Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kavalactone Metabolism in the Isolated Perfused Rat Liver

Metabolic pathways for kavalactone metabolism in humans and rats have been identified, but more detailed description of the enzyme kinetics involved is lacking. The disposition profiles of three of the six major kavalactones (kavain, methysticin and desmethoxyyangonin) and their respective metabolites (p‐hydroxykavain, m,p‐dihydroxykavain and p‐hydroxy‐5,6‐dehydrokavain) were examined in the perfusate and bile of the isolated perfused rat liver. The metabolism of the kavalactones is first‐order in nature with similar decay half‐lives. p‐Hydroxykavain and m,p‐dihydroxykavain were the only metabolites detected in the perfusate. Kavalactone biliary excretion was negligible. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre-marital screening for sickle cell haemoglobin and genetic counseling: awareness and acceptability among undergraduate students of a Nigerian University

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons Attribution 4.0 licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Pre-marital screening for sickle cell haemoglobin a nd genetic counseling: awareness and acceptability among undergraduate students of a Nigerian University
NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND THEIR RECEPTORS IN THE RAT SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLION

The superior cervical ganglion (SCG), the sympathetic organ innervating the carotid body (CB), lies at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, near the CB. The ganglion is composed of functional subsets of neurons showing different sympathetic phenotypes. The expression of putative neurotransmitters and their receptors in the rat SCG was investigated at light microscopical level using immunohistochemistry. The set of neurotransmitters was identified by examining transmitter-related enzymes and their transporters while the transmitter corresponding receptors were determined by applying subtype-specific antibodies. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ganglion neurons exhibited immunoreactivity for several biogenic amines. In particular, all the sympathetic neurons were immunostained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis. Most TH-immunoreactive cells also contained histidine decarboxylase, the histaminesynthesizing enzyme, and some of them contained tryptophan hydroxylase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of serotonin. In addition, we were able to find that SCG neurons were richly endowed with the D2 dopamine receptor, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 serotonin receptors, H1 and H3 histamine receptors, and P2X2 and P2X3 purinoceptors. It can be inferred that different transmitter systems, including dopaminergic, serotoninergic, histaminergic and purinergic are involved in the sympathetic innervation of the CB, which consequently influence the chemoreceptor activity.
Design of the IRIS facility-a modular, reconfigurable and expandable robot test bed

The integrated raster imaging system (IRIS) facility is a robot system to be used for experiments in grasping, manipulation and force control. The facility has two manipulators with four rotary joints each. Each manipulator can assume a multitude of configurations. Each joint is driven by DC brushless motors coupled with harmonic cup drives, and instrumented with position and torque sensors. A six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force/torque sensor is mounted at the tip link. The real-time controller of the IRIS facility is based on a nodal architecture. Each node is capable of controlling 8 joints at 1 kHz while executing over 1000-FP (floating point) operations per joint in each sampling method. The design of the IRIS facility and its functional capabilities are described. In addition, the rationale behind the major design decisions is given. <<ETX>>
Utilizing Target–Ligand Interaction Information in Fingerprint Searching for Ligands of Related Targets

Protein–ligand interaction information is captured by determination of interacting fragments (IF) of ligands available in complex X‐ray structures. From IF, fingerprints (IF‐FP) are calculated for similarity searching. Previously, we have shown that IF‐FP often produce higher search performance than general structural fragment‐ or key‐type fingerprints. In this study, we introduce the transfer of target–ligand interaction information from one target to a related one for which no structural information is available. Thus, IFs from a crystallographic target B‐ligand complex are incorporated into structural key fingerprints of known ligands for target A. Similarity searching using these IF transfer fingerprints (IF‐TFP) is shown to further increase the search performance of conventional ligand fingerprints. Thus, interaction information can be transferred between related targets in order to support ligand‐based fingerprint search calculations for targets for which no structural information is currently available.
Identification and Characterization of a Synaptojanin 2 Splice Isoform Predominantly Expressed in Nerve Terminals*

