Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ACE Inhibitors and Renal Vascular Responses in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Background: Substantial evidence has accumulated for the intrarenal generation of func tionally important quantities of angiotensin II (Ang II). To assess the possibility that Ang II generation occurs beyond a barrier to diffusion from the vascular compartment, six angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors varying widely in their lipid solubility were employed in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and their normotensive con trols (WKY). The biological end points were renal blood flow and its response to Ang II. Results: Two ACE inhibitors, ramipril and captopril, induced a larger increase in renal blood flow and enhanced the renal vascular response to Ang II substantially more than did enalapril and lisinopril. The two prodrugs, enalapril and ramipril, which are substantially more lipophilic than the respective active drugs, enalaprilat and ramiprilat, showed equiva lent responses. The partial agonist saralasin virtually abolished the renal vasodilator response to ramipril. The pattern of response was similar in WKY, but the responses were substantially smaller. Conclusions: The results support the concept that a functionally important compartment for intrarenal Ang II formation exists in the healthy rat and that this process is amplified in the SHR.
A long-term population-based clinical and morbidity profile of Angelman syndrome in Western Australia: 1953–2003

Purpose. To investigate the incidence, clinical presentation and associated comorbidities of Angelman syndrome (AS) in Western Australia, with establishment of an information database for the disorder. Methods. Data were collected from Disability Services Commission files, supplemented by datasets provided by the Western Australian Data Linkage Unit. The analysis was retrospective and quantitative. Results. Thirty-four individuals (two deceased) were identified (19 F, 15 M), with a mean age of 21.6 years; 52.9% had an IQ < 40, with the remainder of IQ 40–69. The incidence was one in 40,000 births and mean age at diagnosis was 5.8 years. The mean age of the 23 home residents was 20.2 years compared to 27.9 years in the nine individuals in sheltered accommodation. In general, the patients exhibited a typical AS clinical presentation. A median of 5.5 (range 0–20) hospital admissions was recorded per person, with epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, and dental work all common reasons for admission. Conclusions. The estimated incidence was low compared to other reports, as was the proportion of IQ < 40. AS cases required substantial levels of medical care, especially those who were epileptic. An increase in the future numbers of AS patients needing sheltered accommodation is predicted.
Cognitive Radio with Partial Channel State Information at the Transmitter

In this paper, we present the design of cognitive radio in the Rician channel with partial channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT). We replace the dirty paper coding (DPC) used in the cognitive radio with full CSIT by the linear assignment Gel'fand-Pinsker coding (LA-GPC) which can achieve better error performance when there is only partial CSIT. Based on the achievable rate derived from the LA-GPC, two optimization problems under the fast and slow fading channels are formulated. We derive semi-analytical solutions to find the relaying ratios and precoding coefficients. We also show that the parameters derived by the proposed methods converge to the optimal full CSIT solutions in the asymptotic cases. This result verifies the correctness of the proposed methods asymptotically. Moreover, a new coding scheme is proposed to implement the LA-GPC in practice. Simulation results show that the proposed semi-analytical solutions perform close to the optimal solutions found by brute-force search, and outperform the systems based on naive DPC. Simulation results also show that the proposed practical coding scheme can effectively approach the theoretical rate performance.
Myopia in retinopathy of prematurity.

Dr. Nelson has no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein. doi: 10.9999/01913913-20090505-03 Myopia is a common sequelae of premature infants with or without retinopathy of prematurity. It correlates highly with increasing severity of retinopathy of prematurity. Early and frequent cycloplegic refractions are essential in children with retinopathy of prematurity to detect myopia that will require treatment. In this issue, Beri et al. have described a possible mechanism to explain the development of myopia in infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Their observations indicate that the main factor causing myopia in infants with retinopathy of prematurity is an increased lens thickness. This is a different mechanism from the development of myopia in preterm infants without retinopathy of prematurity, where the main factor appears to be increased axial length. Postnatal emmetropization is influenced by the lens thickness and power, which appears to be directly affected by the presence of retinopathy of prematurity. It is interesting that both the peripheral retina and the lens zonules are derived embryologically from neuroectoderm. If retinopathy of prematurity does directly interfere with normal postnatal reduction of lens thickness and power, then perhaps further research could delineate methods of reducing myopia occurring with retinopathy of prematurity.
Nanomaterials in the aquatic environment: A European Union–United States perspective on the status of ecotoxicity testing, research priorities, and challenges ahead

