Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiarrhythmic Effect of the Selective I1‐Imidazoline Receptor Modulator Moxonidine on Ouabain‐Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia in Guinea Pigs

Moxonidine is a centrally acting antihypertensive agent with potent action on I1-imidazoline receptors. Moxonidine as an SIR modulator elicits a persistent reduction in circulating levels of epinephrine, demonstrating a reduction in sympathetic tone. In the first experiment the threshold dose of ouabain needed to induce ventricular arrhythmia and asystole was determined in guinea pigs, and the influence of moxonidine was tested. In a dose range of 0.1-0.4 mg/kg body weight i.v. , moxonidine increased the threshold dose needed to induce ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular beats, ventricular flutter, ventricular fibrillation, and asystole. The effect was dose-dependent and statistically significant. Clonidine, in a dose range of 0.2-0.8 mg/kg body weight i.v. , also increased the threshold dose of ouabain necessary to induce different cardiac rhythm disturbances. Moxonidine was more effective than clonidine. Pretreatment with the alpha 2-receptor and I1-receptor-influencing substances efaroxan, idazoxan, and SKF 86466 attenuated the effect of moxonidine and clonidine. Efaroxan, idazoxan, or SKF 86466 alone reduced the threshold dose of ouabain necessary to induce cardiac arrhythmia as a sign for arrhythmogenic effects. The alpha 1-receptor antagonist prazosin had no influence on ouabain-induced arrhythmia. Pretreatment with prazosin reduced the moxonidine but not the clonidine effect. In the second experiment the influence of moxonidine on aconitine-induced extrasystoles (ES) in the spontaneously beating guinea pig auricle was investigated. Moxonidine in a dose of 10(-7)-10(-8) M reduced the number of ES. A 10-fold higher dose had no influence on ES number. The beta-blocking agent propranolol showed antiarrhythmic effects in both methods. The ouabain-induced cardiac arrhythmia is associated with increased sympathetic tone on central stimulation. The reduced sympathetic tone by centrally acting moxonidine via imidazoline receptors seems responsible for the antiarrhythmic effect of this drug. Clonidine also reduced the sympathetic tone via imidazoline receptor. The selectivity of clonidine to imidazoline receptors is less pronounced than is that of moxonidine. The interaction of moxonidine with imidazoline receptors is not clear. The possible interaction between imidazoline and alpha-adrenoceptors in relation to the antiarrhythmic effect of moxonidine or clonidine is also unknown. Modulation of imidazoline receptors by moxonidine could be an agonistic effect or an antagonism to an endogenous agonistic or antagonistic substance and vice versa.
Animal Model Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition by N G -Nitro- L Arginine Methyl Ester Inhibits Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis in Mammary Tumors

Using a murine breast cancer model, we earlier found a positive correlation between the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and tumor progression; treatment with inhibitors of NOS, N G -methyl- L -argi-nine (NMMA) and N G -nitro- L -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), had antitumor and antimetastatic effects that were partly attributed to reduced tumor cell invasiveness. In the present study, we used a novel in vivo model of tumor angiogenesis using subcutaneous implants of tumor cells suspended in growth factor-reduced Matrigel to examine the angiogenic role of NO in a highly metastatic murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. This cell line, C3L5, expresses endothelial (e) NOS in vitro and in vivo , and inducible (i) NOS in vitro on stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon- g . Female C3H/HeJ mice received subcutaneous implants of growth factor-reduced Matrigel inclusive of C3L5 cells on one side, and on the contralateral side, Matrigel alone; L-NAME and D-NAME (inactive enantiomer) were subsequently ad-ministered for 14 days using osmotic minipumps. Immediately after sacrifice, implants were removed and processed for immunolocalization of eNOS and iNOS proteins, and measurement of angiogenesis. Neovascularization was quantified in sections stained with Masson’s trichrome or immunostained for the endothelial cell specific CD31 antigen. While most tumor cells and endothelial cells expressed immuno-reactive eNOS protein, iNOS was localized in endothelial cells and some macrophages within the tumor-inclusive implants. Measurable angiogenesis occurred only
Magnetic Circular Dichroism in Electron Microscopy

Although the analogies between the electron energy loss spectra and X-ray absorption spectra were recognized long ago, the possibility to observe the magnetic circular dichroism in the electron microscope was demonstrated only recently. This technique combines the atom specificity with the high spatial resolution of the transmission electron microscope. Being a very young technique, there are still many open questions concerning the optimization of the signal to noise ratio. In this paper we study the dichroic signal dependence on the sample thickness, acceleration voltage and incoming beam tilt angle of bcc-Fe and fcc-Ni.
The Texas Twin Project

