Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant-based omega-3 stearidonic acid enhances antitumor activity of doxorubicin in human prostate cancer cell lines

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a first choice cytostatic drug in treatment of many cancers but among its side effects is cardiac toxicity. Stearidonic omega-3 fatty acid (SDA) has cardiac protective qualities and, therefore, we investigated the combinatory effects of DOX and SDA on proliferation/viability in the human prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines LNCaP, PC3, and DU145 as well as possible modulatory effects on expression of androgen receptor (AR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR, and nuclear factor kappa-lightchain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-B) nuclear transcription factors implicated in tumorigenesis. The median inhibitory effects (IC50) of SDA were 601, 116, 145 M and that of DOX were 802, 761, 363 nM in LNCaP, PC3 and DU145, respectively. Equipotent combinations of DOX and SDA based on 2-fold dilutions and constant combination ratios derived from the above IC50 values suggested anticancer synergism with a combination index (CI) of less than 1 as determined using the Chou-Talalay method based on the medianeffect equation and the mass action law. Stearidonic acid strongly inhibited TNF-activated NF-B in stably transduced LNCaP cells. We used immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, western blotting, and transactivation assays to demonstrate inhibition of agonist-activated AR and PPAR expression following treatment with DOX and SDA singly or in combination. This study provides proof-of-concept for using DOX and SDA in combination to reduce dose and toxicity of DOX in PCa clinical translation studies.
AUMENTO DEL USO DE TRATAMIENTOS COMBINADOS CON ARTEMISINA PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA INFECCIÓN DE MALARIA EN HOSPITALES NIGERIANOS

www.pharmacypractice. org (ISSN: 1886-3655) 243 ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed at describing the pattern of outpatient antimalarial drug prescribing in a secondary and a tertiary hospital, and to assess adherence to the National Antimalarial Treatment Guideline (ATG). Methods: An audit of antimalarial prescription files from the two health facilities for a period of six months in 2008 was conducted. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect information from the doctors and pharmacists on their awareness and knowledge of the National Antimalarial Treatment Guideline. Results: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were the most prescribed antimalarials. Overall, 81.4% of the total prescriptions contained ACTs, out of which 56.8% were artemetherlumefantrine. However, adherence to the drugs indicated by national guideline within the DU90% was 38.5% for the tertiary and 66.7 % for the secondary hospital. The standard practice of prescribing with generic name was still not adhered to as evidenced in the understudied hospitals. The percentage of health care providers that were aware of the ATG was 88.2% for doctors and 85.1% for pharmacists. However, 13.3% and 52.2% of doctors and pharmacists respectively could not properly list the drugs specified in the guideline. Amodiaquine was the most commonly preferred option for managing children aged 0 – 3 months with malaria infection against the indicated oral quinine. Conclusion: This study showed an increased use of artemisinin-based combination therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria compared previous reports in Nigeria. This study also highlights the need for periodic in-service quality assurance among health professionals with monitoring of adherence to and assessment of knowledge of clinical guidelines to ensure the practice of evidence based medicine.
Effects of silicon on the growth and genetic stability of passion fruit

O objetivo foi determinar uma concentracao de silicio que proporcionasse um bom crescimento de plantas de maracuja. Sementes de maracujazeiro foram semeadas em bandejas de poliestireno, apos 60 dias, as plantas com aproximadamente 15 cm de altura, foram transplantadas para vasos de polietileno contendo 1,1 kg de substrato Tropstrato(r). Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro concentracoes (0; 0,28; 0,55 e 0,83 g vaso-1) de silicio, na forma de solucao de acido silicico a 1%. Esta solucao foi aplicada ao redor do caule das plantas (drench), sendo a primeira aplicacao realizada 15 dias apos o transplantio das plantas. No total, foram realizadas tres aplicacoes, em intervalos de 15 dias. Apos a ultima aplicacao, as plantas foram submetidas a analise quimica de concentracao de silicio, microanalise de raios-X e citometria de fluxo. As analises fitotecnicas foram realizadas no decorrer das aplicacoes. O uso do silicio nas concentracoes 0,28 e 0,55 g vaso-1, proporciona melhor crescimento das plantas de maracujazeiro, a absorcao de silicio e sua deposicao nas folhas de maracujazeiro sao proporcionais a disponibilidade desse elemento para a planta, o maracujazeiro e uma planta acumuladora de silicio nas raizes e a estabilidade da quantidade de DNA e preservada nas plantas de maracujazeiro tratadas com silicio.
Lessons learned from monitoring the stable water isotopic variability in precipitation and streamflow across a snow-dominated subarctic catchment

