Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE CONTRIBUTION OF EXTRANEURONAL UPTAKE TO THE TRACHEA‐BLOOD VESSEL SELECTIVITY OF β‐ADRENOCEPTOR STIMULANTS in vitro IN GUINEA‐PIGS

1 The potencies relative to isoprenaline of isoetharine, tertiary butyl noradrenaline, salbutamol, orciprenaline, Me 506, rimiterol, fenoterol, carbuterol and terbutaline on isolated preparations of guinea‐pig trachea and blood vessels (perfused hind limb) were determined. All the compounds were selective for trachea and selectivity values, i.e. relative potency on trachea divided by relative potency on hind limb, ranged from 2.3 to 21.4. 2 Responses to isoprenaline (the reference compound), tertiary butyl noradrenaline and isoetharine were potentiated on trachea by 50 μm phenoxybenzamine (PHB) and by other inhibitors of extraneuronal uptake (ENU). Under these conditions the selectivity values of all the compounds was close to unity. 3 Selectivity values were also close to unity if they were calculated from data obtained without ENU inhibition, provided that only those compounds not potentiated by PHB on trachea were used. 4 It is proposed that the trachea‐blood vessel selectivity shown by β‐adrenoceptor stimulants can be caused by the influence of ENU upon them, rather than by their ability to distinguish between two β2‐adrenoceptors. 5 The suggestion that differences exist between β2‐adrenoceptors in respiratory and vascular smooth muscle is not supported by the in vitro experiments described.
Capitalism, Democracy, and the Degrowth Horizon

ABSTRACT This papers seeks to contribute to a dialogue between the degrowth perspective and Marxist approaches on the sources and possible solutions to the ongoing ecological crisis of capitalism. While I agree with the general critique that the degrowth movement has raised not only against the consequences of growth but also against the idea of growth itself, I argue that the root causes of the destructive character of capitalism are not to be found in growth, but in capitalist accumulation. I present my reading of three of Marx’s most important contributions to our understanding of capitalism and argue for an understanding that puts the emphasis on the separation of the labourers from the means of production, alienated labour, the imperative and the dynamic of competition, and the limited nature of liberal democracy. I argue that growth could be greened in a post-capitalist society if the institutions and dynamics that drive capitalist accumulation were abolished and full democracy was established. The paper ends with a description of how the Zapatista movement in Chiapas and the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) in Brazil managed to unevenly and contradictorily challenge and subvert some of the social institutions and dynamics that sustain capitalist accumulation.
Business Incentive Controls and Political Bargaining: Performance Agreements and Clawback Clauses in American Cities*

This study examines factors that influence the use of performance agreements with clawback clauses as a means of controlling economic develop- ment incentives. The author advances a bargaining model based on networks as a lens for understanding development subsidies and controls. While a financially weak local government and local governments that primarily interact with private organizations tend to more loosely implement performance agreements and clawback clauses, local governments in areas with a business sector dominated by large companies and local governments that interact with public organizations tend to more strictly apply them. Another interesting finding is that bargaining conditions based on network relationships play an important role in the decision to always implement performance agreements with clawback clauses and that poor bargaining conditions result in local governments negotiating less binding arrangements. The results verify the utility of a bargaining approach and suggest that local governments can help to encourage more accountable and cost-efficient economic development by carefully managing bargaining conditions and net- works.
The cytotoxic and genetoxic effects of dust and soil samples from E-waste recycling area on L 02 cells

Electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) has now become the fastest growing solid waste around the world. Primitive recycling operations for E-waste have resulted in severe contamination of toxic metals and organic chemicals in the related areas. In this study, six dust and soil samples collected from E-waste recycling workshops and open-burning sites in Longtang were analyzed to investigate their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on L02 cells. These six samples were: dust No. 1 collected at the gate of the workshop; dust No. 2 collected from air conditioning compressor dismantling site; dust No. 3 collected from where some motors, wires, and aluminium products since the 1980s were dismantled; soil No. 1 collected at the circuit board acid washing site; soil No. 2 collected from a wire open-burning site; soil No. 3 collected near a fiber open-burning site. At the same time, two control soil samples were collected from farmlands approximately 8 km away from the dismantling workshops. The results showed that all of these samples could inhibit cell proliferation and cause cell membrane lesion, among which dust No. 3 and soil No. 2 had the strongest toxicity. Moreover, the comet assay showed that the dust No. 3 had the most significant capability to cause DNA single-strand beaks (SSB), while the road dust (dust No. 1) collected at the gate of the workshop, a relatively farer site, showed the slightest capability to induce DNA SSB. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection showed that ROS level was elevated with the increase of dust and soil samples concentration. Dust No. 3 and soil No. 2 had the highest ROS level, followed by dust No. 2 and 1, soil No. 3 and 1. All of the above results indicated that polluted soil and dust from the E-waste area had cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on L02 cells, the mechanism might involve the increased ROS level and consequent DNA SSB.
Photo-dielectric polymers material characterizations for 3D packaging applications

When considering wafer level packaging (WLP) applications, the use of dielectric polymer materials becomes more relevant for reliability performance. Indeed, polymer materials can have excellent dielectric performances with a processability at lower thermal balance. Their mechanical properties also offer a better compliance between the silicon 3D stack and the organic substrate underneath, improving the overall Front-End / Back End compatibility. This study reports the thermo-mechanical behavior and properties evaluation of the most advanced photo-sensitive dielectric polymers with higher resolution available in the market. It will allow direct comparisons between different dielectric polymer materials with the focus of stress control and thermal stability. First part of the paper will present thermal and mechanical characterization of these polymers performed with the same experimental conditions. Second part will present the advantages and limitations of each measurement characterization technique. And finally, the most relevant characterizations will be extracted in order to compare such dielectric polymers for 3D packaging applications.
An Intervention to Improve Adherence and Management of Symptoms for Patients Prescribed Oral Chemotherapy Agents: An Exploratory Study

Background: Use of oral chemotherapy agents to treat cancer has increased. Patients are responsible for adhering to complex regimens while managing symptoms from adverse effects of the chemotherapy. Objective: This study examined an intervention to manage symptoms and adherence to oral agents. Methods: A 3-group pilot study determined how an Automated Voice Response (AVR) system alone (n = 40), or the AVR with strategies to manage symptoms and adherence (n = 40), or the AVR with strategies to manage adherence (n = 39) reduced symptom severity and improved adherence. Participants received a Symptom Management Toolkit, completed a baseline interview, and were randomized to receive 8 weekly AVR calls. An exit interview occurred at 10 weeks. Results: Mean age was 59.6 years, with 70% female and 76% white, and 42% were nonadherent, with missed doses increasing with regimen complexity. Symptom severity declined over time in all groups. No difference was found in adherence rates, and higher adherence was related with lower symptom severity across groups. Conclusions: Adherence, a significant clinical problem, can affect efficacy of the cancer treatment. The AVR intervention alone was just as effective as the AVR plus the nurse intervention at promoting adherence and managing symptoms from adverse effects. Implications for Practice: Nurses need to focus on patient education by ensuring patient understanding of oral agent regimen and the need to adhere to the oral agent for efficacious cancer treatment. Nurses can promote the use of medication reminders and self-management of symptoms from adverse effects, to support adherence to the oral agent.
Don't Blame Conflict for the Adverse Consequences: A Study in Conflict Management

Much research has been conducted in the field of conflict management and its impact on the negative and positive consequences but little research has taken place in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The main purpose of this paper was to know the impact of some variables on the positive and negative consequences of conflict in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Survey method was used and data was obtained from two public and two private sector universities through questionnaire. Results show that Integrating and obliging strategies increased the positive consequences while dominating and avoiding strategies were found to increase the negative consequences. Similarly, structural issues and limited resources were found to invite negative consequences of conflict in the HEIs of KP. Interpersonal conflict had also significant negative impact on the consequences. Hence, conflict itself is not harmful but other variables make it harmful and destructive. The findings of this research form a base for helpful recommendations for educational administrators in encouraging the practice of positive conflict management strategies and for employees who want to maintain the peaceful environment in their respective institutions.
BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM LEAFY BIOMASS OF MANGO (Mangifera indica) INVOLVING NATURALLY ISOLATED AND RECOMBINANT ENZYMES

