Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in growth and body composition during puberty. I. Comparing multicompartment body composition models.

A four-compartment (4C) model of body composition was used as a criterion to determine the accuracy of three-compartment (3C) and two-compartment (2C) models to estimate percent body fat (%BF) in prepubertal and pubertal boys (genital I & II, n = 17; genital III & IV, n = 7) and girls (breast I & II, n = 8; breast III & IV, n = 15). The 3C water-density (3C-H2O) and 3C mineral-density models, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the Lohman age-adjusted equations, the Slaughter et al. skinfold equations, and the Houtkooper et al. and Boileau bioelectrical impedance equations were evaluated. Agreement with the 4C model increased with the number of compartments (i.e., body water, bone mineral) measured. Except for the 3C-H2O model, the limits of agreement were large and did not perform well for individuals. The mean %BF by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (23.6%) was greater than that of the criterion 4C method (21.7%). For the field methods, the Slaughter et al. skinfold equations performed better than did the Houtkooper et al. and Boileau bioimpedance equations. The hydration of the fat-free mass decreased (genital I & II = 75.7%, genital III & IV = 74.8%, breast I & II = 75.5%, breast III & IV = 74.4%) and the mineral content increased (genital I & II = 4.9%, genital III & IV = 5.0%, breast I & II = 5.1%, breast III & IV = 5.7%) with maturation. The density of the fat-free mass also increased (genital I & II = 1.084 g/ml, genital III & IV = 1.087 g/ml, breast I & II = 1.086 g/ml, breast III & IV = 1.091 g/ml) with maturation. All of the models reduced the %BF overprediction of the Siri 2C model, but only the 4C and 3C-H2O models should be used as criterion methods for body composition validation in children and adolescents.
Regional cerebral blood flow in schizophrenia before and after neuroleptic medication

In order to investigate cerebral perfusion changes induced by neuroleptic drugs, we performed 99Tcm hexamethyl propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPET). Fifteen patients (nine drug naive, six non-naive) diagnosed by using the DSM-III-R criteria, and 10 right-handed age and sex matched normal volunteers were included in this study. The SPET study was performed with 740 MBq 99Tcm-HMPAO by using a 128×128 matrix, 30 s/frame for a total 64 view over 360° before and after 1 month of neuroleptic treatment. A semiquantitative method was used for the analysis. Patients were clinically assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). There was no significant regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) difference between the patient group and control group in whole-brain regions except in the left temporal lobe. Although clinical scores of the patients improved after neuroleptic treatment no statistically significant difference was found in the rCBF between pre- and post-treatment. Moreover, there was no statistically significant correlation between the rCBF and BPRS in any region. These results suggest that there was a discrepancy between the clinical situation and rCBF in schizophrenia and the lateralized temporal lobe blood flow, which may have important implications for the evaluation of patients with schizophrenia.
Light-Regulated Hypocotyl Elongation Involves Proteasome-Dependent Degradation of the Microtubule Regulatory Protein WDL3 in Arabidopsis[C][W][OA]

