Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropharmacologic action of Rauwolfia compounds and its psychodynamic implications.

The introduction of Rauwolfia alkaloids as antihypertensive drugs and as tranquilizing agents has produced a tremendous surge of optimism, sometimes uncritical, in regard to their virtues. It also has stimulated neurophysiologic and neuropharmacologic research. The clinical effect of these drugs has not been thoroughly investigated in a psychodynamic sense, nor have these effects yet been sufficiently correlated with the modern neurophysiologic concepts that attempt to explain complex adaptive behavior. This paper attempts to review pertinent literature relative to the neuropharmacologic action of Rauwolfia compounds, to report observations in a series of cases in which their effects were adverse to adaptive behavior, and to present a speculative hypothesis to explain these effects. It is hoped that such an effort may be helpful as the neurophysiologist and the practitioner of psychodynamics struggle from opposite ends of a long tunnel, groping in the dark toward a meeting place where the problems of consciousness,
Optical Materials

Optical technologies are becoming increasingly important in areas that were traditionally the domain of electronics. This trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future with optics and electronics being integral, mutually compatible components of systems for consumer markets, industry, and defense. The basis of this progress is the development of materials that have the required purity, physical properties, and optical quality; glass fibers for optical transmission, semiconductors for lasers and detectors, and nonlinear materials for optical switching are examples. In this article, some of the materials of choice for a variety of applications are described and the frontiers of materials research for new areas of opportunity are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on optical materials for the transmission and processing of information.
Diseases and Motor Vehicle Fatalities in Finland in 2001 and 2002

Objectives. The possible connection between diseases among drivers and traffic accidents was examined for traffic safety purposes. Methods. We studied medical conditions of drivers and passengers in all motor vehicle crashes with fatalities in Finland in 2001 and 2002 by using reports of road accident investigation teams, including autopsy reports. We analyzed a total of 542 crashes with 640 fatalities. Findings were also compared with available epidemiological data in Finland. Results. An insignificant difference in the number of reported diseases was present between the different parties involved in crashes. However, among killed key drivers, so-called A-parties, psychiatric diseases, especially alcoholism, depression, and unspecific mental disorders, were diagnosed more often than in the groups of other drivers or passengers. In addition, A-parties were reported to more frequently suffer from cerebral arteriosclerosis and arterial hypertension. Conclusions. Drivers' diseases can be a risk factor for traffic accidents. Fitness to drive should therefore be considered in medical practice, particularly in patients with alcoholism and other psychiatric disorders.
Transparent exopolymer particles and dissolved organic carbon production by Emiliania huxleyi exposed to different CO2 concentrations: a mesocosm experiment

The role of transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for organic carbon partitioning under different CO2 conditions was examined during a mesocosm experiment with the coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi. We designed 9 outdoor enclosures (~11 m 3 ) to simulate CO2 concentrations of estimated 'Year 2100' (~710 ppm CO2), 'present' (~410 ppm CO2) and 'glacial' (~190 ppm CO2) environments, and fertilized these with nitrate and phosphate to favor bloom development. Our results showed fundamentally different TEP and DOC dynamics during the bloom. In all mesocosms, TEP concentration increased after nutrient exhaustion and accumulated steadily until the end of the study. TEP concentration was closely related to the abundance of E. hux- leyi and accounted for an increase in POC concentration of 35 ± 2% after the onset of nutrient limi- tation. The production of TEP normalized to the cell abundance of E. huxleyi was highest in the Year 2100 treatment. In contrast, DOC concentration exhibited considerable short-term fluctuations throughout the study. In all mesocosms, DOC was neither related to the abundance of E. huxleyi nor to TEP concentration. A statistically significant effect of the CO2 treatment on DOC concentration was not determined. However, during the course of the bloom, DOC concentration increased in 2 of the 3 Year 2100 mesocosms and in 1 of the present mesocosms, but in none of the glacial mesocosms. It is suggested that the observed differences between TEP and DOC were determined by their dif- ferent bioavailability and that a rapid response of the microbial food web may have obscured CO2 effects on DOC production by autotrophic cells.
The Reorganization of Tissue Masses of Cordylophora Lacustris and the Effect of Oral Cone Grafts, with Supplementary Observations on Obelia Gelatinosa

