Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Institutional Matrices Theory Which Was Designed to Illustrate Differences Between Russian and Western Political Economies

Abstract: This article is devoted to the evaluation of the institutional matrices theory (IMT), which was designed to illustrate the differences between Russian and Western political economic systems. IMT has no matrix, and it is an ideological declaration rather than a theory. It is a set of assertions and assumptions that are adopted without evidence, and then hypostatized to be Russian and Western socioeconomic systems. IMT literature claims to utilize the reciprocity, redistribution, and exchange model of Karl Polanyi (1944, 1957). However, IMT suffers from a number of assumptive and methodological problems in its application, the first of which consists of the complete exclusion of reciprocity from consideration. The first section of the article is an explanation of problems with IMT, and the second section demonstrates some particulars of the IMT problems with a real-world social fabric matrix from a Western nation.
Satellite Gravimetric Estimation of Groundwater Storage Variations Over Indus Basin in Pakistan

Like other agrarian countries, Pakistan is now heavily dependent on its groundwater resources to meet the irrigated agricultural water demand. Groundwater has emerged as a major source with more than 60% contribution in total water supplies. In the absence of groundwater regulation, the uneven and overexploitation of groundwater resource in Indus Basin has caused several problems of water table decline, groundwater mining, and deterioration of groundwater quality. This study evaluates the potential of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Satellite (GRACE)-based estimation of changes in groundwater storage (GWS) as a cost-effective approach for groundwater monitoring and policy recommendations for sustainable water management in the Indus basin. The GRACE monthly gravity anomalies from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed as total water storage (TWS) variations. The variable infiltration capacity hydrological model-generated soil moisture and surface runoff were used for the separation of TWS into GWS anomalies. The GRACE-based GWS anomalies are found to favorably agree with trends inferred from in situ piezometric data. A general depletion trend is observed in Upper Indus Plain (UIP) where groundwater is found to be declining at a mean rate of about 13.5 mm per year in equivalent height of water during 2003-2010. A total loss of about 11.82 km3 per year fresh groundwater stock is inferred for UIP. Based on TWS variations and ground knowledge, the two southern river plains, Bari and Rechna are found to be under threat of extensive groundwater depletion. GRACE TWS data were also able to pick up signals from the large-scale flooding events observed in 2010 and 2014. These flooding events played a significant role in the replenishment of the groundwater system in Indus Basin. Our study indicates that the GRACE-based estimation of GWS changes is skillful enough to provide monthly updates on the trend of the GWS changes for resource managers and policy makers of Indus basin.
Hyperosmolality regulates endothelin release by Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

ET release by the renal epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line was investigated under isosmotic (300 mosmol/kg H2O; pH 7.4) and hyperosmotic (400, 500, or 600 mosmol/kg H2O) culture and assay conditions by the use of a specific and sensitive RIA. During isosmotic incubation, MDCK cells, which may be of collecting duct origin, secreted by far more ET into the cell culture supernatant (495.7 +/- 25.5 fmol.mg of protein-1.24 h-1) than did the proximal tubule-derived LLC-PK1 (2.42 +/- 0.20 fmol.mg of protein-1.24 h-1) and opossum kidney (3.12 +/- 0.47 fmol.mg of protein-1.24 h-1) cells. ET secretion by MDCK monolayers increased progressively within 24 h and then only slightly declined up to 48 h. Phosphoramidon (100 mumol/L) inhibited the constitutive ET synthesis in MDCK cells by 60%, indicating the participation of a phosphoramidon-sensitive ET-converting enzyme in the processing of bigET to ET in these cells. MDCK epithelia grown on filter inserts showed a clear polarity in their ET release. The baseline secretion of ET was 2.5 times higher to the basolateral than to the apical side, which might be in support of a predominantly basolateral action of the peptide. Short-term incubation of MDCK cells in hyperosmotic NaCl media for 24 h dose dependently decreased ET production. When urea was used as the solute to generate hyperosmolality, ET release by MDCK cells significantly increased. In contrast, when raffinose was added to increase osmolality to 500 mosmol/kg H2O, a decrease of ET production in a range similar to the effect of NaCl was seen. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ethanol mimics ligand‐mediated activation and endocytosis of IL‐1RI/TLR4 receptors via lipid rafts caveolae in astroglial cells