Microtubule regulatory proteins participate in the promotion of hypocotyl growth in darkness and inhibition of growth in light by altering microtubule organization in hypocotyl cells. Here, we show that a ubiquitin-26S proteasome–dependent mechanism regulates the levels of the microtubule regulatory protein WDL3 in response to light to modulate hypocotyl cell elongation in Arabidopsis. Light significantly inhibits hypocotyl cell elongation, and dark-grown seedlings exhibit elongated, etiolated hypocotyls. Microtubule regulatory proteins function as positive or negative regulators that mediate hypocotyl cell elongation by altering microtubule organization. However, it remains unclear how plants coordinate these regulators to promote hypocotyl growth in darkness and inhibit growth in the light. Here, we demonstrate that WAVE-DAMPENED 2–LIKE3 (WDL3), a microtubule regulatory protein of the WVD2/WDL family from Arabidopsis thaliana, functions in hypocotyl cell elongation and is regulated by a ubiquitin-26S proteasome–dependent pathway in response to light. WDL3 RNA interference Arabidopsis seedlings grown in the light had much longer hypocotyls than controls. Moreover, WDL3 overexpression resulted in overall shortening of hypocotyl cells and stabilization of cortical microtubules in the light. Cortical microtubule reorganization occurred slowly in cells from WDL3 RNA interference transgenic lines but was accelerated in cells from WDL3-overexpressing seedlings subjected to light treatment. More importantly, WDL3 protein was abundant in the light but was degraded through the 26S proteasome pathway in the dark. Overexpression of WDL3 inhibited etiolated hypocotyl growth in regulatory particle non-ATPase subunit-1a mutant (rpn1a-4) plants but not in wild-type seedlings. Therefore, a ubiquitin-26S proteasome–dependent mechanism regulates the levels of WDL3 in response to light to modulate hypocotyl cell elongation.
Gender Differences in the Influence of Economic, Lifestyle, and Psychosocial Factors on Later-life Health

BackgroundGender differences in exposure to social resources play a significant role in influencing gender inequalities in health. A related question — and our focus — asks whether these inequalities are also influenced by gendered vulnerabilities to social forces. Specifically, this paper examines the differential impact of social forces on the health of elderly (65+) men and women.MethodsMultiple linear regression analysis is used to estimate gender differences in the influence of socioeconomic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors on both self-rated health and overall functional health using data from the 1994–1995 National Population Health Survey.ResultsKey findings include: 1) the relationship between income and health is significant for older women only, whereas the converse holds for education; 2) having an acceptable body weight is positively associated with health for elderly women only; and 3) stress-related factors are stronger determinants of health for older women.InterpretationOur findings shed light on the processes of healthy aging for men and women, and suggest that interventions to improve the health of elderly Canadians need to be gender-specific. RésuméContexteLes différences dans l’exposition des hommes et des femmes aux ressources sociales influencent beaucoup les inégalités entre les sexes en matière de santé. Une question liée — celle qui nous intéresse — est de savoir si ces inégalités sont aussi influencées par la vulnérabilité différente des hommes et des femmes aux forces sociales. Plus précisément, nous analysons ici les répercussions différentes des forces sociales sur la santé des hommes et des femmes âgés (65 ans et plus). MéthodePar analyse de régression linéaire multiple et à l’aide des données de l’Enquête nationale sur la santé de la population (1994–1995), nous avons estimé les différences entre les sexes dans l’influence des facteurs socio-économiques, psychosociaux et du mode de vie sur l’état de santé auto-évalué et sur la santé fonctionnelle globale. RésultatsNos principales constatations sont les suivantes: 1) la relation revenu-santé n’est significative que pour les femmes âgées, mais c’est l’inverse pour la relation instruction-santé; 2) un poids acceptable est positivement associé à la santé, mais chez les femmes âgées seulement; et 3) les facteurs liés au stress sont des déterminants de la santé qui jouent davantage chez les femmes âgées. InterprétationCes constatations éclairent en partie les processus de vieillissement en santé chez les hommes et les femmes et portent à croire que les mesures d’amélioration de la santé des personnes âgées au Canada doivent tenir compte du sexe.
Phage and Nucleocytoplasmic Large Viral Sequences Dominate Coral Viromes from the Arabian Gulf