Socioeconomic position, racial/ethnic minority status, and other characteristics of the macro-environment may be important moderators of genetic influence on a wide array of psychosocial outcomes. Designed to maximize representation of low socioeconomic status families and racial/ethnic minorities, the Texas Twin Project is an ongoing study of school-age twins (preschool through 12th grade) enrolled in public schools in the Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas metropolitan areas. School rosters are used to identify twin families from a target population with sizable populations of African American (18%), Hispanic/Latino (48%), and non-Hispanic White (27%) children and adolescents, over half of whom meet US guidelines for classification as economically disadvantaged. Initial efforts have focused on a large-scale, family-based survey study involving both parent and child reports of personality, psychopathology, physical health, academic interests, parent–child relationships, and aspects of the home environment. In addition, the Texas Twin Project is the basis for an in-laboratory study of adolescent decision-making, delinquency, and substance use. Future directions include geographic expansion of the sample to the entire state of Texas (with a population of over 25 million) and genotyping of participating twins.
Panel-based bathymetric SLAM with a multibeam echosounder

A bathymetric Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm is presented which is capable of mapping elevation changes in undulating seabed terrain and simultaneously localizing the vehicles position relative to the constructed terrain elevation map. The algorithm enables to marine vehicles navigate and build a map autonomously in a GPS-denied environment. In the proposed formulation, the terrain elevation is represented using a number of rectangular surface panels, and the elevation vectors at four corners of every panel are introduced into map states in the SLAM filter. Experimental results are presented using a underwater surface vehicle (USV) equipped with a multibeam echosounder (MBE) to verify and demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Regulation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin expression: analysis of the promoter regions of leukotoxic and minimally leukotoxic strains

The leukotoxin of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated as a virulence determinant in various human infections and is encoded by a multigene operon consisting of four known genes, designated ltxC, ltxA, ltxB, and ltxD. The ltx operon appears to be present in all A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, but levels of toxin expression vary greatly among strains. Thus, to gain a better understanding of the expression and regulation of the ltx operon, we have analyzed the ltx promoters of a highly toxic (JP2) and a minimally toxic (652) strain of A. actinomycetemcomitans. The nucleotide sequence of the JP2 ltx promoter contains -10 and -35 elements situated 350 bases upstream of ltxC, and primer extension of JP2 RNA confirmed that they are functional in vivo. However, a second primer extension product of 40 bases was present, and analysis of a series of truncated JP2 promoters fused to lacZ suggested that the region immediately upstream of ltxC also promotes transcription in Escherichia coli. These results suggest that two promoters may direct ltx expression in JP2. In addition, a small open reading frame capable of encoding a peptide of 78 amino acids was identified upstream of ltxC. Northern blots showed that this open reading frame is transcribed as part of a 4.2-kb mRNA, a transcript not previously identified as being derived from the ltx operon. In contrast, strain 652 expresses low steady-state levels of ltx mRNA, and its intact ltx promoter was inefficient in transcribing lacZ in E. coli. The nucleotide sequence of the 652 promoter is similar to that of the JP2 promoter but contains a region of 530 bp that is not present in JP2. Of 15 additional strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans that were analyzed, 13 contained promoters resembling the 652 sequence and 2 possessed JP2-like promoters. Both strains possessing the JP2-like promoter expressed 10- to 20-fold-higher levels of leukotoxin than did the strains possessing promoters resembling the 652 promoter. These results suggest that high levels of leukotoxin expression may correlate with the presence of the JP2-like promoter.
The process of processing: exploring the validity of Neisser's perceptual cycle model with accounts from critical decision-making in the cockpit

The perceptual cycle model (PCM) has been widely applied in ergonomics research in domains including road, rail and aviation. The PCM assumes that information processing occurs in a cyclical manner drawing on top-down and bottom-up influences to produce perceptual exploration and actions. However, the validity of the model has not been addressed. This paper explores the construct validity of the PCM in the context of aeronautical decision-making. The critical decision method was used to interview 20 helicopter pilots about critical decision-making. The data were qualitatively analysed using an established coding scheme, and composite PCMs for incident phases were constructed. It was found that the PCM provided a mutually exclusive and exhaustive classification of the information-processing cycles for dealing with critical incidents. However, a counter-cycle was also discovered which has been attributed to skill-based behaviour, characteristic of experts. The practical applications and future research questions are discussed. Practitioner Summary: This paper explores whether information processing, when dealing with critical incidents, occurs in the manner anticipated by the perceptual cycle model. In addition to the traditional processing cycle, a reciprocal counter-cycle was found. This research can be utilised by those who use the model as an accident analysis framework.
An overview of IT service management

“To the majority of computer scientists, whether in academia or industry, the term “services” is associated with Web services and service-oriented architectures. However, there is a broader story to be told of the remarkable growth of the service sector, which has come to dominate economic activity in most advanced economies over the last 50 years. The opportunity to innovate in services, to realize business and societal value from knowledge about service, to research, develop, and deliver new information services and business services, has never been greater. ”
! 1 ! What type of controlling investors impact on which elements of corporate social responsibility ?

