Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Tongue Dorsal Surface in Fish: A Comparison Among Three Farmed Species

The oral cavity of vertebrates has a very important role in many functions strictly related to the food processing. Two species, sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax and seabream Sparus aurata, are mainly involved in the aquaculture industry in the mediterranean area; moreover, the white seabream Diplodus sargus sargus was recently chosen as the best candidate for the diversification of species of commercial interest. This investigation was carried out, using the standard procedures for light and scanning electron microscopy, to analyse the morphology of the tongue dorsal surface in order to show whether relationships are present between the tongue morphology and the nutritional choices of these species. In all the three investigated species, three different areas were observed on the dorsal lingual surface: an apex, a body and a root. In the sea bass D. labrax, numerous caninelike teeth, organized in pads, were present along the dorsal surface. The presence of numerous taste buds, scattered on the tongue, was shown. In the seabream S. aurata, the apical part of the tongue is inserted in a pouch with a characteristic medial ridge on the body surface. Numerous taste buds were scattered on the whole surface. In the white seabream D. sargus sargus, a pouch partially covering the apex was clearly observed. In the pouch, filiform‐like and foliate‐like papillae can be distinguished. The results show the important role of the fish tongue in the food ingestion process, demonstrating the interaction of food processing, taste and morphological characteristics.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Gastrointestinal Disease

52 VITAMIN D—BIOMOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS There are two ways of acquiring vitamin D—cutaneous irradiation and diet. In the skin, cholecalciferol is synthesized through UV irradiation of 7-dihydrocholesterol. In infants, immobile or institutionalized persons, the elderly (>70 years old), and veiled women or those living in northern latitudes, sun radiation may not be a sufficient source of vitamin D and dietary supplementation is essential. For that reason, various foods, such as milk and infant formula in the United States and other developed countries are fortified with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) or D2 (ergocalciferol), the latter being of plant derivation (Figure 1). Dietary vitamin D is absorbed through the small intestine as a fat-soluble vitamin along with Vitamin D Deficiency in Gastrointestinal Disease NUTRITION ISSUES IN GASTROENTEROLOGY, SERIES #36
Relationship between weakness and muscle wasting in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE--To relate weakness of grip to loss of forearm muscle bulk, hand joint deformity, and hand joint tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS--Using anthropometric data we have estimated the anatomical cross-sectional area (CSA) of forearm muscles in 100 subjects with RA compared with 100 aged and sex-matched normal subjects. We also recorded hand joint tenderness using a modification of the Ritchie articular index, and a simple index of hand joint deformity. RESULTS--We found a significant reduction in anatomical CSA in RA (forearm CSA in normal subjects 29.7 cm2 and in RA 25.9 cm2; p = 0.002). In simple linear regression we found that 46.3% of the variation in grip strength in normal subjects was explained by variation in muscle CSA; in RA this figure decreased to 33.4%. Adding terms for joint deformity and pain in a multiple regression model improved the amount of variation explained to 37.9%. CONCLUSIONS--Although there is significant muscle wasting in RA, it is likely that reduction in strength is also attributable to joint deformity and pain leading to inhibition of grip directly and, indirectly, by arthrogenous muscle inhibition. Doubts remain about the quality of muscle in RA.
Rural Out-migration in the Drought Prone Areas of Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis 1

This article presents a multilevel analysis of rural out-migration in Ethiopia over the 1984–1994 period. Using a recent household survey carried out in the drought prone rural areas of Ethiopia, discrete-time hazard models are used to examine the impact of individual, household and community factors on migration. Incorporating a life-course and the “new economics of migration” perspectives, our findings suggest that rural out-migration in these areas can be viewed as a function of individual, household and community characteristics. We find that mobility of people for schooling in the impoverished rural communities is minimal. Migration of both sexes was possible mainly through marriage, although females tend to depart their residences more than males. Our findings also reveal substantial period effects on out-migration trends.
Involvement of Glucocorticoid Receptor and Pregnane X Receptor in the Regulation of Mouse CYP3A44 Female-Predominant Expression by Glucocorticoid Hormone

