Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of Human Coronary Arteries to Aggregating Platelets: Importance of Endothelium‐Derived Relaxing Factor and Prostanoids

Epicardial human coronary arteries (HCA) were obtained during heart transplantation. Strip preparations were mounted for isometric tension recording. Tension was induced with prostaglandin F2α (0.3–3 μM). Aggregating human platelets (107/ml and 108/ml) caused marked relaxation it the endothelium of the HCA was intact, but produced modest additional constriction if the endothelium was removed. The endothelium-dependent relaxations to platelets were slightly enhanced in the presence of methysergide (1 μM) or after treatment of the platelets with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor dazmegrel (1 mM, 30 minutes). Relaxations to platelets were markedly inhibited or abolished in the presence of apyrase (1 unit/ml), after selective pretreatment of HCA with gossypol or methylene blue (both 30 μM, 30 minutes), or after addition of hemoglobin (20 μM) to the organ bath. Pretreatment of HCA (not the platelets) with aspirin (30 μM, 30 minutes) had no significant effect on platelet-induced relaxations. Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (0.1–100 μM) induced marked relaxations in endothelium-intact and much smaller relaxations in endothelium-denuded HCA. A low concentration (10 nM) of serotonin (5-HT) produced modest endothelium-dependent relaxations, higher concentrations (0.1–1 μM) led to increases in tension (also in the presence of endothelium). The thromboxane A2 mimetic U44069 (1–100 nM) was the most potent constrictor of HCA irrespective of the presence or absence of endothelium. After inhibition of thromboxane synthase, platelets produced large amounts of prostaglandins E2 and F2α. Both prostaglandins constricted HCA, which can explain the limited effects of dazmegrel. These data suggest that adenine nucleotides released by aggregating platelets stimulate the endothelial cell layer of HCA to produce endothelium-derived relaxing factor. The factor is able to override the direct vasoconstrictor effects of other platelet products (5-HT, thromboxane A2, and prostaglandin E2) and may be an important defense mechanism against coronary vasospasm.
Prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis in HIV-infected individuals referred for gastroenterological evaluation.

OBJECTIVES The reported prevalence of enteric pathogens, especially microsporidiosis, in HIV infection varies greatly. In this study, the prevalence rates for microsporidiosis and other enteric pathogens in HIV-infected individuals referred for gastrointestinal symptoms were compared. METHODS This prospective study included 250 HIV-infected individuals (179 with AIDS) who were referred for GI evaluation (diarrhea in 194). The prevalence rates of symptomatic intestinal disease due to microsporidiosis and other intestinal pathogens were determined by clinical evaluation, and their epidemiological, clinical, and immunological characteristics were compared. RESULTS Enteric pathogens were identified in 83% of 141 AIDS patients with diarrhea, 2% of 53 AIDS patients without diarrhea, and 3% of 56 non-AIDS patients. Microsporidia was the most common pathogen found (39% of AIDS patients with diarrhea). Two or more coexisting infections were found in 28% of AIDS patients with diarrhea. The prevalence rates for coexisting infections were similar to those predicted from the individual prevalence rates, with the exception of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, which were lower than predicted. Patients with microsporidiosis had severely depressed CD4 lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood. All patients with microsporidiosis, except one, had diarrhea, and D xylose malabsorption was universal in patients with microsporidiosis. CONCLUSION Microsporidiosis is a common cause of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and weight loss in AIDS patients.
Functional anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) hindlimb

The cheetah is capable of a top speed of 29 ms−1 compared to the maximum speed of 17 ms−1 achieved by the racing greyhound. In this study of the hindlimb and in the accompanying paper on the forelimb we have quantified the musculoskeletal anatomy of the cheetah and greyhound and compared them to identify any differences that may account for this variation in their locomotor abilities. Specifically, bone length, mass and mid‐shaft diameter were measured, along with muscle mass, fascicle lengths, pennation angles and moment arms to enable estimates of maximal isometric force, joint torques and joint rotational velocities to be calculated. Surprisingly the cheetahs had a smaller volume of hip extensor musculature than the greyhounds, and we therefore propose that the cheetah powers acceleration using its extensive back musculature. The cheetahs also had an extremely powerful psoas muscle which could help to resist the pitching moments around the hip associated with fast accelerations. The hindlimb bones were proportionally longer and heavier, enabling the cheetah to take longer strides and potentially resist higher peak limb forces. The cheetah therefore possesses several unique adaptations for high‐speed locomotion and fast accelerations, when compared to the racing greyhound.
Influence of gene flow on divergence dating – implications for the speciation history of Takydromus grass lizards

