Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stochastic perturbation of scalar conservation laws∗

In this course devoted to the study of stochastic perturbations of scalar conservation laws, we expose the first part of the paper [EKMS00]. After a short introduction to scalar conservation laws and stochastic differential equations, we give the proof of the existence of an invariant measure for the stoschastic inviscid periodic Burgers’ Equation in one dimension according to [EKMS00].
The Impact of the Social Media on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Benin Metropolis

Social media have changed the way people interact and communicate in the world today. This study examines the impact of the social media on the academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Benin Metropolis of Edo State. The descriptive survey method was adopted, the population comprises of all senior secondary school students in Benin Metropolis. Five hundred and seventy five students from twenty three public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis were randomly sampled. The questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. The data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean and standard deviation. The hypotheses were tested using the independent sample t -test. Finding shows amongst others that the secondary school students have access to social media and spend at least five hours daily; and that their exposure to social media is to a high degree. Their exposure to social media has effect on the students‟ academic performance positively and that there are dangers in the exposure of secondary school students to the social media. To this end, the study recommends that students should be enlightened to pay minimal attention to social media and use it more for academic activities.
Nitric oxide synthases: structure, function and inhibition

This review concentrates on advances in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) structure, function and inhibition made in the last seven years, during which time substantial advances have been made in our understanding of this enzyme family. There is now information on the enzyme structure at all levels from primary (amino acid sequence) to quaternary (dimerization, association with other proteins) structure. The crystal structures of the oxygenase domains of inducible NOS (iNOS) and vascular endothelial NOS (eNOS) allow us to interpret other information in the context of this important part of the enzyme, with its binding sites for iron protoporphyrin IX (haem), biopterin, l-arginine, and the many inhibitors which interact with them. The exact nature of the NOS reaction, its mechanism and its products continue to be sources of controversy. The role of the biopterin cofactor is now becoming clearer, with emerging data implicating one-electron redox cycling as well as the multiple allosteric effects on enzyme activity. Regulation of the NOSs has been described at all levels from gene transcription to covalent modification and allosteric regulation of the enzyme itself. A wide range of NOS inhibitors have been discussed, interacting with the enzyme in diverse ways in terms of site and mechanism of inhibition, time-dependence and selectivity for individual isoforms, although there are many pitfalls and misunderstandings of these aspects. Highly selective inhibitors of iNOS versus eNOS and neuronal NOS have been identified and some of these have potential in the treatment of a range of inflammatory and other conditions in which iNOS has been implicated.
Starch Granule Size Distribution in Wheat Grains under Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions

Starch granules comprise A and B types in mature wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains, which are different in chemical composition and functional properties. The granule size distribution of wheat starch is affected by both genotype and environment factors. Currently little information is available about the different distribution of starch granule size in wheat under different cul-tivation conditions. We used two wheat cultivars, Lumai 21 (starch content 68.9%) and De 99-3 (starch content 64.6%), to inves-tigate the distribution of grain starch granule size under irrigated and rainfed conditions at Tai’an and Dezhou of Shandong Prov-ince in 2004–2005 growth season. The irrigated treatment received 3 irrigations with the total water amount of 2 250 m2 ha? 1 dur-ing the whole growth period (750 m3 ha-1 each at before sowing, pre-wintering, and jointing stages, respectively), while the rain-fed treatment had no irrigation. In mature grains, the diameter of starch granules ranged from 0.37 to 52.60 μm, and the percent volume distribution showed a 2-peak curve with the mean granule diameter of 5 (B type) and 25 μm (A type) at each peak. The volume percentages of A and B types were 56.1–65.5% and 34.5–43.9%, respectively. A 2-peak curve was also shown in percent surface area distribution of starch granules, but only one peak in percent number, because the number of B-type granules ac-counted for over 99% of the total starch granules. As compared with irrigated treatment, rainfed treatment affected the distribution of starch granules in grains of both cultivars through increasing the percent volume and percent surface area of 2.0? 9.8 μm and 9.8 μm starch granules and decreasing those of 18.8 μm starch granules. The soil water deficit also decreased the contents of amylose and starch in grains and increased protein content, peak viscosity and final viscosity, suggesting that rianfed treatmentmay improve wheat grain quality. The contents of amylose, starch, and protein in grains were significantly correlated with the percent volume of starch granules with different diameter ranges. For starch, the r was -0.560*, -0.831** (2.0-9.8 μm) and -0.597*, -0.812** (9.8 μm); and for protein, the r was 0.799**, 0.603*, (2.0-9.8 μm) and 0.799**, 0.578* (9.8 μm), respectively. The result suggested that small starch granules (2.0-9.8 μm and 9.8 μm) are low in contents of amylose and starch, and high in protein content, whereas big starch granules (9.8–18.8 μm and 9.8 μm) high in contents of amylose and starch.
A synopsis of the neotropical genus Calomacraspis bates with a key to larvae of the American genera of Rutelini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