Corals that naturally thrive under extreme conditions are gaining increasing attention due to their importance as living models to understand the impact of global warming on world corals. Here, we present the first metagenomic study of viral communities in corals thriving in a thermally variable water body in which the temperature fluctuates between 11 and 39°C in different seasons. The viral assemblages of two of the most abundant massive (Porites harrisoni) and branching (Acropora downingi) corals in offshore and inshore reef systems in the northern Arabian Gulf were investigated. Samples were collected from five reef systems during summer, autumn and winter of 2011/2012. The two coral viromes contain 12 viral families, including 10 dsDNA viral families [Siphoviridae, Podoviridae, Myoviridae, Phycodnaviridae, Baculoviridae, Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae, Alloherpesviridae, Mimiviridae and one unclassified family], one-ssDNA viral family (Microviridae) and one RNA viral family (Retroviridae). Overall, sequences significantly similar to Podoviridae were the most abundant in the P. harrisoni and A. downingi viromes. Various morphological types of virus-like particles (VLPs) were confirmed in the healthy coral tissue by transmission electron microscopy, including large tailless VLPs and electron-dense core VLPs. Tailed bacteriophages were isolated from coral tissue using a plaque assay. Higher functional gene diversity was recorded in A. downingi than in P. harrisoni, and comparative metagenomics revealed that the Gulf viral assemblages are functionally distinct from Pacific Ocean coral viral communities.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Propolis from Brazilian Meliponinae

Abstract Twenty-one propolis samples produced by 12 different Meliponinae species were analyzed by GC-MS. Several chemical types of stingless bees’ propolis could be grouped, according to the prevailing type of compounds like: “gallic acid”, “diterpenic” and “triterpenic” types. The results confirm that neither the bee species nor the geographical location determine the chemical composition of Meliponinae propolis and the choice of its plant source, respectively. This could be explained by the fact that Meliponinae forage over short distances (maximum 500 m) and thus use as propolis source the first plant exudate they encounter during their flights. The antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of the samples were also investigated. Most samples had weak or no activity against E. coli, weak action against Candida albicans. Some of them showed significant activity against St. aureus. , presumably connected to the high concentration of diterpenic acids. Samples rich in diterpenic acids possessed also high cytotoxic activity (Artemia salina test).
Identifying the Ion Channels Responsible for Signaling Gastro-Intestinal Based Pain

We are normally unaware of the complex signalling events which continuously occur within our internal organs. Most of us only become cognisant when sensations of hunger, fullness, urgency or gas arise. However, for patients with organic and functional bowel disorders pain is an unpleasant and often debilitating reminder. Furthermore, chronic pain still represents a large unmet need for clinical treatment. Consequently, chronic pain has a considerable economic impact on health care systems and the afflicted individuals. In order to address this need we must understand how symptoms are generated within the gut, the molecular pathways responsible for generating these signals and how this process changes in disease states.
ACTIVATED PROTEIN C SUPPRESSES ADRENOMEDULLIN AND AMELIORATES LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED HYPOTENSION

Activated protein C (APC) is an important modulator of vascular function that has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies in humans have shown modulation of endotoxin-induced hypotension by recombinant human APC, drotrecogin alfa (activated), however, the mechanism for this effect is unclear. We have found that APC suppresses the induction of the potent vasoactive peptide adrenomedullin (ADM) and could downregulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ADM messenger RNA (mRNA) and nitrite levels in cell culture. This effect was dependent on signaling through protease-activated receptor 1. Addition of 1400W, an irreversible inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, inhibited LPS-induced ADM mRNA, suggesting that ADM induction is NO mediated. Furthermore, in a rat model of endotoxemia, APC (100 &mgr;g/kg, i.v.) prevented LPS (10 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced hypotension, and suppressed ADM mRNA and protein expression. APC also inhibited iNOS mRNA and protein levels along with reduction in NO by-products (NOx). We also observed a significant reduction in iNOS-positive leukocytes adhering to vascular endothelium after APC treatment. Moreover, we found that APC inhibited the expression of interferon-&ggr; (IFN-&ggr;), a potent activator of iNOS. In a human study of LPS-induced hypotension, APC reduced the upregulation of plasma ADM levels, coincident with protection against the hypotensive response. Overall, we demonstrate that APC blocks the induction of ADM, likely mediated by IFN-&ggr; and iNOS, and suggests a mechanism that may account for ameliorating LPS-induced hypotension. Furthermore, our data provide a new understanding for the role of APC in modulating vascular response to insult.
Regional [14C]misonidazole distribution in experimental RT-9 brain tumors.

