Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Aspects Underlying the Vasodilator Action of Molsidomine

SUMMARY Using different techniques, we measured the kinetics of nitric oxide (NO) liberation from SIN-1, the metabolite of molsidomine, and some related sydnonimines like its thiomorpholinyl analog, compound C 78–0698, and compared it under identical experimental conditions with its biological action at the guanylate cyclase (GC) site, taking this target enzyme as a suitable bioassay. There was a close relationship between half-maximal activation of GC and the velocity of NO release. The thiomorpholinyl analog was slightly more active in NO liberation than SIN-1 and activated the enzyme more rapidly. The kinetics of SIN-1A and SIN-1C formation, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, could be accurately described by a Bateman equation. Oxyhemoglobin shifted the concentration-response curve of SIN-1 at the isolated soluble GC concentration to the right, whereas methemoglobin was without any effect. The results of our chemical and biochemical studies suggest that velocity and amount of NO formation are the only rate-limiting factors of guanylate cyclase activation by sydnonimines like SIN-1. NO, therefore, exclusively is the mediator of their pharmacodynamic action. In remarkable contrast to nitrate esters like glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide dinitrate, NO liberation is not dependent on the interaction with thiol-containing compounds like cysteine.
EFFECTS OF POPULATION BOTTLENECKS ON GENETIC DIVERSITY AS MEASURED BY ALLOZYME ELECTROPHORESIS

Low levels of allozyme heterozygosity in populations are often attributed to previous population bottlenecks; however, few experiments have examined the relationship between heterozygosity and bottlenecks under natural conditions. The composition and number of founders of 55 experimental populations of the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), maintained under simulated field conditions, were manipulated to examine the effects of bottlenecks on three components of allozyme diversity. Correlations between observed and expected values of allozyme heterozygosity, proportions of polymorphic loci, and numbers of alleles per locus were 0.423, 0.602, and 0.772, respectively. The numbers of polymorphic loci and of alleles per locus were more sensitive indicators of differences in genetic diversity between the pre‐bottleneck and post‐bottleneck populations than was multiple‐locus heterozygosity. In many populations, single‐ and multiple‐locus heterozygosity actually increased as a result of the founder event. The weak relationship between a population's heterozygosity and the number and composition of its founders resulted from an increase in the variance of heterozygosity due to drift of allele frequencies. There was little evidence that selection influenced the loss of allozyme variation. When it is not possible to estimate heterozygosity at a large number of polymorphic loci, allozyme surveys attempting to detect founder events and other types of bottlenecks should focus on levels of locus polymorphism and allelic diversity rather than on heterozygosity.
Effect of Cadmium on the Testes of Adult Albino Rats And The Ameliorating Effect of Zinc and Vitamin E

Cadmium (Cd) is considered to be one of the major environmental pollutants which have potential threat to human health. Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in the role of environmental and occupational exposures in the etiology of human infertility. This study was performed to investigate the cadmium induced structural effects on the testes and to evaluate the possible protective effect of concomitantly administered zinc and vitamin E in adult albino rats. Cadmium exposure led to obvious degnerative changes in testicular tissue accompanied by decreased level of serum testosterone hormone. Simultanious adminstration of vitamin E and Zink have ameliorated most of induced testicular damage. Thus dietary agents like Vitamin-E and Zinc can be recommended as effective protectors against Cadmium intoxication.
Evolutionarily conserved differences in pallial and thalamic short‐term synaptic plasticity in striatum

Recent studies have shown that the striatum and the basal ganglia are to a remarkable degree conserved throughout the vertebrate phylum. As the basic organization of the neural machinery for action selection is present in the lamprey, it is essential to understand how the striatum is activated. In this study we characterize the pharmacology and synaptic dynamics from the lateral pallium (LPal; cortex) and thalamus (Th), the main excitatory input to the striatum. We show that, as in mammals, the LPal and Th provide glutamatergic excitation to the striatum, but with completely opposite short‐term synaptic plasticity due to differences in presynaptic properties. These synaptic differences are also characteristic of the mammalian striatum, suggesting that these are fundamental components of the vertebrate mechanisms for action selection.
Place Attachment in Commercial Settings: A Gift Economy Perspective

Place attachment is one's strong emotional bond with a specific location. While there are numerous studies on the topic, the literature pays little attention to commercial settings. This is because they are seen as too insipid to rouse attachment. Consumer research, however, suggests otherwise. To address this disparity, the authors investigate how people develop, experience, and act on place attachment in commercial settings. Findings from consumer in-depth interviews and self-reports conducted in France reveal that place attachment develops through perceptions of familiarity, authenticity, and security and evolves into experiences of homeyness. Consumers find these encounters of homeyness extraordinary and respond by engaging in volunteering, over-reciprocation, and ambassadorship toward the place. The authors further theorize these findings through a gift economy perspective and identify a tripartite exchange between the consumer, the proprietor of the place, and selected people from the consumer's social network.
A Clinical Study on Eclampsia in a Referral Hospital

