Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antidepressant-like effects of agomelatine (S 20098) in the learned helplessness model

To confirm the antidepressant-like activity of agomelatine (S 20098), a melatonin agonist and 5-hydroxytryptamine2C antagonist, already reported in the chronic mild stress and forced swimming tests, the effects of agomelatine were investigated in the learned helplessness test and compared with those of imipramine, melatonin and a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine2C antagonist, SB-242 084. Agomelatine was administered for 5 days either once a day or twice a day, and the effects of pretreatment by a melatonin receptor antagonist, S 22153 (20 mg/kg/day), were studied. A deficit in avoidance learning was observed in helpless control animals. Agomelatine (10 mg/kg/day) administered once a day significantly reduced this deficit with an effect similar to that of imipramine. Effects of agomelatine were abolished by S 22153 pretreatment. Melatonin or SB-242 084 did not reduce the deficit of helpless control animals. These results confirm the antidepressant-like activity of agomelatine and suggest a role of melatonin receptors in its mechanism of action.
Energy Dependence of Proton Displacement Damage Factors for Bipolar Transistors

Displacement damage factors, p, have been measured as a function of collector current for proton irradiations of 2N2222A (npn) and 2N2907A (pnp) switching transistors and 2N3055 (npn) power transistors over the energy range 5.0 to 60.3 MeV. The measurements of Kp were made on specially selected lots of devices and were compared to values of the neutron damage factors, Kn, for 1 MeV displacement damage equivalent neutrons made on the same devices. The results show that so far as device operation is concerned, the nature of the displacement damage produced by high energy protons and by fission neutrons is essentially the same. Over the energy range studied, protons were found to be more damaging than neutrons. For 5.0 MeV protons Kp/Kn was about 8.5 compared to about 1.8 for 60.3 MeV protons.
Polycentric access to employment with non-monotonic distance effects

Standard urban economic theory predicts that house prices will decline with distance from the central business district. Empirical results have been equivocal, however. Disjoints between theory and empirics may be due to a nonmonotonic relationship between house prices and access to employment arising from the negative externalities associated with proximity to multiple centres of employment. Based on data from Glasgow (Scotland), we use gravity based measures of accessibility estimated using a flexible functional form that allows for nonmonotonicity. The results are thoroughly tested using recent advances in spatial econometrics. We find compelling evidence of a nonmonotonic effect in the accessibility measure.
Vertical transmission of sublethal granulovirus infection in the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella

Knowledge of the mechanisms of pathogen persistence in relation to fluctuations in host density is crucial to our understanding of disease dynamics. In the case of insect baculoviruses, which are typically transmitted horizontally via a lifestage that can persist outside the host, a key issue that remains to be elucidated is whether the virus can also be transmitted vertically as a sublethal infection. We show that RNA transcripts for the Plodia interpunctella GV granulin gene are present in a high proportion of P. interpunctella insects that survive virus challenge. Granulin is a late‐expressed gene that is only transcribed after viral genome replication, its presence thus strongly indicates that viral genome replication has occurred. Almost all insects surviving the virus challenge tested positive for viral RNA in the larval and pupal stage. However, this proportion declined in the emerging adults. Granulin mRNA was also detected in both the ovaries and testes, which may represent a putative mechanism by which reduced fecundity in sublethally affected hosts might be manifested. RNA transcripts were also detected in 60–80% of second‐generation larvae that were derived from mating surviving adults, but there was no difference between the sexes, with both males and females capable of transmitting a sublethal infection to their offspring. The data indicate that low‐level persistent infection, with at least limited gene expression, can occur in P. interpunctella following survival of a granulovirus challenge. We believe that this is the first demonstration of a persistent, sublethal infection by a baculovirus to be initiated by a sublethal virus dose. We hypothesize that the ‘latent’ baculovirus infections frequently referred to in the literature may also be low level persistent, sublethal infections resulting from survival from initial baculovirus exposure.
Wigner random banded matrices with sparse structure: Local spectral density of states.

Random banded matrices with linearly increasing diagonal elements are recently considered as an attractive model for complex nuclei and atoms. Apart from early papers by Wigner there were no analytical studies on the subject. In this Letter we present analytical and numerical results for local spectral density of states (LDOS) for a more general case of matrices with a sparsity inside the band. The crossover from the semicircle form of LDOS to that given by the Breit-Wigner formula is studied in detail.
VACOP-B versus VACOP-B plus autologous bone marrow transplantation for advanced diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of a prospective randomized trial by the non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Cooperative Study Group.

