Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nephrin in experimental glomerular disease.

BACKGROUND The recently identified gene NPHS1 with its mutations causing congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) is highly promising in providing new understanding of pathophysiology of proteinuria. Earlier we cloned a rat NPHS1 homologue, as well as characterized and raised antibodies to the respective protein product nephrin. METHODS Changes in the expression levels of nephrin-specific mRNA in commonly used experimental models of proteinuria were examined using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) of nephrin. RESULTS Notably, a 40% down-regulation of the nephrin-specific mRNA of cortical kidney was seen already at day 3 after induction of the puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN), while no major elevation of urinary protein secretion was seen at this stage. A further decrease of 80% of nephrin message was seen at the peak of proteinuria at day 10. A similar decrease of up to 70% from the basal levels was seen in mercuric chloride-treated rats. Changes in the protein expression paralleled those of the mRNA in indirect immunofluorescence. Interestingly, a remarkable plasmalemmal dislocation from the normal expression site at the interpodocyte filtration slits could be observed in IEM. CONCLUSIONS Nephrin appears to be an important causative molecule of proteinuria and shows a remarkable redistribution from the filtration slits to the podocyte plasma membrane, especially in PAN.
Acoustic properties of coral sands, Waikiki, Hawaii

An in situ experimental study of variations of compressional wave speed and attenuation with depth in natural coral sands has been made offshore of Oahu, Hawaii. In situ data were collected at a center frequency of 7.5 kHz. Compressional wave speed averages around 1620 m/s and attenuation (expressed as Qp−1, the reciprocal of the quality factor) decreases from 0.04 at the seafloor to 0.01 at 2 m depth. Very little change in compressional wave speed is seen to 9 m below the seafloor. Coral sand sound speeds are lower than those reported elsewhere for quartz sand. Waveforms recorded over the upper 9 m below the seafloor exhibit virtually no peak broadening, suggesting that scattering contributes little to the in situ attenuation. The relationship of attenuation to frequency in the coral sands agrees with Hamilton’s observations of attenuation in other sediments, although the coral sand attenuation is slightly higher than in other sediments. The coral sand relationship between attenuation and porosity also a.
Ozone and its use in periodontal treatment

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of ozone in periodontal treatment in dental practice. Methods: An evaluation of the current state of knowledge regarding the application of ozone in periodontal treatment revealed limited available literature. Therefore an audit was conducted in dental practice in order to evaluate the effects of ozone in periodontal treatment. Twenty-five patients were treated with gaseous ozone after having had failed conventional periodontal treatment. BPE scores and the six deepest pockets were measured in each patient before and after the use of ozone. Results: From the initial number of twenty-nine patients selected, twenty-five patients attended both follow up appointments. Based on BPE scores, twenty of the patients have overall improvement while five of the patients continued to have deterioration. Eight patients had an improvement in depths of periodontal pockets by three millimetres, sixteen patients had improvement by one to two millimetres and one patient did not improve. The depth of pockets after the use of ozone decreased significantly (P Conclusion: The audit revealed that gaseous ozone significantly (P
The LIM-homeobox gene Lhx8 is required for the development of many cholinergic neurons in the mouse forebrain

Forebrain cholinergic neurons play important roles as striatal local circuit neurons and basal telencephalic projection neurons. The genetic mechanisms that control development of these neurons suggest that most of them are derived from the basal telencephalon where Lhx8, a LIM-homeobox gene, is expressed. Here we report that mice with a null mutation of Lhx8 are deficient in the development of forebrain cholinergic neurons. Lhx8 mutants lack the nucleus basalis, a major source of the cholinergic input to the cerebral cortex. In addition, the number of cholinergic neurons is reduced in several other areas of the subcortical forebrain in Lhx8 mutants, including the caudate-putamen, medial septal nucleus, nucleus of the diagonal band, and magnocellular preoptic nucleus. Although cholinergic neurons are not formed, initial steps in their specification appear to be preserved, as indicated by a presence of cells expressing a truncated Lhx8 mRNA and mRNA of the homeobox gene Gbx1. These results provide genetic evidence supporting an important role for Lhx8 in development of cholinergic neurons in the forebrain.
To prune, or not to prune: exploring the efficacy of pruning for model compression

