Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of coconut oil administration on some hematologic and metabolic parameters in pregnant rats

Objective. Data on the effect of coconut oil intake on various hematologic and metabolic parameters in pregnant women or animals are scanty. Hence we attempted to assess the effect of oral administration of graded doses of this edible oil during pregnancy, on various hematologic and metabolic parameters in rats. Methods. Groups of pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were given oral doses of 1 ml, 2 ml, and 4 ml coconut oil twice per day, respectively. Control group of rats were given tap water. Oral feeding of oil was done continuously for a period of 20 days and at the end of the study period the animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether and sacrificed to collect blood samples for analysis. Various hematologic parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (Hg), platelets, lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed by a hematology blood analyzer, while metabolic parameters such as cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and protein were analyzed by specific analytical kits. Activities of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant activity (TAO) were assessed by specific analytical kits. Statistical analysis of data was performed using a SPSS data analytical package. Results. Oral administration of coconut oil for 20 continuous days of pregnancy did not significantly alter any of the hematologic parameters studied, compared to control group even when the oil was administered at a relatively massive dose of 4 ml/day. Administration of coconut oil appeared to decrease WBC, Hg, platelet, and lymphocyte blood concentrations in treated rats, but the difference, however, was not statistically significant (ANOVA test; p > 0.05). However, platelet concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in rats receiving 1 ml/day of coconut oil compared to control group rats. Administration of coconut oil did not alter the concentrations of protein, cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, uric acid, and creatinine in treated groups of rats significantly (Student’s t-test, p > 0.05) compared to those of control rats. SOD, GPX, and TAO levels in control and treated groups were not significantly different (ANOVA test, p > 0.05) than controls. Conclusions. We conclude that oral administration of coconut oil during pregnancy in rats, even in massive doses, does not cause any significant alterations in hematologic and metabolic parameters. More detailed studies, however, are warranted before extrapolating these results to human situations.
Inferring the concentration of anthropogenic carbon in the ocean from tracers

We present a technique to infer concentrations of anthropogenic carbon in the ocean from observable tracers and illustrate the technique using synthetic data from a simple model. In contrast to several recent studies, the technique makes no assumptions about transport being dominated by bulk advection and does not require separation of the small anthropogenic signal from the large and variable natural carbon cycle. Mixing is included naturally and implicitly by using observable tracers in combination to estimate the distributions of transit times from the surface to interior points. The time‐varying signal of anthropogenic carbon in surface waters is propagated directly into the interior by the transit time distributions (TTDs) without having to consider background natural carbon. The TTD technique provides estimates of anthropogenic carbon, as simulated directly in the model, that are more accurate than techniques relying on single tracer “ages” (e.g., CFC age) to represent transport. In general, the TTD technique works best when at least two tracers are used in combination, and the tracers have significantly different timescales in either their surface temporal variation or radioactive decay. Possibilities are a CFC or CCl4 in combination with natural Δ14C or 39Ar. However, even for a CFC alone the TTD technique results in less bias for anthropogenic carbon estimates than use of a CFC age.
Simultaneous Detection of Pseudomonas fragi, P. lundensis, and P. putida from Meat by Use of a Multiplex PCR Assay Targeting the carA Gene

ABSTRACT Species-specific primers and a multiplex PCR assay were developed for the simultaneous identification and differentiation of Pseudomonas fragi, P. lundensis, and P. putida based on the coamplification of different portions of the small subunit of the carbamoyl phosphate synthase gene (carA). The carA multiplex PCR was used to detect the presence of the three Pseudomonas species from beef, chicken, and pork samples and proved to be effective in showing their evolution during the storage of meat.
The Renaissance of Transcervical Balloon Catheters for Cervical Ripening and Labour Induction

Abstract Due to rising rates of labour induction in industrialised countries, safe and effective methods of induction have once again become a focus of interest and research. Prostaglandins are effective for cervical ripening and induction of uterine contractions. They do, however, cause overstimulation of the uterus in up to 20 % of cases, sometimes causing changes in fetal heart rate. Transcervical balloon catheters provide an alternative to prostaglandins for labour induction and have been used for this purpose for almost 50 years. This induction method has experienced a recent renaissance in clinical practice that is reflected in an annually rising number of publications on its use. Balloon catheters allow gentle ripening of the cervix without causing uterine overstimulation. The two catheters available are the Foley catheter (off-label use) and the double balloon catheter, which is licensed for use in induction of labour. Both are as effective as prostaglandins, and do not increase the risk of infection to mother or child. Catheter induction also requires less monitoring compared to prostaglandins resulting in improved patient satisfaction. Balloon catheters provide a useful and promising option to achieve vaginal delivery despite failed prostaglandin induction. Intravenous oxytocin is nevertheless required in up to 85 % of cases for adequate induction/augmentation of contractions. Balloon catheters, vaginal PGE2 and misoprostol are equally effective in the context of an unripe/unfavourable cervix, the rate of uterine hyperstimulation being significantly lower, and the need for oxytocin significantly higher for catheters. Balloon catheters are increasingly being used in combination or sequentially with oral/vaginal misoprostol, although there is currently inadequate published data on the subject. International guidelines recommend the use of balloon catheters for labour induction with an unripe cervix (also following previous caesarean section) as an alternative to prostaglandins, particularly when these are not available or are contraindicated.
The mobility scale for lower limb amputees: The SIGAM/WAP mobility scale