Objective: To analyze the cases of eclampsia in a referral hospital, like GGS Medical College, Faridkot, with special focus on booked/unbooked/referred, age, parity and antenatal care. Also fetomaternal outcome was seen in all the cases. Materials and methods: All the cases of eclampsia referred from nearby rural areas, civil hospitals and CHCs sent here for specialist care were studied in this 2 years study from July 2003 to June 2005. Results and conclusions: A total of 50 cases of eclampsia were admitted. The incidence came out to be 7.4%. Ninetyeight percent of cases were unbooked. Majority of the cases belonged to 21 to 30 years age group. Fifty-six percent of the cases were primigravida. Eighty-eight percent had no antenatal check-up at all. Thirty percent of babies were still born and 12% had early neonatal death. There were three maternal deaths. Antepartum eclampsia was most common seen in 68% of cases. We concluded that there is lack of antenatal care in rural areas and urban slums and this needs to be addressed to prevent this serious complication of pregnancy. Moreover, personnel at district hospitals and CHCs should be capable of administering magnesium sulfate, the anticonvulsant as none of the patient threw a fit after loading dose of magnesium sulfate.
Hassles, Uplifts, and Quality of Sleep

This study examined whether events which occur during the previous day affect sleeping behavior. Specifically, whether minor irritants (hassles), positive experiences (uplifts), or both hassles and uplifts of the previous day affect night sleep for people without sleeping disorders. 41 subjects completed the Hassles and Uplifts scale as well as four questions (which were combined into a total score) assessing quality of sleep. Quality of sleep was correlated with scores on Hassles and Uplifts (.36), Hassles (.34), and Uplifts (.30). When the sample was divided into good and bad sleepers, correlations with Hassles, and Hassles and Uplifts were significant, but not Uplifts.
Restrictive educational placements increase adolescent risks for students with early-starting conduct problems.

BACKGROUND Students with early-starting conduct problems often do poorly in school; they are disproportionately placed in restrictive educational placements outside of mainstream classrooms. Although intended to benefit students, research suggests that restrictive placements may exacerbate the maladjustment of youth with conduct problems. Mixed findings, small samples, and flawed designs limit the utility of existing research. METHODS This study examined the impact of restrictive educational placements on three adolescent outcomes (high school noncompletion, conduct disorder, depressive symptoms) in a sample of 861 students with early-starting conduct problems followed longitudinally from kindergarten (age 5-6). Causal modeling with propensity scores was used to adjust for confounding factors associated with restrictive placements. Analyses explored the timing of placement (elementary vs. secondary school) and moderation of impact by initial problem severity. RESULTS Restrictive educational placement in secondary school (but not in elementary school) was iatrogenic, increasing the risk of high school noncompletion and the severity of adolescent conduct disorder. Negative effects were amplified for students with conduct problem behavior with less cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS To avoid harm to students and to society, schools must find alternatives to restrictive placements for students with conduct problems in secondary school, particularly when these students do not have cognitive impairments that might warrant specialized educational supports.
Closure of a Patent Foramen Ovale

Whether stroke in a patient with migraine and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is due to PFO or migraine is difficult to decide. In a 33-year-old woman with migraine with aura, a visual field defect developed acutely. Neurological investigation revealed double vision when looking to the left and exaggerated patella tendon reflexes. Since then the patient complained about permanent visual impairment. CT- and MRI-scans of the brain showed a right occipital ischemic stroke. Intensive search for risk factors revealed cigarette smoking and chronic hypovolemia. On transesophageal echocardiography an inter-atrial hypermobile septum and a PFO were detected. The patient underwent closure of the PFO by means of an Amplatzer PFO occluder nine weeks after the stroke. Since then she did not experience a further cerebrovascular event or migraine attack. This case shows that in a patient with PFO and migraine with aura, stroke may be attributable to migraine rather than to PFO. Occlusion of the PFO may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Characterization and subgrouping of Campylobacter concisus strains using protein profiles, conventional biochemical testing and antibiotic susceptibility