1. A method is described for the preparation of reconstitution masses from the expressed coenosarc tissues of Cordylophora lacustris. This brackish water hydroid is more suitable for the purpose than others which have so far been used. 2. Under normal conditions (50% sea water at 16-17° C.) such masses produce one or more hydranths within about 2 days and often additional unorganized outgrowths. 3. The main histological features of the reconstitution masses as seen in sections are described. From these observations and from experiments with masses made from isolated ectoderm and endoderm it is concluded that there is no reduction of the cells to a pleuripotent condition. The cells of each original layer can form only the layer from which they were derived. 4. Masses made from endoderm cells only are incapable of holding together for long and soon disintegrate. Pure ectoderm masses, however, rapidly round up and form hollow vesicles but do not produce hydranths. 5. No signs of cell division during reconstitution were detected. 6. The "interstitial" cells observed in the coenosarc ectoderm are thus not able to differentiate into endoderm when this is absent and there is no indication that they perform any essential part in the process of reconstitution. 7. An oral cone when grafted into a mass will determine the position of the regenerated hydranth which develops in relation to the graft. 8. Evidence is given to prove that the action of the cone is one of pure induction and that it does not supply cells to the induced hydranth. 9. The action of the cone is independent of its orientation and it will produce its effect even after previous chopping up and reuniting. Attempts to graft killed oral cones have so far failed. 10. Grafts of distal halves of young gonophores do not induce hydranths. 11. Calcium or magnesium deficiency in the medium results in complete suppression of hydranth formation from masses but not always of unorganized outgrowths. Oral cone grafts, however, can overcome this inhibition and tentacles are formed. A similar inhibitory effect is produced by potassium deficiency, but is not overcome by an oral cone graft. 12. The quantity of calcium required to permit tentacle formation in plain masses is very small (c. 0.00006 M). 13. Sodium cyanide (c. M/30,000), phenyl urethane (c. M/3000) and low temperature (5.5-6.5° C.) can inhibit hydranth formation in plain masses, but oral cone grafts overcome this inhibition and induce the formation of tentacles. 14. Reconstitution masses which produced hydranths were also made from the coenosarc of another brackish water hydroid Obelia gelatinosa. Isolated ectoderm and endoderm were incapable of reorganization. 15. Mixed masses of Cordylophora and Obelia coenosarc separated into regions composed of tissue from one species only and each produced hydranths independently.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and the Incidence of Peripheral Artery Disease in the Elderly: The Pro.V.A Study.

AIM This study was conducted to examine whether low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)are associated with a higher risk of incident peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a representative group of elderly people. METHODS We followed 1568 community-dwelling elderly participants without PAD at the baseline (among a sample of 2097 initially eligible) over a mean of 4.4 years as part of the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) study. The baseline serum 25OHD levels were categorized as ＜24, 25-49, 50-74, ＞75 nmol/L, and incident PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index below 0.9. RESULTS At the baseline, there were no differences in known risk factors for PAD (BMI, waist circumference, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, smoking habits, total cholesterol) or in the ankle-brachial index (ABI) between the groups with different serum 25OHD levels (＜24, 25-49, 50-74, ＞75 nmol/L). During a 4.4-year follow-up, 371 subjects developed PAD. The group with serum 25OHD levels ＞75 nmol/L was set as the reference group, and an adjusted Cox's regression analysis showed no association between low vitamin D levels and incident PAD during the follow-up: the hazard ratio ranged from 0.76 (95%CI: 0.41-1.42) for participants with serum 25OHD levels below 25 nmol/L to 1.32 (95%CI: 0.72-2.39) for those with serum 25OHD levels between 50-74 nmol/L (p for trend=0.08). These results did not change when participants were stratified by several risk factors for PAD. CONCLUSIONS Baseline hypovitaminosis D did not predict the onset of PAD over a 4.4-year follow-up in elderly people.
The Bifunctional FtsK Protein Mediates Chromosome Partitioning and Cell Division in Caulobacter

ABSTRACT Bacterial chromosome partitioning and cell division are tightly connected cellular processes. We show here that the Caulobacter crescentus FtsK protein localizes to the division plane, where it mediates multiple functions involved in chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. The first 258 amino acids of the N terminus are necessary and sufficient for targeting the protein to the division plane. Furthermore, the FtsK N terminus is required to either assemble or maintain FtsZ rings at the division plane. The FtsK C terminus is essential in Caulobacter and is involved in maintaining accurate chromosome partitioning. In addition, the C-terminal region of FtsK is required for the localization of the topoisomerase IV ParC subunit to the replisome to facilitate chromosomal decatenation prior to cell division. These results suggest that the interdependence between chromosome partitioning and cell division in Caulobacter is mediated, in part, by the FtsK protein.
Histologial studies on the tonsil of soft palate in goats

