Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Ephedrine and the Role of α Subtype Adrenoreceptors in the Vascular Bed of the Cat Lung

In a university research laboratory and in separate experiments, the effects of phentolamine, the α-adrenergic antagonist; prazosin, an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist; 5-methyl-urapidil, the selective α1A-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; chloroethylclonidine, an α1B- and α1D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist; and BMY 7378, a selective α1D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist were analyzed in an attempt to identify any significant effect on pulmonary arterial responses to ephedrine and other agonist agents in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat. Under constant flow conditions, lobar arterial perfusion pressure and systemic pressure were continuously monitored, electronically averaged, and permanently recorded. In the isolated left lower lobe of the pulmonary feline vascular bed, ephedrine induced a dose-dependent vasoconstrictor response that was not significantly altered following administration of 5-methyl-urapidil. The vasopressor activity as a result of ephedrine was significantly decreased after administration of phentolamine, prazosin, chloroethylclonidine, and BMY 7378. Further, when the α1B- and α1D-subtype adrenoceptor antagonist chloroethylclonidine was given, there was almost complete elimination of the ephedrine-induced vasoconstrictor response. The results of this study suggest that ephedrine causes a dose-dependent vasopressor response in the feline pulmonary vascular bed and that this activity may be mediated or modulated by both α1B- and α1D-subtype adrenoceptor sensitive pathways.
Beyond A Beautiful Mind: Film Choices for Teaching Schizophrenia

For psychiatric educators interested in using film to teach professional and lay audiences about schizophrenia, the 2001 release of A Beautiful Mind has made the process much easier. The movie shows a range of symptoms and complications, and it gives viewers—especially patients and families—hope for recovery. However, many other commercial films depict various aspects of the illness, and the choice of which one to use is determined by the audience, the pedagogical focus, and the time available. Clean, Shaven (1995), for instance, may be more challenging for professional audiences. Psychiatric educators should familiarize themselves with the variety of film options when teaching about schizophrenia.
Duration Dependence in Migration Behaviour: Cumulative Inertia versus Stochastic Change

In this paper a new theoretical framework and supporting empirical evidence on the relationship between movement probabilities and length of stay are presented. Individuals' evaluations of the relative value of alternative locations are assumed to evolve stochastically, with a possible tendency either to cumulative inertia or to cumulative stress. In general this yields a nonmonotonic duration function, with probabilities of movement starting at zero, rising and then falling—a pattern consistent with either cumulative tendency, or neither. A version of the model fitted to data on household movement intentions, from the UK General Household Survey, confirms the hypothesised form of this function and indicates a dominance of cumulative stress over cumulative inertia.
Detection of viruses and atypical bacteria associated with acute respiratory infection of children in Hubei, China

Acute respiratory infection is the major cause of disease and death in children, particularly in developing countries. However, the spectrum of pathogenic viruses and atypical bacteria that exist in many of these countries remains incompletely characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the spectrum of pathogenic viruses and atypical bacteria associated with acute respiratory infection in children under the age of 16.
Foot posture is associated with morphometry of the peroneus longus muscle, tibialis anterior tendon, and Achilles tendon

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between foot type and the morphometry of selected muscles and tendons of the lower limb. Sixty‐one healthy participants (31 male, 30 female; aged 27.1 ± 8.8 years) underwent gray‐scale musculoskeletal ultrasound examination to determine the anterior‐posterior (AP) thickness of tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and peroneus longus muscles and tendons as well as the Achilles tendon. Foot type was classified based on arch height and footprint measurements. Potentially confounding variables (height, weight, hip and waist circumference, rearfoot and ankle joint range of motion, and levels of physical activity) were also measured. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the association between foot type with muscle and tendon morphometry accounting for potentially confounding variables. Foot type was significantly and independently associated with AP thickness of the tibialis anterior tendon, peroneus longus muscle, and Achilles tendon, accounting for approximately 7% to 16% of the variation. Flat‐arched feet were associated with a thicker tibialis anterior tendon, a thicker peroneus longus muscle, and a thinner Achilles tendon. Foot type is associated with morphometry of tendons that control sagittal plane motion of the rearfoot; and the peroneus longus muscle that controls frontal plane motion of the rearfoot. These findings may be related to differences in tendon loading during gait.
Inversión pública en Bolivia y su incidencia en el crecimiento económico: un análisis desde la perspectiva espacial

Usando datos desagregados de panel de inversion publica departamental para el periodo 1989-2008 para Bolivia, en la presente investigacion se encuentra que el Producto Interno Bruto Departamental (PIBD) per capita real esta negativamente relacionado con la inversion publica de los sectores social y productivo. Sin embargo, los resultados dan cuenta que la inversion en infraestructura y educacion tiene una incidencia positiva en el PIBD per capita real, aunque el sector educacion es estadisticamente insignificante. Por otro lado no se pudo encontrar evidencia estadistica de que los departamentos de Bolivia esten economicamente integrados, es decir, la produccion per capita real de un departamento no parece verse afectada por la produccion per capita real de sus vecinos. Adicionalmente el efecto de la inversion publica parece no traspasar los limites de cada departamento.
Recombinant Vaccine-Induced Protection against the Highly Pathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac251: Dependence on Route of Challenge Exposure