We have recently reported that ethanol‐induced inflammatory processes in the brain and glial cells are mediated via the activation of interleukin‐1 beta receptor type I (IL‐1RI)/toll‐like receptor type 4 (TLR4) signalling. The mechanism(s) by which ethanol activates these receptors in astroglial cells remains unknown. Recently, plasma membrane microdomains, lipid rafts, have been identified as platforms for receptor signalling and, in astrocytes, rafts/caveolae constitute an important integrators of signal events and trafficking. Here we show that stimulation of astrocytes with IL‐1β, lipopolysaccharide or ethanol (10 and 50 mM), triggers the translocation of IL‐1RI and/or TLR4 into lipid rafts caveolae‐enriched fractions, promoting the recruitment of signalling molecules (phospho‐IL‐1R‐associated kinase and phospho‐extracellular regulated‐kinase) into these microdomains. With confocal microscopy, we further demonstrate that IL‐1RI is internalized by caveolar endocytosis via enlarged caveosomes organelles upon IL‐1β or ethanol treatment, which sorted their IL‐1RI cargo into the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi compartment and into the nucleus of astrocytes. In short, our findings demonstrate that rafts/caveolae are critical for IL‐1RI and TLR4 signalling in astrocytes, and reveal a novel mechanism by which ethanol, by interacting with lipid rafts caveolae, promotes IL‐1RI and TLR4 receptors recruitment, triggering their endocytosis via caveosomes and downstream signalling stimulation. These results suggest that TLRs receptors are important targets of ethanol‐induced inflammatory damage in the brain.
Effect of mode of delivery on macronutrient content of breast milk

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of delivery type on macronutrient content of colostral milk. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital. Colostral milk samples from term lactating mothers who gave birth by vaginal or cesarean delivery (CD) were obtained on the 2nd postpartum day. Milk protein, fat, carbohydrate (CHO) and energy levels were measured by using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. Results: A total of 204 term lactating mothers were recruited to the study; 111 mothers gave birth by vaginal route and 93 mothers by CD. Protein levels were statistically lower in colostral milk of mothers after CD compared to mothers who delivered vaginally (median 2.4 (range 0.3–6.4) g/dl versus 3 (0.5–6.3) g/dl, respectively; p = 0.036). Colostral fat, CHO and energy levels were similar between groups. In linear regression analysis, CD and maternal age were independently associated with lower protein content in colostrum. Conclusion: Vaginal delivery is associated with higher colostrum protein content. Hormonal activity induced by labor pain and uterine contractions might account for the alterations in the protein composition of human milk to facilitate optimal development of important physiologic functions in newborns.
Incidence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli associated with frozen chicken carcasses and characterization of conjugative R plasmids derived from such strains

Escherichia coli were isolated at concentrations of about 10(2)/ml from the fluid obtained after thawing each of five frozen chicken carcasses. Between 13 and 89% of the E. coli were resistant to mercury(II) or to at least one of eight antibiotics tested. Multiple resistance was more common than single resistance, and resistances to tetracycline, streptomycin, sulfathiazole, or chloramphenicol were more frequently encountered than was resistance to ampicillin or mercury(II). Resistance to kanamycin, gentamicin, or trimethoprim occurred rarely. Upwards of 30% of the E. coli apparently carried conjugative plasmids and could transfer at least one of their resistance determinants to E. coli K-12. Twenty-five conjugative R plasmids obtained in this way were characterized within strain K-12 by a variety of phenotypic criteria. Twenty could be assigned to the incompatibility groups Inc X, Inc N, Inc FI, or Inc I alpha.
Determinants of physical activity after hospitalization for coronary artery disease: the Tracking Exercise After Cardiac Hospitalization (TEACH) Study

