Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The fine structure of membranes and intercellular communication in insects.

The cell membrane has been the subject of intensive investigation and recent review (8,21,83,90,93). Despite obvious compositional and func­ tional differences between membranes of different organisms or even between different membrane systems within any given cell, the notion has emerged that most membranes are built on a fundamentally similar plan (Figure 1). In general, the concepts arising from studies of membrane structure can be summarized as follows: 1. Lipid bilayers (17) -lamellar lipid phases-provide the basis for structural and generalized self-assembly properties of membranes. 2. Lipid bilayers provide a structural basis for generalized membrane permeability properties, partially the function of the membrane as a physi­ cal permeability barrier and its relative permeability to lipid soluble sub­ stances. 3. Proteins are associatcd with the hydrophilic surfaces of the bilayer and may also be incorporated into the hydrophobic regions of the bilayer. The membrane interior consists of the hydrophobic regions of the lipid bilayer, in­ terrupted at intervals by such proteinaceous intercalations. 4. Proteins may be organized into specific arrays within the membrane to produce localized regions of functional membrane differentiation. The physi­ cal techniques used to study membranes are mainly averaging techniques and do not imply that localized portions of the membrane could not be specially structured. In particular, recent work with labeling and freeze-etching tech­ niques has emphasized the mosaic character of the membrane. 5. Proteinaceous components convey much of the functional information for a membrane including ionic permeability, antigenic properties, and enzy­ matic activities. 6. Sugars are found asymmetrically distributed on most membranes. They are generally present on the external surface of the plasma membrane where they may be prime determiners of such regulatory activities as cell recognition, growth, and transport. 7. Membranes are generally � 75 A thick. They can be resolved in thin
Nitrogen and Biochar Addition Affected Plant Traits and Nitrous Oxide Emission From Cinnamomum camphora

Atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) increase contributes substantially to global climate change due to its large global warming potential. Soil N2O emissions have been widely studied, but plants have so far been ignored, even though they are known as an important source of N2O. The specific objectives of this study are to (1) reveal the effects of nitrogen and biochar addition on plant functional traits and N2O emission of Cinnamomum camphora seedlings; (2) find out the possible leaf traits affecting plant N2O emissions. The effects of nitrogen and biochar on plant functional traits and N2O emissions from plants using C. camphora seedlings were investigated. Plant N2O emissions, growth, each organ biomass, each organ nutrient allocation, gas exchange parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of C. camphora seedlings were measured. Further investigation of the relationships between plant N2O emission and leaf traits was performed by simple linear regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and structural equation model (SEM). It was found that nitrogen addition profoundly increased cumulative plant N2O emissions (+109.25%), which contributed substantially to the atmosphere’s N2O budget in forest ecosystems. Plant N2O emissions had a strong correlation to leaf traits (leaf TN, Pn, Gs, Ci, Tr, WUEL, α, ETRmax, Ik, Fv/Fm, Y(II), and SPAD). Structural equation modelling revealed that leaf TN, leaf TP, Pn, Ci, Tr, WUEL, α, ETRmax, and Ik were key traits regulating the effects of plants on N2O emissions. These results provide a direction for understanding the mechanism of N2O emission from plants and provide a theoretical basis for formulating corresponding emission reduction schemes.
Initial Results of a Method for the Generation of Triangle Meshes Representing Bone Fragments using a Spatial Decomposition

The generation of a virtual representation of the bones and fragments is an artificial step required in order to obtain helpful models to work with in a simulation. Nowadays, the Marching Cubes algorithm is a de facto standard for the generation of geometric models from medical images. However, bone fragments models generated by Marching Cubes are huge and contain many unconnected geometric elements inside the bone due to the trabecular tissue. The development of new methods to generate geometrically simple 3D models from CT image stacks that preserve the original information extracted from them would be of great interest. In order to achieve that, a preliminary study for the development of a new method to generate triangle meshes from segmented medical images is presented. The method does not modify the points extracted from CT images, and avoid generating triangles inside the bone. The aim of this initial study is to analyse if a spatial decomposition may help in the process of generating a triangle mesh by using a divide-and-conquer approach. The method is under development and therefore this paper only presents some initial results and exposes the detected issues to be improved.
Mechanical robustness of the calcareous tubeworm Hydroides elegans: warming mitigates the adverse effects of ocean acidification

