Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An inhibitory action of histamine on the guinea‐pig ileum

1 In atropinized, plexus‐containing preparations of the longitudinal muscle from the guinea‐pig ileum, in which histamine contractions were abolished by mepyramine or diphenhydramine, an inhibitory action of histamine was revealed on the “tetanic spasms” produced by field stimulation. 2 The inhibitory action of histamine on the atropine‐resistant tetanic spasms, which are due to the excitation of non‐cholinergic neurones in Auerbach's plexus (Ambache & Freeman, 1968a, b), was reversible. It is specific for the tetanic spasms, because histamine did not reduce contractions elicited by bradykinin, 5‐hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandin E2, nicotine or dimethylphenylpiperazinium. 3 l‐Histidinol and 2‐mercaptohistamine exerted a considerably weaker inhibitory effect upon the tetanic spasms than histamine. Four other imidazoles tested, l‐histidine, murexine, dihydromurexine and imidazolecarboxylcholine, were ineffective; so was the pyrazole ring isomer of histamine, betazole. 4 The inhibitory action of histamine persisted after adrenoceptor blockade by phentolamine and pronethalol and after prior reserpinization of the guinea‐pigs. 5 The inhibitory action of histamine was also obtained after ganglionic paralysis by hexamethonium or dimethylphenylpiperazinium but was antagonized specifically by nicotine. 6 On atropinized preparations of the longitudinal muscle from the guinea‐pig descending colon histamine exerted, at most, an insignificant inhibitory effect on the tetanic spasms.
Changing trends in acquired syphilis at a Tertiary Care Center of North India

Introduction: Prevalence and pattern of acquired syphilis are changing in India in recent years because of good laboratory diagnosis and treatment, but it still remains a major public health problem with significant regional variations. Aim: To study the changing trend of acquired syphilis in a Tertiary Care Center of North India. Subjects >and Methods: Retrospective analysis of all the cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) registered in the Skin and VD Department of PGIMS, Rohtak from January 2008 to December 2012 was done. Complete epidemiological, clinical, and investigational data were recorded and analyzed for changing trends in prevalence, pattern and clinical presentations of syphilis. Observation: Total of 1462 cases attended the STI clinic from January 2008 to December 2012. A total of 124 patients were venereal diseases research laboratory reactive, of which 33 (2.25%) were false positive cases, and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination was reactive in 91 cases (6.22%). Totally, 91 (6.22%) cases were diagnosed as syphilis. Of 91 cases, 78 (85.71%) were males and 13 (14.29%) were females. Primary syphilis was diagnosed in 21 (13.08%), secondary in 38 (41.76%), and latent in 32 (35.16%) patients. 4 (10.53%) of the secondary syphilis were having asymptomatic rash, 14 (36.84%) had condyloma lata and 17 (44.74%) had genital ulcer with cutaneous rash. Mixed infection was detected in 7 patients. 8 (8.79%) were human immunodeficiency virus positive. Conclusion: Although our study indicates a decreasing trend in the prevalence of syphilis in last 5 years, there is a rise in latent syphilis as compared to primary syphilis demanding steps to increase awareness among general population.
RyR 1 exhibits lower gain of CICR activity than RyR 3 in the SR : evidence for selective stabilization of RyR 1 channel

Murayama, Takashi, and Yasuo Ogawa. RyR1 exhibits lower gain of CICR activity than RyR3 in the SR: evidence for selective stabilization of RyR1 channel. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 287: C36–C45, 2004. First published February 25, 2004; 10.1152/ajpcell. 00395.2003. —We showed that frog -ryanodine receptor ( -RyR) had a lower gain of Ca -induced Ca release (CICR) activity than -RyR in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles, indicating selective “stabilization” of the former isoform (Murayama T and Ogawa Y. J Biol Chem 276: 2953–2960, 2001). To know whether this is also the case with mammalian RyR1, we determined [H]ryanodine binding of RyR1 and RyR3 in bovine diaphragm SR vesicles. The value of [H]ryanodine binding (B) was normalized by the number of maximal binding sites (Bmax), whereby the specific activity of each isoform was expressed. This B/Bmax expression demonstrated that ryanodine binding of individual channels for RyR1 was 15% that for RyR3. Responses to Ca , Mg , adenine nucleotides, and caffeine were not substantially different between in situ and purified isoforms. These results suggest that the gain of CICR activity of RyR1 is markedly lower than that of RyR3 in mammalian skeletal muscle, indicating selective stabilization of RyR1 as is true of frog -RyR. The stabilization was partly eliminated by FK506 and partly by solubilization of the vesicles with CHAPS, each of which was additive to the other. In contrast, high salt, which greatly enhances [H]ryanodine binding, caused only a minor effect on the stabilization of RyR1. None of the T-tubule components, coexisting RyR3, or calmodulin was the cause. The CHAPS-sensitive intraand intermolecular interactions that are common between mammalian and frog skeletal muscles and the isoform-specific inhibition by FKBP12, which is characteristic of mammals, are likely to be the underlying mechanisms.
Insulin, food restriction and the extension of lifespan: the mechanism of longevity.