The role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) in the regulation of female-predominant expression of mouse CYP3A44 by glucocorticoid hormones was evaluated using a primary culture of female mouse hepatocytes, as the expression was suppressed in adrenalectomized female mice, restored by dexamethasone (DEX) treatment and was not detected in male mouse livers. Glucocorticoid hormones, such as DEX, hydrocortisone, and corticosterone, 11β-[4-dimethylamino] phenyl-17β-hydroxy-17-[1-propynyl]estra-4,9-diene-3-one (RU486), antagonists for GR and an agonist for PXR, and rifampicin, an agonist for PXR, were chosen to investigate the relationship of GR/PXR activation and Cyp3a44 gene expression. Glucocorticoid-inducible expression of CYP3A44 was not suppressed but rather was increased by RU486. Treatment of GR expression plasmid-transfected hepatocytes with DEX concentration dependently enhanced the expression of PXR as well as CYP3A44 mRNAs. A synergistic effect of DEX at submicromolar concentrations and rifampicin is observed. Furthermore, transfection of PXR and retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα) also showed prominent induction of CYP3A44 mRNA by DEX. These results suggest that DEX plays a dual role in CYP3A44 expression: first, direct activation of the Cyp3a44 gene by the PXR-RXRα complex, and, second, indirect activation of the Cyp3a44 gene through the induction of PXR gene expression by the GR pathway.
Electro- and Magneto-Transport Behavior of Template-Released Isolated Ferromagnetic Nanowires

The electrical and magnetic transport behavior of two assemblages of template-released isolated bundles of three Ni0.6Fe0. 4 nanowires have been investigated using magnetoresistance (MR) measurements. The MR data were consistent with the theoretical predictions of anisotropic MR effect. Inhomogeneous magnetic structures were noticed at remanence upon removing the magnetic field. Where ~92% of the magnetic moments were aligned parallel to the nanowire’s long axis at remanence in longitudinal measurements for both assembalages of nanowires. In contrast, ~65% and ~35% of the magnetic moments were aligned away from the nanowire’s long axis at remanence in transverse measurements for both assemblages of wires, respectively. This indicates that there is a strong force competes with the shape anisotropy and this force can impose a magnetic alignment away from the nanowires long axis. The MR measurements showed: small and large features in the resistance profiles. The extracted field values from these features were compared with each other and with the switching fields reported in the literature that adopted the same and different investigative techniques. The angular dependence of the switching fields obtained from the large features was compared with the theoretical predictions of the curling model of domain reversal. An agreement and disagreement were, respectively, seen at small and high angles, indicating that the magnetization reversal within such wires might occur in a different complicated way. The results of this paper, predicts a difference between the magnetization reversal at the surface and the bulk of such relatively thick ferromagnetic nanowires, therefore, more studies are recommended to ascertain the results reported here.
On the Design of Efficient and Accurate Arbitrary-Order Temporal Optical Integrators Using Fiber Bragg Gratings

In this paper, we propose and numerically investigate a simple and practical all-fiber design for implementing first-order and higher order all-optical passive temporal integrators with optimized energetic efficiencies. The proposed solution is based on a high-reflectivity fiber Bragg grating (FBG) providing a reflection spectral response that approaches the frequency transfer function of a time-limited Nth-order optical integrator (N = 1, 2, 3 .). A closed-form analytical expression has been derived for the frequency response to be targeted for implementing an optical integrator of any given integration order operating over a prescribed limited time window. The required grating profile can then be designed using a layer-peeling FBG synthesis algorithm. Our simulations show that for a sufficiently long FBG, a relatively smooth amplitude-only apodization profile is required for any desired integration order even when an FBG peak reflectivity > 99% is targeted. The resulting FBG integrators can provide at least a sixfold increase in energetic efficiency as compared with previously proposed FBG designs while offering a similar or superior performance in terms of processing accuracy. We estimate that ultrafast highly efficient arbitrary-order all-optical temporal integrators capable of accurate operation over nanosecond time windows could be implemented using readily feasible, centimeters-long FBGs.
Rheumatic Disease and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective—To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether rheumatic disease is associated with an increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT; increasingly used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis) when compared with healthy control subjects. Methods and Results—A prespecified search strategy was used to identify relevant studies in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2008). Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa score for observational studies. A total of 68 controlled comparisons from 60 different studies were reviewed: 25 (37%) on rheumatoid arthritis, 24 (35%) on systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 (9%) on systemic sclerosis, and 13 (19%) on other rheumatic diseases. Random-effects meta-regression analysis was performed. The estimated summary effect size between control and study subject CIMT measurement comparisons, with preexisting cardiovascular disease excluded, was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82). This represented an overall absolute mean difference of 0.06 mm (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.06 mm). Preexisting cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease type, and disease duration contributed to heterogeneity. Conclusion—Accelerated atherosclerosis is a common complication of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with early changes seen even in pediatric patients. CIMT was significantly increased in rheumatic disease populations. Future studies need to use a standardized protocol to ensure clinically meaningful results when measuring CIMT as a surrogate for premature atherosclerosis.
Validity of the childhood health assessment questionnaire is independent of age in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is valid for the comparison of different age subgroups and for longitudinal studies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS A CHAQ was administered to 306 children with JIA. Rasch analyses were used to compare the difficulty of each of the 30 items of the questionnaire for children of 2 age groups (> or =10 years old and <10 years old). RESULTS Independent of the physical disability level assessed by the Rasch model, 8 of the 30 items (27%) of the CHAQ were rated significantly different in the 2 age groups. Despite this age-related variation in item difficulty, the impact on the CHAQ disability index using its original scoring system remained low (about 0.25 points on a scale of 0-3). CONCLUSION The difficulty of 8 of 30 items of the CHAQ depends on the respondent's age. Nevertheless, the design of the CHAQ and its scoring system remove most of the expected physical development bias.
Prazosin Versus Quetiapine for Nighttime Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Veterans: An Assessment of Long-Term Comparative Effectiveness and Safety