Background Little is known about physical activity levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who are not engaged in cardiac rehabilitation. We explored the trajectory of physical activity after hospitalization for CAD, and examined the effects of demographic, medical, and activity-related factors on the trajectory. Design A prospective cohort study. Methods A total of 782 patients were recruited during CAD-related hospitalization. Leisure-time activity energy expenditure (AEE) was measured 2, 6 and 12 months later. Sex, age, education, reason for hospitalization, congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, and physical activity before hospitalization were assessed at recruitment. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation was measured at follow-up. Results AEE was 1948 ± 1450, 1676 ± 1290, and 1637 ± 1486 kcal/week at 2, 6 and 12 months, respectively. There was a negative effect of time from 2 months post-hospitalization on physical activity (P<0.001). Interactions were found between age and time (P = 0.012) and education and time (P = 0.001). Main effects were noted for sex (men more active than women; P<0.001), CHF (those without CHF more active; P<0.01), diabetes (those without diabetes more active; P<0.05), and previous level of physical activity (those active before hospitalization more active after; P<0.001). Coronary artery bypass graft patients were more active than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients (P = 0.033). Conclusions Physical activity levels declined from 2 months after hospitalization. Specific subgroups (e.g. less educated, younger) were at greater risk of decline and other subgroups (e.g. women, and PCI, CHF, and diabetic patients) demonstrated lower physical activity. These groups need tailored interventions.
Effects of the Ottonia martiana Miq . ( Piperaceae ) extract on dog ’ s ocular surface

The anesthetics effects of aqueous extract of Ottonia martiana leaves were studied on the ocular surface of healthy beagle dogs. The dogs were divided in three groups (n=15): control group (CG), proxymetacaine group (PG) and Ottonia group (OG), which were treated with 0.9% saline, 0.5% proxymetacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and O. martiana extract respectively. An oftalmic evaluation was performed before the treatments. Eye drops were instilled at time 0 (T0) and 3 minutes later (T3). Axial corneal sensitivity was evaluated by esthesiometry 5 and 10 minutes after T0. Tear production and intraocular pressure were evaluated 10 minutes after T0. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was performed 10 and 20 minutes after T0 and the eyes were stained with fluorescein 20 minutes after T0. The STT was reduced in PG. Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 13 animals from PG and constituted the only ocular alteration observed during the study. Esthesiometry revealed a decreased corneal sensitivity for PG and OG. Those results show that the O. martiana extract acts reducing corneal sensitivity in dogs. Moreover, its use does not decrease the tear production and does not cause any clinical ophthalmic alteration. Keyword: dog, Ottonia martiana, Piperaceae, corneal sensitivity, tear production
Sequence-specific DNA binding by the MspI DNA methyltransferase.

The MspI methyltransferase (M.MspI) recognizes the sequence CCGG and catalyzes the formation of 5-methylcytosine at the fist C-residue. We have investigated the sequence-specific DNA-binding properties of M.MspI under equilibrium conditions, using gel-mobility shift assays and DNasel footprinting. M.MspI binds to DNA in a sequence-specific manner either alone or in the presence of the normal methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine as well as the analogues, sinefungin and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine. In the presence of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, M.MspI shows the highest binding affinity to DNA containing a hemimethylated recognition sequence (Kd = 3.6 x 10(-7) M), but binds less well to unmethylated DNA (Kd = 8.3 x 10(-7) M). Surprisingly it shows specific, although poor, binding to fully methylated DNA (Kd = 4.2 x 10(-6) M). M.MspI binds approximately 5-fold more tightly to DNA containing its recognition sequence, CCGG, than to nonspecific sequences in the absence of cofactors. In the presence of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine or sinefungin the discrimination between specific and non-specific sequences increases up to 100-fold. DNasel footprinting studies indicate that 16 base pairs of DNA are covered by M.MspI, with the recognition sequence CCGG located asymmetrically within the footprint.
The Escherichia coli UVM response is accompanied by an SOS‐independent error‐prone DNA replication activity demonstrable in vitro