The present study describes the usage of dried leafy biomass of mango (Mangifera indica) containing 26.3% (w/w) cellulose, 54.4% (w/w) hemicellulose, and 16.9% (w/w) lignin, as a substrate for bioethanol production from Zymomonas mobilis and Candida shehatae. The substrate was subjected to two different pretreatment strategies, namely, wet oxidation and an organosolv process. An ethanol concentration (1.21 g/L) was obtained with Z. mobilis in a shake-flask simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) trial using 1% (w/v) wet oxidation pretreated mango leaves along with mixed enzymatic consortium of Bacillus subtilis cellulase and recombinant hemicellulase (GH43), whereas C. shehatae gave a slightly higher (8%) ethanol titer of 1.31 g/L. Employing 1% (w/v) organosolv pretreated mango leaves and using Z. mobilis and C. shehatae separately in the SSF, the ethanol titers of 1.33 g/L and 1.52 g/L, respectively, were obtained. The SSF experiments performed with 5% (w/v) organosolv-pretreated substrate along with C. shehatae as fermentative organism gave a significantly enhanced ethanol titer value of 8.11 g/L using the shake flask and 12.33 g/L at the bioreactor level. From the bioreactor, 94.4% (v/v) ethanol was recovered by rotary evaporator with 21% purification efficiency.
First-principles study of elastic and stability properties of ZrC–ZrN and ZrC–TiC alloys

Ab initio calculations of the elastic constants for several cubic ordered structures of zirconium carbonitride (ZrCxN1−x) and zirconium–titanium carbide (ZrxTi1−xC) alloys were carried out. The calculations of total and formation energies, bulk modulus and elastic constants as functions of composition were performed with an ab initio pseudo-potential method. The predicted equilibrium lattice parameters are slightly higher than those found experimentally (on average by 0.2–0.4%). The predicted formation energies indicate that the ZrCxN1−x alloys are stable even at 0 K in the whole concentration range, while the homogeneous ZrxTi1−xC alloys can be stabilized only at high temperatures. Spinodal decomposition of the latter alloys into cubic domains takes place over a wide range of compositions and temperatures. For the carbonitrides, the shear modulus G, the Young’s modulus E and the Poisson ratio σ reach an extremum for carbon-rich alloys, and this is attributed to a maximum value of the shear modulus C44 that corresponds to a valence-electron concentration in the range of 8.2–8.3. This extremal behavior finds its origin in the response of the band structure of ZrCxN1−x alloys for 0≤x≤1, caused by the monoclinic strain that determines this shear modulus. In contrast, the other shear modulus does not exhibit any extremum over the whole composition range. These results are in contrast with those for Zr–Ti carbides for which the elastic properties gradually increase from ZrC to TiC.
Expanding Youth Employment in the Arab Region and Africa

The low level and adverse trends of youth employment in Africa and in the Middle East in the last decade are key driving factors of poverty, stress migration, frustration and political instability. There needs to be a sense of urgency to change the situation. How can employment, especially for youth, be created rapidly in these regions? The paper discusses different policies for the generation of mass employment of both skilled and unskilled labor. The sectoral priorities differ within the regions, with rural and agricultural jobs playing a more significant role in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Both SSA and the Arab region show potentials for largescale public works programs. Un-orthodox economic policy actions are called for due to the pressing nature of the youth unemployment situation. These policies should aim at generating productive employment improving skills, and can be implemented both at the central and at the local level. Countries should be responsible for ownership, accountability and self-monitoring of policies and programs. Large scale international funding support should be considered when planning, implementation and supervision are actually credible and results oriented.
The GDC1 Gene Encodes a Novel Ankyrin Domain-Containing Protein That Is Essential for Grana Formation in Arabidopsis1[OA]