The four species in the genus Calomacraspis are reviewed and the larva of C. concinna is described. Keys (in English and Spanish) are provided for adult Calomacraspis and for larvae of 13 American genera of Rutelini. The biogeography and phylogeny of the genus are discussed briefly.
Evaluation on the safety of diet continuously fed low protein and low available phosphorous and the efficiency of phytase supplementation in laying type chickens

Safety of continuously fed low protein and low available phosphorous(AP)diet and efficiency of phytase supplementation were evaluated in laying type chickens.The results showed that except egg weight,other performances of laying type chickens fed low protein(17.0%,13.5%,13.0% and 15.0%)and middle AP(0.35%,0.3%,0.3% and 0.3%)diet in 2-8,9-15,16-18 and 19-36 weeks had no significant difference compared with those fed high protein(19.0%,15.0%,14.5% and 16.5%)and high AP diet,respectively,but N and P excretion in layers aged 8,15 and 36 weeks old decreased by 9.50%(P0.01),18.81%(P0.01),13.42(P0.05)and 15.93%(P0.01),16.18%(P0.01),19.21%(P0.01),respectively.Weight gain and feed utilization of chickens fed low protein and low AP(0.25%,0.2%,0.2% and 0.2%)from 2 to 18 week reduced significantly.Efficiency of feeding low protein and low AP diet adding 300 IU/Kg phytase was same as that of feeding high protein and high AP diet,and the apparent utilization rate of total P and crude protein in layers aged 8,15 and 36 weeks old increased by 12.55%(P0.05),7.24%(P0.05)and 32.66%(P0.01)and 26.23%(P0.05),15.70%(P0.01)and 7.77%(P0.05),but N and P excretion decreased by 17.70%(P0.01),25.19%(P0.01),17.63(P0.05)and 37.41%(P0.01),36.71%(P0.01),43.17%(P0.01),espectively.
A pilot trial of indinavir, ritonavir, didanosine, and lamivudine in a once-daily four-drug regimen for HIV infection.