UVM is an SOS‐independent inducible response characterized by elevated mutagenesis at a site‐specific 3, N4‐ethenocytosine (εC) residue borne on M13 single‐stranded DNA transfected into Escherichia coli cells pretreated with DNA‐damaging agents. By constructing and using E. coli strain AM124 (polA polB umuDC dinB lexA1[Ind–]), we show here that the UVM response is manifested in cells deficient for SOS induction, as well as for all four of the ‘non‐replicative’ DNA polymerases, namely DNA polymerase I (polA), II (polB), IV (dinB) and V (umuDC). These results confirm that UVM represents a novel, previously unidentified cellular response to DNA‐damaging agents. To address the question as to whether the UVM response is accompanied by an error‐prone DNA replication activity, we applied a newly developed in vitro replication assay coupled to an in vitro mutation analysis system. In the assay, circular M13 single‐stranded DNA bearing a site‐specific lesion is converted to circular double‐stranded replicative‐form DNA in the presence of cell extracts and nucleotide precursors under conditions that closely mimic M13 replication in vivo. The newly synthesized (minus) DNA strand is selectively amplified by ligation‐mediated polymerase chain reaction (LM‐PCR), followed by a multiplex sequence analysis to determine the frequency and specificity of mutations. Replication of DNA bearing a site‐specific εC lesion by cell extracts from uninduced E. coli AM124 cells results in a mutation frequency of about 13%. Mutation frequency is elevated fivefold (to 58%) in cell extracts from UVM‐induced AM124 cells, with C → A mutations predominating over C → T mutations, a specificity similar to that observed in vivo. These results, together with previously reported data, suggest that the UVM response is mediated through the induction of a transient error‐prone DNA replication activity and that a modification of DNA polymerase III or the expression of a previously unidentified DNA polymerase may account for the UVM phenotype.
Internal virus polarization model for virus retention by the Ultipor® VF Grade DV20 membrane

Several recent studies have reported a decline in virus retention during virus challenge filtration experiments, although the mechanism(s) governing this phenomenon for different filters remains uncertain. Experiments were performed to evaluate the retention of PP7 and PR772 bacteriophage through Ultipor VF Grade DV20 virus filters during constant pressure filtration. While the larger PR772 phage was fully retained under all conditions, a 2‐log decline in retention of the small PP7 phage was observed at high throughputs, even under conditions where there was no decline in filtrate flux. In addition, prefouling the membrane with an immunoglobulin G solution had no effect on phage retention. An internal polarization model was developed to describe the decline in phage retention arising from the accumulation of phage in the upper (reservoir) layer within the filter which increases the challenge to the lower (rejection) layer. Independent support for this internal polarization phenomenon was provided by confocal microscopy of fluorescently labeled phage within the membrane. The model was in good agreement with phage retention data over a wide range of phage titers, confirming that virus retention is throughput dependent and supporting current recommendations for virus retention validation studies. These results provide important insights into the factors governing virus retention by membrane filters and their dependence on the underlying structure of the virus filter membrane. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 30:856–863, 2014
Relationships between short-term variations in density of juvenile yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus and environmental variables on an estuarine mudflat