In land-plant chloroplasts, the grana play multiple roles in photosynthesis, including the potential increase of photosynthetic capacity in light and enhancement of photochemical efficiency in shade. However, the molecular mechanisms of grana formation remain elusive. Here, we report a novel gene, Grana-Deficient Chloroplast1 (GDC1), required for chloroplast grana formation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In the chloroplast of knockout mutant gdc1-3, only stromal thylakoids were observed, and they could not stack together to form appressed grana. The mutant exhibited seedling lethality with pale green cotyledons and true leaves. Further blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that the trimeric forms of Light-Harvesting Complex II (LHCII) were scarcely detected in gdc1-3, confirming previous reports that the LHCII trimer is essential for grana formation. The Lhcb1 protein, the major component of the LHCIIb trimer, was substantially reduced, and another LHCIIb trimer component, Lhcb2, was slightly reduced in the gdc1-3 mutant, although their transcription levels were not altered in the mutant. This suggests that defective LHCII trimer formation in gdc1-3 is due to low amounts of Lhcb1 and Lhcb2. GDC1 encodes a chloroplast protein with an ankyrin domain within the carboxyl terminus. It was highly expressed in Arabidopsis green tissues, and its expression was induced by photosignaling pathways. Immunoblot analysis of the GDC1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein in 35S::GDC1-GFP transgenic plants with GFP antibody indicates that GDC1 is associated with an approximately 440-kD thylakoid protein complex instead of the LHCII trimer. This shows that GDC1 may play an indirect role in LHCII trimerization during grana formation.
Variation in Chemotactic Preferences of Aphanomyces cochlioides Zoospores to Flavonoids

The zoospores of the phytopathogenic Aphanomyces cochlioides are chemotactically attracted by a host-specific flavone, cochliophilin A (5-hydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavone), and repelled from the mammalian estrogens or estrogenic compounds. This study further examined the responses of A. cochlioides zoospores to some flavonoids structurally related to cochliophilin A or compounds known as phytoestrogens. The bioassay revealed that some synthetic flavones (such as 6-methyl-4'-methoxyflavone, 3-hydroxy-4´methoxyfl avone, 7-hydroxy- 5-methylflavone, 3-hydroxy-4´methoxy-6-methylflavone) elicited attractant activity at concentrations as low as picomolar (10 pM), which was an 100-fold lower concentration than that of the threshold concentration of the host-specifi c attractant cochliophilin A. Apparently, a hydrophobic B-ring with an alkylated (methylated) A-ring or a methoxylated B-ring with an unsubstituted A-ring in the flavone skeleton played a significant role in higher attractant activity. On the other hand, all known estrogenic flavonoids (such as equol, 3´ or 8-prenylated naringenins) displayed potent repellent activity toward zoospores. Surprisingly, zoospores were attracted by non-estrogenic 6-prenylated naringenin indicating that repellent activity is linked to the estrogenic activity of the phytoestrogens.
Phenotypic expression of tissue mosaicism in a 45,X/46,X,dicY(q11.2) female.

We describe a girl who presented at the age of 11 years with short stature. She had female external genitalia and some clinical features of Turner syndrome. At laparotomy a uterus and Fallopian tubes and small gonad-like tissue masses in the region of the Fallopian fimbria were found. The tissue masses were removed and histological examination revealed no organized testicular or ovarian morphology. Remnants of Fallopian tubes, epididymis, and clusters of Leydig cells were seen but no Sertoli cells were found. Endocrine studies showed levels of sex hormones consistent with primary gonadal failure. G-banding analysis of 16 blood lymphocytes revealed the karyotype 46,X,dicY(q11.2) in all cells. Varying proportions of X and Y centromeres in blood lymphocytes, skin fibroblasts, and in the incompletely formed Wolffian and Müllerian duct derivatives were demonstrated by FISH. Molecular studies confirmed the absence of most of the long arm of the Y chromosome and an intact short arm. The SRY gene was shown to be present, but we presume that due to the mosaicism the dose was insufficient to allow normal testicular development.
The effects of cannabis on memory function in users with and without a psychotic disorder: findings from a combined meta-analysis