We have previously identified synaptojanin 1, a phosphoinositide phosphatase predominantly expressed in the nervous system, and synaptojanin 2, a broadly expressed isoform. Synaptojanin 1 is concentrated in nerve terminals, where it has been implicated in synaptic vesicle recycling and actin function. Synaptojanin 2A is targeted to mitochondria via a PDZ domain-mediated interaction. We have now characterized an alternatively spliced form of synaptojanin 2 that shares several properties with synaptojanin 1. This isoform, synaptojanin 2B, undergoes further alternative splicing to generate synaptojanin 2B1 and 2B2. Both amphiphysin and endophilin, two partners synaptojanin 1, bind synaptojanin 2B2, whereas only amphiphysin binds synaptojanin 2B1. Sequence similar to the endophilin-binding site in synaptojanin 1 is present only in synaptojanin 2B2, and this sequence was capable of affinity purifying endophilin from rat brain. The Sac1 domain of synaptojanin 2 exhibited phosphoinositide phosphatase activity very similar to that of the Sac1 domain of synaptojanin 1. Site-directed mutagenesis further illustrated its functional similarity to the catalytic domain of Sac1 proteins. Antibodies raised against the synaptojanin 2B-specific carboxyl-terminal region identified a 160-kDa protein in brain and testis. Immunofluorescence showed that synaptojanin 2B is localized at nerve terminals in brain and at the spermatid manchette in testis. Active Rac1 GTPase affects the intracellular localization of synaptojanin 2, but not of synaptojanin 1. These results suggest that synaptojanin 2B has a partially overlapping function with synaptojanin 1 in nerve terminals, with additional roles in neurons and other cells including spermatids.
NON-LINEAR ADAPTIVE SYSTEM FOR THE COMMAND OF THE HELICOPTERS PITCH ’ S ANGLE

The paper presents a new complex adaptive non-linear system with one input and one output (SISO) which is based on dynamic inversion. The system consists of a dynamic compensator, an adaptive controller and a reference model. Linear dynamic compensator makes the stabilization command of the linearised system using as input the difference between closed loop system’s output and the reference model’s output. The state vector of the linear dynamic compensator, the output and other state variables of the control system are used for adaptive control law’s obtaining; this law is modeled by a neural network. The aim of the adaptive command is to compensate the dynamic inversion error. Thus, the command law has two components: the command given by the linear dynamic compensator and the adaptive command given by the neural network. As control system one chooses the non-linear model of helicopter’s dynamics in longitudinal plain. The reference model is linear. One obtains the structure of the adaptive control system of the pitch angle and Matlab/Simulink models of the adaptive command system’s subsystems. Thus, characteristics that describe the adaptive command system’s dynamics with linear or non-linear actuator are obtained.
Two heuristic strategies for searching optimal hyper parameters of C-SVM

Searching optimal hyper parameters of support vector machine classifier has biggish effect to the performance of the classifier. It could be found through k-fold cross-validation to penalty factor C and parameter σ in Gauss kernel function based on grid searching that the distribution of classifier precision is of isoline and multi-peak value. According to this, two heuristic search strategies are established, two-point central vertical method and multi-point barycenter method. The framework of corresponding heuristic algorithm is established based on the strategies. Simulation experiments show that the algorithm is helpful to accelerating the process searching optimal hyper parameters of SVM classifier.
Outcome of Boston Keratoprosthesis in a Developing Country—Importance of Patient Selection, Education, and Perioperative Care: The Indian Experience

Purpose We aim to analyze the results of Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis from the Indian subcontinent, with particular emphasis on patient education and perioperative care. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients operated on for Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis between January 2008 and April 2011. Results Of 20 patients who underwent surgery, the indications included silicone oil–induced keratopathy (8 eyes; 40%), chemical injury (7 eyes; 35%), repeated graft failures (3 eyes, 15%), and 2 pediatric eyes (10%)—1 sclerocornea and 1 congenital anterior staphyloma. The mean follow-up was 21.8 months ranging from 6 to 45 months. Best corrected postoperative visual acuity was noted to be greater than 20/200 in 16 (80%) of 20 eyes. Anatomic integrity was maintained in 18 eyes (90%). Repeated corneal melt necessitated removal of the prosthesis with corneal transplant in 2 eyes. There was no infection or endophthalmitis in any of the 20 eyes. Conclusions The good anatomic and functional results, with no postoperative infection in our experience with Boston keratoprosthesis over a 3-year period, are encouraging. Strict inclusion criteria and ensuring good patient compliance are important factors in determining good results with a low risk of infection in a tropical developing country.
Distribution networks with Electric Vehicles

The technical challenges related to the market penetration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks are addressed. Steady state voltage profile of LV networks under different EV aggregation levels and penetration scenarios is investigated. A UK generic LV distribution network model and load demand figures from the Electricity Association were used to simulate EV impact on LV urban radial networks. Mainly, results show that the voltage profile is dependant on the aggregation level of EV and on the connection point. In particular, for 96 customers' equivalent aggregation of EV connection points, the voltage statutory limits are maintained. For low level of aggregation, equivalent to 24 customers, the voltage profile proves onerous.
The role of type III collagen in spontaneous cervical arterial dissections