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder experienced by combat veterans. Nighttime symptoms are often unrelieved by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy, and increased use of prazosin or quetiapine for treatment is seen. The purpose of this study was to determine the short- and long-term effectiveness and safety of prazosin versus quetiapine for treating nighttime symptoms in veteran PTSD patients. This is a historical prospective cohort study using retrospective chart review. Three hundred twenty-four patients with a diagnosis of PTSD, based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding, who were initially prescribed prazosin or quetiapine for nighttime symptoms were screened for inclusion. Short-term effectiveness was determined by documentation of symptomatic improvement within 6 months, and long-term effectiveness if patients continued therapy to study end date. Safety was assessed by comparing incidence of adverse drug effects causing discontinuation of either study drug. This study included 237 patients: 62 received prazosin, and 175 received quetiapine. Short-term effectiveness was similar for prazosin (61.3%) and quetiapine (61.7%; P = 0.54). However, patients prescribed prazosin were significantly more likely to continue their therapy to study end date compared with quetiapine (48.4% vs 24%; P < 0.001; odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-5.45), thus achieving long-term effectiveness. Alternatively, patients in the quetiapine group were more likely to discontinue therapy because of adverse effects compared with the prazosin group (34.9% vs 17.7%; P = 0.008). Because of similar rate of short-term effectiveness, superior long-term effectiveness, and lower incidence of events leading to discontinuation, compared with quetiapine, prazosin should be used first-line for treating nighttime PTSD symptoms in a veteran population.
Seasonal Variations and Different Irrigation Programs on Nutrient Concentrations of 'Starkrimson Delicious' Apple Variety

This study was aimed to determine seasonal variations of leaf nutrient concentrations to define nutrient needs related to growing period and to compare irrigation programs in terms of nutrient uptake. In this study,‘Starkrimson Delicious’ variety grafted onto seedling rootstock was used during 2009-2010 growing seasons. The study was conducted at Eğirdir Fruit Growing Research Station. Leaf samples were taken in five different sample seasons (May, June, July, August and September). Four different pan coefficients (0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25) were applied during drip irrigation treatments in 7 days irrigation interval. Leaf K, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations were determined. The results showed that among the seasonal changes, the highest concentrations of K, Mg, P and Mn in leaves were recorded in May, followed by a decrease in the other months, while in contrast Ca and Fe showed the lowest concentration in May. Results of the study demonstrate that among irrigation programs K and Cu concentration in plants was significantly influenced. Cu concentrations decreased with seasonal variations and different irrigation programs. Thus, nutrient needs of ‘Starkrimson Delicious’ apple trees at different growth stages should be taken into consideration before making effective fertilization program. Keywords—Apple orchard, irrigation programs, seasonal variations, nutrient concentrations.
Neutralization of Endotoxin In Vitro and In Vivo by BAC7(1-35), a Proline-Rich Antibacterial Peptide