Histological studies were conducted on the tonsil of soft palate in six month-old male crossbred goats. The tonsil was located on the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate. The tonsillar surface epithelium presented small folds and was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the rostral half and stratified squamous epithelium in the caudal part. The epithelium mounting over the lymphoid accumulation or follicle associated epithelium was modified into a lympho-epithelium and was disrupted and heavily infiltrated by lymphocytes. Distinct crypts were not seen. In the lamina propria, lymphoid tissue constituted only a small portion of the tonsil and only two to three nodules were seen per low power microscopic field. Most of the lymphoid nodules had germinal centers. The average diameter of the nodules was 131.97±8.03 µm. Loose irregular connective tissue, lymphoid tissue and glands comprised the propria submucosa. The tonsil of soft palate was not encapsulated.
Validity and reliability of a Portuguese version of the Summated Xerostomia Inventory‐5

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to validate and determine the reliability of the Portuguese version of the Summated Xerostomia Inventory. BACKGROUND Many conditions such as head and neck radiation, autoimmune diseases or polypharmacy are characterised by hyposalivation which can affect oral and systemic quality of life. As such, this condition must be assessed, and the English version of the Xerostomia Inventory has been increasingly used to determine the severity of dry mouth perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which employed volunteers suffering from hyposalivation after local ethical committee clearance. Each patient signed an informed consent and responded to the Portuguese version of the questionnaire in the form of an interview. This was repeated again after 2 weeks. A standard single question provided a validity check. Data were analysed using Cronbach's α to test its reliability and total and interitem correlation, and intraclass correlation to determine its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Significance was set at . 05. RESULTS A sample of 103 volunteers was recruited. Cronbach's α was . 84 and . 87 for the first and second test administrations, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient value for the test-retest reliability was . 93, and scores for the individual items ranged from . 79 to . 90. The correlation between the total score of the questionnaire and standard single dry mouth question was . 66, indicating a very good correlation. CONCLUSION Demonstrating excellent psychometric properties, the Summated Xerostomia Inventory (Portuguese Version) is a valid tool for quantifying Xerostomia in a dry mouth-afflicted population.
Researching impact of mobile phones for development: concepts, methods and lessons for practice

The use of mobile phones is an increasingly important part of development efforts particularly in low income countries. Investment in mobiles for development (m-development) is being led by the mobile phone industry together with donors and development partners across a wide range of development sectors. As adoption of mobile phones increases it becomes important to research and understand their impact, and to assess to what extent the expansion of m-development is assisting broader development efforts. This paper provides guidance for conducting research on impact assessment for m-development by reviewing 18 published impact studies, and suggests four key building blocks for good practice in impact assessment. These building blocks encompass: the extent to which the studies address the needs of defined audiences or beneficiaries, the choice of types of impact to assess and units of assessment, the application of suitable conceptual frameworks, and the rigor of the methodology followed. The findings suggest that m-development impact assessment to date falls into three main categories: purely quantitative approaches rooted in information economics, and purely qualitative approaches rooted in social impact assessment. A further mixed method category provides cost effective and timely findings, but with the result of diluting the rigor evident at the methodological poles. Overall, the paper concludes there is a need for more and better guidance for the conduct of such studies, in relation to identifying the rationale and objectives, and linking the choice of concepts and methods with the requirements of key audiences and beneficiaries. The paper identifies m-development impact research as a contested area, and by taking stock of experience thus far, seeks to raise the level of debate concerning the relative merit of alternative methodological and conceptual approaches.
A fast two-dimension Discrete Fractional Fourier Transform algorithm and its application on digital watermarking

In order to improve the computing efficiency and accuracy of Discrete Fractional Fourier Transform (DFRFT), a fast algorithm derived from Fast Fourier Transform is introduced on the basis of the study on the periodicity of the eigenvalues of Fractional Fourier Transform (FRFT). Moreover, the algorithm is generalized to implement the two-dimension DFRFT, by which the fractional order spectrum of the digital images can be obtained. In addition, the feasibility of the two-dimension algorithm is proved by its successful application in the domain of digital watermarking. Finally, the properties of the FRFT watermarking are briefly discussed: its sensitivity to attacks in both the spatial domain and the frequency domain indicates that the algorithm can be applied to make fragile watermarkings.
Acidocalcisome is required for autophagy in Trypanosoma brucei

Lysosomes play important roles in autophagy, not only in autophagosome degradation, but also in autophagy initiation. In Trypanosoma brucei, an early divergent protozoan parasite, we discovered a previously unappreciated function of the acidocalcisome, a lysosome-related organelle characterized by acidic pH and large content of Ca2+ and polyphosphates, in autophagy regulation. Starvation- and chemical-induced autophagy is accompanied with acidocalcisome acidification, and blocking the acidification completely inhibits autophagosome formation. Blocking acidocalcisome biogenesis by depleting the adaptor protein-3 complex, which does not affect lysosome biogenesis or function, also inhibits autophagy. Overall, our results support the role of the acidocalcisome, a conserved organelle from bacteria to human, as a relevant regulator in autophagy.
RFID-based production operation management for multi-varieties and small-batch production