A case‐control study was carried out to investigate whether type III collagen deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous cervical arterial dissections. In 16 patients with spontaneous cervical arterial dissections and in 41 healthy controls, protein analysis of type III collagen (ratio of type III/type I collagen) was performed. Futhermore, single‐stranded conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex analysis was used to investigate the type III collagen gene in the 16 patients with spontaneous cervical dissections to detect mutations. The ratios of type III/type I collagen in the controls ranged from 5.5 to 19.8% (median, 10%). The ratios of type III/type I collagen in the patients with spontaneous cervical arterial dissections ranged from 3.2 to 17.9% (median, 9.3%). Two patients had a low ratio of type III/type I collagen (<5.5%). No abnormalities suggesting a mutation in the gene of type III collagen were demonstrated in any of the 16 patients. Our findings are in keeping with the hypothesis that a reduced production of type III collagen may contribute to the formation of spontaneous cervical arterial dissections in some patients. The absence of a responsible mutation indicates that the coding sequence of the type III collagen gene is not involved.
Dynamic deformation of stretched membrane in drum-type micromirror

Realizing an optically flat surface during high-speed scanning is a crucial factor for the micromirror with large mirror plate. This paper presents the dynamic deformation analysis of stretched polycrystalline (poly-) Si membrane of flat and lightweight drum-type micromirror. The drum-type micromirror is realized using a tense poly-Si membrane across a rigid crystalline (c-) Si ring. The total peak-to-valley surface deformation realized in the designed micromirror is about 50 nm and observed on the connecting part between the c-Si ring and the poly-Si membrane. The stress concentration in this connecting part is investigated using the amount of surface distortion. The amount of the dynamic deformation in the poly-Si membrane is less than 40 nm. This satisfies the optical flatness compared to the wavelength of blue light.
Operative technique, paraplegia, and mortality after blunt traumatic aortic injury.

HYPOTHESIS The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during repair of traumatic aortic injuries is associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative paraplegia and mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING Historical cohort study with contemporaneous but nonrandomized controls in a tertiary care hospital from July 1, 1988, through December 31, 1999. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS Consecutive cases undergoing operation for traumatic aortic injuries. Use of MCS (with or without systemic heparinization) determined by surgeon preference. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of postoperative paraplegia and mortality. RESULTS Twenty-two patients underwent repair of traumatic aortic injuries using MCS, resulting in no paraplegia but 4 deaths, 3 of them from cerebral ischemia. Thirteen patients had their traumatic aortic injuries repaired using a "clamp-and-sew" or passive shunt technique with no deaths but paraplegia in 2. Compared with an earlier report from our group from January 1, 1975, through June 30, 1988, the annual incidence of traumatic aortic injuries has decreased, whereas the age of patients and proportion of operations using MCS have increased. A review of the recent literature on traumatic aortic injuries reveals an average postoperative paraplegia incidence of 1% with MCS and 16% without MCS. Overall mortality is similar, but others have also reported cases of cerebral ischemia after aortic repair. CONCLUSIONS The use of MCS during repair of traumatic aortic injuries is associated with a decreased incidence of postoperative paraplegia. The occasional occurrence of cerebral ischemia deserves further study.
Changing pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms causing community acquired urinary tract infections.

OBJECTIVE To assess common organisms causing Urinary Treat Infection (UTI) in this community and to see antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of these isolates. DESIGN Prospective study on urine samples. SETTING Tertiary care hospital in Karachi. METHODS Over a period of 8 years (1990-97) 9,892 urine samples grew significant bacteriuria for various organisms. All Gram negative rods and entercocci was identified by using API 20E and API 32 strips respectively. Staphylococci were identified by catalase, coagulase and D'Nase tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of all isolates was performed on Diagnostic Sensitivity Test plates by Kerby Bauer method. The discs used were ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, aztreonam, ofloxacin, carbenicillin, amikacin, gentamicin, penicillin, clindamycin, methicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, Nalidixic acid, pipemedic acid and Nitrofurantoin. RESULTS Our results indicate that E. coli and Klebsiella aerogenes are the most common organisms causing UTI in this community. Other organisms involved are Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Enterobacter species, Enterococcus, Proteus mirabillus, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Organisms resistant to various antimicrobial agents such as gentamicin, Amikacin, Ofloxacin, Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime are increasing. CONCLUSION In conclusion, E. coli and Klebsiella aerogenes are the most common organisms causing UTI in this community. Pattern of antibiotic susceptibility to first line antibiotics is changing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of all isolates is crucial for the treatment of UTI.
Everyday decision-making in dementia: findings from a longitudinal interview study of people with dementia and family carers