Model pruning seeks to induce sparsity in a deep neural network's various connection matrices, thereby reducing the number of nonzero-valued parameters in the model. Recent reports (Han et al., 2015; Narang et al., 2017) prune deep networks at the cost of only a marginal loss in accuracy and achieve a sizable reduction in model size. This hints at the possibility that the baseline models in these experiments are perhaps severely over-parameterized at the outset and a viable alternative for model compression might be to simply reduce the number of hidden units while maintaining the model's dense connection structure, exposing a similar trade-off in model size and accuracy. We investigate these two distinct paths for model compression within the context of energy-efficient inference in resource-constrained environments and propose a new gradual pruning technique that is simple and straightforward to apply across a variety of models/datasets with minimal tuning and can be seamlessly incorporated within the training process. We compare the accuracy of large, but pruned models (large-sparse) and their smaller, but dense (small-dense) counterparts with identical memory footprint. Across a broad range of neural network architectures (deep CNNs, stacked LSTM, and seq2seq LSTM models), we find large-sparse models to consistently outperform small-dense models and achieve up to 10x reduction in number of non-zero parameters with minimal loss in accuracy.
Impact of a workplace stress reduction program on blood pressure and emotional health in hypertensive employees.

OBJECTIVES This study examined the impact of a workplace-based stress management program on blood pressure (BP), emotional health, and workplace-related measures in hypertensive employees of a global information technology company. DESIGN Thirty-eight (38) employees with hypertension were randomly assigned to a treatment group that received the stress-reduction intervention or a waiting control group that received no intervention during the study period. The treatment group participated in a 16-hour program, which included instruction in positive emotion refocusing and emotional restructuring techniques intended to reduce sympathetic nervous system arousal, stress, and negative affect, increase positive affect, and improve performance. Learning and practice of the techniques was enhanced by heart rate variability feedback, which helped participants learn to self-generate physiological coherence, a beneficial physiologic mode associated with increased heart rhythm coherence, physiologic entrainment, parasympathetic activity, and vascular resonance. BP, emotional health, and workplace-related measures were assessed before and 3 months after the program. RESULTS Three months post-intervention, the treatment group exhibited a mean adjusted reduction of 10.6 mm Hg in systolic BP and of 6.3 mm Hg in diastolic BP. The reduction in systolic BP was significant in relation to the control group. The treatment group also demonstrated improvements in emotional health, including significant reductions in stress symptoms, depression, and global psychological distress and significant increases in peacefulness and positive outlook. Reduced systolic BP was correlated with reduced stress symptoms. Furthermore, the trained employees demonstrated significant increases in the work-related scales of workplace satisfaction and value of contribution. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that a brief workplace stress management intervention can produce clinically significant reductions in BP and improve emotional health among hypertensive employees. Implications are that such interventions may produce a healthier and more productive workforce, enhancing performance and reducing losses to the organization resulting from cognitive decline, illness, and premature mortality.
Control of the Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) with entomopathogenic fungi

The beetle Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), considered a worldwide pest in the poultry industry, is difficult to control and it is a vector for pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological control of the lesser mealworm, by strains of fungi Beauveria bassiana, Cladosporium sp. and Trichoderma sp. Larvae and adults of the A. diaperinus were inoculated with suspensions of conidia in the concentration of 10 7 conidia.mL -1 . The B. bassiana isolate caused higher insect mortality as compared to Cladosporium sp. and Trichoderma sp. isolates, with the larvae being more susceptible than adults. The entomopathogenicity of B. bassiana was further evaluated with 200 larvae and 200 adults of A. diaperinus inoculated with suspensions 10 6 , 10 7 , and 10 8 conidia.mL -1 , and observed for ten days. Larvae mortality started at the fourth day at the lowest concentration, and the adult mortality was only observed on the sixth day at the concentration of 10 8 conidia.mL -1 .
Mammalian Ric-8A (Synembryn) Is a Heterotrimeric Gα Protein Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor*