Dotsch et al. reported in this journal (1) on Bluher and co-worker’s evaluation of the 18% increase in the lifespan of fat-specific insulin receptor knockout (FIRKO) mouse (2). As early as 3 months of age, these mice maintained a body weight approximately 20% below the body weight of their control littermates. The reduction in body weight was caused by an approximately 60% reduction of fat tissue. Interestingly, their appetite was not reduced, resulting in the food intake being equivalent to that of the control animals. As a consequence, food intake related to body weight exceeded that of the controls by more than 50% (3). The conclusion was that a reduction of fat mass without caloric restriction can be associated with increased longevity in mice, possibly through effects on insulin signalling. Dotsch et al. highlighted that Bluher et al. fell short of explaining the mechanism of longevity in their FIRKO mice, because they speculated about a reduction in the generation of oxygen-free radicals (4, 5) or a mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signalling but unfortunately they did not provide any data regarding that hypothesis. We would like to mention here that a possible explanation of prolongation of lifespan by caloric restriction or defective insulin signalling has already been published (see ref. 6, Fig. 3): lower insulin levels or activity may increase autophagy and lysosomal proteolysis (7, 8), the anti-ageing cell repair mechanism which improves disposal of altered membranes and cellular organelles, and cell housekeeping (6, 9). This explanation is in line with recent genetic findings which demonstrate that autophagy genes are required for normal dauer morphogenesis and lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans (10). The good news is that the beneficial effect on longevity could be obtained by drugs, without any genetic manipulation: a decrease in free fatty acid (FFA) plasma levels by the lifelong administration of antilipolytic drugs to fasted rats may retard the age-related changes in biomarkers of ageing that are known to correlate with life expectancy (11, 12). It is conceivable that in the FIRKO mice, the 50–70% reduction in fat mass throughout life might be associated with a decrease in the production and plasma levels of FFA. The antilipolytic drug for the purpose of the Pharmacological Intensification of Suppression of Ageing (PISA) (this name was kindly suggested by Dr George Martin, Seattle, WA, USA) is licensed for human use as a hypolipidaemic agent (Acipimox). From a practical point of view, the treatment might open a way to make more people likely to adhere to an anti-ageing regimen of dietary restriction otherwise too intensive to be endurable over an extended period involving much of human life (13).
Value Relevance of European High- and Low-Technology Companies' Financial Statements

During the 1990s the increased importance of intangible assets caused concern among practitioners and academics that financial statements were losing their value relevance, i.e. the relation between a firms’ financial statement information and its market value, especially for high-technology firms which were deemed likely to be intangible-intensive. Research conducted on the US market largely show that financial statements were losing their relevance to investors during the build-up of the dot-com bubble in the 1990s but that this trend reversed to an increase for both high- and low-technology firms after the bursting of the bubble. This study extends the research on financial statements’ relevance for investors to the underexplored European markets to determine whether there is a difference in value relevance between high- and low-technology firms in the period from the bursting of the dot-com bubble through 2014 in Europe by performing a regression analysis on quantitative financial data. Our results show that high-technology firms have more value relevant financial statements than have low-technology firms, that the value relevance of low-technology firms’ financial statements has decreased over time and that this decrease is greater for low-technology firms than it is for high-technology firms for which the value relevance has not changed significantly over time.
Antecedents of corporate social responsibility in the banks of Central-Eastern Europe and in the countries of the former Soviet union

This article explores the determinants of corporate social responsibilities (CSR) in the banking sector of the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), as well as those of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Our panel fixed-logit results for 237 banks, covering the period 2000-2012, show that while financial performance is not associated with CSR, larger banks are more likely to engage in CSR. Additionally, a governmentâ€™s effectiveness and its regulatory quality increase the likelihood that the banks will engage in social activities. A range of possible approaches that governments can take to encourage social activities in the banking sector of transition countries are provided. Overall, our results are consistent with the theory that the necessary conditions must be in place to support CSR, which seem to be absent in the countries under investigation.
Nutritionism and the construction of ‘poor choices’ in families facing food insecurity

The dominant research approach to both food insecurity and charitable meal provision is nutritionistic, deficit-orientated and ignores wider socio-economic issues. This reinforces existing power dynamics and overlooks the agency of people living food-insecure lives. We critique this dominant approach and draw on the everyday experiences of families facing food insecurity to ground an alternative approach that emphasises food as a social determinant of health.
Clinical experience of serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae producing VIM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase in a Greek University Hospital.

