Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The N- and L-Type Calcium Channel Blocker Cilnidipine Suppresses Renal Injury in Dahl Rats Fed a High-Sucrose Diet, an Experimental Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Background/Aims: The L/N-type calcium channel blocker (CCB) cilnidipine has been demonstrated to suppress progressive renal disease in a variety of experimental models, but the characteristic effects of N-type calcium channel blocking action on renal injury have not been examined in detail. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of cilnidipine on renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats fed a high-sucrose diet (HSD), which mimics metabolic syndrome, and compared them with the effects of an L-type CCB, amlodipine. Methods: Male Dahl S rats were divided into groups with similar blood pressure at 8 weeks of age and fed an HSD. They received vehicle, cilnidipine or amlodipine for 27 weeks. At 35 weeks of age, urine and blood samples were collected for physiological analysis, and the kidneys were removed for histopathological evaluation. Results: Cilnidipine reduced albuminuria, glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular expression of ICAM-1, ED-1-positive cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis compared with vehicle-treated rats. In contrast, amlodipine had no effect on these parameters. Urinary norepinephrine excretion, renal expression of renin mRNA and renal tissue levels of angiotensin II were increased only in the amlodipine-treated group. Conclusion: Cilnidipine provided superior protection against renal damage compared with amlodipine in Dahl S rats given an HSD. The different effects between these two drugs may be partly explained by their different actions on the renal sympathetic nerve activity and the renin-angiotensin system through the N-type calcium channel blocking action.
Using Game Theory to Examine Incentives in Influenza Vaccination Behavior

The social good often depends on the altruistic behavior of specific individuals. For example, epidemiological studies of influenza indicate that elderly individuals, who face the highest mortality risk, are best protected by vaccination of young individuals, who contribute most to disease transmission. To examine the conditions under which young people would get vaccinated to protect elderly people, we conducted a game-theory experiment that mirrored real-world influenza transmission, with “young” players contributing more than “elderly” players to herd immunity. Participants could spend points to get vaccinated and reduce the risk of influenza. When players were paid according to individual point totals, more elderly than young players got vaccinated, a finding consistent with the Nash equilibrium predicting self-interested behavior. When players were paid according to group point totals, however, more young than elderly players got vaccinated—a finding consistent with the utilitarian equilibrium predicting group-optimal behavior—which resulted in higher point totals than when players were paid for their individual totals. Thus, payout structure affected whether individuals got vaccinated for self-interest or group benefit.
Zemědělství s nízkými emisemi skleníkových plynů: Mitigační a adaptační potenciál trvale udržitelných zemědělských systémů

Může zemědělstvi s nizkými emisemi sklenikových plynů(Green House Gases – GHG) vůbec fungovat? A je vlastně žadouci? Při hledani odpovědi na tyto dvě zakladni, avsak nesmirně relevantni otazky, předložena studie prověřuje soucasne zemědělske postupy, ktere dava do souvislosti s vědeckými databazemi dlouhodobých polnich pokusů a použiva je jako připadove studie zemědělstvi s nizkými emisemi sklenikových plynů. Navic se za-býva změnami potřebnými k tomu, aby se zemědělske systemy s nizkými emisemi GHG staly realitou. Dale objasňuje adaptacni kapacitu agroekologických zemědělských systemů a využiva přitom připadove studie o ekologickem zemědělstvi z odborne literatury. Emise způsobene zemědělstvim představuji rocně 10–12 % veskerých emisi GHG, tedy 5,1 až 6,1 miliard tun ekvivalentu CO2 (dale CO2e ) rocně. Smith, et al., (2007) a Bellarby, et al., (2008) navrhuji možnosti zmirňovani, tedy mitigace emisi GHG s tim, že jak zemědělci, tak i tvůrci zemědělských politik se budou muset vypořadat s výzvami, ktere s sebou přinesou změny souvisejici s emisemi GHG. Mezi oblasti vyžadujicimi zdokonaleni se řadi např. bezorebný způsob pěstovani plodin, agrolesnictvi, integrovana rostlinna a živocisna výroba a snižovani externich vstupů ve výrobě potravin a zeměděl-stvi. Postupy, ktere nabizi ekologicke zemědělstvi, stoji za to při těchto snahach zvažit.
L'initiation du mort chez les Hmong