Purpose. To translate the SIGAM mobility scale into the Dutch language and to test and validate its properties in everyday practice. Method. The SIGAM mobility scale as published by Ryall et al. was translated into the Dutch language with the local used verbs for prosthetic use. The translated Dutch text was reviewed by several authors and a panel of professionals. The retranslation by a native speaker was reviewed by the original author who suggested modifications. The Dutch trial version of the mobility scale was presented to a panel of prosthetic users and therapists who advised slight modifications for better understanding of the questionnaire. IN training sessions prosthetic teams across The Netherlands were trained in the use of the translated SIGAM/WAP mobility scale. Results. During the translation there were problems with slang words and the use of specific words in the care of amputee patients. The instruction of team members and the test scoring of the questionnaire and the algorithm showed no difficulties. There was good to perfect agreement between scores in case training sessions with perfect inter observer reliability. Conclusions. With this instrument we have a specific measurement tool in the English and Dutch language to measure mobility in lower limb amputees.
Explorative Analysen zur effektiven Nutzung von instruktionalen Erklärungen beim Lernen aus Lösungsbeispielen

Wie stark Lernende von einem Studium von Losungsbeispielen profitieren, hangt insbesondere davon ab, inwieweit sie das Rationale der jeweiligen Beispiellosungen verstehen. Sowohl Selbsterklarungen als auch instruktionale Erklarungen konnen dabei zum Verstandnis beitragen. Der Autor entwickelte ein Modell zur produktiven Integration von Selbsterklarungen und instruktionalen Erklarungen, welches dem Design einer beispielbasierten Lernumgebung zur Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung zugrunde lag. Die Lernenden erklarten sich die Losungsbeispiele dabei selbst. Bei Bedarf konnten sie instruktionale Erklarungen aufrufen. Dabei wurde zunachst eine minimalistische Erklarung (zugrunde liegendes wahrscheinlichkeitstheoretisches Prinzip) gegeben. Falls den Lernenden dies nicht genugte, konnten sie eine ausfuhrlichere Erklarung abrufen (Prinzip + Bezug desselben zum aktuellen Losungsbeispiel). Diese Art der Erklarungen erweis sich in einer fruheren Studie als lernforderlich, jedoch in begrenztem Ausmas. Ziel der Studie war es, mogliche Defizite bei der Nutzung der instruktionalen Erklarungen durch die Lernenden zu identifizieren, um daraus instruktionale Masnahmen zur weiteren Steigerung des Lernerfolgs abzuleiten. Aus einer Re-Analyse der Daten aus einer fruheren Studie ergaben sich Hinweise, dass die Belastung des Arbeitsspeichers beim Verarbeiten der instruktionalen Erklarungen sehr hoch war und dass die minimalistischen Erklarungen speziell im Vergleich zu den ausfuhrlicheren Erklarungen nur eingeschrankt hilfreich waren. Als Konsequenz daraus sollten instruktionale Masnahmen getroffen werden, die (1) die kognitive Belastung beim Verarbeiten der instruktionalen Erklarungen reduzieren und die (2) bei den minimalistischen Erklarungen das Herstellen von Bezugen zwischen Elementen des Prinzips und des aktuellen Losungsbeispiels erleichtern. (ZPID)
Study of the conformational dynamics of prolyl oligopeptidase