The activation of heterotrimeric G proteins is accomplished primarily by the guanine nucleotide exchange activity of ligand-bound G protein-coupled receptors. The existence of nonreceptor guanine nucleotide exchange factors for G proteins has also been postulated. Yeast two-hybrid screens with Gαo and Gαs as baits were performed to identify binding partners of these proteins. Two mammalian homologs of the Caenorhabditis elegans protein Ric-8 were identified in these screens: Ric-8A (Ric-8/synembryn) and Ric-8B. Purification and biochemical characterization of recombinant Ric-8A revealed that it is a potent guanine nucleotide exchange factor for a subset of Gα proteins including Gαq, Gαi1, and Gαo, but not Gαs. The mechanism of Ric-8A-mediated guanine nucleotide exchange was elucidated. Ric-8A interacts with GDP-bound Gα proteins, stimulates release of GDP, and forms a stable nucleotide-free transition state complex with the Gα protein; this complex dissociates upon binding of GTP to Gα.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF OCTOPAMINE‐CHARACTERIZATION OF LOBSTER TYRAMINE β‐HYDROXYLASE

—Tyramine β‐hydroxylase catalyzes the biosynthesis of octopamine in the lobster nervous system. This enzyme has been characterized and a rapid microassay, based on the enzymic release of tritiated water from [1,2‐(side chain) 3H] tyramine, has been developed. Lobster tyramine β‐hydroxylase resembled mammalian dopamine β‐hydroxylase. The most conspicuous differences were that the lobster enzyme was inhibited by anions, particularly fumarate, and had a higher affinity for substrates. Tyramine β‐hydroxylase activity was present in both particulate and soluble fractions of homogenates of the lobster nervous system. Bound activity, extracted by repeated freezing and thawing, was partially purified. The enzyme had the following properties: (1) The optimum pH for the conversion of tyramine to octopamine was 7·4. (2) The apparent Michaelis constant for tyramine was 0·15 mm and for ascorbic acid was 0·2 mm at pH 6·6. (3) The purified enzyme was inhibited by salts; the degree of inhibition was sensitive to the anion and decreased in the order chloride ⋍ fumarate > sulphate > acetate. (4) Tyramine β‐hydroxylase was inhibited by metal chelating agents and by cupric sulphate at concentrations greater than 10−4m; N‐ethylmaleimide had no significant effect on activity in concentrations up to 3 mm. (5) The purified enzyme also β‐hydroxylated dopamine to form norepinephrine, with an apparent Michaelis constant of 0·24 mm. This activity co‐purified with tyramine β‐hydroxylase, suggesting that a single enzyme catalyzed both reactions.
Ultrastructure of Escherichia coli Cells Infected with Bacteriophage R17

Franklin, Richard M. (Institut de Recherches sur le Cancer, Villejuif, Seine, France), and Nicole Granboulan. Ultrastructure of Escherichia coli cells infected with bacteriophage R17. J. Bacteriol. 91:834–848. 1966—Ultrastructural changes in Escherichia coli cells infected with ribonucleic acid (RNA) bacteriophage R17 were studied under conditions of one-step growth. No morphological alterations were seen during the latent period. During the period of rapid viral synthesis, a fibrillar lesion surrounded by ribonucleoprotein particles was observed in a polar region. Late in infection, paracrystalline arrays of virions were found in over 90% of the cells. When protein synthesis was blocked by in over 90% of the cells. When protein synthesis was blocked by chloramphenicol at 20 min postinfection, allowing continued viral RNA synthesis without production of coat protein, a dense fibrillar area appeared in a paranuclear region. Cytochemical studies were done on cells embedded in hydroxypropyl methacrylate, a water-miscible embedding agent. The paracrystalline arrays of virions were digested after extensive treatment with either pepsin or ribonuclease. Shorter digestion with the pepsin resulted in better definition of the crystal regions. The fibrillar area found in chloramphenicol-treated cells was digested by ribonuclease but not by pepsin, and was also resistant to lead extraction. This region probably represents a pool of virus-specific RNA.
The Mg 2 SiO 4 polymorphs (olivine, modified spinel and spinel); thermodynamic properties from oxide melt solution calorimetry, phase relations, and models of lattice vibrations

