Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of bradykinin receptors in the renal effects of inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme and endopeptidases 24.11 and 24.15 in conscious rabbits

1 We tested the effects on systemic haemodynamics and renal function, of inhibition of endopeptidase (EP) 24.15 (E.C. 3.4.24.15), in conscious uninephrectomized rabbits in which the activities of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, E.C. 3.4.15.1) and neutral endopeptidase (EP 24.11, E.C. 3.4.24.11) were already inhibited. To test the role of bradykinin B2‐receptors in mediating the effects following inhibition of these enzymes, the antagonist Hoe 140 was used. 2 Hoe 140 (0.1 mg kg−1, i.v.) did not affect resting mean arterial pressure or heart rate, but antagonized the depressor effect of right atrial administration of bradykinin. The dose‐response curve for bradykinin was shifted more than 1000 fold to the right for more than 4 h. Hoe 140 approximately doubled resting urine flow and increased fractional Na+ excretion from 4.2 to 6.0%; consistent with the hypothesis that it exerts a partial agonist effect on the kidney. 3 Combined inhibition of ACE (captopril; 0.25 mg kg−1 plus 0.2 mg kg−1h−1) and EP 24.11 (SCH 39370; 3 mg kg−1 plus 3 mg kg−1h−1) was followed by a sustained reduction in arterial pressure (−6 ± 2 mmHg) and increase in heart rate (35 ± 7 beats min−1). There was a small increase in renal blood flow (by 6.5 ± 3.2% relative to vehicle‐treatment) without a change in glomerular filtration rate, and about a 150% increase in Na+ excretion. Hoe 140 (0.1 mg kg−1, i.v.) pretreatment did not influence the renal effects of captopril and SCH 39370, although it did appear to blunt their hypotensive and tachycardic effects. 4 When EP 24.15 was inhibited with N‐[1‐(R,S)‐carboxy‐3‐phenylpropyl]‐Ala‐Ala‐Tyr‐p‐aminobenzoate (cFP‐AAY‐pAB; 5 mg kg−1 plus 3 mg kg−1h−1, i.v.) in rabbits pretreated with captopril and SCH 39370, no changes in systemic haemodynamics or renal function were observed. 5 We concluded that in conscious uninephrectomized rabbits, EP 24.15 does not play a major role in modulating renal function, at least under conditions where ACE and EP 24.11 are already inhibited. In contrast, ACE and/or EP 24.11 do modulate renal function in this model, but their influences are mediated chiefly through metabolism of peptides other than bradykinin.
High Photocurrent in Gated Graphene–Silicon Hybrid Photodiodes

Graphene/silicon (G/Si) heterojunction based devices have been demonstrated as high responsivity photodetectors that are potentially compatible with semiconductor technology. Such G/Si Schottky junction diodes are typically in parallel with gated G/silicon dioxide (SiO2)/Si areas, where the graphene is contacted. Here, we utilize scanning photocurrent measurements to investigate the spatial distribution and explain the physical origin of photocurrent generation in these devices. We observe distinctly higher photocurrents underneath the isolating region of graphene on SiO2 adjacent to the Schottky junction of G/Si. A certain threshold voltage (VT) is required before this can be observed, and its origins are similar to that of the threshold voltage in metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors. A physical model serves to explain the large photocurrents underneath SiO2 by the formation of an inversion layer in Si. Our findings contribute to a basic understanding of graphene/semiconductor hybrid devices which, in turn, can help in designing efficient optoelectronic devices and systems based on such 2D/3D heterojunctions.
Hysterosalpingographic findings in patients with infertility in South eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is still an integral part of gynecological evaluation of infertile couple and its value has not been underestimated in modern gynecological practice, especially in developing countries. The study aims to evaluate the findings at HSG in patients presenting with infertility at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria. METHODOLOGY A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive HSG results of patients presenting with infertility was done between January 2005-April 2008. Their clinical records and radiological findings were analyzed for demographic data, and cervical, uterine and tubal, pathology. RESULTS The commonest age group was between 25 -34 years. Sixty-five percent presented with secondary infertility while 35% presented with secondary infertility. Hysterosalpingographic findings were abnormal in 80% of patients (primary infertility 20% and secondary infertility 60%). Bilateral tubal blockage and bilateral fimbrial adhesion were the commonest tubal factor abnormalities while intracavitary mass impression and cervical synechia were the commonest findings for uterine and cervical factor abnormalities respectively. CONCLUSION Tubal blockage and tubal factor infertility are still common among infertile couples. This may probably be due to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or pelvic infection following sexually transmitted infections, mismanaged pregnancies and septic abortions, as most of the patients presented with secondary infertility. Measures to prevent the occurrence of these infections are highlighted.
Extension Professionals' Perception of Privatisation and Commercialisation of Agricultural Extension Service in Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme

The study was designed to ascertain the perception held by extension professionals - field extension workers and extension administrators, of the privatisation and commercialisation of agricultural extension service. A semi -structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from 117 respondents on their perceptions to privatisation and commercialisation of extension service and the differences between the perceptions held by extension administrators and field extension workers. A 4 -point Likert -type scale with 15 items was used to ascertain these perceptions. Data were analysed using percentages, mean scores, standard deviations and t -test statistics. The study reveals that the respondents have a positive perception towards the privatisation and commercialisation of agricultural extension service. it equally shows that there are significant differences in the perception held by field extension workers and extension administrators as regards the statements; private extension services breeds corruption and nepotism, leads to foreign domination, leads to income inequality and leads to poor capacity building. The study concludes that as a result of the positive perception held by the extension professionals to privatisation and commercialisation, there should be increased participation of the private sector in agricultural extension services in Nigeria.
Provoked vestibulodynia: Inflammatory, neuropathic or dysfunctional pain? A neurobiological perspective

Abstract This paper aims to clarify the nature of the pain in provoked vestibulodynia (PV). It reviews published data about the nature of the pain in PV, employing a recent pain classification, which divides pain from a neurobiological perspective, into nociceptive, inflammatory and pathological pain, with the latter subdivided into neuropathic and dysfunctional pain. Nociceptive pain is high-threshold pain provoked by noxious stimuli; inflammatory pain is adaptive, low-threshold pain associated with peripheral tissue inflammation; pathological pain is maladaptive, low-threshold pain caused by structural damage to the nervous system (neuropathic) or by its abnormal function (dysfunctional). Most of the published data show that in PV, there is no active peripheral tissue inflammation. Similarly, no neural damage has been demonstrated. It is reasonable to consider PV as dysfunctional pain induced by exposure to acute physical or psychological precipitating events in the presence of an individual predisposition to produce or maintain abnormal central sensitisation.
Heart rate increase and maximal heart rate during exercise as predictors of cardiovascular mortality: a 16‐year follow‐up study of 1960 healthy men

BackgroundResting heart rate is directly associated and maximal exercise-induced heart rate inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality, and therefore their difference might contain prognostic information from both variables. The comparative long-term prognostic values of maximal exercise-induced heart rate and of the difference between it and resting heart rate were studied in apparently healthy middle-aged men. MethodsResting heart rate and maximal exercise-induced heart rate were measured, and their difference calculated, in 1960 apparently healthy men aged 40–59 years, and mortality was recorded over a period of 16 years. Conventional coronary risk factors were assessed at baseline. ResultsBoth the difference between the two heart rates and the maximal exercise-induced heart rate were strongly, independently and inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for age, smoking, systolic blood pressure, lung function, glucose tolerance, serum cholesterol level, serum triglycerides level, physical fitness and exercise ECG findings. The adjusted relative risk of cardiovascular death in heart-rate difference quartiles 3 and 4 compared with that in quartile 1 (the lowest heart-rate difference quartile) was 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.33–0.86; P= 0.009). The corresponding value for maximal exercise-induced heart rate was 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.34–0.89; P=0.018). Within the lowest heart-rate difference quartile, but not within the lowest maximal exercise-induced heart rate quartile, a further, strong, negative gradient in cardiovascular mortality was observed. In the high working capacity range, low heart-rate difference but not low maximal exercise-induced heart rate predicted very high cardiovascular disease mortality. Heart-rate difference and maximal exercise-induced heart rate were also inversely associated with non-cardiovascular disease mortality. ConclusionsBoth heart-rate difference and maximal exercise-induced heart rate were strong, graded, long-term predictors of cardiovascular mortality among apparently healthy middle-aged men, independent of age, physical fitness and conventional coronary risk factors. However, low heart-rate difference was a better predictor than low maximal exercise-induced heart rate for recognizing individuals who were at particularly high risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular diseases.
Ambiguity Aversion and Asset Price Dynamics

We derive the equilibrium asset expected returns when there is ambiguity in asset expected returns, as well as ambiguity in asset return variances. In our model, ambiguity risk is systematic in nature and is non-diversifiable. Under regularity conditions, expected asset returns are linearly increasing in variance risk and ambiguity risk. We show that a beta pricing model can be derived from the equilibrium expected return function, which contains a systematic return factor and an ambiguity portfolio return factor, where the ambiguity portfolio weights are determined within the model. We test our model empirically and we obtain the model-implied results.
A comparison of online teaching styles in Florida community colleges