Using a large sample of 3,541 companies drawn from 30 countries over the period 2002 to 2010 we analyse the impact of strategic shareholdings on different elements of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find that total strategic or closely held equity holdings adversely affect the environmental, social and governance scores provided by ASSET4. However, this effect is largely driven by entrenched and undiversified holdings such as family and corporate cross-holdings whereas diversified institutional investments typically have an insignificant impact. The influence of undiversified holdings includes particularly strong negative impacts on measures that include climate change, environmental management, business ethics and human rights. Thus the impact of ownership on CSR performance differs depending on both the type of owner and the type of CSR.
LIFETIME INBREEDING DEPRESSION, PURGING, AND MATING SYSTEM EVOLUTION IN A SIMULTANEOUS HERMAPHRODITE TAPEWORM

Classical theory on mating system evolution suggests that simultaneous hermaphrodites should either outcross if they have high inbreeding depression (ID) or self‐fertilize if they have low ID. However, a mixture of selfing and outcrossing persists in many species. Previous studies with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus have found worms to self‐fertilize some of their eggs despite ID. The probability for selfing to spread depends on the relative fitness of selfers, as well as the genetic basis for ID and whether it can be effectively purged. We bred S. solidus through two consecutive generations of selfing and recorded several fitness correlates over the whole life cycle. After one round of selfing, ID was pronounced, particularly in early‐life traits, and the conservatively estimated lifetime fitness of selfed progeny was only 9% that of the outcrossed controls. After a second generation of selfing, ID remained high but was significantly reduced in several traits, which is consistent with the purging of deleterious recessive alleles (the estimated load of lethal equivalents dropped by 48%). Severe ID, even if it can be rapidly purged, likely prevents transitions toward pure selfing in this parasite, although we also cannot exclude the possibility that low‐level selfing has undetected benefits.
Implementation of a multi-pixel sub-mm wave imaging receiver

This paper presents the design, fabrication and measurement of a sub-harmonic receiver for imaging applications. The measured results show noise temperature values below 1000°K with low LO power levels; i.e., 2.5mW. Furthermore, the design of a full receiver system composed by 8 sub-harmonic mixers is also envisaged.
Effects of temporal chunking on speech recall

It is established that temporal grouping or “chunking” arises in serial recall as it does in speech. For instance, chunking appears in common tasks like remembering series such as phone numbers. In the present study, we examine how detected chunks in meaningless strings of syllables and meaningful utterances influence memory. We use a Sternberg task where listeners identify whether a heard item was part of a presented context. Such tasks serve to explore if working memory operates in terms of chunks and is influenced by meaning. Observations using evoked potentials ensured that chunks in the heard stimuli were detected by the 20 listeners. The results showed that, for meaningless series, chunk size and position significantly affected listeners’ recall and their response times. However, there were no such effects for meaningful utterances. This suggests that memory of novel series operates by chunks. But in dealing with sequences of items that are already in long-term store, chunks may not have a dominant influence on working memory.
Proteome analysis of chick embryonic cerebrospinal fluid

During early stages of embryo development, the brain cavity is filled with embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (E‐CSF), a complex fluid containing different protein fractions that contributes to the regulation of the survival, proliferation and neurogenesis of the neuroectodermal stem cells. Using 2‐DE, protein sequencing and database searches, we identified and analyzed the proteome of the E‐CSF from chick embryos (Gallus gallus). We identified 26 different gene products, including proteins related to the extracellular matrix, proteins associated with the regulation of osmotic pressure and metal transport, proteins related to cell survival, MAP kinase activators, proteins involved in the transport of retinol and vitamin D, antioxidant and antimicrobial proteins, intracellular proteins and some unknown proteins. Most of these gene products are involved in the regulation of developmental processes during embryogenesis in systems other than E‐CSF. Interestingly, 14 of them are also present in adult human CSF proteome, and it has been reported that they are altered in the CSF of patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases and/or neurological disorders. Understanding these molecules and the mechanisms they control during embryonic neurogenesis is a key contribution to the general understanding of CNS development, and may also contribute to greater knowledge of these human diseases.
A minimal degree not realizing least possible jump