ABSTRACT Vaccine protection from infection and/or disease induced by highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain SIVmac251 in the rhesus macaque model is a challenging task. Thus far, the only approach that has been reported to protect a fraction of macaques from infection following intravenous challenge with SIVmac251 was the use of a live attenuated SIV vaccine. In the present study, the gag, pol, and env genes of SIVK6W were expressed in the NYVAC vector, a genetically engineered derivative of the vaccinia virus Copenhagen strain that displays a highly attenuated phenotype in humans. In addition, the genes for the α and β chains of interleukin-12 (IL-12), as well as the IL-2 gene, were expressed in separate NYVAC vectors and inoculated intramuscularly, in conjunction with or separate from the NYVAC-SIV vaccine, in 40 macaques. The overall cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response was greater, at the expense of proliferative and humoral responses, in animals immunized with NYVAC-SIV and NYVAC–IL-12 than in animals immunized with the NYVAC-SIV vaccine alone. At the end of the immunization regimen, half of the animals were challenged with SIVmac251 by the intravenous route and the other half were exposed to SIVmac251 intrarectally. Significantly, five of the eleven vaccinees exposed mucosally to SIVmac251 showed a transient peak of viremia 1 week after viral challenge and subsequently appeared to clear viral infection. In contrast, all 12 animals inoculated intravenously became infected, but 5 to 6 months after viral challenge, 4 animals were able to control viral expression and appeared to progress to disease more slowly than control animals. Protection did not appear to be associated with any of the measured immunological parameters. Further modulation of immune responses by coadministration of NYVAC-cytokine recombinants did not appear to influence the outcome of viral challenge. The fact that the NYVAC-SIV recombinant vaccine appears to be effective per se in the animal model that best mirrors human AIDS supports the idea that the development of a highly attenuated poxvirus-based vaccine candidate can be a valuable approach to significantly decrease the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by the mucosal route.
Search Algorithms for Satisfiability Problems in Combinational Switching Circuits

SEARCH ALGORITHMS FOR SATISFIABILITY PROBLEMS IN COMBINATIONAL SWITCHING CIRCUITS by João Paulo Marques da Silva Chair: Karem A. Sakallah A number of tasks in computer-aided analysis of combinational circuits, including test pattern generation, timing analysis, delay fault testing and logic verification, can be viewed as particular formulations of the satisfiability problem (SAT). The first purpose of this dissertation is to describe a configurable search-based algorithm for SAT that can be used for implementing different circuit analysis tools. Several methods for reducing the amount of search are detailed and integrated into a general algorithmic framework for solving SAT. Special emphasis is given to the description of methods for diagnosing the causes of conflicts that may be identified while searching for a solution to each instance of SAT. These methods allow the implementation of nonchronological backtracking, conflict identification based on equivalence relations and logic value assertions derived from conflicts. Path sensitization in combinational circuits is often used to solve test pattern generation, timing analysis and delay fault testing problems. While path sensitization can be cast as an instance of SAT, such an approach can conceal desirable structural properties of the problem and may lead to exponential size representations. Another purpose of this dissertation is to introduce a new model for path sensitization that permits modeling test pattern generation and timing analysis with linear size representations. In addition, this formulation for path sensitization permits the adaptation of all the pruning methods developed for the general SAT problem. The proposed SAT algorithms and path sensitization model form an initial kernel for the development of tools for the analysis of combinational circuits. Their practical applicability is supported by experimental results obtained with test pattern generation and timing analysis tools. SEARCH ALGORITHMS FOR SATISFIABILITY PROBLEMS IN COMBINATIONAL SWITCHING CIRCUITS
Molecular Momentum Transport at Fluid-Solid Interfaces in MEMS/NEMS: A Review

This review is focused on molecular momentum transport at fluid-solid interfaces mainly related to microfluidics and nanofluidics in micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). This broad subject covers molecular dynamics behaviors, boundary conditions, molecular momentum accommodations, theoretical and phenomenological models in terms of gas-solid and liquid-solid interfaces affected by various physical factors, such as fluid and solid species, surface roughness, surface patterns, wettability, temperature, pressure, fluid viscosity and polarity. This review offers an overview of the major achievements, including experiments, theories and molecular dynamics simulations, in the field with particular emphasis on the effects on microfluidics and nanofluidics in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In Section 1 we present a brief introduction on the backgrounds, history and concepts. Sections 2 and 3 are focused on molecular momentum transport at gas-solid and liquid-solid interfaces, respectively. Summary and conclusions are finally presented in Section 4.
Mice lacking both G-CSF and IL-6 are more susceptible to Candida albicans infection: Critical role of neutrophils in defense against Candida albicans

