Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Release behavior and bioefficacy of imazethapyr formulations based on biopolymeric hydrogels

ABSTRACT Controlled release formulations of imazethapyr herbicide have been developed employing guar gum-g-cl-polyacrylate/bentonite clay hydrogel composite (GG-HG) and guar gum-g-cl-PNIPAm nano hydrogel (GG-NHG) as carriers, to assess the suitability of biopolymeric hydrogels as controlled herbicide release devices. The kinetics of imazethapyr release from the developed formulations was studied in water and it revealed that the developed formulations of imazethapyr behaved as slow release formulations as compared to commercial formulation. The calculated diffusion exponent (n) values showed that Fickian diffusion was the predominant mechanism of imazethapyr release from the developed formulations. Time for release of half of the loaded imazethapyr (t1/2) ranged between 0.06 and 4.8 days in case of GG-NHG and 4.4 and 12.6 days for the GG-HG formulations. Weed control index (WCI) of GG-HG and GG-NHG formulations was similar to that of the commercial formulation and the herbicidal effect was observed for relatively longer period. Guar gum-based biopolymeric hydrogels in both macro and nano particle size range can serve as potential carriers in developing slow release herbicide formulations.
Higher fat oxidation during treadmill walking versus cycle ergometry in active women at equal RPE: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Muscle degrades fat and carbohydrate (CHO) during exercise to meet the demand for ATP. Factors including exercise intensity/duration and fitness level are recognized as primary determinants of the relative contribution of these macronutrients to substrate metabolism, although exercise mode has also been identified. The aim of this study was to determine potential differences in substrate metabolism during treadmill (TM) and cycle ergometer (CE) exercise performed at equal rating of perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS Eleven recreationally active women (age =23.0±3.0 yr, Body Mass Index =20.7±1.7 kg/m2) performed one 30 min bout of endurance exercise on the CE and TM separated by 1 wk. Three 10 min stages of exercise were completed at RPE equal to 11, 13, and 15. During exercise, gas exchange data were continuously obtained to determine fat and CHO oxidation. Subjects fasted 3 h prior to exercise and standardized their dietary intake 48 h prior to each bout. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine differences in respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and fat and CHO oxidation between exercise modes. RESULTS RER was higher (P<0.05) during CE compared to TM at RPE equal to 11 (0.92±0.03 vs. 0.87±0.06), 13 (0.95±0.03 vs. 0.89±0.05), and 15 (1.00±0.03 vs. 0.93±0.04), leading to lower fat oxidation (P=0.009) and higher CHO oxidation in response to TM versus CE (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS Greater fat utilization occurred in response to treadmill walking at RPE ranging from 11-15 versus cycle ergometry.
Danish dementia mice suggest that loss of function and not the amyloid cascade causes synaptic plasticity and memory deficits

According to the prevailing “amyloid cascade hypothesis,” genetic dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease and familial Danish dementia (FDD) are caused by amyloid deposits that trigger tauopathy, neurodegeneration, and behavioral/cognitive alterations. To efficiently reproduce amyloid lesions, murine models of human dementias invariably use transgenic expression systems. However, recent FDD transgenic models showed that Danish amyloidosis does not cause memory defects, suggesting that other mechanisms cause Danish dementia. We studied an animal knock-in model of FDD (FDDKI/+) genetically congruous with human cases. FDDKI/+ mice present reduced Bri2 levels, impaired synaptic plasticity and severe hippocampal memory deficits. These animals show no cerebral lesions that are reputed characteristics of human dementia, such as tangles or amyloid plaques. Bri2+/− mice exhibit synaptic and memory deficits similar to FDDKI/+ mice, and memory loss of FDDKI/+ mice is prevented by expression of WT BRI2, indicating that Danish dementia is caused by loss of BRI2 function. Together, the data suggest that clinical dementia in Danish patients occurs via a loss of function mechanism and not as a result of amyloidosis and tauopathy.
Time-Domain versus frequency-domain approach for an accurate simulation of phased arrays