This study determined whether differences existed between the teaching styles of male and female community college instructors who teach online. It was significant because distance education literature highlights a learner-centered teaching style as the appropriate method for teaching online, but limited empirical research exists to support this stance. In order to appropriately answer the research questions posed in this study, I implemented a basic correlational research design. The Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS) was used to measure overall teaching style and seven factors related to teaching style (Conti, 1979). Conti developed PALS in order to assess teaching style through positive and negative behaviors. Teaching experience, discipline, level of education, and employment status, which also have the potential to impact whether community college instructors favor a learnercentered style or a teacher-centered style, were considered in this study. The population consisted of all instructors at Florida’s 28 community colleges who were teaching in an online distance education environment. MANOVA and ANOVA were used to analyze the data which was collected through a web-based administration of PALS. Effect size was also included. Results depicted a difference in the teaching styles of male and female community college instructors who taught online. Women demonstrated a more learner-centered style than men in terms of their overall teaching style. Differences were also apparent based on the second factor, Personalizing Instruction, in which case, women were more likely than men to implement a more learner-centered teaching style. In terms of the demographic variables, differences in teaching styles were noted based on discipline and whether the instructor taught full or part-time. Those instructors who taught in disciplines considered soft/applied implemented a more learner-centered style. Instructors in the hard/pure disciplines demonstrated a greater use of a teacher-centered style. Contrary to prior research, part-time instructors used a more learner-centered style. A difference in the teaching styles of men and women depicted teaching styles that are below the original norms of PALS, highlighting an online teaching style that is more teacher-centered. Even though women take a more learner-centered approach to teaching than men, the online environment has yet to evolve into a truly learner-centered environment.
Carbon cycle and climate effects of forcing from fire-emitted aerosols

Aerosols emitted by landscape fires affect many climatic processes. Here, we combined an aerosol–climate model and a coupled climate–carbon model to study the carbon cycle and climate effects caused by fire-emitted aerosols (FEA) forcing at the top of the atmosphere and at the surface. This forcing (‘best guess’ present-day values of −0.10 and −1.3 W m−2 at the top of the atmosphere and surface, respectively) had a predominant cooling influence that altered regional land carbon stocks on decadal timescales by modifying vegetation productivity and soil–litter decomposition. Changes in regional land and ocean carbon stocks became much stronger for FEA forcing acting on multi-century timescales; this occurred because carbon stocks responded to the forcing itself on such timescales and also due to gradual effects on the climate (e.g. through increased sea ice cover) that further affected the carbon cycle. Carbon increases and decreases in different regions partly offset each other, so that absolute changes in global land, atmosphere, and ocean stocks were all <2 Pg C after 30 years of FEA forcing and <6 Pg C after more than 1000 years of FEA forcing. FEA-caused changes in land carbon storage did not substantially modify the magnitude of FEA emissions, suggesting there is no consequential regional-scale positive feedback loop between these two elements. However, we found indications that the FEA-caused cooling from frequently-burning regions in Africa and Australia increased land carbon stocks in eastern South America and equatorial Asia, respectively. This suggests the potential for remote carbon cycle effects from regions emitting large amounts of fire aerosols.
Contributors to cognitive impairment in congestive heart failure: a pilot case–control study

Background: Cognitive impairment and heart failure are both serious health problems related to population ageing. Impaired cognitive function is an important but underrecognized complication of congestive heart failure (CHF). The aim of the study was to examine the sociodemographic, clinical, neuroimaging and biochemical parameters affecting cognition in CHF.
Wealth Heterogeneity, Income Shocks, and International Migration: Theory and Evidence from Indonesia

Economic growth in developing countries has potentially countervailing effects on international migration. Higher income at home not only narrows wage gaps with rich countries but also relaxes liquidity constraints that may have prevented migration among the poor. To understand which effect predominates, we must first know to what extent financial barriers limit international migration from low-income settings. To answer this question, I develop and test a model of migration flows with fixed migration costs and imperfect credit markets. By allowing for idiosyncratic wealth heterogeneity and differentiating between transitory and permanent income shocks, I obtain testable implications not available in existing models of migration. Borrowing insights from recent trade literature, I propose a novel and empirically tractable method for aggregating individual migration choices. These closed-form expressions make it possible to identify the presence and magnitude of liquidity constraints using aggregate migration data. After constructing a new panel dataset on temporary international migration rates from over 65,000 Indonesian villages, I test for liquidity constraints using household-level land-holdings heterogeneity, rainfall shocks, and a large exogenous increase in domestic rice prices with considerable spatial variation. I find that positive rainfall and rice price shocks are associated with significant increases in the share of village residents working abroad. These increases are larger in villages with lower mean and less inequality in land-holdings. The empirical findings are consistent with binding liquidity constraints in the model, and I provide additional evidence supporting this interpretation.
Comorbidities and mortality in bipolar disorder: a Swedish national cohort study.