La prolil oligopeptidasa (POP) es una enzima de 81 KDa constituida por dos dominios. Su funcion enzimatica es la de hidrolizar peptidos cortos con contenido en prolina. Recientemente se ha encontrado que esta peptidasa actua en el sistema nervioso central a traves de interacciones proteina-proteina, y por ello constituye una diana de interes terapeutico para el tratamiento de deficits cognitivos. Especialmente, hay evidencias de que los inhibidores de la POP pueden prevenir la patogenesis de la enfermedad de Parkinson. A pesar de que su estructura cristalografica esta bien definida, no se sabe cuales son las transiciones conformacionales que permiten su actividad catalitica. Asi mismo, se desconoce si estos cambios conformacionales repercuten en la interaccion con otras proteinas. No obstante, el estudio conformacional de esta proteina representa un desafio dado su elevado peso molecular. En esta tesis se ha usado una combinacion de tecnicas biofisicas robustas (resonancia magnetica nuclear, dispersion de rayos X de bajo angulo, espectrometria de masas de movilidad ionica) conjuntamente con simulaciones de dinamica molecular con la finalidad de clarificar la dinamica conformacional de la POP en solucion. Ademas, se ha estudiado por resonancia magnetica nuclear si la POP puede interactuar con la ? -sinucleina, el principal componente de los cuerpos de Lewi causantes de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Los experimentos llevados a cabo en esta tesis han demostrado que la POP existe en un equilibrio lento entre conformaciones abiertas y cerradas, originadas a partir de la separacion entre los dominios. Curiosamente, los inhibidores desplazan totalmente este equilibrio hacia la conformacion cerrada. Referente a la interaccion entre la POP y la ? -sinucleina, se pudo detectar una interaccion debil y transitoria entre las dos proteinas. Esta interaccion se favorecia especialmente en la presencia de inhibidores. Estos resultados sugieren que la interaccion entre la POP i la ? -sinucleina se puede modular con estos inhibidores, que pueden ser interesantes candidatos a farmacos para el tratamiento preventivo de la enfermedad de Parkinson.
Partitioning the Components of Relative Growth Rate: How Important Is Plant Size Variation?

Plant growth plays a key role in the functioning of the terrestrial biosphere, and there have been substantial efforts to understand why growth varies among species. To this end, a large number of experimental analyses have been undertaken; however, the emergent patterns between growth rate and its components are often contradictory. We believe that these conflicting results are a consequence of the way growth is measured. Growth is typically characterized by relative growth rate (RGR); however, RGR often declines as organisms get larger, making it difficult to compare species of different sizes. To overcome this problem, we advocate using nonlinear mixed‐effects models so that RGR can be calculated at a standard size, and we present easily implemented methods for doing this. We then present new methods for analyzing the traditional components of RGR that explicitly allow for the fact that \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\mathrm{log}\,( \mathrm{RGR}\,) $$ \end{document} is the sum of its components. These methods provide an exact decomposition of the variance in \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\mathrm{log}\,( \mathrm{RGR}\,) $$ \end{document} . Finally, we use simple analytical and simulation approaches to explore the effect of size variation on growth and its components and show that the relative importance of the components of RGR is influenced by the extent to which analyses standardize for plant size.
Wavelength assignment in multihop lightwave networks

An approach to the design of multihop lightwave networks with connectivity patterns that can be dynamically reconfigured is presented. A practical algorithm that efficiently reconfigures the connectivity diagram by reassigning wavelengths to best fit the current traffic pattern is introduced. A stochastic optimization algorithm is used to obtain the mapping of a regular structure into a wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) star, while optimizing the system performance measures. The optimization tool is general and can be used with any objective function which is a function of the traffic patterns, the system control, and the system configuration. The results show that this is a practical tool and that the resulting structures have a superior system performance. <<ETX>>
Simulation of human body motion under the condition of weightlessness

Astronauts' patterns of work under the condition of weightlessness and their adaptability thereto are important topics of space research in the field of manned space flight technology. In space, astronauts experience weightlessness, which is a very different condition from that experienced on the earth's surface, and space flight tasks are performed at nearly 0 G. In this report, we describe the application of MATLAB Simulink and SimMechanics to the simulation and calculation of motion in weightlessness. The simulation results and the theoretical analysis are compared to prove that the centroid of the whole human body remains unchanged in the free motion state in space. This model can be applied to various computations of human motion under the condition of weightlessness. It can generate reference data for research into fields such as human space flight and space medicine. Furthermore, with certain modifications, it can be used to simulate and calculate human motion under normal as well as excessive gravity.
Covalent cross‐linking of proteins without chemical reagents

A facile method for the formation of zero‐length covalent cross‐links between protein molecules in the lyophilized state without the use of chemical reagents has been developed. The cross‐linking process is performed by simply sealing lyophilized protein under vacuum in a glass vessel and heating at 85°C for 24 h. Under these conditions, approximately one‐third of the total protein present becomes cross‐linked, and dimer is the major product. Chemical and mass spectroscopic evidence obtained shows that zero‐length cross‐links are formed as a result of the condensation of interacting ammonium and carboxylate groups to form amide bonds between adjacent molecules. For the protein examined in the most detail, RNase A, the cross‐linked dimer has only one amide cross‐link and retains the enzymatic activity of the monomer. The in vacuo cross‐linking procedure appears to be general in its applicability because five different proteins tested gave substantial cross‐linking, and co‐lyophilization of lysozyme and RNase A also gave a heterogeneous covalently cross‐linked dimer.
28/38 GHz dual-band MIMO antenna with low mutual coupling using novel round patch EBG cell for 5G applications