The least possible jump for a degree of unsolvability a is its join a ∪ 0′ with 0′. Friedberg [1] showed that each degree b ≥ 0′ is the jump of a degree a realizing least possible jump (i.e., satisfying the equation a′ = a ∪ 0′). Sacks (cf. Stillwell [8]) showed that most (in the sense of Lebesgue measure) degrees realize least possible jump. Nevertheless, degrees not realizing least possible jump are easily found (e.g., any degree b ≥ 0′) even among the degrees <0′ (cf. Shoenfield [5]) and the recursively enumerable (r.e.) degrees (cf. Sacks [3]). A degree is called minimal if it is minimal in the natural partial ordering of degrees excluding least element 0. The existence of minimal degrees <0” was first shown by Spector [7]; Sacks [3] succeeded in replacing 0” by 0′ using a priority argument. Yates [9] asked whether all minimal degrees <0′ realize least possible jump after showing that some do by exhibiting minimal degrees below each r.e. degree. Cooper [2] subsequently showed that each degree b > 0′ is the jump of a minimal degree which, as corollary to his method of proof, realizes least possible jump. We show with the aid of a simple combinatorial device applied to a minimal degree construction in the manner of Spector [7] that not all minimal degrees realize least possible jump. We have observed in conjunction with S. B. Cooper and R. Epstein that the new combinatorial device may also be applied to minimal degree constructions in the manner of Sacks [3], Shoenfield [6] or [4] in order to construct minimal degrees <0′ not realizing least possible jump. This answers Yates' question in the negative. Yates [10], however, has been able to draw this as an immediate corollary of the weaker result by carrying out the proof in his new system of prioric games.
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Centrally Acting Antiobesity Drugs

Introduction: Central neurochemical systems including the monoamine, opioid, and cannabinoid systems have been promising targets for antiobesity drugs that modify behavioral components of obesity. In addition to modulating eating behavior, centrally acting antiobesity drugs are also likely to alter emotional behavior and cognitive function due to the high expression of receptors for the neurochemical systems targeted by these drugs within the fronto‐striatal and limbic circuitry. Methods: This paper reviewed the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of past and current antiobesity drugs, with a central mechanism of action, linking the adverse effects to their underlying neural substrates and neurochemistry. Results: Antiobesity drugs were found to have varying neuropsychiatric adverse event profiles. Insomnia was the most common adverse effect with drugs targeting monoamine systems (sibutramine, bupropion and tesofensine). These drugs had some positive effects on mood and anxiety and may have added therapeutic benefits in obese patients with comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. Sedation and tiredness were the most common adverse effects reported with drugs targeting the m‐opioid receptors (i.e., naltrexone) and combination therapies targeting the opioid and monoamine systems (i.e., Contrave™). Cognitive impairments were most frequently associated with the antiepileptic drugs, topiramate and zonisamide, consistent with their sedative properties. Drugs targeting the cannabinoid system (rimonabant and taranabant) were consistently associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, including reports of suicidal ideation. Similar adverse events have also been noted for the D1/D5 antagonist ecopipam. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to assess neuropsychiatric adverse events comprehensively using sensitive and validated methods early in the clinical development of candidate antiobesity drugs with a central mechanism of action.
Population Abundance and Disease Transmission Potential of Snail intermediate hosts of Human Schistosomiasis in Fishing Communities of Mwanza Region, North-western, Tanzania

: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem with estimated 240 million cases worldwide whereby more than 90% of these occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania is ranked second after Nigeria in terms of disease burden with prevalence of infection as higher as 100% in some communities. We conducted a cross-sectional malacological survey to examine for abundance, identity and disease transmission potential of snails in fishing communities of Mwanza region, Tanzania. Snails were collected from selected sites with high human water contact using standard methods. The most abundant snails species were Biomphalaria sudanica which accounted for 81.25% (n=1470) of snails collected. Bulinus nasutus was the second abundant snail accounting for 13.87% (n=251) while Bulinus globosus was the least abundant snail accounting for 4.86% (n=88). Only 0.57% (n=11) of collected Biomphalaria snails were shedding S. mansoni cercariae while none of the Bulinus snail species were shedding cercariae. Vegetation cover was significantly associated with snail abundance (P<0.001). A positive correlation between water temperature and snail abundance was observed. No correlation was found between pH and snail abundance. The low numbers of snails shedding schistosome cercariae could be as a result of many factors including timing of the study in relation to transmission season.
On-line Tuning of Controllers for Systems with Constraints

Model Predictive Control (MPC) is traditionally applied to slow processes. Recently, an explicit solution to MPC was introduced, offering a possibility to extend the area of application to high-bandwidth processes. One of the main drawbacks of the explicit form of MPC is the loss of flexibility to adjust the objective of the controller on-line. We address this issue for constrained time-invariant discrete-time linear systems by defining a parameterized cost function based on piecewise linear norms. An explicit solution to MPC is obtained by solving a more general formulation of a multi-parametric linear program (mpLP), where both the cost and the constraints are parameter dependent. This fully parameterized explicit solution enables a re-adjustment of the parameters of the cost during the controller operation, without need for recomputation of the explicit solution. Furthermore, we show that the properties of the solution for the specific problem setup make stability analysis for a range of control parameters straightforward, providing bounds on the tunable parameters of the cost for which invariance and stability of the closed-loop system are preserved.