IMPORTANCE Bipolar disorder is associated with premature mortality, but the specific causes and underlying pathways are unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the physical health effects of bipolar disorder using outpatient and inpatient data for a national population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS National cohort study of 6,587,036 Swedish adults, including 6618 with bipolar disorder. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Physical comorbidities diagnosed in any outpatient or inpatient setting nationwide and mortality (January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2009). RESULTS Women and men with bipolar disorder died 9.0 and 8.5 years earlier on average than the rest of the population, respectively. All-cause mortality was increased 2-fold among women (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.34; 95% CI, 2.16-2.53) and men (aHR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.85-2.23) with bipolar disorder, compared with the rest of the population. Patients with bipolar disorder had increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), influenza or pneumonia, unintentional injuries, and suicide for both women and men and cancer for women only. Suicide risk was 10-fold among women (aHR, 10.37; 95% CI, 7.36-14.60) and 8-fold among men (aHR, 8.09; 95% CI, 5.98-10.95) with bipolar disorder, compared with the rest of the population. Substance use disorders contributed only modestly to these findings. The association between bipolar disorder and mortality from chronic diseases (ischemic heart disease, diabetes, COPD, or cancer) was weaker among persons with a prior diagnosis of these conditions (aHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.26-1.56) than among those without a prior diagnosis (aHR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.95-2.90; P(interaction) = . 01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this large national cohort study, patients with bipolar disorder died prematurely from multiple causes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, influenza or pneumonia, unintentional injuries, and suicide. However, chronic disease mortality among those with more timely medical diagnosis approached that of the general population, suggesting that better provision of primary medical care may effectively reduce premature mortality among persons with bipolar disorder.
Frontal lobe hypometabolism and impaired insight in Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined the relationship between impaired insight regarding cognitive and functional deficits and frontal cortex hypometabolism in 41 patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was determined with (18F)fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography. Level of insight was measured with the clinician-rated Neurobehavioral Rating Scale, and severity of global cognitive impairment was determined with the Mini-Mental State Exam. RESULTS Inaccurate insight was correlated with glucose metabolic rate in the right lateral frontal cortex (Brodmann areas 6 and 45, and the lateral aspect of Brodmann areas 8 and 9) after controlling for global cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study help to further elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying impaired insight in AD, indicating a link between this important clinical phenomenon and dysmetabolism in a focal region of the right prefrontal cortex.
A Fast Dynamic Range Compression With Local Contrast Preservation Algorithm and Its Application to Real-Time Video Enhancement

This study addresses low dynamic range (LDR) image/video enhancement for digital video cameras. A new fast dynamic range compression format with a local-contrast-preservation (FDRCLCP) algorithm resolves this problem efficiently. The proposed FDRCLCP algorithm can combine with any continuously differentiable intensity transfer function to achieve LDR image enhancement. In combination with the FDRCLCP algorithm, a new intensity-transfer function is proposed, adaptively accomplishing dynamic range compression and edge-contrast enhancement depending on the local mean value of the input luminance image. The proposed method also extends to a linear color remapping approach, not only preserving the original image's color information, but also controlling color saturation of the resulting image. Moreover, a look-up-table (LUT) acceleration approach improves the processing speed of the proposed FDRCLCP algorithm in processing video signals, allowing real-time video enhancement processing. Experimental results show that the proposed method not only provides good visual representation in both quantitative and visual comparisons, but also achieves real-time performance for video processing.
THE FAMILY TIES THAT BIND: ESSAYS THAT EXAMINE AND EXTEND THE MICROFOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOEMOTIONAL WEALTH THEORY

As an emerging theory of the family firm, Socioemotional Wealth (SEW) Theory assumes that family members’ cognitions, emotions, goals, and social behaviors impact firm activities and outcomes. However, the majority of SEW research only examines unique family firm outcomes, leaving the family’s microfoundational causes unexamined and confounded. This paper presents a systematic review of micro assumptions supporting the SEW literature. I identify psychological phenomena in SEW theoretical arguments, which virtually remain empirically unexamined and untested, and integrate principals from psychological research on goal systems in efforts to provide initial paths for a richer and more fluid understanding of family members’ roles in SEW Theory’s key tenets. Consequently, I identify important gaps in our understanding of SEW behaviors, provide psychological principles that can aid these types of investigations, and offer new avenues for future research that can not only extend the psychological microfoundations of family firm behavior but that can also be used to challenge commonly held psychological assumptions in broader management theories.