Nous avons vu comment et pour quelles raisons le couple primordial chez les Hmong se confond avec le couple incestueux sauv? du d? luge. Si on n'ignore pas que les deux couples existent, l'identit? propre de chacun est floue : tant? t c'est Ngo Ndjoua et Ndjo Nang, tant? t c'est Ngo A et Ndjo Ong. (Le Kr'oua K? de Nts'ong Neng a m? me retenu les noms d'un autre couple : Ngo Choua et Ndjo Nbla.1) Bien que dans le texte de Nts'ong Neng ils soient amen? s apr? s le d? luge, Ngo A et Ndjo Ong se pr? sentent nettement comme couple primordial :
The apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele and outcome in cerebrovascular disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) may influence outcome after traumatic brain injury and intracerebral hemorrhage, with the epsilon4 allele being associated with poorer prognosis. We investigated APOE allele distribution in acute stroke and the effect of the epsilon4 allele on outcome. METHODS APOE genotypes were determined in 714 stroke patients: 640 ischemic stroke and 74 intracerebral hemorrhage patients. The survival effect of the epsilon4 allele was assessed with the use of a stratified log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the independent effect of epsilon4 dose (0, 1, or 2) on survival, and logistic regression was used to determine the effect on 3-month outcome (good if alive at home, poor if in care or dead). RESULTS Allele distribution matched the general population with no difference between the ischemic and hemorrhagic groups. Survival in the entire cohort was unaffected by epsilon4 dose. Improved survival with increasing epsilon4 dose was found in the ischemic group (relative hazard=0.76 per allele; P=0.04). If transient ischemic attacks were excluded, a trend for improved survival persisted (P=0.06). With intracerebral hemorrhage, a trend was seen toward reduced survival with epsilon4 (P=0.07, log-rank test). Three-month outcome in the ischemic group was unaffected by epsilon4 dose, and a trend toward poorer outcome with epsilon4 was seen for intracerebral hemorrhage (P=0.10). CONCLUSIONS The APOE epsilon4 allele had divergent effects on survival and outcome in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in this population. The reported adverse effect on patients with intracerebral hemorrhage was supported. The favorable survival effect on ischemic stroke patients requires further study.
A micro electromagnetic generator for vibration energy harvesting

Vibration energy harvesting is receiving a considerable amount of interest as a means for powering wireless sensor nodes. This paper presents a small (component volume 0.1 cm3, practical volume 0.15 cm3) electromagnetic generator utilizing discrete components and optimized for a low ambient vibration level based upon real application data. The generator uses four magnets arranged on an etched cantilever with a wound coil located within the moving magnetic field. Magnet size and coil properties were optimized, with the final device producing 46 µW in a resistive load of 4 kΩ from just 0.59 m s−2 acceleration levels at its resonant frequency of 52 Hz. A voltage of 428 mVrms was obtained from the generator with a 2300 turn coil which has proved sufficient for subsequent rectification and voltage step-up circuitry. The generator delivers 30% of the power supplied from the environment to useful electrical power in the load. This generator compares very favourably with other demonstrated examples in the literature, both in terms of normalized power density and efficiency.
Beliefs and Perceived Norms Concerning Body Image among African-American and Latino Teenagers

Focus groups, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior, examined the beliefs and perceived norms regarding body image in a sample of urban African-American and Latino teenagers (N = 83, 18—19 years old) from Texas. Cultural eating (behavioral belief) explained the acceptance and tolerance of overweight. Popularity of hip-hop fashion and limited income explicated peer and familial normative beliefs, respectively. Thinness equated HIV infection in African-Americans (parental normative belief). Barriers to healthy eating and active living (control beliefs) included willpower, laziness, fast food, and excessive work. Findings can guide the development and implementation of culturally appropriate obesity interventions for African-American and Latino adolescents.
Corticosteroids and Fractures: A Close Encounter of the Third Cell Kind