Neutrophils play an important role in the host's defense against infection with various pathogenic organisms. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is regarded as a major regulator of neutrophil production and function. Mice lacking G-CSF or its receptor are neutropenic. IL-6 is another cytokine that has been shown to promote neutrophil production and modulate the function of many types of immune cells. We have analyzed G-CSF/IL-6 double deficient (G-CSF− / − /IL-6− / − ) mice to gain an insight into the possible contribution of IL-6 to the residual granulopoiesis in G-CSF-deficient (G-CSF− / − ) mice. Furthermore, we have evaluated the ability of G-CSF− / − /IL-6− / − mice to combat an experimental infection with Candida albicans. Our data shows that IL-6 plays a role in granulopoiesis during early post natal period but it is dispensable for steady-state granulopoiesis in adult mice. However, adult G-CSF− / − /IL-6− / − mice are more susceptible to Candida infection than similarly infected G-CSF− / − mice. Although, the candidacidal function of neutrophils of G-CSF− / − /IL-6− / − mice is deficient, the ability to produce IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to Candida infection is not compromised. Similarly, nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages from G-CSF− / − /IL-6− / − mice in response to Candida is comparable to G-CSF− / − mice.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Peptide Inhibitors Complexed With Trypanosoma cruzi Trypanothione Reductase

The drugs against tropical neglected diseases, especially Chagas’ Disease, were launched more than 30 years ago, and the development of resistance requires the discovery of new and more effective chemotherapeutic agents. Trypanosoma cruzi has a redox enzyme called trypanothione reductase which was successfully inhibited for peptide derivatives (McKie et al., Amino Acids, 2001, 20: 145). This work aims at studying the mechanism of inhibition of this enzyme through molecular dynamics simulations and evaluating the behavior of some derivatives when inhibiting this protein. We should affirm that any particular molecular dynamics analysis tools (Hbond pattern, 3‐D root‐mean‐square deviation, solvent accessible surface area, etc.) cannot be used apart from the others to justify completely these peptides inhibitory patterns. Based on our results, we reproduced the experimental data and, moreover, we discriminated against a new site in enzyme aperture, which can assist the development of powerful inhibitors against trypanothione reductase enzyme.
Road Sign Detection and Recognition using Colour Segmentation, Shape Analysis and Template Matching

The paper presents a system for detection and recognition of road signs with red boundaries and black symbols inside. The detection is invariant to varying lighting conditions and shadows. The algorithm is tested on RGB images taken from camera. These images are converted to HSV colour space. Colour segmentation for red regions is applied on the whole image. All red regions are labeled forming objects. Each of the red objects is tested for its shape. Final image contains only those red objects which are triangular or circular in shape. Finding the black regions within the accepted red objects area, results in extraction of pictogram. This pictogram is then matched with templates in database, hence recognizing the meaning of road sign. The paper presents a revised edition of fuzzy shape detector and a recognition module that uses template matching to recognize rotated and affine transformed road signs.
Feeding, fasting and starvation: factors affecting fuel utilization

present paper considers energy metabolism and substrate use in undernutrition, and the responses to food ingestion in the undernourished state. The major focus will be on studies in humans, mainly in experimental undernutrition. The terminology used in describing undernutrition is a significant source of confusion. For example, the most important single contribution in this area, The Biology of Human Starvation by Keys et al. (1950), did not investigate starvation but rather studied prolonged underfeeding (approximately 6 MJ/d for 6 months). In the human studies described in the present paper, a distinction will be made between fasting for up to 24 h, starvation for several (2-4) days and undernutrition-underfeeding for 7 d or more. In addition, chronic severe undernutrition will be referred to as chronic energy deficiency.
Association Between a CCL17 Genetic Variant and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Han Population.

BACKGROUND In the present study we investigated the effects of genetic variations in the C-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17) gene on serum CCL17 levels and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and Results:A case-control study was conducted to determine causal inferences amongCCL17single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), serum CCL17 levels, and risk of CAD. Luciferase assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and allele-specific quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to assess the function of the SNPs. In all, 947 participants (794 with CAD, 153 without CAD) were included in the study. The T allele in rs223828, located in intron of theCCL17gene, was associated with increased serum CCL17 levels as well as increased CAD risk. A causal inference test using mediation analysis suggested that rs223828 had a significant indirect casual effect on the increased risk of CAD mediated via serum CCL17 levels. Luciferase assays confirmed that the rs223828T allele enhancesCCL17promoter activity. Protein-DNA binding studies using EMSA and allele-specific quantitative ChIP assays indicated preferential activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex formation and recruitment with the rs223828 T allele compared with the C allele. CONCLUSIONS We propose that theCCL17SNP rs223828 is associated with increased risk of CAD, and that this site may be a potential AP-1 binding site.
HABITAT-SPECIFIC DEMOGRAPHY OF SYMPATRIC VOLE POPULATIONS OVER 25 YEARS