ABSTRACT This empirical study explores shifts in stable water isotopic composition for a subarctic catchment located in northern Sweden as it transitions from spring freshet to summer low flows. Relative changes in the isotopic composition of streamflow across the main catchment and fifteen nested subcatchments are characterized in relation to the isotopic composition of precipitation. With our sampling campaign, we explore the variability in stream-water isotopic composition that originates from precipitation as the input shifts from snow to rain and as landscape flow pathways change across scales. The isotopic similarity of high-elevation snowpack water and early season rainfall water seen through our sampling scheme made it difficult to truly isolate the impact of seasonal precipitation phase change on stream-water isotopic response. This highlights the need to explicitly consider the complexity of arctic and alpine landscapes when designing sampling strategies to characterize hydrological variability via stable water isotopes. Results show a potential influence of evaporation and source water mixing both spatially (variations with elevation) and temporally (variations from post-freshet to summer flows) on the composition of stream water across Miellajokka. As such, the data collected in this empirical study allow for initial conceptualization of the relative importance of, for example, hydrological connectivity within this mountainous, subarctic landscape.
UNDERDIAGNOSIS AND UNDERTREATMENT OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS AT HIGH RISK FOR FRAGILITY FRACTURES

Background: Identifying older individual at risk for fragility fractures is a priority among healthcare providers. However, the prevalence of osteoporosis, fragility fractures and the prescription of antifracture drugs among Nursing Home (NH) residents is almost ignored. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and the main correlates of antifracture drug prescriptions among NH residents. Design: Observational multicentre prospective study. Setting: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Participants: 1995 NH residents aged 60 and older participating to the U.LI. S.S. E. (Un Link Informatico sui Servizi Sanitari Esistenti per l’Anziano) project were evaluated using a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument (Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set RAIMDS). Results: 256 (13%) persons (age 84.5±7.62 years) have diagnosis of osteoporosis without any fracture; 355 (17%) had previous fragility hip fracture with one out of three reporting a diagnosis of osteoporosis. An antifracture treatment is prescribed to 5.5% (n:111) of eligible persons: 18% of osteoporotic and 11% of hip fracture residents, respectively. Independent of age, gender, BMI and disability, subjects affected by osteoporosis are more likely to receive antifracture drugs (β=0.17, SE: 0.04; p: <0.0001),but not those with previous hip fracture. The probability to receive treatments decreases when dementia co-occurs (β=-0.07, SE: 0.03; p:0.05). Residents managed according with RAI-MDS show higher probability to receive appropriate antifracture treatment (β= 0.07, SE: 0.03; p: 0.01). Conclusion: NH residents at high risk for fragility fractures receive suboptimal care. Residents with a history of hip fracture or dementia are less likely to be treated, while those managed according to the geriatric comprehensive approach are more likely to receive adequate care.
Interplay of Optical Force and Ray-Optic Behavior between Luneburg Lenses

The method of force tracing is employed to examine the optomechanical interaction between two and four Luneburg lenses. Using a simplified analytical model, as well as a realistic numerical model, the dynamics of elastic and fully inelastic collisions between the lenses under the illumination of collimated beams are studied. It is shown that elastic collisions cause a pair of Luneburg lenses to exhibit oscillatory and translational motion simultaneously. The combination of these two forms of motion can be used to optomechanically manipulate small particles. Additionally, it is addressed how fully inelastic collisions of four Luneburg lenses can help us achieve full transparency as well as isolating space to trap particles.
Bilayer graphene: physics and application outlook in photonics

Abstract Layered materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichacogenides and black phosphorus have attracted lots of attention recently. They are emerging novel materials in electronics and photonics, with tremendous potential in revolutionizing the traditional electronics and photonics industry. Marrying layered material to the nanophotonics is being proved fruitful. With the recent emphasis and development of metasurfaces in nanophotonics, atomically thin materials can find their unique position and strength in this field. In this article, I will focus on one specific two dimensional material: bilayer graphene. Basic physics will be reviewed, such as band-gap opening, electron-phonon interaction, phonon-plasmon interaction and Fano resonances in the optical response. Moreover, I will review the application of bilayer graphene as a sensitive and fast photodetector. An outlook will be given in the final part of the paper.
Physico-chemical properties and nutritional composition of aonla (Emblica officinalis) varieties.