BACKGROUND The dissemination of acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae is regarded as an emerging clinical threat. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 17 cases of infection due to MBL-producing isolates were analyzed. METHODS During a 3-year period, medical records for all patients with confirmed infection due to an MBL-producing strain belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were retrospectively analyzed. We screened for MBL production with the imipenem-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disk synergy test, and results were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Genetic relatedness between isolates was evaluated by repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Fourteen cases of bacteremia and 3 cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia due to an MBL-producing isolate were studied. Most of the patients had previously been colonized with an MBL-producing organism, and almost 60% had been exposed to carbapenems before infection. The isolated pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, 14 cases; and Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter cloacae, and Enterobacter aerogenes, 1 case each) exhibited variable minimum inhibitor concentrations of carbapenems (1 to >32 microg/mL) and resistance to most other beta-lactams. Tigecycline was active against all isolates, whereas colistin and gentamicin were active against 88% of them. Molecular studies confirmed the presence of a gene belonging to bla(VIM-1) cluster in all isolates. Among the 12 K. pneumoniae isolates, which were subjected to molecular typing, 11 distinct clones were identified. Five cases ( approximately 30%) occurred in patients who were already receiving carbapenem-containing treatment, and carbapenem treatment was considered to have failed. Twelve cases were treated with a colistin-containing regimen. The attributable mortality rate was 18.8%. CONCLUSIONS MBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae can cause severe, often fatal infection in severely ill patients, irrespective of the MIC of carbapenems. Colonization with an MBL-producer is a preceding event, highlighting the importance of surveillance. Both infection control practices and antibiotic policies should be intensified to contain the spread of these problematic bacteria.
Percutaneous fibrin glue therapy of meningeal cysts of the sacral spine.

OBJECTIVE We assessed CT-guided percutaneous injection of fibrin glue to manage meningeal cysts of the sacral spine in patients with back pain. CONCLUSION All patients experienced resolution or marked improvement of symptoms for as long as 23 months after fibrin glue therapy. No patients experienced recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up interval. Percutaneous CT-guided fibrin glue therapy for sacral meningeal cysts may be a more definitive therapy than repetitive cyst aspiration.
How Do Biotech Cluster Firms Catch Knowledge Spillovers? The Strong Impact Of The Institutional Mechanisms

This paper deals with the nature of the mechanisms supporting knowledge spillovers diffusion in high-tech clusters. The literature in the geography of innovation focuses on the existence of local knowledge spillovers, which are enhanced by geographic and technological proximity. However, the mechanisms explaining the diffusion of spillovers are not well understood. If knowledge spillovers exist, how does this knowledge diffuse among the actors? Do spillovers spread in the air, as suggested by Marshall? Or, are there mechanisms that explain their dissemination? Based on a firm survey data base and an original methodology, the paper explores the determinants of knowledge spillovers. The paper has twofold purposes; the first one is to determine the main mechanisms within a region enabling the diffusion of spillovers. The second objective is measuring the impact of these main mechanisms on firm’s innovation performance, indicating which of these mechanisms are more effective in transporting knowledge spillovers between agents. The results show new empirical evidences on the role played by institutions in the dissemination of externalities. However, informal mechanisms, such as face-to-face contacts commonly stressed in the literature, have no significant and negative effects in this case.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Leishmania donovani Promastigote and Amastigote Stages to Antileishmanial Reference Drugs: Practical Relevance of Stage-Specific Differences

ABSTRACT The in vitro susceptibilities of the reference strain Leishmania donovani MHOM/ET/67/L82 to sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and the experimental compound PX-6518 were determined for extracellular log-phase promastigotes, established axenic amastigotes, fresh spleen-derived amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. Susceptibility to amphotericin B did not differ across the various axenic models (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50], 0.6 to 0.7 μM), and amphotericin B showed slightly higher potency against intracellular amastigotes (IC50, 0.1 to 0.4 μM). A similar trend was observed for miltefosine, with comparable efficacies against the extracellular (IC50, 0.4 to 3.8 μM) and intracellular (IC50, 0.9 to 4.3 μM) stages. Sodium stibogluconate, used either as Pentostam or as a crystalline substance, was inactive against all axenic stages (IC50, >64 μg SbV/ml) but showed good efficacy against intracellular amastigotes (IC50, 22 to 28 μg SbV/ml); the crystalline substance was about two to three times more potent (IC50, 9 to 11 μg SbV/ml). The activity profile of PX-6518 was comparable to that of sodium stibogluconate, but at a much higher potency (IC50, 0.1 μg/ml). In conclusion, the differential susceptibility determines which in vitro models are appropriate for either drug screening or resistance monitoring of clinical field isolates. Despite the more complex and labor-intensive protocol, the current results support the intracellular amastigote model as the gold standard for in vitro Leishmania drug discovery research and for evaluation of the resistance of field strains, since it also includes host cell-mediated effects. Axenic systems can be recommended only for compounds for which no cellular mechanisms are involved, for example, amphotericin B and miltefosine.
Identification of a contact between arginine-180 of the catabolite gene activator protein (CAP) and base pair 5 of the DNA site in the CAP-DNA complex.

