Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiovagal autonomic function in sedentary and trained offspring of hypertensive parents

In young normotensive subjects, parental hypertension is associated with stiffening of the carotid artery and reduction in cardiovagal outflow and baroreflex gain. In subjects without parental hypertension regular exercise training was found to attenuate age‐related reduction in carotid compliance and baroreflex gain. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that regular physical activity is associated with better parameters of carotid artery elasticity, increased cardiovagal outflow and higher baroreflex gain in normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents. We studied 98 healthy, sedentary or endurance exercise trained subjects (49 men, 18–27 years of age) with or without family history of hypertension (FH+ and FH−, respectively) in a cross‐sectional design. In the sedentary group spontaneous baroreflex indices (sequence method and spectral techniques) were lower in FH+ subjects than in their FH− peers, while in trained subjects these indices were not different between FH+ and FH−. Furthermore, in the FH+ group trained subjects had higher baroreflex indices than their sedentary peers, while in the FH− group no significant differences were found. Carotid compliance and distensibility coefficient (echo‐tracking ultrasound and applanation tonometry) were not different in FH− sedentary and trained subjects, but were higher in FH+ trained subjects as compared to their sedentary peers. Significant but modest relationships were found between spontaneous baroreflex indices and carotid artery elastic parameters across all subjects. Our present data indicate that in subjects with parental hypertension aerobic exercise training is associated with higher levels of cardiovagal outflow and baroreflex gain, which finding, however, is not explained by greater elasticity of the carotid artery.
The Relationship Between Insomnia and Major Depressive Disorder: A Chicken and Egg Situation?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent, severely debilitating, and often recurrent. The majority of individuals with MDD experience sleep disturbances. MDD is also over-represented in populations with a variety of sleep disorders. Although sleep disturbances are typical features of MDD, such symptoms sometimes appear prior to an episode of MDD. The bidirectional association between sleep disturbance, especially insomnia and MDD, increases the difficulty of differentiating cause-and-effect relationship between them. Longitudinal studies have consistently identified insomnia as a risk factor for the development of a new-onset or recurrent MDD, and this association has been identified in young, middle-aged, and even older adults. Researches have also observed that the combination of insomnia and depression influences the trajectory of MDD, increasing episode severity and duration, as well as relapse rates. Fortunately, recent studies have demonstrated that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia may favourably reduce and possibly prevent MDD. Together, these findings suggest that sleep-related symptoms that are present before, during, and/or after a major depressive episode are potentially modifiable factors that may play an important role in achieving and maintaining remission of depression.
THE VARIATIONS IN THE SYSTEM OF THE TRUNKS OF THE POSTERIOR CILIARY ARTERIES*†

AN attentive reader will notice the absence in the text-books of ophthalmology of -a special section, to describe the constant anastomoses of the ophthalmic artery, or, of more importance, the pathological eye-changes connected with them. This fact cannot be explained by'the lack of scientific investigation of these anastomoses; they have been well-known for a long time. In 1900, Tichomiroff, Professor of Anatomy, remarked that thanks to Zuckerkandle and Meyer's efforts all the variations of the route and branching of the ophthalmic artery are well known. Also this fact cannot be explained by the insignificant role of these anastomoses in the system of the ophthalmic artery and consequently in the life of the eye. Such a supposition is negatived by the anatomical picture itself. It is sufficient to remember that the ophthalmic artery-as was proved a long time ago by prominent anatomists-sometimes starts by two trunks instead of one-the one from art. carot. interna and the other one from art. carot. externa; or only from art. carot. externa. Such a state of affairs is well shown in the illustration of B. Adachi, 1928, A. 1-3. There is a great difference between a. carot. int. and a. carot. externa; first of all in their architecture and secondly by their relatio'ns. That is why the start of the ophthalmic artery only from the art. carot. ext. cannot be cQmpared with its start from the art. carot. interna. This by itself is already sufficient to declare the rble of the anastomoses to be essential and important for the functions of the eye, and we have to look for a reason why it was so neglected by ophthalmic surgeons. The reason may be found in the peculiar opinion of the anatomists of the past century re the orbital vessels; an opinion inherited by ophthalmology. To show more clearly what I mean, I will quote the opinion of Meyer: " although there are wide limits for the ordinary distribution of arterial branches, nevertheless for the more important and larger ones there is a definite law. All authorities, ascribe a certain constancy and independence to the central, lacrymal, supra-orbital and 2 ethmoidal arteries. Because of that they received a localisation-sui generis, and'they got their
Two-stage broadband high-gain W-band amplifier using 0.1-/spl mu/m metamorphic HEMT technology