ABSTRACT Background: Exercising choice and control over decisions is central to quality of life. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales) provides a legal framework to safeguard the rights of people with dementia to make their own decisions for as long as possible. The impact of this on long-term planning has been investigated; everyday decision-making in people's own homes remains unexplored. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, we interviewed 12 dyads (one person with dementia + one carer) four times over one year to ascertain experience of decision-making, how decisions were negotiated, and how dynamics changed. Qualitative interviews were conducted in people's own homes, and thematic analysis was applied to transcripts. Results: Respecting autonomy, decision-specificity and best interests underlay most everyday decisions in this sample. Over time, dyads transitioned from supported decision-making, where person with dementia and carer made decisions together, to substituted decision-making, where carers took over much decision-making. Points along this continuum represented carers’ active involvement in retaining their relative's engagement through providing cues, reducing options, using retrospective information, and using the best interests principle. Long-term spouse carers seemed most equipped to make substitute decisions for their spouses; adult children and friend carers struggled with this. Conclusions: Carers may gradually take on decision-making for people with dementia. This can bring with it added stresses, such as determining their relative's decision-making capacity and weighing up what is in their best interests. Practitioners and support services should provide timely advice to carers and people with dementia around everyday decision-making, and be mindful how abilities may change.
CERTAIN BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF FORCED FEEDING IN PEKIN DUCKS

Foie-gras, the fatty liver produced by over feeding ducks is one of the world's most expensive foods. In order to achieve the desired taste and texture ducks , are force-fed two or three times / day. The present study was planned to clarify the effect of forced feeding on body weight and some Liver and kidney function as well as the tissue lipid profile. For that aim, sixty male Pekin ducks, 70 days old obtained from commercial hatchery , they were divided into 3 groups each of 20 birds. Each group subdivided into two groups each of 10 birds reached adlibitum not forcedly and the other 10 forcedly fed , the first group supplemented with faba been the second zea maize. The last group received a mixed diet composed of 49.75% faba bean, 49.75% zea maize and 0.05% salt. After 14 days the birds were weighed and slaughterd, blood samples were collected and sera , were separated and used freshly, as well as 5 g of thigh meat used for tissue lipid profile study. The present data revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in liver function enzymes (ACT, ALT, ALP and ACP) as well as uric acid, urea, total cholesterol and triacyl glycerol. Meanwhile the serum creatinne was non-significantly changed.
Estrogen Regulation of Cyclin E2 Requires Cyclin D1 but Not c-Myc

ABSTRACT During estrogen-induced proliferation, c-Myc and cyclin D1 initiate independent pathways that activate cyclin E1-Cdk2 by sequestration and/or downregulation of the CDK inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1, without significant increases in cyclin E1 protein levels. In contrast, cyclin E2 undergoes a marked increase in expression, which occurs within 9 to 12 h of estrogen treatment of antiestrogen-pretreated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Both E cyclins are important to estrogen action, as small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of either cyclin E1 or cyclin E2 attenuated estrogen-mediated proliferation. Inducible expression of cyclin D1 upregulated cyclin E2, while siRNA-mediated knockdown of cyclin D1 attenuated estrogen effects on cyclin E2. However, manipulation of c-Myc levels did not profoundly affect cyclin E2. Cyclin E2 induction by estrogen was accompanied by recruitment of E2F1 to the cyclin E1 and E2 promoters, and cyclin D1 induction was sufficient for E2F1 recruitment. siRNA-mediated knockdown of the chromatin remodelling factor CHD8 prevented cyclin E2 upregulation. Together, these data indicate that cyclin E2-Cdk2 activation by estrogen occurs via E2F- and CHD8-mediated transcription of cyclin E2 downstream of cyclin D1. This contrasts with the predominant regulation of cyclin E1-Cdk2 activity via CDK inhibitor association downstream of both c-Myc and cyclin D1 and indicates that cyclins E1 and E2 are not always coordinately regulated.
An Evaluation of Stroke Intensive Care: Results in a Municipal Hospital

One hundred consecutive cases with an admitting diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease treated in a four-bed Stroke Intensive Care Unit were reviewed in regard to final diagnosis and outcome. Eleven had final diagnoses other than cerebrovascular disease. Eighty-one had specific diagnoses as to major type of cerebrovascular disease present. The outcome in these cases was compared with that of 81 control cases matched for diagnosis only and blindly selected from concurrent admissions to an adjacent neurological ward. No significant differences in overall mortality (33% versus 27%) or in mortality by diagnostic category were found. This was true even if deaths in the first 48 hours were omitted from both groups to compensate for the selective admission of more seriously ill patients to the Stroke Intensive Care Unit. These results are compared to those reported by others. We concluded that specialized stroke intensive care units modeled on coronary care units do not have a significant impact on acute stroke mortality.