Objective: To evaluate the tolerance, pharmacokinetics, and virologic and immunologic outcomes of once-daily indinavir, ritonavir, didanosine, and lamivudine in HIV-seropositive individuals. Design: Open-label 24-week pilot study. Patients: Ten HIV-seropositive subjects who were either antiretroviral-naive or minimally experienced with short-term single- or dual-nucleoside therapy provided informed consent and were enrolled. All subjects received didanosine (400 mg) 30 to 60 minutes before a meal followed by indinavir (1200 mg), ritonavir (400 mg), and lamivudine (300 mg) concurrent with the aforementioned meal. Methods: Safety laboratory tests, including a complete blood cell count and amylase, lipase, liver transaminase, and nonfasting lipid monitoring as well as plasma HIV viral load and CD4 + lymphocyte count, were carried out at monthly intervals. Genotyping was performed at baseline. Pharmacokinetic studies for indinavir and ritonavir were performed at week 8. Results: Nine of 10 subjects completed 24 weeks of therapy. No subject demonstrated primary protease inhibitor mutations at baseline. Toxicities experienced by subjects were typically mild and consistent with those commonly reported for each of the medications, including two cases of hematuria. By week 24, median nonfasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased by 49% and 108%, respectively. Median baseline plasma HIV viral load and CD4 + lymphocyte count were 29,292 (4.47 log 10 ) copies/ml and 224 cells/mm 3 , respectively. Eight of 10 subjects had a plasma HIV viral load of <50 copies/ml by week 12. The 2 subjects with a detectable HIV viral load reached <50 copies/ml by week 28. Median CD4 + lymphocyte counts increased by 193 cells/mm 3 at week 24. Indinavir and ritonavir plasma concentrations remained above respective inhibitory and effective concentrations (IC 95 and EC 50 ) (uncorrected for protein binding) throughout the 24-hour dosing interval for 6 of 10 and 8 of 10 subjects, respectively. Conclusions: Our pilot study demonstrates excellent virologic suppression despite low minimum protease inhibitor concentrations during a dosing interval in some patients and is supportive of further study.
Downstream and upstream influence in river meandering. Part 2. Planimetric development

The exact solution of the problem of river morphodynamics derived in Part 1 is employed to formulate and solve the problem of planimetric evolution of river meanders. A nonlinear integrodifferential evolution equation in intrinsic coordinates is derived. An exact periodic solution of such an equation is then obtained in terms of a modified Fourier series expansion such that the wavenumbers of the various Fourier modes are time dependent. The amplitudes of the Fourier modes and their wavenumbers satisfy a nonlinear system of coupled ordinary differential equations of the Landau type. Solutions of this system display the occurrence of two possible scenarios. In the sub-resonant regime, i.e. when the aspect ratio of the channel is smaller than the resonant value, meandering evolves according to the classical picture: a periodic train of small-amplitude sine-generated meanders migrating downstream evolve into the classical, upstream skewed, train of meanders of Kinoshita type. Evolution displays all the experimentally observed features: the meander growth rate increases up to a maximum and then decreases, while the migration speed decreases monotonically. No equilibrium solutions are found. In the super-resonant regime the picture is essentially reversed: downstream skewing develops while meanders migrate upstream. Numerical solutions of the planimetric evolution equation are obtained for the case when the initial channel pattern exhibits random small perturbations of the straight configuration. Under these conditions, the evolution displays the typical features of solutions of the Ginzburg–Landau equation, in particular, the occurrence of spatial modulations of the meandering pattern which organizes itself in the form of wavegroups. Furthermore, multiple loops develop in the advanced stage of meander growth.
Years of Blindness Lead to “Visualize” Space Through Time

Spatial representation has been widely studied in early blindness, whereas research about late blindness is still limited. We recently demonstrated that the early (50–90 ms) event-related potential (ERP) response observed in sighted people during a spatial bisection task, is altered in early blind people and is influenced by the amount of time spent without vision in late blind individuals. Specifically, in late blind people a shorter period of blindness is associated with strong contralateral activation in occipital cortex and good performance during the spatial task–similar to that of sighted people. In contrast, non-lateralized occipital activation and lower performance characterize late blind individuals who have experienced a longer period of blindness–similar to that of early blind people. However, the same early occipital response activated in sighted individuals by spatial cues has been found to be activated by temporal cues in early blind individuals. Here, we investigate whether a similar temporal attraction can explain the neural and behavioral changes observed after many years of blindness in late blind people. An EEG recording was taken during a spatial bisection task where coherent and conflicting spatio-temporal information was presented. In participants with long blindness duration, the early recruitment of both visual and auditory areas is sensitive to temporal instead of spatial coordinates. These findings highlight some limits of neuroplasticity. Perceptual advantages from cross-sensory calibration during development seem to be subsequently lost following years of visual deprivation. This result has important implications for clinical outcomes following late blindness, highlighting the importance of timing in intervention and rehabilitation programs that activate compensatory strategies soon after sensory loss.
A Systematic Review of Associations Between Interoception, Vagal Tone, and Emotional Regulation: Potential Applications for Mental Health, Wellbeing, Psychological Flexibility, and Chronic Conditions