In this paper, a general comparison is presented between time-domain and frequency-domain simulation schemes of phased arrays. A series of Vivaldi arrays are simulated with finite integral time-domain (FITD) and frequency-domain finite element method (FEM) in terms of its far field characteristic like radiation pattern and gain. Three finite arrays of 10 by 10, 20 by 20, and 30 by 30 are simulated using FITD. The results are compared with that of the same arrays by linear combination of a unit Vivaldi antenna simulated with FEM. It is concluded that for small arrays time domain is more accurate while for large ones frequency domain method is more superior in terms of computer time and memory.
Regulation of Afferent Transmission in the Feeding Circuitry of Aplysia

Although feeding in Aplysia is mediated by a central pattern generator (CPG), the activity of this CPG is modified by afferent input. To determine how afferent activity produces the widespread changes in motor programs that are necessary if behavior is to be modified, we have studied two classes of feeding sensory neurons. We have shown that afferent-induced changes in activity are widespread because sensory neurons make a number of synaptic connections. For example, sensory neurons make monosynaptic excitatory connections with feeding motor neurons. Sensori-motor transmission is, however, regulated so that changes in the periphery do not disrupt ongoing activity. This results from the fact that sensory neurons are also electrically coupled to feeding interneurons. During motor programs sensory neurons are, therefore, rhythmically depolarized via central input. These changes in membrane potential profoundly affect sensori-motor transmission. For example, changes in membrane potential alter spike propagation in sensory neurons so that spikes are only actively transmitted to particular output regions when it is behaviorally appropriate. To summarize, afferent activity alters motor output because sensory neurons make direct contact with motor neurons. Sensori-motor transmission is, however, centrally regulated so that changes in the periphery alter motor programs in a phase-dependent manner.
DNA methyltransferase expression and DNA methylation of CPG islands and peri‐centromeric satellite regions in human colorectal and stomach cancers

We evaluated the significance of aberrant DNA methyltransferase expression in human carcinogenesis by examining 32 colorectal and 34 stomach cancers. Levels of mRNAs encoding DNA methyltransferases were measured by reverse transcription, followed by real‐time quantitative detection of PCR products. The DNA methylation state of CpG islands and peri‐centromeric satellite regions was examined by bisulfite modification and Southern blotting, respectively. The average level of mRNA for DNMT1 and DNMT3b in colorectal and stomach cancers was significantly higher than in corresponding non‐cancerous mucosae, whereas the average level of mRNA for DNMT2 was significantly lower in colorectal and stomach cancers than in non‐cancerous tissue. Over‐expression of DNMT3b in stomach cancer was significantly higher in cases with lymph node metastasis than in cases without. DNA hypermethylation on the p16, human Mut L homologue‐1 and thrombospondin‐1 genes and the methylated in tumor (MINT) 1, 2, 12, 25 and 31 clones was found in 23%, 27%, 9%, 23%, 20%, 23%, 20% and 10% of the colon cancers and in 9%, 19%, 30%, 25%, 34%, 19%, 81% and 3% of the stomach cancers, respectively. Criteria for identification of the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) were met in 23% of colorectal cancers and 31% of stomach cancers. DNA hypomethylation on satellites 2 and 3 was detected in 0% and 8% of colorectal and stomach cancers, respectively. Over‐expression of DNMT1 mRNA was significantly associated with CIMP, whereas the level of DNMT3b mRNA was not associated with CIMP or DNA hypomethylation of peri‐centromeric satellite regions. These data suggest that both over‐expression of the maintenance DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 and over‐expression of a newly identified de novo DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3b, are involved in human carcinogenesis, probably at different stages and through different mechanisms. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extraction of Crude Oil Fouling Model Parameters from Plant Exchanger Monitoring