Dating the time of divergence and understanding speciation processes are central to the study of the evolutionary history of organisms but are notoriously difficult. The difficulty is largely rooted in variations in the ancestral population size or in the genealogy variation across loci. To depict the speciation processes and divergence histories of three monophyletic Takydromus species endemic to Taiwan, we sequenced 20 nuclear loci and combined with one mitochondrial locus published in GenBank. They were analysed by a multispecies coalescent approach within a Bayesian framework. Divergence dating based on the gene tree approach showed high variation among loci, and the divergence was estimated at an earlier date than when derived by the species‐tree approach. To test whether variations in the ancestral population size accounted for the majority of this variation, we conducted computer inferences using isolation‐with‐migration (IM) and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) frameworks. The results revealed that gene flow during the early stage of speciation was strongly favoured over the isolation model, and the initiation of the speciation process was far earlier than the dates estimated by gene‐ and species‐based divergence dating. Due to their limited dispersal ability, it is suggested that geographical isolation may have played a major role in the divergence of these Takydromus species. Nevertheless, this study reveals a more complex situation and demonstrates that gene flow during the speciation process cannot be overlooked and may have a great impact on divergence dating. By using multilocus data and incorporating Bayesian coalescence approaches, we provide a more biologically realistic framework for delineating the divergence history of Takydromus.
Linking Life-History Traits, Ecology, and Niche Breadth Evolution in North American Eriogonoids (Polygonaceae)

Macroevolutionary and microevolutionary studies provide complementary explanations of the processes shaping the evolution of niche breadth. Macroevolutionary approaches scrutinize factors such as the temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneities that drive differentiation among species. Microevolutionary studies, in contrast, focus on the processes that affect intraspecific variability. We combine these perspectives by using macroevolutionary models in a comparative study of intraspecific variability. We address potential differences in rates of evolution of niche breadth and position in annual and perennial plants of the Eriogonoideae subfamily of the Polygonaceae. We anticipated higher rates of evolution in annuals than in perennials owing to differences in generation time that are paralleled by rates of molecular evolution. Instead, we found that perennial eriogonoid species present greater environmental tolerance (wider climate niche) than annual species. Niche breadth of perennial species has evolved two to four times faster than in annuals, while niche optimum has diversified more rapidly among annual species than among perennials. Niche breadth and average elevation of species are correlated. Moreover, niche breadth increases more rapidly with mean species elevation in perennials than in annuals. Our results suggest that both environmental gradients and life-history strategy influence rates and patterns of niche breadth evolution.
Antiviral efficacy of NS3‐serine protease inhibitor BILN‐2061 in patients with chronic genotype 2 and 3 hepatitis C

BILN‐2061, a specific and potent peptidomimetic inhibitor of the HCV NS3 protease, has recently been shown to markedly lower serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA levels in patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 in three 2‐day proof of principle studies. The aim of the current study was to assess the antiviral efficacy of BILN‐2061 in patients with genotypes 2 and 3 HCV infection. The antiviral efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of 500 mg twice‐daily BILN‐2061 given as monotherapy for 2 days in 10 patients chronically infected with non–genotype 1 HCV (genotype 2: n = 3; genotype 3: n =7) and minimal liver fibrosis (Ishak score 0‐2) were assessed in a placebo‐controlled (placebo n = 2), double‐blind pilot study. HCV‐RNA levels decreased by ≥1 log10 copies/mL in 4 of 8 patients treated with BILN‐2061. One patient showed a weak response of <1 log10 copies/mL. Three of 8 treated patients showed no response. There was no correlation between baseline viral concentration or genotype and response. BILN‐2061 exhibited good systemic exposure after oral administration and was well tolerated. In conclusion, the antiviral efficacy of the HCV serine protease inhibitor BILN‐2061 is less pronounced and more variable in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection compared with previous results in patients with HCV genotype 1. A lower affinity of BILN‐2061 for the NS3 protease of genotypes 2 and 3 HCV is most likely a major contributor to these findings. (HEPATOLOGY 2005.)
The Effect of Magnesium on Coagulation in Parturients with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is associated with complex coagulation abnormalities that include altered platelet function and consumption and activation of the fibrinolytic system. Magnesium sulfate, which is used as a therapeutic modality for the prevention of seizures in preeclamptic parturients, has anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects. We sought to determine the effects of magnesium on various components of the coagulation system in patients with preeclampsia. We assessed the coagulation status of 18 parturients with preeclampsia being treated with magnesium. The assessment was performed with the thromboelastograph test, which provides an overall assessment of blood coagulation via the coagulation index. Thromboelastography was performed before beginning magnesium therapy and 30 min and 2 h after a 6-g bolus of IV magnesium. The R value (time to first clot formation) was found to be significantly slower (P < 0.05) at 30 min after the magnesium bolus. This result suggests increased coagulant factor activity resulting from the magnesium bolus. However, there was no effect of magnesium on the overall coagulation, as evidenced by the lack of change in the coagulation index either at 30 min or at 2 h after the completion of the initial magnesium bolus. Therefore, this therapy should have no effect on the use of neuraxial techniques.
Total Factor Productivity Spillovers from Trade Reforms in India