High temperature solution calorimetry of the a-, S, and yMg2SiOa polymorphs gives Alfiooo @- 9) = 7610+680 cal mol-r and AIlis6e (P- i: 1630+900 cal mol-r. Based on the phase equilibrium data of Suito (1977) and appropriate thermal expansivity, compressibility,andheatcapacitydata,ASi66s: -2.5+0.5and-l.5t0.9calmol-rK-rforthea---> Band B---> Ttransitions, respectively. Infrared and Raman spectra have been obtained for the three phases, and the lattice vibrational thermodynamic properties of the Mg2SiOa polymorphs have been calculated using the model approach developed by Kieffer (1979c). A range of models consistent with the infrared and Raman data and compressional and shear wave velocities give entropies and heat capacities consistent with reported heat capacities (available only at 350-700 K for ft and yMg2SiO4) and with the entropies of transition calculated above. From the vibrational calculations AS? ooo (a - B) : -2.8+0.6 cal mol-r K-r and ASiooo (F - y) : -1.3-+0.9 cal mol-r K-r. These two approaches to calculating AS" (calorimetry plus phase equilibria compared to vibrational calculations) offer means ofconstraining the P-Z slopes ofphase transitions at very high pressure, where experimental determinations sufer from serious uncertainties. The thermochemical data for a, B, and TMg2SiOa are used to construct the P,T diagram for these phases. The slopes of the o-p, fty, and a-7 boundaries are calculated to be positive and a triple point is predicted to be near 500 (1150) K and 120 (+10) kbar.
Patients in transition--improving hospital-home care collaboration through electronic messaging: providers' perspectives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore how the use of electronic messages support hospital and community care nurses' collaboration and communication concerning patients' admittance to and discharges from hospitals. BACKGROUND Nurses in hospitals and in community care play a crucial role in the transfer of patients between the home and the hospital. Several studies have shown that transition situations are challenging due to a lack of communication and information exchange. Information and communication technologies may support nurses' work in these transition situations. An electronic message system was introduced in Norway to support patient transitions across the health care sector. DESIGN A descriptive, qualitative interview study was conducted. METHODS One hospital and three adjacent communities were included in the study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with hospital nurses and community care nurses. In total, 41 persons were included in the study. The analysis stemmed from three main topics related to the aims of e-messaging: efficiency, quality and safety. These were further divided into sub-themes. RESULTS All informants agreed that electronic messaging is more efficient, i.e. less time-consuming than previous means of communication. The shift from predominantly oral communication to writing electronic messages has brought attention to the content of the information exchanged, thereby leading to more conscious communication. Electronic messaging enables improved information security, thereby enhancing patient safety, but this depends on nurses using the system as intended. CONCLUSION Nurses consider electronic messaging to be a useful tool for communication and collaboration in patient transitions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Patient transitions are demanding situations both for patients and for the nurses who facilitate the transitions. The introduction of information and communication technologies can support nurses' work in the transition situations, and this is likely to benefit the patients.
Nerve growth factor levels in normal human sera

NERVE growth factor (NGF) is the best characterized of the neurotrophic factors, but there is incomplete information concerning its levels in body fluids. Normal values of NGF in serum from 157 normal subjects were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A mean NGF level of 194 ± 25 pg ml−1 was obtained. There were no statistically significant variations with age, but the NGF level was significantly lower in females (112 ± 31 pg ml−1) than in males (243 ± 35 pg ml−1).
The Purchasing-Power-Parity Theory of Exchange Rates: A Review Article