Abstract Development of antifouling strategies requires knowledge of how fouling organisms would respond to climate change associated environmental stressors. Here, a calcareous tube built by the tubeworm, Hydroides elegans, was used as an example to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of ocean acidification (OA), warming and reduced salinity on the mechanical properties of a tube. Tubeworms produce a mechanically weaker tube with less resistance to simulated predator attack under OA (pH 7.8). Warming (29°C) increased tube volume, tube mineral density and the tube’s resistance to a simulated predatory attack. A weakening effect by OA did not make the removal of tubeworms easier except for the earliest stage, in which warming had the least effect. Reduced salinity (27 psu) did not affect tubes. This study showed that both mechanical analysis and computational modeling can be integrated with biofouling research to provide insights into how fouling communities might develop in future ocean conditions.
Initial distribution volume of glucose is correlated with intrathoracic blood volume in hypovolaemia and following volume loading in dogs

Background and objective: Initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG) reliably measures the central extracellular fluid volume in the presence of fluid gain or loss. We hypothesized that IDVG has a close relationship with intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV), which has recently been used as an indicator of cardiac preload. We therefore examined whether IDVG can correlate with ITBV in various fluid volume states. Methods: Fourteen anaesthetized mongrel dogs were mechanically ventilated. ITBV and cardiac output were measured by single transpulmonary thermodilution technique. IDVG and indocyanine green derived plasma volume (PV‐ICG) were determined by the administration of 100 mg kg−1 glucose and 0.5 mg kg−1 indocyanine green solutions, respectively, and calculated by applying a one‐compartment model. Three sets of measurements were performed before and after haemorrhage (30 mL kg−1) and subsequent fluid volume loading (90 mL kg−1 of lactated Ringer's solution). Results: A linear correlation was observed between IDVG and ITBV (r2 = 0.52, n = 42, P < 0.001) and between PV‐ICG and ITBV (r2 = 0.44, n = 42, P < 0.001) throughout the procedures. A linear correlation was also observed between changes in IDVG and those in ITBV (r2 = 0.76, n = 28, P < 0.001). The ITBV/IDVG ratio during normovolaemia was 0.26 ± 0.04, which remained unchanged during the procedure. Conclusion: Results showed that that IDVG has a linear correlation with ITBV, and support the concept that IDVG measurement has potential as a surrogate measure of ITBV in various fluid volume states.
Sense of coherence and pain experience in older age

ABSTRACT Background: We investigate to what extent pain in older individuals is predicted by on the one hand chronic morbidity as a resistance deficit, and on the other hand psychological resistance resources and the sense of coherence. For the first time, we tested the salutogenic hypothesis that the sense of coherence mediates the relationship between resources/deficits and pain. Methods: In our questionnaire study, we assessed selected psychological resistance resources (self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, optimism, and social support), the number of self-reported medical diagnoses of chronic illness, the sense of coherence, and pain (SF-36 Bodily Pain subscale) in a sample of 387 older persons (at the mean age of 73.8 years). Results: Using hierarchical regression, we found that morbidity and sense of coherence were the only significant predictors of pain, with morbidity showing the strongest effect. Using path analysis, the sense of coherence was a mediator of the relationship between resistance resources/deficits and pain. Conclusions: With respect to our analytical model, in which pain experience was the criterion variable, morbidity and the sense of coherence are important predictors of pain. Moreover, we found evidence for the salutogenic idea that the sense of coherence represents a mediator variable as it pools resistance/deficits influences on pain. We recommend a prospective design to explore these assumed causal chains in future research.
The Relational Model of Women's Psychological Development: Implications for Substance Abuse

Over the past two decades, new conceptualizations of women's psychological development have been evolving which emphasize the centrality of relationships in women's lives (Belenky et al., 1986; Gilligan, 1982; Jordan et al., 1991; Miller, 1976). This relational perspective has sought to describe development from women's perspective, using language and concepts derived from women's experience. Since women in this culture have been the "carriers" of certain aspects of the total human experience, specifically carrying responsibility for the care and maintenance of relationships, this model attempts to articulate the strengths as well as the problems arising for women from this relational orientation. Theorists and clinicians at the Stone Center at Wellesley College have been developing this theoretical perspective as a base for creating relational models of healing and empowerment for women.
Effects of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (liquid ecstasy) on the eye development of the chick embryo

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a precursor to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), was initially employed as an anesthetic. As a relatively novel drug, few people are aware of its harmful effects and few studies have been undertaken to investigate its long-term effects or its action on developing tissues. We performed an experimental study on the action of GHB on the developing eye, an organ very closely related to the development of the CNS. Chick embryos were treated with 20% or 30% dilutions of 100 ? l GHB at 7 (30-31 HH) and 11 (37 HH) days of incubation (i.e., two doses per group), and the effects were observed at 21 days of incubation (45 HH). An ophthalmologic ultrasonography device (Hondex A/B SCAN IS-500) was used to measure different eye parameters (corneal thickness; posterior surface of cornea - anterior surface of lens; anteroposterior diameter of lens; anteroposterior diameter of eye). We observed significant differences between the treated and control groups as regards the thickness of the cornea and lens, and in the anteroposterior diameter of the eye. The present results demonstrate a possible effect of GHB on development.
Mechanisms of cell death in primary cortical neurons and PC12 cells