It is often argued that the positive effects of policies or institutional reforms on the productivity of firms are amplified by positive spillovers to other firms. In this paper, we use a comprehensive dataset of Indian manufacturing firms and employ spatial econometric techniques to estimate the strength of inter‐firm total factor productivity (TFP) spillovers within India following trade reforms. We use externally imposed tariff reductions as an exogenous source of variation in TFP (following Topalova and Khandelwal 2011) and test for spillovers arising from observation, labour mobility and intermediate input use. We find no evidence of TFP spillovers between Indian manufacturing firms after trade liberalization on average. However, initially productive firms seem to benefit from TFP increases in other highly productive firms located in their vicinity.
Regulation of Human Immune Gene Expression as Influenced by a Commercial Blended Echinacea Product: Preliminary Studies

Consumption of Echinacea at the first sign of symptoms has been clinically shown to reduce both the severity and duration of cold and flu. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction optimized for precision and reproducibility was utilized to explore in vitro and in vivo changes in the expression of immunomodulatory genes in response to Echinacea. In vitro exposure of THP-1 cells to 250 μg/ml of Echinacea species extracts induced expression (up to 10-fold) of the interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, intracellular adhesion molecule, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10 genes. This preliminary result is consistent with a general immune response and activation of the nonspecific immune response cytokines. In vivo gene expression within peripheral leukocytes was evaluated in six healthy nonsmoking subjects (18–65 years of age). Blood samples were obtained at baseline and on Days 2, 3, 5, and 12 after consuming a commercial blended Echinacea product, three tablets three times daily (1518 mg/day) for two days plus one additional dose (506 mg) on day three. Serum chemistry and hematological values were not different from baseline, suggesting that liver or bone marrow responses were not involved in acute responses to Echinacea. The overall gene expression pattern at 48 hr to 12 days after taking Echinacea was consistent with an antiinflammatory response. The expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, intracellular adhesion molecule, and interleukin–8 was modestly decreased up through Day 5, returning to baseline by day 12. The expression of interferon-α steadily rose through Day 12, consistent with an antiviral response. These preliminary data present a gene expression response pattern that is consistent with Echinacea's reported ability to reduce both the duration and intensity of cold and flu symptoms.
Financial Impacts of Priority Swine Diseases to Pig Farmers in Red River and Mekong River Delta, Vietnam

A study was conducted between May 2013 and August 2014 in three provinces of Vietnam to investigate financial impacts of swine diseases in pig holdings in 2010-2013. The aim of the study was to quantify the costs of swine diseases at producer level in order to understand swine disease priority for monitoring at local level. Financial impacts of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), foot and mouth disease (FMD), and epidemic diarrhoea were assessed for 162 pig holders in two Red River Delta provinces and in one Mekong River Delta province, using data on pig production and swine disease outbreaks at farms. Losses incurred by swine diseases were estimated, including direct losses due to mortality (100% market value of pig before disease onset) and morbidity (abortion, delay of finishing stage), and indirect losses due to control costs (treatment, improving biosecurity and emergency vaccination) and revenue foregone (lower price in case of emergency selling). Financial impacts of swine diseases were expressed as percentage of gross margin of pig holding. The gross margin varied between pig farming groups (P < 0.0001) in the following order: large farm (USD 18 846), fattening farm (USD 7014) and smallholder (USD 2350). The losses per pig holding due to PRRS were the highest: 41% of gross margin for large farm, 38% for fattening farm and 63% for smallholder. Cost incurred by FMD was lower with 19%, 25% and 32% of gross margin of pig holding in large farm, fattening farm and smallholder, respectively. The cost of epidemic diarrhoea was the lowest compared to losses due to PRRS and FMD and accounted for around 10% of gross margin of pig holding in the three pig farming groups. These estimates provided critical elements on swine disease priorities to better inform surveillance and control at both national and local level.
Contingent Faculty Perceptions of Organizational Support, Workplace Attitudes, and Teaching Evaluations at a Public Research University