PURPOSE The aim of this multicenter randomized study was to compare conventional therapy with conventional plus high-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) as front-line treatment for poor-prognosis non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between October 1991 and June 1995, 124 patients, aged 15 to 60 years, with diffuse intermediate- to high-grade NHL (Working Formulation criteria), stages II bulky (> or = 10 cm), III, or IV were enrolled. Sixty-one patients were randomized to receive etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin (VACOP-B) for 12 weeks and cisplatin, cytarabine, and dexamethasone (DHAP) as a salvage regimen (arm A), and 63 to receive VACOP-B for 12 weeks plus HDT and ABMT (Arm B). RESULTS There was no significant difference in terms of complete remissions (CRS) in the two groups: 75% in arm A, and 73% in arm B. The median follow-up observation time was 42 months. The 6-year survival probability was 65% in both arms. There was no difference in disease-free survival (DFS) or progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups. DFS was 60% and 80% (P = .1) and PFS was 48% and 60% (P = .4) for arms A and B, respectively. Procedure feasibility was the major problem. In arm B, 29% of enrolled patients did not undergo HDT and ABMT. A statistical improvement in terms of DFS (P = .008) and a favorable trend in terms of PFS (P = .08) for intermediate-/high- plus high-risk group patients assigned to HDT and ABMT was observed. CONCLUSION In this study, conventional chemotherapy followed by HDT and ABMT as front-line therapy seems no more successful than conventional treatment in terms of overall results. However, our results suggest that controlled studies of HDT plus ABMT should be proposed for higher risk patients.
Rigorous exercise training increases superoxide dismutase activity in ventricular myocardium.

Controversy exists as to the effect of endurance training on myocardial antioxidant enzyme activity. These experiments sought to clarify this issue by examining antioxidant enzyme activities in the rat ventricular myocardium in response to different intensities and durations of exercise training. Female Fischer-344 rats (120 days old) were assigned to either a sedentary control group or one of nine exercise training groups. Animals were exercised on a motorized treadmill for 10 wk; combinations of three durations (30, 60, and 90 min/day), and three levels of exercise intensity (low, moderate, and high) were studied. Exercise training did not alter (P > 0.05) citrate synthase, catalase, or glutathione peroxidase activities in the right or left ventricle. In contrast, high-intensity exercise (all durations) and moderate-intensity exercise (90 min/day) resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05; +28-30%) in right ventricular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Similarly, high-intensity exercise training (all durations) resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05; +14-26%) of left ventricular SOD activity. Furthermore, low- and moderate-intensity exercise training of long duration (i.e., 60-90 min/day) resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05; +10-23%) in left ventricular SOD activity. These data support the hypothesis that high-intensity exercise (> or = 30 min/day) or moderate-intensity exercise of long duration (> or = 60 min/day) is effective in upregulating SOD activity in the ventricular myocardium.
THE EFFECT OF INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES ON INTERSTATE DIFFERENCES IN THE SIZE OF THE PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE INDUSTRY

States levy insurance premium taxes, which are essentially gross receipt taxes on premiums, with insurers paying the higher of the tax rate in the state in which the company is domiciled and the state in which the policy is written. Using a state-level panel data set from 1996–2010 for the property-casualty insurance industry, the paper explores the effect of insurance premium tax rates on interstate differences in property-casualty insurance industry employment and other measures of industry size. While the estimated elasticities of industry size with respect to the tax rate differ across models, the results indicate that the insurance premium tax has a large, negative, and economically significant effect on the size of the insurance industry in a state.
MK-2206, a Novel Allosteric Inhibitor of Akt, Synergizes with Gefitinib against Malignant Glioma via Modulating Both Autophagy and Apoptosis

Gefitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, has been shown to induce autophagy as well as apoptosis in tumor cells. Yet, how to use autophagy and apoptosis to improve therapeutic efficacy of this drug against cancer remains to be explored. We reported here that MK-2206, a potent allosteric Akt inhibitor currently in phase I trials in patients with solid tumors, could reinforce the cytocidal effect of gefitinib against glioma. We found that cotreatment with gefitinib and MK-2206 increased the cytotoxicity of this growth factor receptor inhibitor in the glioma cells, and the CompuSyn synergism/antagonism analysis showed that MK-2206 acted synergistically with gefitinib. The benefit of the combinatorial treatment was also shown in an intracranial glioma mouse model. In the presence of MK-2206, there was a significant increase in apoptosis in glioma cells treated with gefitinib. MK-2206 also augmented the autophagy-inducing effect of gefitinib, as evidenced by increased levels of the autophagy marker, LC3-II. Inhibition of autophagy by silencing of the key autophagy gene, beclin 1 or 3-MA, further increased the cytotoxicity of this combinatorial treatment, suggesting that autophagy induced by these agents plays a cytoprotective role. Notably, at 48 hours following the combinatorial treatment, the level of LC3-II began to decrease but Bim was significantly elevated, suggesting a switch from autophagy to apoptosis. On the basis of the synergistic effect of MK-2206 on gefitinib observed in this study, the combination of these two drugs may be utilized as a new therapeutic regimen for malignant glioma. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(1); 154–64. ©2011 AACR.
Temperature dependence of the low-frequency magnetic excitations in USb.