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), or endotoxins, are structural components of gram-negative bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock. In this study the antiendotoxin activity of Bac7(1-35), a synthetic peptide based on the sequence of a proline-rich antibacterial peptide from bovine neutrophils, was investigated in vitro and in an experimental rat model of gram-negative septic shock. The ability of Bac7(1-35) to bind LPS from Escherichia coli O111:B4 was determined using a sensitive Limulus chromogenic assay. In the in vivo study, adult male Wistar rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 × 109 colony-forming units of E. coli ATCC 25922. All animals were randomized to receive intraperitoneally 1 mg/kg Bac7(1-35), or isotonic sodium chloride solution (control group C1), 60 mg/kg of piperacillin and 1 mg/Kg polymyxin B, 1 mg/kg of polymyxin B plus 60 mg/kg of piperacillin, and 1 mg/kg of Bac7(1-35) plus 60 mg/kg of piperacillin. Each group included 15 animals. Bac7(1-35) was found to completely inhibit the LPS procoagulant activity at approximately 10 &mgr;M peptide concentration, as determined by in vitro LAL chromogenic assay. Treatment with Bac7(1-35) resulted in significant decrease in plasma endotoxin levels and lethality rates compared with saline injected control animals. No statistically significant differences were noted between Bac7(1-35) and polymyxin B in reducing all variables measured. These results provide evidence for the ability of Bac7(1-35) to effectively bind LPS and protect animals from lethal effects of this molecule, and point to its potential use for the treatment of endotoxin-induced septic shock.
Taking into Account the Strength of an Alternative Hypothesis

A common phenomenon in judgment under uncertainty is that alternative hypotheses are underweighted or ignored. This article addresses when and how the strength of the alternative is taken into account when there are 2 hypotheses. A learning manipulation was used to invoke 2 representations of 2 illnesses in a medical diagnosis task. One representation tended to lead to consideration of the alternative when, for example, requesting new information, reporting confidence, and making diagnoses. The other representation tended to result in ignoring or underweighting the alternative, but a simple change in how confidence was probed increased consideration of the alternative. Costs and benefits of each representation are discussed.
Together we will find a 'Jugaad': Resource bricolage in the Indian mobile payments sector

This case study examines the process by which a startup in the resource-constrained environment of India was able to develop an innovative mobile payment solution using resource bricolage, recombining elements at hand. We illustrate how the startup, facing internal resource constraints and operating in an infrastructure and regulatory constrained environment, developed a mobile payment solution especially for the consumers at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP). Examples of Jugaad innovation, whereby effective solutions are improvised from limited resources are provided. These include working with the local kirana stores, using basic mobile phone technology rather than smartphones and enabling BoP customers to make banking transactions. Our findings are very different to those of mobile payment researchers investigating the sector in the developed countries, and even in some countries in the developing world. Through the emphasis on BoP customers, there are also some observations relating to social inclusiveness.
Splitting function measurements for Earth's longest period normal modes using recent large earthquakes

Recent megathrust earthquakes, such as the 23 June 2001 Peru event, the Sumatra events of 2004 and 2005 and the 27 February 2010 Chile event, have given us the opportunity to measure splitting of the longest period normal modes. We use wave spectra to make robust measurements for modes 0S2, 0S3, 0S4, 2S1 and 1S2. Singlet frequencies of these modes have been measured previously using gravimeters, but here we use seismic records to observe splitting functions for 0S2 and 2S1 for the first time. Cross‐coupling with nearby modes is included to account for ellipticity and rotation of the Earth and results in significantly improved splitting function measurements for 0S3, 0S4 and 1S2 compared with previous studies. The new splitting function measurements can easily be implemented in future tomographic modelling of aspherical velocity and, particularly, density structure.
Giardia duodenalis Arginine Deiminase Modulates the Phenotype and Cytokine Secretion of Human Dendritic Cells by Depletion of Arginine and Formation of Ammonia

ABSTRACT Depletion of arginine is a recognized strategy that pathogens use to evade immune effector mechanisms. Depletion depends on microbial enzymes such as arginases, which are considered virulence factors. The effect is mostly interpreted as being a consequence of successful competition with host enzymes for the substrate. However, both arginases and arginine deiminases (ADI) have been associated with pathogen virulence. Both deplete arginine, but their reaction products differ. An ADI has been implicated in the virulence of Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal parasite that infects humans and animals, causing significant morbidity. Dendritic cells (DC) play a critical role in host defense and also in a murine G. duodenalis infection model. The functional properties of these innate immune cells depend on the milieu in which they are activated. Here, the dependence of the response of these cells on arginine was studied by using Giardia ADI and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocyte-derived DC. Arginine depletion by ADI significantly increased tumor necrosis factor alpha and decreased interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12p40 secretion. It also reduced the upregulation of surface CD83 and CD86 molecules, which are involved in cell-cell interactions. Arginine depletion also reduced the phosphorylation of S6 kinase in DC, suggesting the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. The changes were due to arginine depletion and the formation of reaction products, in particular, ammonium ions. Comparison of NH4 + and urea revealed distinct immunomodulatory activities of these products of deiminases and arginases, respectively. The data suggest that a better understanding of the role of arginine-depleting pathogen enzymes for immune evasion will have to take enzyme class and reaction products into consideration.