Objective To characterize and subgroup clinical strains of Campylobacter concisus isolated from patients with gastrointestinal disease. Methods A total of 109 C. concisus isolates from 98 patients obtained between June 1997 and December 1998 were analysed using protein profiles, conventional biochemical tube tests, ApiCampy, and susceptibility patterns by Neosensitabs and E-test. Results Two groups were identified by using protein profiles. One resembled the ATCC 33237 type strain of oral origin, and a second group differing from it, particularly in the high molecular weight zone. Considerable diversity exists in the lower molecular range of the gels, also within assigned subgroups. Biochemical testing showed differences between the groups in the ability to reduce nitrate, ApiCampy testing also yielded differences between the two assigned groups, although reactions were highly heterogeneous. Resistance to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, ceftriaxone and tetracycline occurred in 3%, 13%, 7%, 11% and 0% of the isolates when using Neosensitabs. The E-test yielded comparable results 7%, 5%, 0%, 2% and 3%, respectively. Conclusion Results indicate that C. concisus can be assigned to two broad groups based on differences in protein profiles. No distinct phenotypic marker was identified. Susceptibility patterns are not suitable for discrimination between the two assigned groups. Further studies using a polyphasic approach including the application of genetic methods are needed to assess the complex taxonomy of this potential pathogen.
Effect of nettle (Urtica dioica ) medicinal plant on growth performance, immune responses, and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

chicks per pen. Body weight and feed consumption of broilers were measured weekly until 42 d of age, and feed conversion was calculated, accordingly. At day 42, two birds per replicate were slaughtered for determination of carcass and organ weights and blood samples were collected for biochemical and immune evaluation. The dietary supplementation of the nettle did not influence (P>0.05) feed intake. Supplementing 1% nettle increased body weight of broilers at 42 days of age (P 0.05). None of the immune related parameters was statistically different among the treatments. These findings indicate that nettle supplementation at 1-2% can be used as growth promoters in broiler diets, and research to elucidate the mechanism for potentially enhanced growth in broilers is required.
Gender and Science: Women Nobel Laureates.

Women and their creativity are underrepresented in science. To date, few women have been awarded the Nobel Prize in science. Eleven female Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine between 1901 and 2006 were compared with 37 males who received the Nobel Prize in the same area one year prior and one year after the women. Data analyzed included birth order, marital status, children, awards (Fulbright, Rhodes, and number of honorary awards received), highest education level and Nobel mentor. Results indicated that female Nobel laureates were significantly less likely to marry and have children. When female laureates had children, they had significantly fewer children than male laureates. Female laureates also had fewer publications than their male counterparts. Our findings suggest that eminent women scientists tend to choose the pursuit of scientific discovery over starting families more often than eminent male scientists. More resources are needed in order to nurture and enhance the recruitment and retention of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of cassava flower honey samples produced by africanized honeybees

Cassava producers in the region of Marilia-Sao Paulo are integrating their farming activity with beekeeping to diversify their income. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of honey samples produced by Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera from cassava flower in 2008. Analysis were carried out for pH, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, moisture, reducing and total sugars, apparent sucrose, hydroxymethylfurfural, color, ash, proteins, water insoluble solids, diastasic activity, mineral content, microbiological evaluations, and mineral and hydrocyanic acid (HCN) content. The honey samples showed physicochemical and microbiological characteristics favorable to commercialization, with the exception of apparent sucrose and acidity, which show the need for a narrow focus of attention to the honey maturation degree at the harvest time and more careful monitoring during production and processing. The commercialization of Brazilian cassava honey, still little explored, can be widely spread in the market since the levels of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) showed no consumption risk; in addition the simultaneous production of honey and cassava provides an alternative to family income increase.
SPITZER OBSERVATIONS OF YOUNG RED QUASARS

We present mid-infrared spectra and photometry of 13 redshift 0.4 < z < 1 dust reddened quasars obtained with Spitzer IRS and MIPS. We compare properties derived from their infrared spectral energy distributions (intrinsic active galactic nucleus (AGN) luminosity and far-infrared luminosity from star formation) to the host luminosities and morphologies from Hubble Space Telescope imaging, and black hole masses estimated from optical and/or near-infrared spectroscopy. Our results are broadly consistent with models in which most dust reddened quasars are an intermediate phase between a merger-driven starburst triggering a completely obscured AGN, and a normal, unreddened quasar. We find that many of our objects have high accretion rates, close to the Eddington limit. These objects tend to fall below the black hole mass–bulge luminosity relation as defined by local galaxies, whereas most of our low accretion rate objects are slightly above the local relation, as typical for normal quasars at these redshifts. Our observations are therefore most readily interpreted in a scenario in which galaxy stellar mass growth occurs first by about a factor of three in each merger/starburst event, followed sometime later by black hole growth by a similar amount. We do not, however, see any direct evidence for quasar feedback affecting star formation in our objects, for example, in the form of a relationship between accretion rate and star formation. Five of our objects, however, do show evidence for outflows in the [O iii]5007 Å emission line profile, suggesting that the quasar activity is driving thermal winds in at least some members of our sample.
Assessment of Lipid Profile of Enteric Fever Patients in Enugu Metropolis, South-East Nigeria: Useful or Useless?