The low-frequency inelastic magnetic response in the type-I fcc antiferromagnet uranium antimonide (USb) has been studied by inelastic neutron scattering in the temperature range from 12 K (0.06T/sub N/) up to 320 K (1.51T/sub N/). At the lowest temperature, the lowest-lying magnetic excitations in USb are a well-defined, dispersive, spin-wave branch. In the temperature range up to 100 K, the principal effect of temperature on this spin-wave branch is to increase the frequencies of the spin waves. However, in the temperature range from 100 to 160 K, these spin waves become progressively damped until at 160 K (0.75T/sub N/) they have collapsed into broad inelastic scattering that peaks only at zero frequency. This scattering is a precursor to the critical scattering which develops around the Neel temperature of T/sub N/ = 212.30 +- 0.05 K. The critical scattering both above and below the Neel temperature has been measured and the critical exponents and amplitude ratios associated with the inverse correlation lengths, the staggered susceptibility, and the characteristic frequency have been determined. These exponents are discussed in terms of a system in a d = 3, n = 3 universality class. In the temperature range above T/sub N/, precursor critical scatteringmore » has been observed up to 320 K (approx.1.5T/sub N/). « less
Optimized Design of a Compact Probe for Accurate Near Field Measurements

A rectangular corrugated horn antenna is designed for use as a probe for planar, cylindrical or spherical near-field measurements. The performance of the new design is compared with that of standard rectangular probes. The proposed probe has a nearly omnidirectional radiation pattern with very low cross polarization over a wide bandwidth. Moreover, the small size of the antenna is very suitable for use as a probe. Simulations and optimizations were carried out with a software tool based on the moment method.
Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Fiber Optic Sensors: Principle, Probe Designs, and Some Applications

Surface plasmon resonance technique in collaboration with optical fiber technology has brought tremendous advancements in sensing of various physical, chemical, and biochemical parameters. In this review article, we present the principle of SPR technique for sensing and various designs of the fiber optic SPR probe reported for the enhancement of the sensitivity of the sensor. In addition, we present few examples of the surface plasmon resonance- (SPR-) based fiber optic sensors. The present review may provide researchers valuable information regarding fiber optic SPR sensors and encourage them to take this area for further research and development.
Geometric Morphometrics of the Wing in the Subgenus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): from Practical Implications to Evolutionary Interpretations

ABSTRACT Biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille have been incriminated in transmission of bluetongue. Since 1998, the disease has spread across Europe provoking the largest epidemic ever recorded with important economic loses. Some species of the subgenus Avaritia and Culicoides have been described as candidate vectors involved in these epizootics. Both subgenera contain groups of cryptic species that could differ in their vectorial capacity. For this reason, the correct identification of vector species is considered an essential issue in epidemiological programs. In the current study, the usefulness of wing form in differentiating morphologically similar species of the subgenus Culicoides by means of geometric morphometric techniques is assessed in specimens previously identified through molecular analyses based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences. Significant differences between species were detected in the two components of form, i.e., size and shape. Although wing size was affected by temperature, wing shape showed a more stable specific variation, allowing the proper classification of a high percentage of specimens. In addition, the concordance between phylogenies inferred from molecular data and phenetic clusters suggests the existence of a phylogenetic signal in wing shape. These findings enhance the use of this complex phenotypic trait not only to infer genetic relationships among species of the subgenus Culicoides but also as a potentially powerful tool to differentiate cryptic species within the genus.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a New Weight-Reducing Agent of Natural Origin

The efficacy and tolerability of a new weight-reduction agent, based on natural ingredients, was investigated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The product reduces the absorption of different types of sugar from the gastrointestinal tract. Forty obese volunteers were included in the 12-week study. Body weight, body composition and blood pressure were recorded at baseline and every month during the study. The results show a significant difference in weight reduction in favour of the active group (3.5 kg versus 1.2 kg). Body composition measurements showed that > 85% of the reduction in the active group is fat loss. The tolerability was similar and good in both groups. This product shows promising results and should be studied more extensively at different dose levels.
Variability of higher trophic level stable isotope data in space and time--a case study in a marine ecosystem.