We report broadband high-gain W-band monolithic microwave integrated circuit amplifiers based on 0.1-/spl mu/m InGaAs-InAlAs-GaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT) technology. The amplifiers show excellent S/sub 21/ gains greater than 10 dB in a very broad W-band frequency range of 75-100 GHz, thereby exhibiting a S/sub 21/ gain of 10.1 dB, a S/sub 11/ of -5.1 dB and a S/sub 22/ of -5.2 dB at 100 GHz, respectively. The high gain of the amplifier is mainly attributed to the performance of the MHEMTs exhibiting a maximum transconductance of 691 mS/mm, a current gain cutoff frequency of 189 GHz, and a maximum oscillation frequency of 334 GHz.
Interactive effects of fatty acid and butyrate‐induced mitochondrial Ca2+ loading and apoptosis in colonocytes

The combination of fish oil‐derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22:6; omega 3 [n‐3]) and butyrate (4:0), a fiber fermentation product, synergized to enhance colonocyte apoptosis by inducing a p53‐independent, oxidation sensitive, mitochondrial Ca2+‐dependent (intrinsic) pathway.
Hydrological Appraisal of Climate Change Impacts on the Water Resources of the Xijiang Basin, South China

Assessing the impact of climate change on streamflow is critical to understanding the changes to water resources and to improve water resource management. The use of hydrological models is a common practice to quantify and assess water resources in such situations. In this study, two hydrological models with different structures, e.g., a physically-based distributed model Liuxihe (LXH) and a lumped conceptual model Xinanjiang (XAJ) are employed to simulate the daily runoff in the Xijiang basin in South China, under historical (1964–2013) and future (2014–2099) climate conditions. The future climate series are downscaled from a global climate model (Beijing Climate Centre-Climate System Model, BCC-CSM version 1.1) by a high-resolution regional climate model under two representative concentration pathways—RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The hydrological responses to climate change via the two rainfall–runoff models with different mathematical structures are compared, in relation to the uncertainties in hydrology and meteorology. It is found that the two rainfall–runoff models successfully simulate the historical runoff for the Xijiang basin, with a daily runoff Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.80 for the LXH model and 0.89 for the XAJ model. The characteristics of high flow in the future are also analysed including their frequency (magnitude–return-period relationship). It shows that the distributed model could produce more streamflow and peak flow than the lumped model under the climate change scenarios. However the difference of the impact from the two climate scenarios is marginal on median monthly streamflow. The flood frequency analysis under climate change suggests that flood magnitudes in the future will be more severe than the historical floods with the same return period. Overall, the study reveals how uncertain it can be to quantify water resources with two different but well calibrated hydrological models.
Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises Added to the Standard of Care Lead to Better Cobb Angle Outcomes in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis – an Assessor and Statistician Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The North American non-surgical standard of care for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) includes observation and bracing, but not exercises. Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) showed promise in several studies of suboptimal methodology. The Scoliosis Research Society calls for rigorous studies supporting the role of exercises before including it as a treatment recommendation for scoliosis. Objectives To determine the effect of a six-month Schroth PSSE intervention added to standard of care (Experimental group) on the Cobb angle compared to standard of care alone (Control group) in patients with AIS. Methods Fifty patients with AIS aged 10–18 years, with curves of 10°-45° and Risser grade 0–5 were recruited from a single pediatric scoliosis clinic and randomized to the Experimental or Control group. Outcomes included the change in the Cobb angles of the Largest Curve and Sum of Curves from baseline to six months. The intervention consisted of a 30–45 minute daily home program and weekly supervised sessions. Intention-to-treat and per protocol linear mixed effects model analyses are reported. Results In the intention-to-treat analysis, after six months, the Schroth group had significantly smaller Largest Curve than controls (-3.5°, 95% CI -1.1° to -5.9°, p = 0.006). Likewise, the between-group difference in the square root of the Sum of Curves was -0.40°, (95% CI -0.03° to -0.8°, p = 0.046), suggesting that an average patient with 51.2° at baseline, will have a 49.3° Sum of Curves at six months in the Schroth group, and 55.1° in the control group with the difference between groups increasing with severity. Per protocol analyses produced similar, but larger differences: Largest Curve = -4.1° (95% CI -1.7° to -6.5°, p = 0.002) and Sum of Curves=−0.5° (95% CI -0.8 to 0.2, p = 0.006). Conclusion Schroth PSSE added to the standard of care were superior compared to standard of care alone for reducing the curve severity in patients with AIS. Trial Registration NCT01610908
Racial similarities in response to standardized offer of influenza vaccination