Proximate, chemical and nutritional profiles of fresh aonla fruits of five varieties viz. Banarasi, Chakaiya, Kanchan, NA-7 and Desi were studied. Fruits of variety Banarasi were the largest in size and had maximum weight, while fruits of Desi variety had the least values with maximum firmness. Moisture contents of variety NA-7 was the highest. The fruits of Desi variety were reported to have the maximum ash, fat and fibre contents. Varietal differences significantly (p <0.05) influenced the acidity, ascorbic acid, total polyphenol, total sugar and pectin contents. It was observed that iron and zinc contents were significantly higher in Chakaiya variety while sodium and potassium contents were higher in Kanchan variety.
DHEA and Aggression

Aggression is one of the most important social behaviors, is displayed by virtually all animals, and serves a wide range of adaptive functions. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms that regulate aggression remain largely unknown. Aggressive behavior occurs whenever the interests of two or more individuals are in conflict, typically over limited resources (e.g., food, territories, and mates). Aggression is difficult to define and has been defined in a variety of ways. Aggression has traditionally been defined as overt behavior with the intention of inflicting physical damage on another individual (Moyer 1971). Moyer (1971) divided aggression into specific subtypes, including predatory aggression, intermale aggression, fear-induced aggression, irritable aggression, maternal aggression, territorial defense, and instrumental aggression, based on differences in the social conditions in which the behavior was elicited. A simplified classification of aggressive behavior has been suggested in which aggression is divided into offensive and defensive aggression (Blanchard and Blanchard 1988). Offensive aggression involves behaviors used in an attack, whereas defensive behaviors do not involve an active approach to the opponent but, rather, they serve as a defense against an attack. This latter classification system provides a more functional framework with which to identify and characterize aggressive behavior across a range of vertebrate taxa. A key aspect of both classifications is that, although different forms of aggression share specific behavioral features, the environmental factors eliciting these responses, as well as the biological substrates underlying their manifestation, may differ markedly. Aggressive behavior has received extensive study under a wide range of environmental settings and experimental conditions. The experimental models used, the types of aggression measured, and the species tested, however, can vary considerably from study to study. Thus, it is often difficult to compare results across a range of studies. Although a relatively large number of experimental paradigms have been developed to evaluate aggression in animal models, one of the most prevalent models of assessing offensive aggression has been the resident-intruder model. This model simulates rodent territorial aggression and involves introducing a group-housed, nonexperimental “intruder” into the home cage of an experimental animal, and the amount and duration of aggressive behavior (e.g., chases, attacks, bites) are subsequently recorded in a timed test. Another lesscommonly employed but useful model is the neutral arena model, which involves placing two animals in a novel “neutral” cage and recording the amount of aggression directed toward each animal. In addition, this latter model has the added benefit of assessing the formation of dominance relationships among animals because “territories” have not been established at the time of testing. contents
Methanol Adsorption in Zeolites s A First-Principles Study

The methanol to gasoline (MTG) conversion process, using a zeolite catalyst, is of major commercial importance. However, the first step of the reaction, involving methanol adsorption on the zeolite catalyst, is still not well understood. This paper describes first-principles calculations performed on periodic zeolite models to investigate the nature of methanol adsorption. We have examined a number of possible geometries for this adsorption and found that the nature of the adsorbed species can depend on the particular zeolite structure. In more open ring structures, as found in chabazite, the stable form of methanol is found to be protonated, in contrast to results of previous calculations on cluster models. However, in the sodalite structure methanol is found to be simply physisorbed. The vibrational spectra of the adsorbed species have been studied and compared to experimental results. It is found that both chemisorbed methanol and physisorbed methanol give strongly red-shifted O -H stretching frequencies, but the former can be distinguished by the H-O-H bending mode.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Environment and Risk of Obesity in the US

Obesity is a fast-growing global health crisis and the epidemic is about to get worse. Environment has been shown to influence physical activity and people’s body weight. Utilizing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2004-2010 waves of the continuous obesity data, this study conducted longitudinal analyses to examine neighborhood built environment and obesity risk controlling for the effects of socio-demographic characteristics. This study presents a comprehensive effort to understand the relationship between the environment and physical inactivity and obesity across the entire contiguous US. When constructing measures of the built environment, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to calculate street connectivity, walk score and food environment. In addition to the built environment, the natural environment, which was represented by the annual number of extreme weather events from 2004-2010, was taken into account in explaining variation of physical inactivity and obesity across the contiguous US. Results show that higher street connectivity and walk score are related to lower physical inactivity and obesity rates, while the ratio of fast-food restaurants and number of extreme weather events are positively related to physical inactivity and obesity. The results are believed to provide policy-makers and planners with useful insights into the dynamics between the environment and obesity epidemic. Further, the significant effects of extreme weather invite more studies to investigate the relationship between the natural environment and obesity.
Teachers’ Perceptions on the Use of Math Manipulatives in Elementary Classrooms