As Your Serene Highness well knows, I discovered in the heavens many things that had not been seen before our own age. The novelty of these things, as well as some consequences which followed from them in contradiction to the physical notions commonly held among academic philosophers, stirred up against me no small number of professors—as if I had placed these things in the sky with my own hands in order to upset Nature and overturn the sciences. They seemed to forget that the increase of known truths stimulates the investigation, establishment, and growth of the arts; not their diminution or destruction. (Galileo’s Daughter, Dava Sobel, Walker & Company, New York, NY, U.S.A., 1999.)
Chemical changes in skeletal muscle during development.

The chemical and structural changes which the collagen of native adult mammalian skin, bone and tendon can undergo are difficult to follow because ofthe insolubility ofthe protein and the presence in small quantities of other substances which can be completely eliminated only by reagents which may modify the collagen. Reaction with 1-fluoro-2:4- dinitrobenzene is one of the most satisfactory methods of following the changes, since it can indicate the release of free oc-amino groups. These may be formed either from the rupture of peptide bonds, from the removal of substances masking the groups or from changes of configuration which remove steric difficulties (see Steven & Tristram, 1958, for lysine E-amino groups). Bowes & Moss
Mast cells orchestrate type 2 immunity to helminths through regulation of tissue-derived cytokines

Mast cells (MCs) are potent inflammatory cells that are distributed throughout mucosal barrier tissues and respond rapidly to pathogenic stimuli. During helminth infections, MCs play an important role as late-stage effectors. However, it is currently unknown whether MCs contribute to the early innate events that determine the priming of adaptive immunity. MC-deficient mouse strains and mice treated with the MC stabilizing agent cromolyn sodium had dramatically reduced Th2 priming and type 2 cytokine production and harbored increased parasite burdens following infection with gastrointestinal helminths (Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri and Trichuris muris). In addition, early production of the tissue-derived cytokines IL-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was significantly diminished in MC-deficient mice and resulted in decreased numbers of infection-elicited IL-25–dependent (Lin−CD45−)CD34+Sca-1+ progenitors, which produced type 2 cytokines and could be differentiated into mast cells ex vivo. Finally, repair of MC deficiency increased production of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP, restored progenitor cell numbers and Th2 priming, and reduced parasite burden. Our data reveal an innate IgE-independent role for MCs in orchestrating type 2 immune responses via the regulation of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP.
Enhancement of reflection coefficient via modified ground plane of a multilayer microstrip patch antenna for x-band application

This paper presents an enhancement of reflection coefficient (|S<inf>11</inf>|) via modified ground plane geometry of a multilayer microstrip patch antenna in the X band. The ground plane designs include rectangle and V-shape. The rectangle is created by trimming the conductive layer on a full patch (referred to as “conventional”) to size W<inf>s</inf> × L<inf>g</inf> = 1188 × 403.92 mil<sup>2</sup>. The V-shape ground plane is also created by trimming a full patch to a V pattern with 30° angle. The designs are studied via an FEA method and the results are compared with the conventional (unmodified) ground plane. The modified rectangular ground plane has |S<inf>11</inf>| of −41.07 dB at 9.97 GHz and −10 dB BW of 210 MHz. The V-shape has |S<inf>11</inf>| of −27.43 dB at 9.97 GHz and −10 dB BW of 190 MHz. Comparing results with the unmodified ground plane, both designs reduce |S<inf>11</inf>| by 24.07 dB and 10.43 dB, respectively. Nonetheless, the −10 dB bandwidths only see slight improvement.
14 Air Change Measurements Using Tracer Gases