Background: Interoception and heart rate variability have been found to predict outcomes of mental health and well-being. However, these have usually been investigated independently of one another. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to explore a key gap in the current literature, that being, identifying whether HRV and interoception predict emotional regulation outcomes and strategies. Methods: The process of article retrieval and selection followed the PRISMA guidelines. Databases PsychINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE were scanned for papers published. Preliminary inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified following the PICO framework, whilst the CHARMS framework was used to help formulate the research question, and critically assess for bias. Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven studies were identified after initial database searches. Of these, eight studies were included in the final selection. Six studies explored the associations between HRV and ER, whilst three investigated the associations between interoception and ER (one study included both). Results show that greater HRV and interoception are associated with better ER. Specifically, high parasympathetic activity largely predicted the use of adaptive ER strategies such as reappraisal, and better acceptance of emotions. High interoception, instead, was predictive of effective downregulation of negative emotions and handling of social uncertainty, there was no association with any specific ER strategy. Conclusions: Awareness of one's own bodily feelings and vagal activation seem to be of central importance for the effective regulation of emotional responses. However, one limitation is the small sample of studies found, thus more studies in this area are needed in the future.
Frogs of the Eleutherodactylus Rugulosus Group: A Cladistic Study of Allozyme, Morphological, and Karyological Data

Le groupe Eleutherodactylus rugulosus de Savage (1975) renferme 11 especes nominales de grenouilles distribuees au Mexique et en Amerique centrale. Trois sous-groupes sont reconnus. Le sous-groupe E. fleischmanni renferme E.angelicus, E.escoces, E.fleishmanni et E. punctariolus alors que le sous-groupe E. rugulosus comprend E. azveroensis, E. berkenbuschii, E.brocchi, E.rugulosus, E.taurus et E.viscalis. Le dernier sous-groupe E.merendonensis est monotypique
Uniaxial Static Strain Promotes Osteoblast Proliferation and Bone Matrix Formation in Distraction Osteogenesis In Vitro

Objective We aimed at investigating the effects of uniaxial static strain on osteoblasts in distraction osteogenesis (DO). Methods To simulate the mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts during DO, 10% uniaxial static strain was applied to osteoblasts using a homemade multiunit cell stretching and compressing device. Before and after applying strain stimulation, the morphological changes of osteoblasts were observed by inverted phase-contrast microscopy, Coomassie blue staining, and immunofluorescence. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA levels (proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], ALP, Runx2, osteocalcin [OCN], collagen type I, hypoxia-inducible factor- [HIF-] 1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]), and protein levels (Runx2, OCN, collagen type I, HIF-1α, and VEGF) were evaluated by using ALP kit, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results After the mechanical stimulation, the cytoskeleton microfilaments were rearranged, and the cell growth direction of the osteoblasts became ordered, with their direction being at an angle of about 45° from the direction of strain. The proliferation of osteoblasts and the expression levels of mRNA and protein of ALP, Runx2, OCN, collagen type I, HIF-1α, and VEGF were significantly higher than in the nonstretch control groups. Conclusion Our homemade device can exert uniaxial static strain and promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and bone matrix formation. It can be used to simulate the mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts during DO.
Antiganglioside Antibodies and Inflammatory Response in Cutaneous Melanoma

