a relative survival (RS) approach, to determine utility in CSS estimation.
Adenosine preconditioning of human myocardium is dependent upon the ATP-sensitive K+ channel.

Evidence supports the involvement of adenosine receptor stimulation and activation of K(ATP) channels in ischemic preconditioning of human myocardium. It is unknown, however, whether protection mediated by adenosine receptors is dependent upon the K(ATP) channel in the human heart. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adenosine-mediated protection against a simulated ischemia-reperfusion injury in human myocardium is dependent upon K(ATP) channels. Isolated human right atrial trabeculae were placed in tissue baths at 37 degrees C, oxygenated with a modified Tyrode solution, and field stimulated at 1 Hz. Trabeculae were subjected to 45 min of normothermic simulated ischemia (hypoxic, substrate-free buffer with pacing at 3 Hz.) and 60 min of reperfusion (I/R trabeculae). Trabeculae were preconditioned with simulated ischemia (IPC trabeculae) or adenosine receptor stimulation (adenosine, 125 micromol/l) for 5 min (ADO trabeculae) prior to simulated ischemic-reperfusion injury. Inhibition of the K(ATP) channel with glibenclamide (10 micromol/l) was combined with adenosine pretreatment (ADO+GLI trabeculae) or alone (GLI trabeculae) prior to simulated ischemic-reperfusion injury. Developed force (DF) at end reperfusion (mean+/-S.E.) was compared to baseline developed force, and tissue creatine kinase (CK) activity at end reperfusion was measured. I/R trabeculae showed 27+/-2% of baseline DF, whereas IPC trabeculae or ADO trabeculae showed 50+/-4% and 43+/-3% of baseline DF, respectively. ADO+GLI trabeculae showed 25+/-2% and GLI trabeculae showed 23+/-4% of baseline DF. Tissue CK activity was enhanced in the IPC and ADO trabeculae (433+/-63 U/g wet myocardium, and 415+/-28 U/g wet myocardium, respectively). I/R trabeculae had 196+/-26 U/g wet myocardium and ADO+GLI trabeculae had 277+/-38 U/g wet myocardium at end reperfusion. The results suggest that ischemic preconditioning and adenosine receptor stimulation confer functional protection against simulated ischemic-reperfusion, and adenosine mediated protection is eliminated by K(ATP) channel inhibition in human myocardium.
A comparison of the associations between risk factors and cardiovascular disease in Asia and Australasia

Background Cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death in many Asian populations. Relationships between vascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease may differ in Asian and western populations. Previously, a lack of prospective data has prevented the reliable quantification of such differences, which, if they were shown to exist, would suggest that novel cardiovascular prevention and treatment strategies are required for Asia. Design An individual participant data meta-analysis of 32 studies from the Asia-Pacific region involving 331 100 subjects (75% from Asia; 25% from the predominantly Caucasian populations of Australia and New Zealand). Methods Outcomes were death from coronary heart disease, ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Hazard ratios were estimated from Cox models for systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index, diabetes and current cigarette smoking, stratified by study and sex and adjusted for age, the other risk factors and regression dilution. Results After an average period of follow-up of 4 years there were 2082 deaths from coronary heart disease, 600 from haemorrhagic stroke and 420 from ischaemic stroke. The direction and strength of the associations between risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes were similar in the two regions, although in two cases there were significant differences. Triglycerides were more strongly associated with coronary heart disease in Australia and New Zealand (P = 0.03), whereas SBP showed a stronger relationship with haemorrhagic stroke in Asia (P = 0.04). Conclusions Classical vascular risk factors act similarly in Asian and Caucasian populations; prevention and treatment strategies should thus be similar. Blood pressure reduction should be particularly effective in Asia.
Oxidative stress accelerates spontaneous apoptosis of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes.

PURPOSE B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of small immature B lymphocytes which do not undergo apoptosis due to an underlying defect. One potential mechanism of defective apoptosis could be irregular oxidative stress. The goal of our investigation was to determine in vitro production of oxidative stress markers by lymphocytes of B-CLL patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS 30 untreated stage A B-CLL patients, as well as 20 stage B and C patients and 30 healthy volunteers as a control group were examined. Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by spectrophotometry in supernatants of lymphocytes cultures of all 3 investigational groups. The method applied for detecting apoptosis was fluorescence microscopic analysis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining. RESULTS In vitro lymphocyte production of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and MDA was increased in B-CLL patients, while there were no statistical significantly differences of NO production among the tested groups. Compared with the spontaneous apoptosis observed in control subjects lymphocytes, B-CLL lymphocytes showed increased percentages of apoptotic cells after incubation for 24 h. Disease progression was not followed with significant differences in spontaneous apoptosis of B-CLL lymphocytes. CONCLUSION This intensive oxidative stress markers production in cultures of B-CLL lymphocytes could be one of the potential mechanisms in the pathogenesis of abnormal apoptosis.