Most of the semi-empirical “threshold fouling” models for crude oil fouling in shell-and-tube exchangers have been developed and validated using data collected at what may be considered to be “point” or localized conditions. In practice, both velocity and wall temperature can vary significantly within a heat exchanger, leading to difficulty in applying the models in exchanger design and extracting fouling information from exchanger performance monitoring. A partial simulation model is presented here, incorporating a linear temperature distribution. This short-cut model is compared with a more detailed simulation in order to establish its reliability. Pressure drop using a smooth layer model is also considered. The short-cut approach is employed in a data reconciliation study of an operating crude preheat train, which indicates that the original threshold fouling model of Ebert and Panchal gives a better description of the observed fouling behavior.
Defining Specific Lipid Binding Sites for a Peripheral Membrane Protein in Situ Using Subtesla Field-cycling NMR*

Despite the profound physiological consequences associated with peripheral membrane protein localization, only a rudimentary understanding of the interactions of proteins with membrane surfaces exists because these questions are inaccessible by commonly used structural techniques. Here, we combine high resolution field-cycling 31P NMR relaxation methods with spin-labeled proteins to delineate specific interactions of a bacterial phospholipase C with phospholipid vesicles. Unexpectedly, discrete binding sites for both a substrate analogue and a different phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) known to activate the enzyme are observed. The lifetimes for the occupation of these sites (when the protein is anchored transiently to the membrane) are >1–2 μs (but <1 ms), which represents the first estimate of an off-rate for a lipid dissociating from a specific site on the protein and returning to the bilayer. Furthermore, analyses of the spin-label induced NMR relaxation corroborates the presence of a discrete tyrosine-rich phosphatidylcholine binding site whose location is consistent with that suggested by modeling studies. The methodology illustrated here may be extended to a wide range of peripheral membrane proteins.
The what, where, and why of priority maps and their interactions with visual working memory

Priority maps are winner‐take‐all neural mechanisms thought to guide the allocation of covert and overt attention. Here, we go beyond this standard definition and argue that priority maps play a much broader role in controlling goal‐directed behavior. We start by defining what priority maps are and where they might be found in the brain; we then ask why they exist—the function that they serve. We propose that this function is to communicate a goal state to the different effector systems, thereby guiding behavior. Within this framework, we speculate on how priority maps interact with visual working memory and introduce our common source hypothesis, the suggestion that this goal state is maintained in visual working memory and used to construct all of the priority maps controlling the various motor systems. Finally, we look ahead and suggest questions about priority maps that should be asked next.
Eye Tracking Based Control System for Natural Human-Computer Interaction

Eye movement can be regarded as a pivotal real-time input medium for human-computer communication, which is especially important for people with physical disability. In order to improve the reliability, mobility, and usability of eye tracking technique in user-computer dialogue, a novel eye control system with integrating both mouse and keyboard functions is proposed in this paper. The proposed system focuses on providing a simple and convenient interactive mode by only using user's eye. The usage flow of the proposed system is designed to perfectly follow human natural habits. Additionally, a magnifier module is proposed to allow the accurate operation. In the experiment, two interactive tasks with different difficulty (searching article and browsing multimedia web) were done to compare the proposed eye control tool with an existing system. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) measures are used to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of our system. It is demonstrated that the proposed system is very effective with regard to usability and interface design.
Competition between cutaneous vasodilator and vasoconstrictor reflexes in man.

A two-part experiment was carried out on seven men to determine whether skin will respond to increased neurogenic vasoconstrictor activity during heating. The latter was induced by lower body negative pressure of -50 mm Hg applied for 5 of each 15 min in 12 studies with constant, neutral skin temperature (32.2-34.4 C) in a 40-min control period and with skin temperature held at 38 C for 40-70 min. We conclude that during heating, skin retains the ability to vasoconstrict but that this vasoconstriction cannot completely override heat-induced vasodilatation.
Raspberry leaf tea: a new aspect to an old problem.