The European Union–United States Communities of Research were established in 2012 to provide a platform for scientists to develop a “shared repertoire of protocols and methods to overcome nanotechnology environmental health and safety (nanoEHS) research gaps and barriers” (www.us-eu.org/). Based on work within the Ecotoxicology Community of Research (2012–2015) the present Focus article provides an overview of the state of the art of nanomaterials (NMs) in the aquatic environment by addressing different research questions, with a focus on ecotoxicological test systems and the challenges faced when assessing NM hazards (e.g., uptake routes, bioaccumulation, toxicity, test protocols, and model organisms). The authors' recommendation is to place particular importance on studying the ecological effects of aged/weathered NMs, as‐manufactured NMs, and NMs released from consumer products in addressing the following overarching research topics: 1) NM characterization and quantification in environmental and biological matrices; 2) NM transformation in the environment and consequences for bioavailability and toxicity; 3) alternative methods to assess exposure; 4) influence of exposure scenarios on bioavailability and toxicity; 5) development of more environmentally realistic bioassays; and 6) uptake, internal distribution, and depuration of NMs. Research addressing these key topics will reduce uncertainty in ecological risk assessment and support the sustainable development of nanotechnology. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1055–1067. © 2016 SETAC
Enhancing the stiffness of vertical graphene sheets through ion beam irradiation and fluorination

Many applications of graphene can benefit from the enhanced mechanical robustness of graphene-based components. We report how the stiffness of vertical graphene (VG) sheets is affected by the introduction of defects and fluorination, both separately and combined. The defects were created using a high-energy ion beam while fluorination was performed in a XeF2 etching system. After ion bombardment alone, the average effective reduced modulus (Er), equal to ∼4.9 MPa for the as-grown VG sheets, approximately doubled to ∼10.0 MPa, while fluorination alone almost quadrupled it to ∼18.4 MPa. The maximum average Er of ∼32.4 MPa was achieved by repeatedly applying fluorination and ion bombardment. This increase can be explained by the formation of covalent bonds between the VG sheets due to ion bombardment, as well as the conversion from sp2 to sp3 and increased corrugation due to fluorination.
Perceptions of Gender Ideals Predict Outcome of Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls

Clinical features have low predictive value for the outcome of eating disorders. This study focuses on the possible predictive value of gender ideals. Data was from adolescent girls thoroughly assessed both at presentation and at a three-year follow up. Few variables differed between the outcome groups. However, perceptions of gender ideals, as measured by the Three Questions of Ideals, were found to contribute to the prediction of outcome. A discriminant analysis showed that gender ideals, maturity fears, sexual debut, and vomiting were significant discriminators in a set of factors, which correctly classified the outcome for 75.3% of the sample.
Cerebral hemispheric lateralization in cardiac autonomic control.

OBJECTIVE To identify cerebral hemispheric lateralization in cardiac autonomic control. PATIENTS Eight patients undergoing an intracarotid amobarbital sodium test as a presurgical evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy. DESIGN Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability before and after intracarotid amobarbital injection. SETTING University hospital and research center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The changes in the ratio of low-frequency (LF) (sympathetic) to high-frequency (HF) (parasympathetic) power (LF/HF ratio), a measure of sympathovagal balance, after hemispheric inactivation. RESULTS The LF/HF ratio changed as follows: right preinactivation = 3.81 +/- 0.96, postinactivation = 3.40 +/- 1.23; left preinactivation = 2.74 +/- 0.49, postinactivation = 4.34 +/- 0.59 (mean +/- SEM). The test of interaction between laterality and inactivation using a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was statistically significant (P = .001). The increased ratio on the left side (1.61 +/- 0.70) was statistically significant (P = .03), but the decrease on the right side (-0.40 +/- 0.46) was not (P < or = .70). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that there is a cerebral lateralization in cardiac autonomic control and that the right cerebral hemisphere predominantly modulates sympathetic activity. This study may help identify subgroups of patients with intracranial disease at high risk of cardiac complications.
Distraction Becomes Engagement in Automated Driving

As vehicle automation proliferates, the current emphasis on preventing driver distraction needs to transition to maintaining driver availability. During automated driving, vehicle operators are likely to use brought-in devices to access entertainment and information. Do these media devices need to be controlled by the vehicle in order to manage driver attention? In a driving simulation study (N=48) investigating driver performance shortly after transitions from automated to human control, we found that participants watching videos or reading on a tablet were far less likely (6% versus 27%) to exhibit behaviors indicative of drowsiness than when overseeing the automated driving system; irrespective of the pre-driving activity, post- transition driving performance after a five-second structured handoff was not impaired. There was not a significant difference in collision avoidance reaction time or minimum headway distance between supervision and media consumption conditions, irrespective of whether messages were presented on the tablet device, or only presented on the instrument panel, or whether there was a single or two-stage handoff.
Treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats with erythropoietin and carbamylated erythropoietin.