Both comfortable and healthy indoor climate conditions can only be achieved by constant fresh air supply. However, the minimum of air change required to reach this goal is depending upon different perspectives. Measures for thermal insulation and energy savings are difficult to bring in line with air quality requirements that result from findings of epidemiological studies (Seppänen et al., 1999; Seppänen & Fisk, 2004; Wargocki et al., 2002), and supply air facilities considering the technical construction of buildings and safety aspects (Erhorn & Gertis, 1986). Moreover, construction deficits impairing the integrity of the building envelope, meteorological conditions (thermal and flow induced pressure differences) and, not least, the behaviour of the residents, affect the air change in a variety of ways (Heidt, 1987). For a number of different reasons it is necessary and desirable to examine the real fresh air flow between indoor and outdoor climate under given circumstances. Air change processes are of particular importance in studies focusing on their relationship to indoor air pollutants. For manifold reasons the air quality inside buildings has been intensively investigated since quite a long time. Of particular relevance are the following aspects (Seifert & Salthammer, 2003): In countries with a cold or temperate climate, inhabitants spend more than 50% of the time in their homes. In certain population groups (e.g. infants and the elderly), this proportion is even exceeding 90%. Indoor air contains a wide range of different organic and inorganic components. Therefore, the carbon dioxide concentration alone cannot always be regarded as an indicator of air quality (Fanger, 1988; Persily, 1997). Above all, organic compounds which are released from the building, furnishings, household and hobby devices, as well as by daily activities of the inhabitants, such as cooking, baking or frying, and especially smoking, altogether contribute to air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds. The energy crisis in the 1970s caused an increase in energy costs, evoking an urgent need to reduce the consumption of heat energy. The prevention of heat loss in homes is a very effective way to save energy and related costs. For climate protection and the reduction of global CO2 emissions the economical use of energy resources is of outstanding significance. Thermal insulation of the building envelope protects efficiently against heat
The lower intestinal tract-specific induction of heme oxygenase-1 by glutamine protects against endotoxemic intestinal injury*

Objective:The aim of the present study was to investigate whether glutamine pretreatment improves intestinal injury in rats with endotoxemia by its heme oxygenase-1 induction in the lower intestinal tract. Design:Randomized, blinded, controlled animal study. Setting:University-based animal research facility. Subjects:Sprague-Dawley male rats, weighing 220–250 g (n = 201). Interventions:Rats were treated with glutamine (0.75g/kg) dissolved in lactated Ringer’s solution via the tail vein. Endotoxemia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg for survival study). Lipopolysaccharide-treated animals were pretreated with glutamine or lactated Ringer’s solution 9 hrs before lipopolysaccharide treatment. Some of the glutamine-pretreated animals further received tin mesoporphyrin (1 μmol/kg), a specific inhibitor of heme oxygenase activity, 1 hr before lipopolysaccharide treatment. Measurements and Main Results:Glutamine treatment markedly induced heme oxygenase-1 messenger RNA and protein in the mucosal epithelial cells as well as in the lamina propria cells in the ileum and the colon, whereas its expression in the duodenum and the jejunum was not influenced by the treatment. Glutamine treatment before lipopolysaccharide administration significantly ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced mucosal injury, inflammation, and apoptotic cell death in the ileum and the colon, as judged by significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression, histologic damage scores, and expression of activated caspase-3 and by an increase in gene expression of Bcl-2. In addition, glutamine treatment markedly decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced mortality. In contrast, treatment with tin mesoporphyrin abolished the beneficial effect of glutamine pretreatment. Conclusions:Glutamine pretreatment significantly ameliorated intestinal tissue injury of rats following lipopolysaccharide treatment. The same treatment also improved the survival of animals from endotoxemia. The protective effect of glutamine is mediated by its lower intestine-specific induction of heme oxygenase-1, since its inhibition by tin mesoporphyrin completely abolished the beneficial effect of glutamine.
Getting Personal