Considering the effects of fl-adrenoceptor blocking agents, it has been shown that in dioestrus propranolol converted the inhibitory effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and hypogastric nerve stimulation to an excitatory response resembling that seen in oestrus. Conversely, the a-blocking agents tolazoline and phentolamine converted the effects seen in preparations from animals in oestrus to those resembling the responses of the uterus of the rat in dioestrus. It is suggested that the number and/or the activity of the uterine a-adrenoceptors in the rat is increased in oestrus. An alternative interpretation of these results is that in oestrus the number and/or the activity of fl-adrenoceptors is decreased, but it is considered that this is unlikely because the potency of isoprenaline in causing uterine inhibition was not appreciably different in the various stages of the oestrous cycle.
Experimental Infection of Human Erythrocytes from Alcoholic Patients with Bartonella quintana

Abstract: Bartonella spp. are found in the erythrocytes of their specific natural hosts and B. quintana bacteremia is associated epidemiologically with lice, alcoholism, and homelessness. The aim of our study was to compare the growth and the number of bacteria per erythrocyte in vitro in laboratory‐infected red blood cells from alcoholic patients versus normal blood donor erythrocytes. Enumeration of bacteria was performed either with plate counting or with a real‐time PCR quantitative assay. Number of bacteria per cell was determined using immunofluorescence assay and laser confocal microscopy. Although the number of bacteria after 4 days of incubation was similar in the two groups of erythrocytes, we found that the distribution of bacteria per erythrocyte in the two groups was different. Erythrocytes from alcoholics contain significantly more bacteria per cell than erythrocytes from blood donors. Our results suggest that there is a link between alcoholism and infections of B. quintana that may be due to the macrocytosis of erythrocytes.
Efficacy and safety of growth hormone treatment in adults with growth hormone deficiency: a systematic review of studies on morbidity

Due to the positive effects demonstrated in randomized clinical trials on cardiovascular surrogate markers and bone metabolism, a positive effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on clinically relevant end‐points seems feasible. In this review, we discuss the long‐term efficacy and safety of GH treatment in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with emphasis on morbidity: fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke, fractures, fatal and nonfatal malignancies and recurrences, and diabetes mellitus. A positive effect of GH treatment on CVD and fracture risk could be concluded, but study design limitations have to be considered. Stroke and secondary brain tumours remained more prevalent. However, other contributing factors have to be taken into account. Regrowth and recurrences of (peri)pituitary tumours were not increased in patients with GH treatment compared to similar patients without GH treatment. All fatal and nonfatal malignancies were not more prevalent in GH‐treated adults compared to the general population. However, follow‐up time is still relatively short. The studies on diabetes are difficult to interpret, and more evidence is awaited. In clinical practice, a more individualized assessment seems appropriate, taking into consideration the underlying diagnosis of GHD, other treatment regimens, metabolic profile and the additional beneficial effects of GH set against the possible risks. Large and thoroughly conducted observational studies are needed and seem the only feasible way to inform the ongoing debate on health care costs, drug safety and clinical outcomes.
MALIGNANT BLADDER TUMORS AND BALKAN ENDEMIC NEPHROPATHY : POSSIBLE COMMON ETIOLOGIC FACTORS