Increasing evidence suggests that the regulation of neuronal cell death is complex. In this study we compared the neurotoxic effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), nitric oxide, and thrombin on primary rat cortical cell cultures and the neuronal PC12 cell line. Release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the intracellular accumulation of nucleosomes were used as indicators of necrosis and apoptosis, respectively. There was significant LDH release in both neuronal cell types, however, the pattern of LDH release was variable and agonist‐dependent. In response to the nitric oxide generator, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), cortical cells exhibited pronounced LDH release and dramatic morphologic changes, whereas in differentiated PC12 cells, TNFα evoked release of LDH with no associated morphologic changes. Both neuronal cell types, but not undifferentiated PC12 cells, responded to TNFα and thrombin with increased apoptosis. Caspase inhibition, but not antioxidant treatment, reduced nucleosome accumulation in primary cortical cells, but not in differentiated PC12 cells. In the differentiated PC12 cells, caspase inhibition reduced TNFα‐mediated LDH release, but not nucleosome accumulation. These data suggest mechanisms involved in neuronal cell death utilize multiple pathways that vary depending on the neurotoxic insult and are also influenced by subtle differences among neuronal cell phenotypes. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:654–660, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technological Persuasive Pedagogy: A New Way to Persuade Students in the Computer-based Mathematics Learning

This study is an attempt to introduce a new technological pedagogy which is more effective in students attitudes toward mathematics. Content Analysis method as a qualitative research method was used in this research. Based on research method 16 principles were obtained prior persuasive models, theories and approaches. They are as usable principles to persuade students in the computer based mathematics classrooms. These principles can be employed by teachers and course ware designer in three different conditions; first, for students with negative attitude toward mathematics. Second, increase the positive attitude of the students to a higher level. Last but not least, for create a condition to prevent of changes in students' attitude from positive level to lower level. Keywords: Persuasion, Pedagogy, Persuasive Technology, Attitude, Computer-based Learning
Effect of neuromuscular blocking agents on gas exchange in patients presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome*

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a 48-hr neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) infusion on gas exchange over a 120-hr time period in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. DesignMultiple center, prospective, controlled, and randomized trial. SettingFour adult medical or mixed medical-surgical intensive care units. PatientsA total of 56 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome with a Pao2/Fio2 ratio of <150 at a positive end-expiratory pressure of ≥5 cm H2O. InterventionsAfter randomization, patients received either conventional therapy without NMBA (control group) or conventional therapy plus NMBA for the next 48 hrs. The initial ventilator mode was volume-assist/control. The ventilator remained on assist-control mode throughout the initial 48-hr period in both groups. Tidal volume was 6–8 mL/kg ideal body weight. Measurements and Main ResultsWhen analyzed for the entire 120 hrs, there was a significant effect of the NMBA on the course of Pao2/Fio2 ratio (p = .021). Separate comparisons at each time point indicated that patients randomized to the NMBA group had a higher Pao2/Fio2 at 48, 96, and 120 hrs after randomization. Moreover, a decrease of positive end-expiratory pressure (p = .036) was only found in the NMBA group. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance exhibited a decrease in positive end-expiratory pressure over time (p = .036). Concerning short-term effects, there was no modification of Pao2/Fio2 ratio 1 hr after randomization in either group. Only one patient (from the control group) developed pneumothorax. ConclusionsUse of NMBA during a 48-hr period in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with a sustained improvement in oxygenation.
Role of nuclear receptor signaling in platelets: antithrombotic effects of PPARβ

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor and then modulate at the transcriptional level the function of many target genes. Three PPARs are known: α, β (sometimes called δ), and γ. The better studied are PPARα and PPARγ, which are activated by fibrates and thiazolidinediones/glitazones, respectively. It is now believed that activation of the PPARs could be associated with the prevention of heart attack and stroke in humans. Here we report, for the first time, that human platelets contain PPARβ and that its selective activation inhibits platelet aggregation. PPARβ is a putative receptor for prostacyclin. Prostacyclin is an important antithrombotic hormone that synergizes with nitric oxide to inhibit platelet aggregation. In the current study, we show that PPARβ ligands similarly synergize with nitric oxide to inhibit platelet aggregation. These observations challenge our view of a nuclear receptor because PPARβ is present and active in nonnucleated platelets. Furthermore, these data suggest that some of the antithrombotic actions of prostacyclin may be mediated via activation of PPARs. Thus, our results identify PPARβ as a novel antiplatelet target that may mediate some of the effects of prostacyclin in blood.
Phe310 in Transmembrane VI of the α1B-Adrenergic Receptor Is a Key Switch Residue Involved in Activation and Catecholamine Ring Aromatic Bonding*