Background. Effect of cannabis use on memory function is a contentious issue, with effects being different in healthy individuals and patients with psychosis. Method. Employing a meta-analytic approach we investigated the effects of cannabis use on memory function in patients with psychosis and healthy individuals, and the effect of diagnosis, memory dimension and moderating factors. A total of 88 studies were identified through a systematic literature search, investigating healthy (n = 7697) and psychotic (n = 3261) individuals. Standardized mean differences between the cannabis user and non-user groups on memory tasks were estimated using random-effects models and the effect-size statistic Cohen's d. Effects of potential moderating factors were tested using mixed-effects models and subgroup analyses. Results. We found that cannabis use was associated with significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) impaired global (d = 0.27) and prospective memory (d = 0.61), verbal immediate (d = 0.40) and delayed (d = 0.36) recall as well as visual recognition (d = 0.41) in healthy individuals, but a better global memory (d = −0.11), visual immediate recall (d = −0.73) and recognition (d = −0.42) in patients. Lower depression scores and younger age appeared to attenuate the effects of cannabis on memory. Cannabis-using patients had lower levels of depression and were younger compared with non-using patients, whilst healthy cannabis-users had higher depression scores than age-matched non-users. Longer duration of abstinence from cannabis reduced the effects on memory in healthy and patient users. Conclusions. These results suggest that cannabis use is associated with a significant domain-specific impairment in memory in healthy individuals but not in cannabis-using patients, suggesting that they may represent a less developmentally impaired subgroup of psychotic patients.
Dysregulated myelopoiesis and hematopoietic function following acute physiologic insult

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to describe recent findings in the context of previous work regarding dysregulated myelopoiesis and hematopoietic function following an acute physiologic insult, focusing on the expansion and persistence of myeloid-deriver suppressor cells, the deterioration of lymphocyte number and function, and the inadequacy of stress erythropoiesis. Recent findings Persistent myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expansion among critically ill septic patients is associated with T-cell suppression, vulnerability to nosocomial infection, chronic critical illness, and poor long-term functional status. Multiple approaches targeting MDSC expansion and suppressor cell activity may serve as a primary or adjunctive therapeutic intervention. Traumatic injury and the neuroendocrine stress response suppress bone marrow erythropoietin receptor expression in a process that may be reversed by nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. Hepcidin-mediated iron-restricted anemia of critical illness requires further investigation of novel approaches involving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron administration, and hepcidin modulation. Summary Emergency myelopoiesis is a dynamic process with unique phenotypes for different physiologic insults and host factors. Following an acute physiologic insult, critically ill patients are subject to persistent MDSC expansion, deterioration of lymphocyte number and function, and inadequate stress erythropoiesis. Better strategies are required to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies.
Temperature‐dependent FlgM/FliA complex formation regulates Campylobacter jejuni flagella length

Regulation of the biosynthesis of the flagellar filament in bacteria containing multiple flagellin genes is not well understood. The major food‐borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni possesses on both poles a flagellum that consists of two different flagellin subunits, FlaA and FlaB. Here we identify the protein Cj1464 as a regulator of C. jejuni flagellin biosynthesis. The protein shares characteristics of the FlgM family of anti‐σ factor proteins: it represses transcription of σ28‐dependent genes, forms a complex with σ factor FliA, and is secreted through the flagellar filament. However, unlike other FlgM proteins, the interaction of C. jejuni FlgM with FliA is regulated by temperature and the protein does not inhibit FliA activity during the formation of the hook‐basal body complex (HBB). Instead, C. jejuni FlgM limits the length of the flagellar filament by suppressing the synthesis of both the σ28‐ and the σ54‐dependent flagellins. The main function of the C. jejuni FlgM therefore is not to silence σ28‐dependent genes until the HBB is completed, but to prevent unlimited elongation of the flagellum, which otherwise leads to reduced bacterial motility.