Regional [14C]misonidazole-derived radioactivity (MISO) was measured by quantitative autoradiography in experimental RT-9 brain tumors 0.5, 2, and 4 hr after an i.v. bolus (25 mg) and constant infusion (10 mg/hr). Misonidazole (MISO) concentration in plasma and brain was also measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography; the brain/plasma MISO ratio ranged between 0.5 and 0.7. MISO equivalents were calculated from tissue or plasma 14C radioactivity and [14C]MISO specific activity data. The MISO/MISO equivalents ratio, which represents the nonmetabolized fraction of [14C]MISO, fell gradually in plasma (0.89 at 4 hr) and more rapidly in brain (0.67 at 4 hr) and tumor (0.30 at 4 hr). MISO distributed uniformly throughout the brain at all three time periods. In contrast, MISO distribution in tumor was variable, and tumor concentrations relative to that in brain increased with time. The average tumor/brain MISO ratio was 1.3, 1.7, and 2.6 at 0.5, 2, and 4 hr, respectively, which suggests tumor uptake and binding of MISO or, more likely, MISO-derived 14C-labeled metabolites. In addition, MISO distribution in tumor tissue was strikingly heterogeneous at 4 hr, resulting in an average high/low tumor activity ratio of 4/1 and an average high tumor/brain ratio of 5/1. Tumor regions with high MISO activity correlated in part to viable-appearing cells around necrotic foci.
Evidence of cognitive decline in older adults after remote traumatic brain injury: an exploratory study

Separate bodies of literature indicate that a history of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and natural aging may result in overlapping cognitive profiles, yet little is known about their combined effect. We predicted that a remote TBI would compound normal age-related cognitive decline, particularly affecting executive function. Neuropsychological task performance was compared between a group of older adults who sustained a TBI in their distant past (N = 9) and a group of older adults with no history of head injury (N = 15). While all participants scored in the normal range on the Mini-Mental State Examination, the TBI group scored lower than the non-TBI group. Also, in line with predictions, the TBI group made more errors on measures of executive functioning compared to the non-TBI group (the Trail Making B test and the incongruent condition of the Stroop Test), but performed similarly on all tasks with little executive requirements. Findings from this exploratory study indicate that a past TBI may put older adults at a higher risk for exacerbated age-related cognitive decline compared to older adults with no history of TBI.
Selective protection of renal tubular epithelial cells by heme oxygenase (HO)-1 during stress-induced injury.

BACKGROUND The renal pathology of human heme oxygenase (HO)-1 deficiency is characterized by advanced tubulointerstitial injury, whereas the glomerular structures are affected little. These facts suggest that the renal tubuli are dependent on intrinsic HO-1 production for their survival under oxidative stresses. METHODS We compared the patterns of HO-1 expression by primary cultured human mesangial cells (HMCs) and renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HRPTECs) in vitro. Furthermore, the cytoprotective roles of HO-1 induced in these cells were evaluated by stress-induced cytotoxicity assays. HO-1 expressions in HRPTECs and HMCs were evaluated by immunoblotting, and by reverse transcriptase (RT) and/or real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS In HRPTECs, both HO-1 mRNA expression and protein production peaked at around 12 h and persisted until 24 h after hemin stimulation. In contrast, HO-1 mRNA expression and protein production by HMCs peaked at 4 h and 6 h respectively, and the levels declined rapidly, being undetectable at 24 h. The peak level of HO-1 expression was significantly higher in HRPTECs than in HMCs. Oxidative stress-induced cell injury in HRPTECs was significantly reduced when HO-1 production had been induced prior to the culture. In contrast, HO-1 induction had little cytoprotective effect on HMCs. Tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an inhibitor of HO function, significantly reversed the cytoprotection by HO-1. CONCLUSION These data suggest that HRPTECs are more susceptible to oxidative stress and are significantly more dependent on HO-1 for protection against noxious stimuli than HMCs. Collectively, these results indicate that HO-1 is an important protective factor for kidney tissue, in particular, renal tubular epithelial cells.
Two novel creatinine adducts of andrographolide in human urine