La teoria de la paridad del poder adquisitivo (PPA) supone o bien la razon entre los niveles de los precios de dos paises (PPA absoluta) o los indices de los precios multiplicados por un tipo de cambio de un periodo base (PPA relativa) como la mas importante variable entre las que determinan el tipo de cambio, pero deja margen tanto para otras variables explicativas como para influencias aleatorias. Esta era la metodologia de Cassel, que fue el primer economista en hacer de la PPA una teoria funcional. Otros autores han sugerido el uso de los costos de los factores en lugar de los precios. El razonamiento que sirve de base a la teoria de la PPA es que el valor de una moneda queda determinado fundamentalmente por la cantidad de bienes y servicios que una unidad de moneda puede comprar en el pais de emision. Como criticas a la PPA se han senalado la existencia de aranceles y costos de transporte, la funcion que desempena el ingreso en la determinacion del tipo de cambio y la existencia de partidas no incluidas en la cuenta corriente de la balanza de pagos. Tambien se ha puesto sobre el tapete el sentido en que opera la casualidad (de los precios a los tipos de cambio). La critica mas severa es que la razon entre el nivel de los precios de los bienes que no son objeto de comercio y el de los que lo son no es igual en todos los paises, y que tampoco varia uniformemente en distintos paises de un momento a otro. Sin embargo, la mayoria de los criticos de la PPA no rechazan completamente esta teoria. Reconocen la posibilidad de aplicarla en ciertas circunstancias, tales como las de una inflacion moderada o intensa. El principal uso empirico que puede hacerse de la PPA es el de medir el grado de desequilibrio de un tipo de cambio. En la literatura empirica han aparecido varias clases de pruebas a que puede someterse la teoria de la PPA. Una prueba demuestra que la razon entre la PPA y el tipo de cambio esta sistematicamente relacionada con las diferencias entre paises de los ingresos per capita. En otras pruebas se correlacionan las series cronologicas de la PPA con el tipo de cambio o se hace una confrontacion estatico-comparativa de las dos variables en el transcurso del tiempo. Otras pruebas mas perfeccionadas suponen la especificacion de una relacion desfasada entre la PPA y el tipo de cambio, y la inclusion de variables explicativas ademas de la PPA en la determinacion del tipo de cambio.
Reproducibility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography total retinal thickness measurements in mice.

PURPOSE To test the reproducibility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) total retinal thickness (TRT) measurements in mice. METHODS C57Bl/6 mice were anesthetized, and three repeated volumetric images were acquired in both eyes with SD-OCT (250 A-scans × 250 frames × 1024 samplings), centered on the optic nerve head (ONH). The mice were repositioned between scans. TRT was automatically measured within a sampling band of retinal thickness with radii of 55 to 70 pixels, centered on the ONH by using custom segmentation software. The first volumetric image acquired in a given eye was used to register the remaining two SD-OCT images by manually aligning the en face images with respect to rotation and linear translation. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to global and quadrant thicknesses, taking into account the clustering between eyes, to assess imprecision (measurement reproducibility). RESULTS Twenty-six eyes of 13 adult mice (age 13 weeks) were imaged. The mean global TRT across all eyes was 298.21 μm, with a mouse heterogeneity standard deviation (SD) of 4.88 μm (coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.016), an eye SD of 3.32 μm (CV = 0.011), and a device-related imprecision SD of 2.33 μm (CV = 0.008). The superior quadrant had the thickest mean TRT measurement (310.38 μm) and the highest (worst) imprecision SD (3.13 μm; CV = 0.010), and the inferior quadrant had the thinnest mean TRT (291.55 μm). The quadrant with the lowest (best) imprecision SD was in the nasal one (2.06 μm; CV = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Good reproducibility was observed for SD-OCT retinal thickness measurements in mice. SD-OCT may be useful for in vivo longitudinal studies in mice.