OBJECT This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) and carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) administered following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. METHODS Sixty adult male Wistar rats were injured with controlled cortical impact, and then EPO, CEPO, or a placebo (phosphate-buffered saline) was injected intraperitoneally. These injections were performed either 6 or 24 hours after TBI. To label newly regenerating cells, bromodeoxyuridine was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days after TBI. Blood samples were obtained on Days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 35 to measure hematocrit. Spatial learning was tested using the Morris water maze. All rats were killed 35 days after TBI. Brain sections were immunostained as well as processed for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS A statistically significant improvement in spatial learning was seen in rats treated with either EPO or CEPO 6 or 24 hours after TBI (p < 0.05); there was no difference in the effects of EPO and CEPO. Also, these drugs were equally effective in increasing the number of newly proliferating cells within the dentate gyrus at both time points. A statistically significant increase in BDNF expression was seen in animals treated with both EPO derivatives at 6 or 24 hours after TBI. Systemic hematocrit was significantly increased at 48 hours and 1 and 2 weeks after treatment with EPO but not with CEPO. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that at the doses used, EPO and CEPO are equally effective in enhancing spatial learning and promoting neural plasticity after TBI.
Technology in the Assessment of Learning Disability

Recent neuroradiologic and brain imaging technologies, along with methods for displaying electrophysiologic data, have promulgated active exploration in the assessment of learning disability with attempts to improve diagnostic precision and elucidate the neurobiological substrates of learning disorders. The following article reviews these techniques and explores the research that has been conducted in this area over the past two decades. Initial investigations attempted to elucidate irregularities or abnormalities of brain morphology in individuals with learning disability utilizing computerized tomography (CT). The current standard for structural imaging of the brain is magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which has allowed for greater specificity in identifying brain abnormalities. More recently, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been postulated as holding some promise in distinguishing anatomic/function differences in LD. Electrophysiological (EEG) and metabolic imaging techniques offer methods by which human brain activity can be studied during cognitive processes. Computerized EEG studies including evoked potentials (EP) or event-related potentials (ERP), spectral EEG analysis, and topographic EEG brain mapping have also identified a number of brain irregularities in individuals with learning disabilities, though no consistent exemplars have emerged. Studies with positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) have also demonstrated a number of abnormalities and inconsistencies in individuals with learning disabilities, but, again, no systematic research has demonstrated specific diagnostic abnormalities. Though inroads and some consistent patterns have begun to emerge in the assessment of learning disability with the preceding technologies, a number of challenges persist with neuroimaging and neurophysiological and metabolic imaging techniques. To date, no diagnostic conclusions have been drawn utilizing these methods in the assessment of the neurobiologic basis to LD.
Hierarchical components of genetic variation at a species boundary: population structure in two sympatric varieties of Lupinus microcarpus (Leguminosae)

Lupinus microcarpus is a self‐compatible annual plant that forms a species complex of morphologically variable but indeterminate varieties. In order to examine the hypothesis that varieties of L. microcarpus comprise genetically differentiated and reproductively isolated species, populations of L. microcarpus var. horizontalis and var. densiflorus were sampled from an area of sympatry in central California and genotyped using six microsatellite loci. Bayesian clustering divided the total sample into two groups corresponding to the named varieties with extremely low levels of inferred coancestry. Similarly, maximum likelihood and distance methods for genetic assignment placed individuals in two nonoverlapping groups. Evidence for isolation by distance (IBD) within each variety was found at shorter distance classes, but varieties remained differentiated in sympatry. Furthermore, coalescent estimates of divergence time indicate separation within the past 950–5050 generations, with minimal gene flow after divergence. A four‐level hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (amova) found significant levels of genetic differentiation among varieties (θP = 0.292), populations within varieties (θS = 0.449), subpopulations within populations (θSS = 0.623), and individuals within subpopulations (f = 0.421); but the greatest degree of differentiation was at the subpopulation level. Although it is sometimes assumed that the magnitude of genetic differences (e.g. FST) should be greater between species than among populations or subpopulations of the same species, shared ancestral polymorphism may lead to relatively low levels of differentiation at the species level, even as the stochastic effects of genetic drift generate higher levels of differentiation at lower hierarchical levels. These results suggest that L. microcarpus var. horizontalis and var. densiflorus are recently diverged yet reproductively isolated species, with high levels of inbreeding resulting from the combined effects of limited gene flow, demographic bottlenecks, and partial selfing in finite, geographically structured populations.
Cell-permeable Ceramides Prevent the Activation of Phospholipase D by ADP-ribosylation Factor and RhoA*