As part of the Psychology of Women Quarterly’s (PWQ) retrospective on some of its most cited publications, I was invited to reflect on what had led me to write the paper, “Considerations for Prevention of HIV Infection Among Hispanic Women,” published in 1988 (Amaro, 1988), along with my thoughts on what has since changed in HIV prevention with Latinas and on the direction of my work since that publication. The purpose of this paper is not to present a comprehensive review of the literature on Latina women and HIV, rather it is to provide a personal and contextual picture of the factors that shaped my work at the writing of that paper, how my program of research has evolved, and the changes that have taken place in HIV prevention research with Latinas. Due to the collaborative nature of my research and the importance that mentoring junior scientists has had in my professional career, I have invited three researchers whom I mentored and who are now at various stages in their careers to share how their research was informed in part by my work on HIV prevention with Latinas. These collaborations have been personally energizing, have expanded my own original vision, and have led to trajectories that include structural interventions and international work. Our paper first presents the political, personal, and epidemiological context of my 1988 publication in PWQ (Amaro, 1988). Second, it provides a brief summary of progress in HIV prevention with Latinas. The third section comprises reflections from three feminist researchers whose work was informed by the 1988 article and by subsequent work I conducted and published, often in collaboration with them, on the role of gender in HIV and related public health issues. Their reflections are offered as examples of the key role of mentoring and training opportunities for junior researchers, one of the recommendations in the 1988 publication. Finally, our paper offers conclusions about progress to date and recommendations regarding future research and public health programs.
Land Use Impacts on Water Resources – Science, Social and Political Factors

Public perceptions of land-use impacts on water resources are important because they influence formal environmental policies and popular attitudes about land use. For example, upland agriculture and deforestation are commonly blamed for reducing rainfall levels and for causing lowland water shortages, and some governments have consequently passed logging bans or restrictions on upland agriculture. However, there is intense controversy concerning whether these public perceptions are supported by scientific evidence; whether these policies may actually address underlying problems; and how far hydrological science is itself influenced by social and political factors. This article draws upon debates in social science (rather than hydrological science alone) to discuss linkages between public perceptions and scientific explanations of hydrological change. As examples, the article discusses the cases of so-called Himalayan environmental degradation; dryland desiccation in the Sahel; and debates concerning the impacts of deforestation and reforestation in watersheds. The article argues that hydrologists should not categorize public perceptions and formal science separately, but see both as mutually evolving. Dominant perceptions, or “narratives”, of hydrological change may occur from various coincidences of historical research and public concern, and reflect the viewpoints and experiences of only selected social groups. It is suggested that hydrologists can help overcome apparent conflicts between public perceptions and scientific explanations by increasing public participation in describing and framing complex environmental problems, and using this information to make existing narratives more diverse and flexible. There is also a need to understand the political and institutional factors that lead to the persistence of contested narratives within different national or organizational contexts. Keywords: science studies; deforestation; drought; Himalayas; land use; myths; Sahel; water shortages; watersheds
Impacts of Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, and Smoking on Femoral Bone Loss: The Tromsø Study

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a reflection of bone strength and lifestyles that preserve bone mass and may reduce fracture risk in old age. This study examined the effect of combined profiles of smoking, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) on lifetime bone loss. Data were collected from the population‐based Tromsø Study. BMD was measured as g/cm2 by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the total hip and femoral neck in 2580 women and 2084 men aged 30 to 80 years in the 2001–02 survey, and repeated in 1401 women and 1113 men in the 2007–08 survey. Height and weight were measured and lifestyle information was collected through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with second‐degree fractional polynomials. From the peak at the age around 40 years to 80 years of age, loss rates varied between 4% at the total hip and 14% at femoral neck in nonsmoking, physically active men with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 to approximately 30% at both femoral sites in heavy smoking, physically inactive men with a BMI value of 18 kg/m2. In women also, loss rates of more than 30% were estimated in the lifestyle groups with a BMI value of 18 kg/m2. BMI had the strongest effect on BMD, especially in the oldest age groups, but a BMI above 30 kg/m2 did not exert any additional effect compared with the population average BMI of 27 kg/m2. At the age of 80 years, a lifestyle of moderate BMI to light overweight, smoking avoidance, and physical activity of 4 hours of vigorous activity per week through adult life may result in 1 to 2 standard deviations higher BMD levels compared with a lifestyle marked by heavy smoking, inactivity, and low weight. In the prevention of osteoporosis and fracture risk, the effect of combined lifestyles through adult life should be highlighted. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.