The rapid changing market is making manufacturing systems increasingly trend to multi-varieties and small-batch production. It drives that strict production operation management in detail is done. In this paper RFID tags are introduced to overcome difficulty to identity important production elements in workshop. A tag data model of production element is proposed, and the architecture and integration operation mode of corresponding production operation management system are established. Then, an information fusion model of real-time heterogeneous production data from multi-sources and implementation methods of rapidly reconfigurable production operation management system based on component are presented. The application results in a motorcycle assembly line show the production efficiency and quality are obviously improved.
Metabolic Disorders in HIV-infected Children Metabolic Disorders in HIVinfectedChildren

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has resulted in greater survival of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the use of these drugs has been associated with lipodystrophic syndrome (LS), which is characterized by metabolic alterations (dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and lactic acidosis) and abnormal corporal fat distribution. Clinically, LS may manifest as three different forms: lipohypertrophy (accumulation of fat in the central part of the body), lipoatrophy (loss of fat in the extremities, face and buttocks) and mixed (lipohypertrophy + lipoatrophy). Although its physiopathology has not been elucidated, some mechanisms have been described, including leptin and adiponectin deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction and use of antiretroviral drugs. The type, dose and duration of the antiretroviral treatment, as well as age and puberty are the main risk factors. LS are also associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular illnesses, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Follow up must be periodic, consisting of measurement of body fat distribution, evaluation of the lipid profile and insulin resistance.
Renal function and metabolism during endotoxemia in rats: role of hypoperfusion.

Renal failure often complicates endotoxin shock. This might be due to renal hypoperfusion, but endotoxemia could also have additional effects. We studied in anesthetized rats renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and metabolism (ATP, CrP = creatine phosphate, energy charge = [ATP + 0.5 ADP]/[ATP + ADP + AMP], lactate, glucose) during endotoxin shock (Escherichia coli endotoxin, 10 mg/kg for 60 min; n = 10) and "balloon shock" (balloon inflated in vena cava below renal vein to cause comparable decreases in cardiac output and RPF as in endotoxin-treated rats; n = 10). A third group of rats served as controls (n = 10). At t = 0 infusion of endotoxin was started. At t = 90 min, when cardiac output was low and serum lactate was high (indicating shock), GFR and RPF were obtained from plasma disappearance rates (from t = 90 to t = 135 min) of 125I-thalamate and 131I-hippurate, respectively. Experiments ended at t = 135 min. In both shock groups RPF decreased (by ca. - 75% compared with control rats), but filtration fraction only increased (by 72%) in the "balloon shock" rats. In renal biopsies lactate concentration increased more (by 407 vs. 167%) and ATP decreased more (by -63 vs. - 35%) during endotoxin shock than during "balloon shock"; the endotoxin-treated rats also showed a significant decrease in CrP (by - 58%), energy charge (by - 31%), and glucose concentration (by - 34%), and an increase in the number of leukocytes in the glomeruli (by 730%). Renal function and metabolism thus was more affected in this hypodynamic form of endotoxin shock than in "balloon shock. " This may be caused by the effects of endotoxin on sticking of leukocytes and renal metabolism.
The measurement of pessimism: the hopelessness scale.

A scale designed to quantify hopelessness was administered to several diverse samples of patients to assess its psychometric properties. This scale was found to have a high degree of internal consistency and showed a relatively high correlation with the clinical ratings of hopelessness and other self-administered measures of hopelessness. Furthermore, the scale was sensitive to changes in the patient's state of depression over time. An affective, a motivational, and a cognitive factor were extracted.
The Relationship between Shyness, Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety, Willingness to Communicate, Gender, and EFL Proficiency

The present study aimed to examine the relationship found between shyness, foreign language classroom anxiety, willingness to communicate, gender, and EFL proficiency. To this end, sixty EFL undergraduates (40 females and 20 males) majoring in English Translation were selected through simple random sampling. Stanford Shyness Inventory by Zimbardo (1977), Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale by Horwitz et al. (1986), and Willingness to Communicate Scale by McCroskey and Richmond (1987) were used to measure students’ shyness, FLCA, and WTC respectively. Moreover, students’ average score in their specialized courses were taken as a measure of their EFL proficiency. Analysis of the results showed that there is no significant relationship between shyness, foreign language classroom anxiety, willingness to communicate, gender, and EFL proficiency. The results have beneficial implications for teaching methodology and syllabus design.