5 Acknowledgment.6 Chapter One: I NTRODUCTION.7-13 Statement of the Problem.7-8 Purpose of Study.8 Research Questions.9 Significance of Study.9-10 Background of the Researcher.10-12 Overview of this Study.12-13 Chapter Two: LITERATURE REVIEW.13-24 Theoretical Framework.13-14 Support for Manipulative Use.14-19 Against Manipulative Use.19-21 Virtual Manipulatives.21-24
Sorption Filter Columns to Remove Colloidal and Dissolved Pollutants from Stormwater

Recently, stormwater has been considered as a major pollution source for urban water courses. Urban stormwater contains metals and organic pollutants (OPs) that are persistent in the environment and that can be toxic to organisms and humans even in low concentrations. Currently, the most common treatment for stormwater, such as sedimentation and filtration, focuses on particle separation. However, it has recently been shown that OPs are present in dissolved and colloidal form in stormwater and might even be more abundant in these forms than attached to particles. Studies have also shown that adsorption filter is a promising method for removal of colloidal and dissolved organic pollutants. This master thesis was performed within a research project carried out at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. The research project is mainly aimed at studying the removal of OPs from stormwater, however, removal of metals will also be investigated. The aim of this thesis project is to plan, design, construct and start up a pilot plant at the Järnbrott stormwater pond in Gothenburg with the purpose of investigating efficiency of selected sorption filter materials for the removal of dissolved and colloidal organic pollutants and toxic metals from urban runoff. A literature study including relevant pollutants in stormwater, pilot plant design and suggestions of filter material was performed to optimise the design the pilot plant. Three filter materials were chosen, characterised and placed in columns in the pilot plant, granulated activated carbon (GAC), Sphagnum peat and pine (Pinus sylvestris) bark. The determined design of the pilot plant using gravity filtration was successfully implemented and functional, but showed to have limitations in desired and expected flows through the filter media. This was believed to be caused by clogging of the sorption filters. The characterisation of the sorption materials indicate that GAC will have the greatest sorption capacity, mostly due to its high surface area which is the key quality parameter for sorption. Future results from the pilot plant are needed to establish the removal efficiency for metals and OPs in colloidal and dissolved forms in the selected filter media.
Effect of various co-culture systems on embryo development in ovine.

Considering the advent of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a new source of somatic cells in embryo co-culture system, the current study was aimed to compare in vitro embryo development using embry - onic MSCs monolayer with embryonic fibroblast cells (EFCs), oviductal epithelial cells (OECs), and cell-free culture system. The IVM/IVF presumptive sheep zygotes were randomly cultured in different culture condi- tions as follows: (1) SOFaaBSA medium for the whole culture period (SOF, n
Child Support Enforcement : How Well Is it Doing ?

The federal and state governments have devoted considerable resources to strengthening child support enforcement over the last two decades, but the proportion of single mothers who receive child support has remained largely unchanged. Why does this trend appear impervious to state and federal efforts to increase child support? Have state and federal efforts to strengthen child support enforcement made a difference in single-mother families’ receipt of child support? To answer these questions, we examine 21 years of data from the Current Population Survey, supplemented with detailed information on state-level child support policies. We find that several tools of the child support enforcement system—the $50 pass-through, the tax intercept program, and presumptive guidelines—had a significantly positive effect on child support receipt among both never-married and previously married single mothers. As well, immediate wage withholding had a significantly positive impact on child support among previously married mothers on AFDC and the in-hospital paternity establishment program had a significantly positive effect on child support among never-married mothers not on AFDC. Finally, we find that the expansion of the child support enforcement program during this time period had a significant impact on increasing child support receipt among both never-married and previously married mothers.
Ultrafast nonlinear optical properties and excited state dynamics of phthalocyanine thin films

We have investigated the nonlinear optical properties, optical limiting thresholds, and figures of merits for five different phthalocyanine thin films, achieved through doping in PMMA, using the Z-scan technique at 800 nm with 2 ps laser pulses. From the open-aperture Z-scan data we established that these molecules exhibit strong two photon absorption (2PA) with the nonlinear coefficients in the range of 15-200 cm/GW. We have also estimated the sign and magnitude of real part of third order nonlinearity through the closed aperture scans. Preliminary femtosecond pump-probe data suggests that the lifetimes of excited states are in the sub-100 ps regime for all the molecules in film form. Our studies provide tangible evidence that these phthalocyanines are potential candidates for multi-photon imaging and optical limiting applications.