Introduction Endogenously produced antiganglioside antibodies could affect the evolution of cutaneous melanoma. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest “chronic inflammation” to be one of the hallmarks in skin cancers. The aim of the study was to characterize the relation between antiganglioside antibodies and inflammation in cutaneous melanoma focusing on gangliosides GM1, GM2, GM3, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b. Material and Method. We performed an observational study that included 380 subjects subdivided into three groups: patients with metastatic melanoma (170 cases), patients with primary melanoma (160 cases), and healthy subjects (50 subjects). The assessment of antiganglioside antibodies, IgG, and IgM classes, against -GM1, -GM2, -GM3, -GD1a, -GD1b, -GT1b, -GQ1b was performed using immunoblot technique (EUROLine kit). Results The presence of IgG and IgM antiganglioside antibodies in primary melanoma was (%), as follows: anti-GM1 (5.0 and 13.1), -GM2 (1.8 and 18.1), -GM3 (0.6 and 5.6), -GD1a (0.6 and 15.0), -GD1b (3.7 and 10.7), -GT1b (0.0 and 13.1), -GQ1b (0.0 and 5.0). In metastatic melanoma, the level of antiganglioside antibodies was significantly lower compared with primary melanoma (p < 0.05), while in the control group they were absent. Antiganglioside antibodies anti-GM1 and -GD1a were positively correlated, while anti-GM3, -GD1b, and -GT1b were negatively associated with the inflammatory markers, interleukin 8 (IL-8), and C reactive protein (CRP). Conclusions Tumour ganglioside antigens generate an immune response in patients with primary melanomas. The host's ability to elaborate an early antiganglioside response could be considered as a defence mechanism, directed toward eliminating a danger signal from the tumour microenvironment. Antiganglioside antibodies associated with inflammation markers could be used as diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment tools in patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Transcriptomic study of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis damage in a mouse heart model

Sepsis is an emergency systemic illness caused by pathogen infection and the combined result of the underactivity and overactivity of a patient's own immune system. However, the molecular mechanism of this illness remains largely unknown. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected to establish a sepsis model, and heart tissue was used to analyze transcriptome changes in mice. LPS injection was used to develop a sepsis model, which resulted in cardiac tissue rearrangement and inflammatory response activation. An RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome assay using mouse heart tissue with or without LPS injection showed that 3,326 and 1,769 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively (>2-fold changes; P<0.05). Furthermore, these differentially expressed genes were classified into 20 pathways, including ‘Wnt signaling pathway’, ‘VEGF signaling pathway’ and ‘TGF-β signaling pathway’, and these altered genes were enriched in 41 Gene Ontology terms. The application of Wnt3a inhibited the activation of the LPS-induced inflammatory response and activated Wnt signaling, as well as protecting against LPS-mediated cardiac tissue damage in mice. In contrast, inhibition of Wnt signaling by injection of its inhibitor IWR induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression and resulted in cardiac structure derangement, which was similar to the symptoms caused by injection of LPS, suggesting that LPS-induced damage to heart tissue may be via inhibition of Wnt signaling. The present analyses showed that Wnt signaling serves a pivotal role in sepsis development and may improve our understanding of the molecular basis underlying sepsis.
Naturally Derived Heme-Oxygenase 1 Inducers and Their Therapeutic Application to Immune-Mediated Diseases

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the primary antioxidant enzyme involved in heme group degradation. A variety of stimuli triggers the expression of the inducible HO-1 isoform, which is modulated by its substrate and cellular stressors. A major anti-inflammatory role has been assigned to the HO-1 activity. Therefore, in recent years HO-1 induction has been employed as an approach to treating several disorders displaying some immune alterations components, such as exacerbated inflammation or self-reactivity. Many natural compounds have shown to be effective inductors of HO-1 without cytotoxic effects; among them, most are chemicals present in plants used as food, flavoring, and medicine. Here we discuss some naturally derived compounds involved in HO-1 induction, their impact in the immune response modulation, and the beneficial effect in diverse autoimmune disorders. We conclude that the use of some compounds from natural sources able to induce HO-1 is an attractive lifestyle toward promoting human health. This review opens a new outlook on the investigation of naturally derived HO-1 inducers, mainly concerning autoimmunity.