In this paper, a 4×4 dual-band Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna which operates at 28 and 38 GHz bands for future fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology is proposed. Based on RT5880 with height of 0.79mm, the total size of MIMO antenna is 19.25 × 26 × 0.79 mm3. With structure of 1×2 phased array single antenna, the MIMO antenna gets wide-bands of 14.3% and 5.26% at 28 GHz and 38 GHz, respectively. Besides, the MIMO antenna achieves low mutual coupling for all operating bands with close distance of 0.7mm thanks to using novel round patch Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) cell. The design of dual-band MIMO antenna is optimized and validated by simulation using CST-MW Studio as well as by measurement.
Encouraging Physical Activity in Minorities

IN BRIEF: Healthy People 2000 and Healthy People 2010 are programs designed to measure and encourage physical activity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic group, or economic status. The objective of these programs is to reduce and eliminate disparity between population groups in terms of promoting health and preventing illness, disability, and death. Physicians need to consider the unique needs and constraints of minority patients when giving advice and prescribing exercise regimens. Some patients, for example, might do best in community-sponsored recreational activities.
Psychosocial functioning in a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder phenotype.

OBJECTIVE To compare psychosocial functioning (PF) in a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder phenotype (PEA-BP) sample to two comparison groups, i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and community controls (CC). METHOD There were 93 PEA-BP (with or without comorbid ADHD), 81 ADHD, and 94 CC subjects who were participants in an ongoing study, the Phenomenology and Course of Pediatric Bipolar Disorders. Cases in the PEA-BP and ADHD groups were outpatients obtained by consecutive new case ascertainment, and CC subjects were from a survey conducted by the Research Triangle Institute. To fit the study phenotype, PEA-BP subjects needed to have current DSM-IV mania or hypomania with elation and/or grandiosity as one criterion. Assessments for PF were by experienced research nurses who were blind to group status. Mothers and children were separately interviewed with the Psychosocial Schedule for School Age Children-Revised. RESULTS Compared with both ADHD and CC subjects, PEA-BP cases had significantly greater impairment on items that assessed maternal-child warmth, maternal-child and paternal-child tension, and peer relationships. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians need to consider PF deficits when planning interventions. In the PEA-BP group, there was a 43% rate of hypersexuality with a <1% rate of sexual abuse, supporting hypersexuality as a manifestation of child mania.
Distribution of Deviation Distance to Alternative Fuel Stations

This paper derives the distribution of the deviation distance to visit an alternative fuel station. Distance is measured as the Euclidean distance on a continuous plane. The distribution explicitly considers the vehicle range and whether the round trip between origin and destination can be made. Three cases are examined: fuel is available at both origin and destination, fuel is available at either origin or destination, and fuel is available at neither origin nor destination. The analytical expressions for the distribution demonstrate how the vehicle range, the shortest distance, and the refueling availability at origin and destination affect the deviation distance. The distribution will thus be useful to estimate the number of vehicles refueled at a station.
Study of Relationship between Ownership Concentration and Accounting Conservatism

Conservatism is an apparent feature of financial reporting that is mixed with accounting theory and practice. Conservatism has been a dominant feature in accounting area and financial reporting since early 20 th century. Regarding to the importance of accounting conservatism concept, the goal of this research is to study of relationship between ownership concentration and accounting conservatism in companies accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange. A sample of 74 companies was selected for 2006-2010 (5 years). Linear regression was used to test assumptions and study of relationship between ownership concentration and accounting conservatism in confidence level 95%, and SPSS and Excel software. The results showed that there is negative (reverse) relationship between ownership concentration and accounting conservatism. KEYWORDS: Accounting conservatism, ownership concentration, profit quality.
Topochemical Models for Prediction of Telomerase Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids

In the present study, the relationship between the topochemical indices and telomerase inhibitory activity of flavonoids has been investigated. Three topochemical indices, Wiener's topochemical index (a distance‐based topochemical descriptor), molecular connectivity topochemical index (an adjacency‐based topochemical descriptor) and superadjacency topochemical index (an adjacency cum distance‐based topochemical descriptor) were used for the present investigation. The values of the Wiener's topochemical index, molecular connectivity topochemical index and superadjacency topochemical index for each of the 30 analogues comprising the data set were computed using an in‐house computer program. Resultant data was analysed and suitable models were developed after identification of the active ranges. Subsequently, a biological activity was assigned to each analogue involved in the data set using these models, which was then compared with the reported telomerase inhibitory activity. Statistical significance of proposed models was investigated using intercorrelation analysis. Accuracy of prediction using proposed models was found to vary from 80% to 83%.