Pharmacophore mapping of adrenergic receptors indicates that the phenyl ring of catecholamine agonists is involved in receptor binding and activation. Here we evaluated Phe310, Phe311, and Phe303 in transmembrane VI (TMVI), as well as Tyr348 in TMVII of the α1B-adrenergic receptor (α1B-AR), which have been implicated in a catechol-ring interaction. Neither catecholamine docking studies nor mutagenesis studies of Phe311, Phe303, or Tyr348 supported a role for these residues in catechol-ring binding. By contrast, docking studies indicated that the Phe310 side chain is well positioned to interact with the catechol-ring, and substituted cysteine accessibility method studies revealed that the side chain of the 310, but not 311 residue, is both solvent accessible and directed into the agonist-binding pocket. Also, saturation mutagenesis of both Phe310 and Phe311 revealed for the former, but not for the latter, a direct relationship between side chain volume and agonist affinity, and that aromaticity is essential for wild-type agonist binding, and for both wild-type agonist potency and efficacy. Moreover, studies of Phe310 mutants combined with a previously described constitutively active α1B-AR mutant, A293E, indicated that although not required for spontaneous receptor isomerization from the basal state, R, to a partially activated conformation R′, interaction of Phe310 with catecholamine agonists is essential for isomerization from R′ to the fully activated state,R*.
THIN-FILM -LIMIT OF THE MICROMAGNETIC FREE ENERGY

The asymptotic behavior of the micromagnetic free energy gov- erning a ferromagnetic film is studied as its thickness gets smaller and smaller compared to its cross section. Here the static Maxwell equations are treated as a Murat's constant rank PDE constraint on the energy functional. In contrast to previous work this approach allows to keep track of the induced magnetic field without solving the magnetostatic equations. In particular, the mathe- matical results of Gioia and James (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 453 (1997), pp. 213-223) regarding convergence of minimizers are extended by giving a full characterization of the corresponding -limit.
Improving patient adherence: a three-factor model to guide practice

Abstract Patient nonadherence is widespread and costly. This paper provides a brief narrative review of research on (non)adherence and validates a clinically useful three-factor heuristic model to guide practitioners as they work with patients to improve adherence. This model is based on the most stable findings from meta-analyses and large-scale empirical studies, reflects the realities of medical practice and offers recommendations for assessing and enhancing patient adherence, particularly in chronic disease management. The model comprises three important clinical actions: (1) insuring that patients have the right information and know how to adhere – including listening to patients’ concerns, encouraging their participation and partnership in decision-making, building trust and empathy, and enhancing recall; (2) helping patients believe in their treatment and become motivated to commit to it – that is, addressing the cognitive, social, cultural normative and contextual factors that affect patients’ beliefs, attitudes and motivation; and (3) assisting patients to overcome practical barriers to treatment adherence and develop a workable strategy for long-term disease management – including assessing and enhancing patients’ social support, identifying and treating their depression and helping patients overcome cost-related treatment barriers.
Minimally invasive approach to lumbosacral decompression in a cadaveric canine model

Abstract AIMS: To determine efficacy of a minimally invasive (MI) surgical approach using a human MI lumbar retractor for canine lumbosacral dorsal laminectomy and partial discectomy and to compare this technique to the standard open surgical (OS) approach. METHODS: Lumbosacral dorsal laminectomy and partial discectomy was performed on 16 large-breed canine cadavers using either a standard OS (n=8) or MI (n=8) approach. Skin and fascial incision length, procedure time, and intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperatively specimens were evaluated for laminectomy and discectomy dimensions, and visible damage to the cauda equina and exiting nerve roots. RESULTS: Median length of skin and fascial incisions in the OS group were longer than in the MI group (p<0.001). Median laminectomy length was similar between both approaches (p=0.234) but width was greater for the MI than OS approach (p=0.002). Both approaches achieved similar partial discectomy width (p=0.279). Overall surgical time was longer for MI approaches compared to OS, with a median of 18.5 (min 15.5, max 21.8) minutes for MI compared to 14.6 (min 13.1, max 16.9) minutes for OS (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MI approach reduced incision lengths while retaining comparable laminectomy and discectomy dimensions. For this in vitro model the MI approach required more time to complete, but this difference may not be relevant in clinical cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs undergoing lumbosacral dorsal laminectomy are commonly large-breed dogs. The traditional open approach requires a large skin incision and soft tissue dissection, especially in overweight animals. A MI approach accomplishing the same surgical result while minimising soft tissue trauma could reduce post-operative pain and recovery time, and may lower wound-related complications. Clinical studies are needed to confirm postoperative benefit and assess operating times in vivo.