We have used site-directed mutagenesis to replace amino acid 1 of the recognition alpha-helix of the catabolite gene activator protein (CAP), Arg-180, with glycine and with alanine. Substitution of Arg-180 of CAP eliminated specificity between G.C, A.T, C.G, and T.A at base pair 5 of the DNA half-site. The effect was position-specific: substitution of Arg-180 did not eliminate specificity between G.C, A.T, C.G, and T.A at base pair 7 of the DNA half-site. We conclude, in agreement with the model for the structure of the CAP-DNA complex [Weber, I. & Steitz, T. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 3973-3977; and Ebright, R. , Cossart, P., Gicquel-Sanzey, B. & Beckwith, J. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 7274-7278], that Arg-180 of CAP makes a specificity-determining contact with base pair 5 of the DNA half-site in the CAP-DNA complex. The identification of the contact by Arg-180 in this report, in conjunction with the identification of the contact by Glu-181 in a previous report [Ebright, R. , Cossart, P., Gicquel-Sanzey, B. & Beckwith, J. (1984) Nature (London) 311, 232-235], provides information sufficient to define the orientation of the helix-turn-helix motif of CAP with respect to DNA in the CAP-DNA complex.
Neighborhood change in metropolitan America

This dissertation presents an integrated framework that was developed to examine trajectories of neighborhood change, mechanisms of suburban diversity, and the relationships between neighborhood change and employment accessibility. First, this dissertation extends the study of neighborhood change to a greater time and spatial span, systematically examining the trajectories of neighborhood change at the census tract level. The results show that neighborhood change is complicated and exhibits various trajectories. The dominant patterns do not always conform to classical models of neighborhood change, providing counterpoints to some long-established assumptions. This dissertation also provides evidence of the mechanisms through which metropolitan and suburban characteristics influence suburban diversity. Most importantly, it highlights a remarkable increase in suburban diversity with respect to neighborhood composition. Finally, this dissertation investigates the relationships between neighborhood change, spatial transformation, and employment accessibility in the North Carolina Piedmont region during the last three decades. Spatial patterns of the neighborhood distributions suggest that job accessibility varies by neighborhood typology. A detailed analysis of the trajectories of neighborhood change shows interesting patterns in both central city and suburban ecological succession and transformation. These geographical shifts of neighborhoods were shown to be associated with changes in job accessibility to a certain extent. In sum, by introducing an integrated framework including social, spatial, and employment factors, this dissertation develops a more balanced understanding of neighborhood change in the United States.
MANAGERIAL OPTIMISM AND DEBT FINANCING: CASE STUDY ON INDONESIA MANUFACTURING LISTED FIRMS

Managerial's psychology can affect financial decision in the company. This paper analyzes the influence of managerial optimism on the debt financing by using regression analysis. The dependent variable in this paper is debt financing. The independent variable is managerial optimism and the control variable are firm value, firm size, and firm performance that are occurred in the previous period. The sample used in this study is manufacturing companies that listed in Indonesian stock exchange during 2010-2014. The result on this study shows that managerial optimism, firm value, and firm size that are occurred in the previous period have positive significantly impact on debt financing, whereas firm performance in the previous period has negative significantly impact on debt financing.
Effects of bleaching agents on the microhardness and surface roughness of bulk fill composites

Aim: The aim was to compare the effect of 10 and 20% carbamide peroxide (CP) on microhardness (MHN) and surface roughness of two commercially available bulk fill composites (X-tra fill Bulk Fill and Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill). Materials and methods: A total of 50 specimens with both type composites were prepared using brass molds of inner diameter 10 mm and a height of 4 mm. Each type of composite was further divided into three groups, control group stored in artificial saliva for 14 days, other groups bleached with 10 and 20% CP respectively, for 14 days. Microhardness of the composite resin was tested with a Vickers hardness tester, whereas surface roughness was tested with profilometer. Results: All the analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both 10 and 20% CP significantly reduced MHN of experimental composite resins. However, the mean surface roughness was significantly higher in X-tra fill Bulk Fill than Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill at 20% CP concentration. The mean MHN of Tetric EvoCeram was reduced when compared with X-tra fill at 20% CP. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the MHN of restorative materials observed after exposure to CP under a clinically simulated bleaching regimen. However, increase in surface roughness was seen only at 20% CP. Clinical significance: The physical properties, such as MHN and surface roughness have a crucial effect on the longevity of restorations and, moreover, on the esthetic demands of patients, but they may be compromised by bleaching treatments. The aim of this research paper was to assess the reaction of home bleaching agents on the physical properties of two Bulk Fill composite resin restorative materials.