Andrographolide is a major labdane diterpenoid of the traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Andrographis paniculate (Burm) Nees, is used in clinical situations in China mainly to treat fever, cold, and inflammation. In our previous study, fifteen metabolites of andrographolide were identified in human urine. However, there are still two other unknown metabolites. The aim of this study was to elucidate the structures of these two metabolites. 3. The two metabolites which are probably epimers were identified as creatinine adducts, and their structures were determined to be 14-deoxy-12-(creatinine-5-yl)-andrographolide-19-O-β-d-glucuronide A (Metabolite 1) and 14-deoxy-12-(creatinine-5-yl)-andrographolide-19-O-β-d-glucuronide B (Metabolite 2) by means of spectroscopic evidences. 4. It is for the first time that the formation of creatinine adducts as a novel metabolic pathway is reported. The mechanism was presumed that β-carbon (C-12) of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl was attacked by a 5-anion intermediate of creatinine formed through elimination of a proton, followed by the double bond migration from 12(13) to 13(14) and elimination of the hydroxyl group at C-14.
Optimal liquidation in dark pools

We consider a large trader liquidating a portfolio using a transparent trading venue with price impact and a dark pool with execution uncertainty. The optimal execution strategy uses both venues continuously, with dark pool orders over-/underrepresenting the portfolio size depending on return correlations; trading at the traditional venue is delayed depending on dark liquidity. Pushing up prices at the traditional venue while selling in the dark pool might generate profits. If future returns depend on historical dark pool liquidity, then sending orders to the dark pool can be worthwhile simply to gather information.
The Interdependence Between Homeland Security Efforts of a State and a Terrorist’s Choice of Attack *

Consider a state that chooses security levels at two sites (Targets A and B), after which a terrorist chooses which site to attack (and potentially a scope of attack). The state values A more highly. If the state knows which target the terrorist values more highly, he will choose a higher level of security at this site. Under complete information, if the terrorist’s only choice is which site to attack, the state will set security levels for which the terrorist prefers to attack A over B if and only if the ratio of the value of B to the value of A is greater for the state than for the terrorist. When the state has incomplete information on the terrorist’s target values, the optimal security levels may be such that: a target is completely undefended (but attacked with positive probability); the probability of attack is greater at A than at B; and the expected damage from an attack is greater at A than at B. In total, the results reveal that the state’s choice of security is heavily influenced by the terrorist’s target valuations.
The click-evoked vestibulo-ocular reflex in superior semicircular canal dehiscence

The authors studied eye movement responses to loud (110dB) clicks in 4 patients with Tullio effect due to superior semicircular canal dehiscence and in 9 normal subjects, by averaging the electro-oculogram. All 4 patients had small (0.1–0.3 deg) but easily reproducible vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex eye movement responses to the clicks. Normal subjects had responses that were at least 10 times smaller. The click-evoked vestibulo-ocular reflex test is a simple, robust way to screen dizzy patients for symptomatic superior semicircular dehiscence.
Motion sickness incidence as a function of the frequency and acceleration of vertical sinusoidal motion.

Abstract : Fourteen experimental conditions of vertical sinusoidal motion were defined by combinations of wave frequency and acceleration level in a partial factorial design. The frequency range investigated was from 5 cycles per minute (CPM, or .083 Hz) to 30 CPM (.500 Hz), and the average acceleration over each half-wave cycle ranged from about . 03 to . 40 g. Independent groups of 20 or more male Ss were exposed for 2 hours or until they began to vomit, whichever came first. Motion sickness incidence (MSI), defined as the percentage of Ss experiencing vomiting, was greatest at a frequency of 10 CPM (.167 Hz). For all wave frequencies, MSI increased as a monotonic function of the acceleration level. A mathematical model was derived from the data, and the implications for underlying physiological mechanisms and for transportation vehicle design were discussed.