AbstractBACKGROUND: Despite known benefits of influenza vaccination and coverage by Medicare Part B, elderly minority patients are less likely to receive influenza vaccination than whites. OBJECTIVES: To test whether a nonphysician-initiated standardized offer of influenza vaccination to all elderly primary care patients would result in similar proportions of African-American and white patients accepting vaccine. DESIGN: In 7 metropolitan Detroit primary care practices during the 2003 influenza vaccination season, medical assistants assessed influenza immunization status of all patients 65 years and older and collected limited demographic data. Eligible patients were offered vaccination. MEASUREMENTS: Proportion of patients accepting influenza vaccination by race and predictors of vaccine acceptance. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-four eligible patients with complete racial information were enrolled: 40% African American, 52% white, 8% other race/ethnicity. Similar proportions of African Americans and whites had already received the 2003 vaccine (11.6% and 11.0%, respectively) or stated vaccination as the reason for visit (23.8% and 30.5%, respectively). Among the remainder, there also were similar proportions who accepted vaccination: 68.9% white and 62.1% African-American patients. History of previous vaccination was the only statistically significant predictor of vaccine acceptance (odds ratio [OR] 8.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.17, 17.91, P<.001). After adjusting for history of previous vaccination, age, gender, and education, the odds of vaccine acceptance were no different for whites and African Americans (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.63, 2.29, P=.57). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination acceptance differed little between African-American and white elderly patients. Using nonphysician personnel to identify and offer influenza vaccine to eligible patients is easily accomplished in primary care offices and has the potential to eliminate racial disparities in influenza vaccination.
Capital Structure and Ownership Structure: A Review of Literature

There have always been controversies among finance scholars when it comes to the subject of capital structure. So far, researchers have not yet reached a consensus on the optimal capital structure of firms by simultaneously dealing with the agency problem. This paper provides a brief review of literature and evidence on the relationship between capital structure and ownership structure. The paper also provides theoretical support to the factors (determinants) which affects the capital structure.
Reduction of Heparin and Oxidative Potential by Means of Citrasate® in High-Flux Dialysis (HFD) and Online Hemodiafiltration (olHDF) in Pre and Postdilution

Using citrate-containing dialysate, a reduction of the heparin dose by up to 55% was described in the literature (Kossmann et al., 2006, 2009). At the same time, the efficacy of dialysis was found to be increased. A local anticoagulation inside the dialyzer was supposed to be the reason, caused by a strong decrease of free calcium ions. A diminished thrombus formation inside the dialyzer should allow a higher mass transport across the membrane. The reduction of acetate concentration in the dialysate was found to increase the hemodynamic stability of hypertensive patients (Gabutti et al., 2009). So far, the question has not been investigated whether the reduction of acetate diminishes the inflammatory potential of acetate in such a way that the activation of thrombocytes and leucocytes as well as the release of cytokines will be reduced. Until now, a reduction of beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) was observed, which could be attributed to an improved permeability of the membrane (Kossmann et al., 2009). The possible reduction of heparin by means of Citrasate® during chronic hemodialysis could lead to an economical benefit. The clinical benefit for patients would consist of the reduction of described side effects of acetate and heparin. Because of the small number of publications, it makes sense to verify the previous results and to check if the observed reduction of beta-2-m could be caused also by a reduction of oxidative potential in case of Citrasate® application.
An analysis of electrical coupling at synapses in the avian ciliary ganglion

It has been shown previously (Martin & Pilar, 1963a, b) that transmission at many of the synapses in the ciliary ganglion of the chick is mediated by electrical coupling between presynaptic and post-synaptic elements. The most direct evidence for such coupling consisted of the finding that the excitatory post-synaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) in the ganglion cell was preceded by a more rapid depolarization (the 'coupling potential') which, at normal resting membrane potential, initiated the spike. The coupling potential appeared to be coincident with the presynaptic spike, was not affected by D-tubocurarine, and its amplitude was independent of membrane polarization. It was assumed that the coupling was associated with the presence of caliciform nerve terminals which form a large area of synaptic contact with the ganglion cells (Carpenter, 1911; de Lorenzo, 1960). Evidence was presented also that coupling potentials occurred in the calices in response to antidromic excitation and that, consequently, many of the synapses transmitted in both directions. The present paper is concerned with a more detailed study of the electrical coupling between the ganglion cell and the calix. In particular, an attempt has been made to determine the relation between the amplitude and time course of the coupling potentials and the specific electrical characteristics of the cell and calix membranes. This was done by examining coupling potentials in a number of passive electrical models of the cell and calix and comparing them with those seen in the physiological experiments. The models were constructed on the basis of the average geometry of the synaptic contact, determined by morphological examination of the ganglion, and the passive electrical characteristics of the cell and calix measured physiologically. The behaviour of the models was consistent with physiological observations only if the membranes adjacent to the synaptic cleft were represented as being of low resistance and capacitance.
[Muramic acid].