Weekly variations in density of juvenile yellowfin goby Acanthogobius flavimanus with a variety of environmental variables (e.g. water temperature, salinity and transparency, and prey density) were investigated on a tidal mudflat within the Tama River estuary, central Japan, from March to July 2001. Metamorphosing newly settled juveniles occurred from mid-March to late May. Metamorphosed benthich juveniles first appeared in late March, the density sharply increasing to a peak (67.0 ind./m2) in early May but rapidly decreasing to less than 10% of that two weeks later. No consistent relationships were apparent between short-term variations in fish density by developmental stages and water temperature, or salinity. In contrast, a weak negative relation was found between juvenile density and water transparency. Further, benthic juvenile density was positively related to short-term fluctuations of errant polychaetes, which is one of the main prey items.
Residents Perceptions of Friendship and Positive Social Networks Within a Nursing Home.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY (i) To describe nursing home residents' perceptions of their friendship networks using social network analysis (SNA) and (ii) to contribute to theory regarding resident friendship schema, network structure, and connections between network ties and social support. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional interviews, standardized assessments, and observational data were collected in three care units, including a Dementia Specific Unit (DSU), of a 94-bed Sydney nursing home. Full participation consent was obtained for 36 residents aged 63-94 years. Able residents answered open-ended questions about friendship, identified friendship ties, and completed measures of nonfamily social support. RESULTS Residents retained clear concepts of friendship and reported small, sparse networks. Nonparametric pairwise comparisons indicated that DSU residents reported less perceived social support (median = 7) than residents from the other units (median = 17; U = 10.0, p = .034, r = -.51), (median = 14; U = 0.0, p = .003, r = -.82). Greater perceived social support was moderately associated with higher number of reciprocated ties [ρ(25) = . 49, p = . 013]. IMPLICATIONS Though some residents had friendships, many reported that nursing home social opportunities did not align with their expectations of friendship. Relationships with coresidents were associated with perceptions of social support. SNA's relational perspective elucidated network size, tie direction, and density, advancing understanding of the structure of residents' networks and flow of subjective social support through that structure. Understanding resident expectations and perceptions of their social networks is important for care providers wishing to improve quality of life in nursing homes.
HYPOTENSIVE EFFECT OF CHRONICALLY INFUSED ADRENOMEDULLIN IN CONSCIOUS WISTAR‐KYOTO AND SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

1. The hypotensive effect of chronically infused human adrenomedullin (hAM), a potent vasodilator peptide that has been reported to have a natriuretic action, was examined in normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
Palatal rugae pattern in Mysorean and Tibetan populations.

OBJECTIVES To compare the palatine rugae pattern of Mysorean and Tibetan subjects, to assess the predominant palatine rugae pattern in Mysorean and Tibetan population, and to determine the uniqueness of palatine rugae pattern in an individual. MATERIALS Maxillary study models of 60 subjects each (30 males and 30 females) of age group 17-23 years, of Mysorean population and Tibetan population were assessed for the length, shape, and unification of rugae based on the classification by Lysell et al. The palatine rugae were compared for the above mentioned parameters. 2 way ANOVA and Chi square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that males had significantly more number of total rugae on the right compared to the left side in both populations. Indian males had more primary rugae on the left side as compared to females and vice versa for the Tibetan population. Also, Indian males had more number of curved rugae on both right and left sides than Tibetan males and Tibetan females had more wavy rugae on right and left sides than Indian females. In other aspects, no significant difference or association was found. CONCLUSIONS A statistically significant association between the total number of rugae and the gender in both the study populations exists. Parameters like the length and shape of the rugae show racial differences.
Is fetal macrosomia in adequately controlled diabetic women the result of a placental defect? – a hypothesis

Fetal macrosomia may occur even in adequately controlled diabetic mothers. This may reflect the problem of using maternal glycemia as an indicator of fetal glycemia, because the placenta interposed between both compartments has its own glucose metabolism. Here, we propose a model by which the placenta protects the fetus at moderate levels of maternal hyperglycemia. One characteristic feature of the human placenta in diabetes is the increased deposition of glycogen. Neither hyperglycemia nor hyperinsulinemia increase the glycogen content in the trophoblast. Since the glycogen increments in diabetes are predominantly located around fetoplacental vessels, it is tempting to assume a fetal origin of glucose making up the glycogen deposits. In fact, glucose can be transported back from the fetus into the placenta and this reflux is increased in diabetes. Therefore, in conditions of fetal glucose levels exceeding the demand for sustaining fetal growth and metabolism, glucose can be stored in the liver and other fetal tissues. Once these stores are saturated, glucose is extracted from the fetal circulation by the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 on cells surrounding the fetoplacental vasculature and stored therein, again in the form of glycogen. These processes might be under the control of fetal insulin, because insulin injected into the fetal circulation increases placental glycogen stores. Fetal macrosomia would then occur only when fetal hyperglycemia exceeds the placental capacity to store excess fetal glucose. Thus, the placental failure to protect the fetus would cause the 'unexplained' phenotypic changes occasionally found in fetuses born to well-controlled diabetic women.