Abstract We studied the influence of preferred food, forbs, and vegetative cover on survival and reproduction at different population densities of Microtus ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus in alfalfa, bluegrass, and tallgrass prairie habitats in east-central Illinois for 25 years. Population densities of M. ochrogaster were greatest in alfalfa, least in tallgrass, and intermediate in bluegrass, whereas those of M. pennsylvanicus were greatest in tallgrass, least in alfalfa, and intermediate in bluegrass. For both species, preferred food availability was greatest in alfalfa, intermediate in bluegrass, and least in tallgrass. Vegetative cover was relatively sparse in alfalfa, especially in winter, and dense throughout the year in bluegrass and tallgrass. Variation in survival emerged as the most important factor explaining population differences between the 2 species. Reproduction had little differential impact on abundance of either species in any of the 3 habitats. Survival of M. ochrogaster was higher in alfalfa than in bluegrass or tallgrass; survival of M. pennsylvanicus was higher in tallgrass than in alfalfa or bluegrass. Differential survival among habitats and between species was influenced primarily by amount of vegetative cover. We suggest that M. ochrogaster is less susceptible than M. pennsylvanicus to predation by raptors and large carnivores (predators that hunt from above vegetative cover), whereas M. pennsylvanicus is less susceptible than M. ochrogaster to snakes and small carnivores (predators that hunt under vegetative cover).
Voice activity detection based on minimum statistics

A voice activity detection method based on minimum statistics is developed. The method is suitable for use in non-stationary noise environments, and it also has low computational load. Noise energy is estimated by tracking the minimum of the noisy signal energy on a finite window and the decision rule is constructed accordingly. A number of experiments is applied to the system, which is combined with an adaptive threshold structure, and it is observed that it provides results better than required by the voice activity detection standards, especially in non-stationary noise.
Role of vitamin B12, folate, and thyroid stimulating hormone in dementia: A hospital-based study in north Indian population

Background: Vitamin B12 and folate represent modifiable risk factors for dementia. They may increase the risk of Alzheimer′s dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) as their deficiency can increase the homocysteine level due to slowed methylation reaction. Homocysteine has a neurotoxic effect that could lead to neurologic disturbances. Hence, it is important to explore the status of serum B12 and folate in AD and VaD to evolve the treatment strategies for the same. Objectives: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the levels of vitamin B12, folate, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in serum and the relationship of these factors, including age and sex to cognitive decline in VaD, AD, and dementia due to other causes (DOC). Materials and Methods: Serum vitamin B12, folate, TSH, and total cholesterol were studied in 32 AD patients (mean age: 65 years), 12 VaD patients (mean age: 61 years), 83 DOC (mean age: 65 years), and 127 control subjects (mean age: 49 years). Results: In AD, VaD, and DOC, the levels of vitamin B12 and folate were significantly lower (P < 0.002; 0.026; 0.002 for vitamin B12 and P < 0.000 in all the 3 groups for folate) as compared with the controls. Similarly, TSH levels were significantly lower in AD and DOC (P < 0.008; 0.038) as compared with the controls. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 and folate were significantly low in both AD and VaD patients. Hence, B vitamin supplementation should be considered as possible targets for the therapeutic intervention in dementia.
Tomographic measurement of local cerebral glucose metabolic rate in humans with (F‐18)2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose: Validation of method

Tracer techniques and quantitative autoradiographic and tissue counting models for measuremnt of metabolic rates were combined with positron computed tomography (PCT) and (F‐18)2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) for the measurement of local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (LCMRGlc) in humans. A three‐compartment model, which incorporates hydrolysis of FDG‐6‐PO4 to FDG, was developed for the measure of kinetic constants and calculation of LCMRGlc. Our model is an extension of that developed by Sokoloff et al. Although small, hydrolysis of FDG‐6‐PO4 was found to be significant. A PCT system, the ECAT, was used to determine the rate constants, lumped constant, and stability of the model in human beings. The data indicate that cerebral FDG‐6‐PO4 in humans increases for about 90 minutes, plateaus, and then slowly decreases. After 10 minutes, cerebral blood FDG activity levels were found to be a minor fraction of tissue activity. Precursor pool turnover rate, distribution volumes, and red blood cell‐plasma concentration ratios were determined. Reproducibility (precision) of LCMRGlc measurements (∼2 cm2 regions) was ± 5.5% over a 5‐hour period. The replacement of arterial blood sampling with venous sampling was validated.