RATIONALE 1In shelf and coastal ecosystems, planktonic and benthic trophic pathways differ in their carbon stable isotope ratios (δ(13)C values) and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ(15)N values) and they increase predictably with trophic level. Stable isotope data are therefore used as a tool to study food webs in shelf and coastal ecosystems, and to assess the diets and foraging behaviour of predators. However, spatial differences and temporal changes in prevailing environmental conditions and prey abundance may lead to considerable heterogeneity in stable isotope values measured in focal animal species. METHODS Here we assess spatial and temporal variability of δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in tissue samples of fish, squid and crustacean species captured over three years during research cruises close to the Falkland Islands, Southwest Atlantic. RESULTS Both in δ(15)N values and especially in δ(13)C values, intra-species differences were large and often exceeded inter-species differences. Spatial patterns were weak, albeit statistically significant. The distribution of δ(13)C values was related to latitude, while the δ(15)N values varied with longitude. The distance from the coast and depth of catch influenced both δ(13)C and δ(15)N values. However, the importance of temporal variability greatly exceeded that of spatial variability. In addition to a moderate overall seasonal effect, we found that species differed strongly in their specific seasonal changes. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal differences in the relative position of species or species groups in the C-N isotope space suggest changes in the utilisation of planktonic vs. benthic trophic pathways, indicating flexible foraging strategies in response to variable environmental conditions. These seasonal differences should be taken into account when analysing higher trophic level feeding ecology with stable isotope analysis.
Factor models, CAPMs,and the ABT

C onfusion reigns. Are they the same or are they different? Compatible or incompatible? Does one require another, and if so, which? Is peaceful coexistence among them possible, or must one take sides? To address these issues, I will consider the three approaches in roughly the order of their introduction in the finance literature. After this "compare and contrast" exercise, I will discuss a synthesis, incorporating features of all three.
Sustainable leadership: Rhineland practices at a Thai small enterprise

This paper adopts Avery's 19 Rhineland leadership practices derived from sustainable enterprises as a framework to examine the sustainable business practices of a small enterprise in Thailand. Using a case study approach, multi-data collection methods included non-participant observations during several enterprise visits, semi-structured interview sessions with multiple stakeholders, and reference to internal information and published documentation. Evidence was found for compliance with 14 of Avery's 19 sustainable leadership elements, but to various degrees. The elements were categorised into six core groups of practices: adopting a long-term perspective, focusing on people priority, strong organisational culture, nurturing innovation, social and environmental responsibility, and ethical behaviour. The paper concludes that Avery's 19 Rhineland practices provide a useful framework applicable to small enterprises in Thailand to evaluate their corporate sustainability. Small enterprises in Thailand and possibly in other Asian countries that wish to sustain their organisational success could adopt Avery's 19 Rhineland leadership grid elements to investigate their leadership practices, and adjust them to become more sustainable.
Proximity of first intercourse to menarche and the risk of human papillomavirus infection: A longitudinal study

Cross‐sectional studies have suggested that compared with women who delay the start of their sexual career, those who first have intercourse soon after menarche are more susceptible to cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and thus have a greater risk of cervical neoplasia. We describe, using longitudinal observations, how the risk of infection with HPV varies with the interval between menarche and first intercourse in 474 women aged 15–19 recruited within 12 months of first intercourse and before the acquisition of a second sexual partner. One hundred forty‐five women became HPV‐positive; the cumulative risk of HPV infection 3 years after first intercourse was 45.0% (95% CI = 37.9–51.2). In univariate analyses, the hazards ratio (HR) of HPV infection increased significantly with age at first intercourse (HR = 1.212 per year; 95% CI = 1.050–1.398), partner age (HR = 1.084 per year; 95% CI = 1.045–1.125) and when women reported a sexually experienced partner (HR = 2.794; 95% CI = 1.804–4.326); the interval between menarche and first intercourse was a significant predictor of infection, with an increase in the HR of 12.9% for every year of increase in this interval (95% CI = 2.1%–24.9%). In a multivariate analysis, compared with women who first had intercourse within 3 years of menarche, those who postponed first intercourse beyond this time had a greater risk of infection (HR = 1.581; 95% CI = 1.113–2.245) after controlling for age and sexual experience of partner. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of PCB Rogowski Coil and Analysis of Anti-interference Property

Rogowski coil is used as a current transducer in complex electromagnetic environment, whose anti-interference property bears on the accuracy of the current measurement. Based on the ordinal straight-coupled foils of the current PCB Rogowski coil, this paper proposes a newly designed PCB Rogowski coil with symmetrical double-printed imprints and returning turn to gain better precision and performance. The mutual inductance between the coil and the primary conductor is chosen as the sensitivity parameter to contrastively analyze the anti-interference property of three coils, including the ordinary straight-coupled coil, the symmetrically printed coil with or without returning turn. The calculation and measurement of mutual inductance have been made under different disturbed conditions, such as the eccentricity from axis of the primary conductor and the influence of external parallel and perpendicular currents. The results indicate that the newly designed PCB Rogowski coil with symmetric imprints and returning turn is good in compatibility, strong in anti-interference property, and also accurate and steady in mutual inductance. Therefore, it is suitably applied as the sensing head of current measurement in the complex stray electromagnetic fields.