The mechanism of inhibition of phospholipase D (PLD) by ceramides was determined using granulocytes differentiated from human promyelocytic leukemic (HL-60) cells. In a cell-free system, hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by membrane-bound PLD depended upon phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate) (GTPγS), and cytosolic factors including ADP-ribosylating factor (ARF) and RhoA. C2- (N-acetyl-), C8- (N-octanoyl-), and long-chain ceramides, but not dihydro-C2-ceramide, inhibited PLD activity. Apyrase or okadaic acid did not modify the inhibition of PLD by ceramides, indicating that the effect in the cell-free system was unlikely to be dependent upon a ceramide-stimulated kinase or phosphoprotein phosphatases. C2- and C8-ceramides prevented the GTPγS-induced translocation of ARF1 and RhoA from the cytosol to the membrane fraction. In whole cells, C2-ceramide, but not dihydro-C2-ceramide, inhibited the stimulation of PLD by N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine and decreased the amounts of ARF1, RhoA, CDC42, Rab4, and protein kinase C-α and -β1 that were associated with the membrane fraction, but did not alter the distribution of protein kinase C-ε and -ζ. It is concluded that one mechanism by which ceramides prevent the activation of PLD is inhibition of the translocation to membranes of G-proteins and protein kinase C isoforms that are required for PLD activity.
Sinhala translation of child behaviour checklist: validity and reliability.

OBJECTIVE To translate the child behaviour checklist (CBCL) into Sinhala and validate it for assessment of mental health status of children aged 5-10 years. DESIGN AND SETTING Translation/back-translation method was used to translate the English CBCL into Sinhala. Each item in the Sinhala CBCL (CBCL-S) was rated by mental health professionals to determine semantics, content, and conceptual validity types. To ascertain criterion validity, total scores obtained for CBCL-S by administering it to parents or parent surrogates of 49 girls and 80 boys aged 5-10 years attending the specialist psychiatry clinics and 69 boys and 69 girls in the same age group from the community were compared with clinical diagnoses by a child psychiatrist. Receiver operator characteristic curves were drawn to obtain the cut-off points in CBCL-S for boys and girls separately. RESULTS Semantics, content, and conceptual and criterion validity of CBCL-S were satisfactory. At the cut-off level of 39, CBCL-S had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 88% for boys and a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 92% for girls. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-interviewer reliability of CBCL-S were satisfactory. INTERPRETATION CBCL-S is a valid and reliable instrument to measure mental health status of Sinhalese children aged 5-10 years in Sri Lanka.
Predicting population dynamics of the parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) resulting from novel interactions of temperature and selenium

Abstract Changes in trophic level interactions due to global climate change and the increasing occurrence of pollution are likely to have consequences for natural enemies. Specifically, information regarding the effects of these factors on insect parasitoids is relatively sparse. We examined the individual and joint effects of temperature and the pollutant selenium on the fitness correlates of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), parasitizing Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Our specific objective was to determine in a factorial experiment how three temperatures (constant 28.6°C, constant 33°C and a fluctuating temperature between 28.6 and 33°C) and three concentrations of seleno-dl-methionine (0.00, 21.21, and 42.42 µg/g) affected the parasitoid's fitness and life history. Parasitoids failed to complete development at the constant 33°C, but developed significantly faster at the fluctuating temperature compared to the constant 28.6°C. There were significant declines due to increased temperature, but not selenium, on C. marginiventris survival time, adult body weight, body size, hind tibia length, female life span and number of progeny that survived to adulthood. Mean generation times and the intrinsic rate of increase (r) further show that both of these life table statistics declined under conditions of increased temperatures. We discuss the implications of these results in helping to understand and predict the effectiveness of biological control programs and pest management strategies as climate changes in the presence of metal and metalloid pollution.