This research examines contingent faculty’s perception of organizational support, workplace attitudes, and Student Ratings of Teaching (SRT) in a large public research university to investigate their employee-organization relationship. According to t-tests and regression analyses for samples of 2,229 faculty and instructional staff who answered the survey and had SRT data (tenured and tenure-track faculty: 1,708, 76.6% of total; contingent faculty: 521, 23.4% of total), employment relationship of contingent faculty in this institution was closer to a combined economic and social exchange model than to a pure economic exchange model or underinvestment model. Contingent faculty’s satisfaction with work, satisfaction with coworkers, perception of being supported at work, and affective organizational commitment were higher than tenured and tenure-track faculty at a statistically significant level. In addition, contingent faculty had higher SRT mean results in all areas of SRT items in medium-size (10-30) classes and in ‘class presentation,’ ‘feedback,’ ‘deeper understanding,’ and ‘interest stimulated’ in large-size (30-50) classes than Tenured and Tenure-track Faculty. These results not only refute the misconception that contingent faculty have too little time to provide students with feedback but also support that they provide students with good teaching, at least in medium-size and large-size classes. Whereas these results might be partially attributable to the relatively stable status of contingent faculty in this study (who work for more than 50 percent FTE), they indicate that, as a collective, contingent faculty also represent a significant contributor to the university, who are satisfied with their work, enjoy the community they are in, and are committed to their institution.
Comparison Between Pressure Swing Adsorption and Liquid Oxygen Enrichment Techniques in the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array Facility at the Chajnantor Plateau (5,050 m)

The Chilean workforce has over 200,000 people that are intermittently exposed to altitudes over 4,000 m. In 2012, the Ministry of Health provided a technical guide for high-altitude workers that included a series of actions to mitigate the effects of hypoxia. Previous studies have shown the positive effect of oxygen enrichment at high altitudes. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radiotelescope operates at 5,050 m [Array Operations Site (AOS)] and is the only place in the world where pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and liquid oxygen technologies have been installed at a large scale. These technologies reduce the equivalent altitude by increasing oxygen availability. This study aims to perform a retrospective comparison between the use of both technologies during operation in ALMA at 5,050 m. In each condition, variables such as oxygen (O2), temperature, and humidity were continuously recorded in each AOS rooms, and cardiorespiratory variables were registered. In addition, we compared portable O2 by using continuous or demand flow during outdoor activities at very high altitudes. The outcomes showed no differences between production procedures (PSA or liquid oxygen) in regulating oxygen availability at AOS facilities. As a result, big-scale installations have difficulties reaching the appropriate O2 concentration due to leaks in high mobility areas. In addition, the PSA plant requires adequacy and maintenance to operate at a very high altitude. A continuous flow of 2–3 l/min of portable O2 is recommended at 5,050 m.
Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses of Young, Mature, and Old Rhizome Tissues of Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is known for its unique pungent taste and useability in traditional Chinese medicine. The main compounds in ginger rhizome can be classified as gingerols, diarylheptanoids, and volatile oils. The composition and concentrations of the bioactive compounds in ginger rhizome might vary according to the age of the rhizome. In this regard, the knowledge on the transcriptomic signatures and accumulation of metabolites in young (Y), mature (M), and old (O) ginger rhizomes is scarce. This study used HiSeq Illumina Sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS analyses to delineate how the expression of key genes changes in Y, M, and O ginger rhizome tissues and how it affects the accumulation of metabolites in key pathways. The transcriptome sequencing identified 238,157 genes of which 13,976, 11,243, and 24,498 were differentially expressed (DEGs) in Y vs. M, M vs. O, and Y vs. O, respectively. These DEGs were significantly enriched in stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linoleic acid metabolism pathways. The metabolome profiling identified 661 metabolites of which 311, 386, and 296 metabolites were differentially accumulated in Y vs. M, Y vs. O, and M vs. O, respectively. These metabolites were also enriched in the pathways mentioned above. The DEGs and DAMs enrichment showed that the gingerol content is higher in Y rhizome, whereas the Y, M, and O tissues differ in linoleic and α-linoleic acid accumulation. Similarly, the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway is variably regulated in Y, M, and O rhizome tissues. Our results showed that ginger rhizome growth slows down (Y > M > O) probably due to changes in phytohormone signaling. Young ginger rhizome is the most transcriptionally and metabolically active tissue as compared to M and O. The transitioning from Y to M and O affects the gingerol, sugars, linoleic acid, and α-linoleic acid concentrations and related gene expressions.
Formal development of a real-time kernel

The formal development of a simple real time operating system kernel is described. The kernel provides a set of operations that allows a restricted Ada 95 tasking model to be supported, suitable for fixed priority real time systems. The requirements for the kernel are expressed in terms of the computational model using RTL, and the abstract specification of the kernel is validated against this. The development of an implementation from this specification is then described, with the PVS proof system used to verify each step in the development process.