Enteric fever has been implicated in complications such as severe sepsis and in alteration of some biochemical and hematological parameters. Enteric fever affects the intestine, which is also the site for lipid absorption, but its possible effect on lipid metabolism is unclear. The present study was aimed at estimating the lipid profile of enteric fever patients in Enugu metropolis. Lipid profile of 200 enteric fever patients and 100 apparently healthy subjects in Enugu metropolis were determined using standard techniques. Enteric fever was investigated using rapid slide titration method and the confirmatory test done with Enterocheck-WB^® kit. Serum Total Cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerol (TG), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (VLDL-C) were assayed using standard operative procedures. Statistical analysis was done with graph pad prism computer soft ware using student's t-test to test for statistical significance. P-values of ＜0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. The lipid profile of all the patients showed non-significant difference (p＞0.05) when compared with the control. However, when the male and female subjects where separately analyzed, TC and LDL-C significantly increased (p＜0.05) in the male subjects compared to the male controls, whereas the female subjects showed significant decrease (p＜0.05) compared to the female control. The study suggests that lipid profile is not significantly altered in enteric fever infection and thus may be useless in enteric fever management.
Treatments of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Treat HBV-related HCC

There have been major advances recently on the therapeutic approaches of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Surgical treatments are the key curative treatments of HCC, whereas local ablative treatments may also achieve clinical remission in selected cases. Trans-arterial locoregional therapies are regarded as palliative but still lead to improved survival. There have been major breakthroughs in the systemic therapies for HCC. The first marketed targeted therapy, sorafenib, was shown to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC. Studies on other targeted therapies also showed promising results. Suppressing HBV with effective antiviral treatment would also benefit HCC patients by reducing recurrence and improving liver function.
Administration of Endotoxin Associated with Lipopolysaccharide Tolerance Protects Mice against Fungal Infection

ABSTRACT Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment of mice resulted in a significantly enhanced survival after disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection. The survival was associated with reduced fungal burden in tissues. LPS-pretreated mice had lower levels of cytokines in blood, spleen, and lungs and higher levels in brain. Pentoxifylline abolished the beneficial effect of LPS pretreatment.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Markers in Aqueous Humor of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Patients

Abstract Purpose: The present study was designed to determine the levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamins C and E) in aqueous humor of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, aqueous humor of POAG (n = 30) and PACG (n = 30) patients was obtained. For control, aqueous humor of 30 age-matched cataract patients (n = 30) was collected. Activities of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: A significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities was found in aqueous humor of POAG and PACG patients as compared to cataract patients (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in catalase activity. The levels of vitamins C and E were significantly lower in the aqueous humor of POAG and PACG as compared to cataract patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that a significant increase in oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of POAG and PACG. Determination of oxidative stress in aqueous humor may help in understanding the course of this disease, and oxidative damage might be a relevant target for both prevention and therapy.
Expressing mobility in process algebras : first-order and higher-order paradigms

We study mobile systems, i.e. systems with a dynamically changing communication topology, from a process algebras point of view. Mobility can be introduced in process algebras by allowing names or terms to be transmitted. We distinguish these two approaches as first-order and higher-order. The major target of the thesis is the comparison between them. The prototypical calculus in the first-order paradigm is the 7r-calculus. By generalising its sort discipline we derive an w-order extension called Higher-Order ur-calculus (HOir). We show that such an extension does not add expressiveness to the ur-calculus: Higher-order processes can be faithfully compiled down to first-order, and respecting the behavioural equivalence we adopted in the calculi. Such an equivalence is based on the notion of bisimulation, a fundamental concept of process algebras. Unfortunately, the standard definition of bisimulation is unsatisfactory in a higher-order calculus because it is over-discriminating. To overcome the problem, we propose barbed bisimulation. Its advantage is that it can be defined uniformly in different calculi because it only requires that the calculus possesses an interaction or reduction relation. As a test for barbed bisimulation, we show that in CCS and ur-calculus, it allows us to recover the familiar bisimulation-based equivalences. We also give simpler characterisations of the equivalences utilised in HOir. For this we exploit a special kind of agents called triggers, with which it is possible to reason fairly efficiently in a higher-order calculus notwithstanding the complexity of its transitions. Finally, we use the compilation from HO7r to ur-calculus to investigate Milner's