Molecular formula C9H17NO7 CAS Number 1114-41-6 Storage instructions Store at +4°C. The product can be stored for up to 12 months. Solubility overview Ethanol, Water Handling Wherever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20°C. Generally, these will be useable for up to one month. Before use, and prior to opening the vial we recommend that you allow your product to equilibrate to room temperature for at least 1 hour. Need more advice on solubility, usage and handling? Please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for more details. Source Synthetic Product datasheet
Supplementation of barley straw with Sesbania pachycarpa leaves in vitro: effects on fermentation variables and rumen microbial population structure quantified by ribosomal RNA-targeted probes

Tropical livestock is often maintained on roughage-based diets deficient in N, and therefore requires supplementation with protein-rich substrates to achieve reasonable production levels. The optimum inclusion rate of a potential supplement is usually determined by in vivo feeding trials or by in vitro incubation of the diet components to estimate the feed value of the complete diet. The present work simulates a supplementation experiment in vitro, by incubating a pure roughage (barley straw), a pure supplement (Sesbania pachycarpa leaves) and mixtures of the two, with increasing inclusion levels of the supplement, in a short-term batch incubation system. Fermentation kinetics were followed by the release of fermentation endproducts (gas and short-chain fatty acids). Microbial biomass was estimated using ribosomal (r) RNA as internal marker for bacteria and eukaryotes separately. Cell-wall-degrading subpopulations were quantified by hybridisation with taxon-specific oligonucleotide probes targeting Chytridiomycetes, Fibrobacter spp. , Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens. Carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) was assayed as an indicator for cell-wall-degrading activity. The addition of S. pachycarpa leaves stimulated fermentation in all cases. Gas production, and especially rRNA concentration, showed clear maxima at 40 % S. pachycarpa inclusion, rates that significantly exceeded the values interpolated from the incubations of the pure substrates. Short-chain fatty acid yield changed only slightly, but in the same way. The analysis of the microbial population structure showed that the positive effects were mainly mediated through enhanced growth of Ruminococcus spp. Increasing proportions of S. pachycarpa leaves in the diet led to a drastic decline in the total eukaryotic population. This points to a defaunation, which may also have added to the positive effects. The eukaryotic subpopulation of the rumen fungi were affected to a lesser degree. Although the cell-wall-degrading organisms showed positive responses to the supplementation, the CMCase activity was not affected significantly by the supplementation. The present work shows that it is possible to predict optimum inclusion levels for a new feed supplement in vitro and thus reduce in vivo experiments. It was also demonstrated that true supplementation effects occur particularly for the microbial biomass production, which is the primary source of amino acids for the ruminant animal. The analysis of microbial population structure in context with conventional metabolic measurements adds valuable information to interpret the observed effects on production-related variables.
Construct Validity of Language Independent Functional Evaluation as Used by Spanish-Speaking Clinicians to Evaluate Persons with Developmental Delays

ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish the utility of Language Independent Functional Evaluation (LIFE) as used by clinicians. DesignThis study was a prospective trial involving 100 Spanish-speaking rehabilitation clients between the ages of 9 and 45 yrs with cognitive disability and 2 rehabilitation clinicians who cared for them at a Colombian inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facility. Clinicians who had worked with clients for more than 2 mos rated their function using the LIFE and the Spanish-translated Barthel index. ResultsOverall LIFE scores correlated well with Barthel scores (r[98] = 0.793, P < 0.0001) and also on an item-to-item basis in all activities except grooming, bowel continence, and bladder continence. ConclusionsThe LIFE is a reliable tool for clinicians to use in the assessment of persons with cognitive disability, regardless of the clinician’s language.
FMN fluorescence in inducible NOS constructs reveals a series of conformational states involved in the reductase catalytic cycle

Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) produce NO as a molecular signal in the nervous and cardiovascular systems and as a cytotoxin in the immune response. NO production in the constitutive isoforms is controlled by calmodulin regulation of electron transfer. In the tethered shuttle model for NOS reductase function, the FMN domain moves between NADPH dehydrogenase and oxygenase catalytic centers. Crystal structures of neuronal NOS reductase domain and homologs correspond to an ‘input state’, with FMN in close contact with FAD. We recently produced two domain ‘output state’ (oxyFMN) constructs showing calmodulin dependent FMN domain association with the oxygenase domain. FMN fluorescence is sensitive to enzyme conformation and calmodulin binding. The inducible NOS (iNOS) oxyFMN construct is more fluorescent than iNOS holoenzyme. The difference in steady state fluorescence is rationalized by the observation of a series of characteristic states in the two constructs, which we assign to FMN in different environments. OxyFMN and holoenzyme share open conformations with an average lifetime of ∼ 4.3 ns. The majority state in holoenzyme has a short lifetime of ∼ 90 ps, probably because of FAD–FMN interactions. In oxyFMN about 25–30% of the FMN is in a state with a lifetime of 0.9 ns, which we attribute to quenching by heme in the output state. Occupancy of the output state together with our previous kinetic results yields a heme edge to FMN distance estimate of 12–15 Å. These results indicate that FMN fluorescence is a valuable tool to study conformational states involved in the NOS reductase catalytic cycle.