The aim of this work is to establish the most important epidemiologic features of malignant bladder tumors (based on the investigations so far), to get an insight into the risk factors and explain possible association with Balkan endemic nephropathy. Data from the most important studies were used, published in the country and abroad in scientific literature. Morbidity and mortality rates were expressed per 100.000 inhabitants. The most common primary malignant bladder tumors are: carcinoma transitocellulare (80-90%), planocellular carcinoma (3-7%), adenocarecinomas (1-2%) and malignant sarcomas (1%). Bladder cancer belongs to the group of 12 most frequently registered new malignant tumors per year, in both sexes, and in industrial countries it is even more common. People living in highly developed countries in Europe and North America are most frequently affected, as well as those in the regions with endemic schistosomiasis (Africa) and Taiwan. In highly developed countries bladder cancer mortality demonstrates the lowest degree of variability compared to other regions. Mortality rates are higher in male population. Bladder cancer affects mainly male population. Male/female ratio differs from country to country and it is usually 4:1, but there are regions with much higher or lower ratio. The highest incidence and mortality rates are registered in those over 75 years of age (more than 140/100.000 men) or those over 30 in female population. The connection of bladder cancer to upper part urothelial tumors has been established in many investigations, but this connection for bladder cancer was seen only in some recent studies. According to different investigations, the incidence of bladder malignant tumors was 1.5 to 8.4 (mainly 3 to 4) times higher in the endemic regions for BEN versus the non-endemic. Possible common etiologic factors for BEN and malignant bladder tumors, established in various independent studies may be: genetic basis, lack of oligoelements and antioxidants in food and drinking water, and exposure to different aromatic hydrocarbons. Both BEN and urothelial tumors (bladder cancer as well) are probably the diseases with multifactorial etiology, for the occurrence of which, in addition to genetic hypotheses, environmental factors are responsible too. It may well be spoken of the same external factors the effect of which depends on their concentration in an organism, duration of exposure and type of cells they act upon. However, to establish the etiology of both diseases it is necessary to perform many multidisciplinary studies including scientists from various fields: geneticists, toxicologists, clinical physicians, epidemiologists, geologists and others.
One‐year follow‐up of young children hospitalized for wheezing: the influence of early anti‐inflammatory therapy and risk factors for subsequent wheezing and asthma

We investigated the 1‐year outcome of children hospitalized for wheezing, paying special attention to the effect of early anti‐inflammatory therapy. In addition, we identified risk factors for recurrent wheezing and asthma. Eighty‐eight children under 2 years old treated in the hospital for wheezing were followed for 1 year. Nebulized anti‐inflammatory therapy was given for 16 weeks: 31 patients received budesonide, 29 patients cromolyn sodium, and 28 control patients received no therapy. The number of subsequent physician‐diagnosed wheezing episodes was recorded.
[Self-perception in obese patients].

BACKGROUND The perception of obese people has about themselves is often paradoxical, seeing themselves with several virtues and flaws that take them to have an ambiguous attitude about themselves. The aim was to evaluate the perception that the obese people has about their body and relationships. METHOD Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire was applied; obtaining a descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) of each item and contrasting by gender (male and female) and proposal treatment (surgical and nonsurgical). RESULTS Significant differences were found (p value<.05) between genders and type of treatment in some phrases of the applied questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS Self-perception in the obese patient seems to be strongly related to the perception that society has of them, which is usually negative in relation to their appearance. Patients tend to perceive themselves as unappealing, although this perception is greater in patients canalized to surgical treatment; likewise, tendency to think about their appearance is greater in non-surgical patients. About personal care, it was found that participants pay less attention to improving their personal appearance, women having a slightly greater concern.
An act of caring - patient diaries in Norwegian intensive care units.

AIM The aim of this study was to obtain more knowledge about the background, extent and implementation of diaries in Norwegian intensive care units (ICUs) providing mechanical ventilation to adult patients. BACKGROUND The growing understanding of long-term consequences of intensive care therapy has compelled nurses to introduce patient diaries to prevent problems after discharge from ICU. Research on this practice is limited. DESIGN/METHOD The study had a qualitative descriptive design, and was conducted by means of semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 participants, all experienced intensive care nurses. The strategy of analysis was a template organizing style. FINDINGS The findings show that 31 out of 70 ICUs offer patient diaries, and many units have a long history of diary writing. Most of the units have some kind of guidelines, and the study has shown that diaries serve dual purposes; one of caring and another of therapy. Although these two dimensions seemingly present a paradox from a theoretical point of view, a combination appears to be at work in clinical practice. This may be explained by a tendency in nursing to regard caring as superior to therapy. The writing frequency varies, and the units that reported high activity provided follow-up programs in addition to diary writing. Diary writing as a nursing intervention is threatened by a lack of funding.